Microsoft: Xbox One is "entirely justifiable" as a "business expense"

The long, curious tale of Microsoft's Xbox One promotion continues with this open letter to small business owners about what the new console can do in an office context, via Eurogamer. Among other things, it suggests that you should treat the purchase as a "business expense". I used to do that with all my consoles as a self-employed writer, Microsoft. Nobody tell the tax people! Oh.

"What is being positioned as an excellent entertainment device can be just as enticing for you and your small business," writes Microsoft's director of Consumer Camp Marques Lyons.

"In fact, it's entirely justifiable to make the Xbox One a business expense. The Xbox One, priced at $499 [?429], is an affordable option for small business owners, as there are many features built into the console that could help it rival even the most modest of video conferencing and networking platforms."

The console's motion sensing, instant application switching and Skype video chat functions make it a natural office hub, he continued.

"Utilise Skype, and the power of group chatting, to have that collaborative exchange with clients and co-workers, no matter where in the world they happen to be.

"Utilize the size of that nice TV screen to see every smile and nod as your next great plan comes together. The Xbox One with Kinect, as a Skype provider, is just as capable as a PC with an attached/included microphone and webcam. The difference here is that Xbox One and Kinect gives you the open space to move, gesture, show examples, and see everyone more clearly.

"With SkyDrive via Internet Explorer, you can use it with the Office Web Apps to open that Excel spreadsheet or PowerPoint. Use the Kinect voice and hand gestures to navigate to websites. Now you're free of clickers and light pens to use your hands to for more expressive gestures."

You could even take it home and flaunt your entrepreneurial prowess there, he added. See, HMRC? It's all completely above board and on the level.

"If you host clients at your home, use the power of IE and the size of your TV to showcase your new redesigned website, or snap IE to the side while using SkyDrive to present sketches you're working on. Because Internet Explorer has access to the Office Web Apps, pair that with a Wi-Fi keyboard and mouse and you have the means to edit documents, when necessary, even if you aren't near your PC.

"The app story of Xbox One has yet to be written, therefore it is entirely possible to find apps down the road that could be of benefit for you and your business. With the processing power, snap mode, and connection to a large screen, that the Xbox One has, this device is capable of going from the 'break room' to the 'board room'."

Anybody want to run this by accounts? Microsoft just trademarked OfficeXbox.com, by the by (thanks, ekim_gaf).

Source: http://www.oxm.co.uk/58122/microsoft-xbox-one-is-entirely-justifiable-as-a-business-expense/?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=OXM-News-RSS

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