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Microsoft announces Xbox One S, mini version of original console that runs even better

| Jun 14, 2016 11:06 PM EDT

Leaked image of Xbox One S mere hours before E3 2016.

The original Xbox One S has just got smaller. Tech giant Microsoft announced the launch of Xbox One S at E3 in Los Angeles on June 13, Monday.

The new Xbox One S is a miniature version of the original console. The "robot white," as Microsoft calls it, has a striking new design and appearance as compared to the original version, thanks to a fresh coat of white paint on the shrunk body.

The device is almost 40 percent smaller that the original Xbox One, according to The Verge. In addition, it does not require the huge power supply that the previous console was originally known for. Microsoft Xbox One S comes with an optional vertical stand that enables the user to have some choice when it comes to display.

In addition to looks, the new Microsoft Xbox One S has a few other improvements compared to its original version. For example, the most important improvement is in the 4K Ultra HD video support, which includes 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray. In addition, HDR capabilities have been enabled for both video and gaming.

Apart from the new built-in IR blaster, one of the USB ports of the console has been moved to its front for easy access. The controller pairing button also appears on the front.

On the flip side, the new Microsoft Xbox One S does not include a dedicated Kinect sensor port. That is, a separate USB adaptor will be required to hook up a Kinect with the device for voice control. Meanwhile, Microsoft is planning to provide free adaptors to existing Xbox One users who decide to upgrade to the new version.

"The Xbox One S for us was a realization that first, we want to make a smaller Xbox, but there was also some capability that we saw growing out in the market around HDR and 4K video," Xbox head Phil Spencer said of the new device, the publication reports. "So we said, if we're going to do an upgrade to our console, let's go ahead and embrace some of the technologies that are coming and make those part of our core SKU."

Microsoft Xbox One S will be launched by the company later in 2016, according to IGN. Meanwhile, Amazon has started to book pre-orders for 500 GB, 1 TB and 2 TB version of the new console.

Here is the exclusive view of the new Microsoft Xbox One S:

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