Xbox One can't play music from USB sticks at launch

Xbox One users hoping to play music from a USB stick are out of luck. Microsoft director of product planning Albert Penello confirmed on Twitter last night that this functionality will not be available when the system is released on Friday. "Not at launch," he said. It is possible that music playback from a USB stick could be added later, but Penello did not say one way or the other.

The Xbox One is DLNA compatible and will play CDs on launch day. However, like the PlayStation 4, users will not be able to store or play MP3s on the system at launch.

Xbox One owners will be able to purchase a subscription to Xbox Music to access streaming content through the console. What's more, the Xbox One can stream content through supported Windows devices using the Play To service.

The Xbox One launches this Friday, November 22 in 13 territories across the world. GameSpot's video coverage of the system continues tonight at 9 p.m. PDT with a demonstration of the hardware and user interface.