Xbox One can't do much without day-one update

Without the Xbox One's day-one update, the next-generation console can't do much of anything, Microsoft director of product planning Albert Penello told Engadget in a new interview.

"Functionally, you will be able to do very little without taking the day-one update," Penello said.

Asked what specifically players could do with the Xbox One right after they take it out of the box, Penello said, "Nothing. You need the day-one update."

This update, which will "accommodate the differences between hardware and software manufacturing schedules," will take 15-20 minutes to download and install for most users.

The Xbox One update also adds a variety of the entertainment applications announced today.

"You're gonna need to take this update," Penello said. "It's not gonna be really an optional thing'."

Players must connect their Xbox One to the Internet to download the update. It is not clear if Microsoft will offer disc-based version of the update for users who do not wish to connect.

Similarly, the PlayStation 4 will require a major launch-day update that will add a host of features, including online multiplayer, the ability to play DVDs and Blu-rays, and the Share functionality.