You are comparing two very different devices, the interface on iphone matters because it was practical. Tell me which part of x1's interface do you see becoming its selling point worth $500? The voice command? Skype call? NFL deal? Do you really think people will cash out $500 so that they can favourite, switch channels, volume up volume down using kinect? Or use a skype call on their TV while skype functionality is literally on every smart device available?

I'm not bashing, just an honest question. Iphone took off because it has this cool factor, it puts appstore, music collection, book collection, mobile gaming, all into one device and hell it was practical. Every innovation sounds good on paper, but for it to take off, people actually have to use it, it has to be applicable, it has to be natural, not just be a gimmick. 

Edit: Some people do not just want a device that's jack of all trade and master of none. The correct way to implement all those additional feature is to do so without any compromise, lets be realistic, x1 is still a gaming machine for most of its audiences and it does multi-media, giving up gaming performance.

Looked it up the iPhone launched at $500 and $600 with a 2 year contract. Yet it still took off because as you put it the cool factor. And that is exactly what MS is going for with the Xbox One.  Do I find the Xbox One interface practical. Hell yeah if it works and it worked OK with the 360. Biggest problem is that it didnt control everything and switching between TV, Games, Apps wasnt quick and it didnt control everything. Now if the control of everything is there it is a much cooler and honestly in the most part more convenient interface. I am sick and tired of having to walk my wife through the harmony remote over the phone because something didnt work just right.  She likes controlling the 360 today with voice, but would like it to control everything.

Have you ever in the dark hit the wrong button on a remote. Hell I know I have.  Have you ever spent time looking for the damn remote after your kids put it who knows where. Hell I know I have.  Will it be awesome to have a Bears game up with my live fantasy game right next to the main screen. Yes it will.  Will it be awesome to watch a game with my sister again. Or my son now away at school.  Yes it will.  Will it be nice to casually have a Blackhawks or Bulls game up in the snap view while I play a game and if something interesting happens instantly pop over to it.

So yeah I believe the interface is a huge improvement and will make an impact. Could I be wrong? Of course, but I dont think I will be.

True, but I have plenty of eneloops for all sorts of purposes.  I even charge them with a solar charger. So that is such a minor minor issue it is comical.  About as much an issue as it is then to find the USB cable and plug the controller into the console to charge the battery.  Also my console is bout 15 feet from the couch so if I need to be connected while playing I need extension cables.

It's the difference between Microsoft and Sony. Microsoft tossed Windows inspired features, meanwhile Sony did what it did best in the PS1/2 days: create a console solely for gaming. 

The Windows-esque/TV capabilities are great, but I'm sure Sony will be playing the catch-up card to imitate everything m$ does in the long run. 

So you just pretty much summed up x1's innovation into an elaborate remote controller, what else? Is it worth $500? Are you sure its main competitor ps4 isn't capable of doing the same? Have you tried out ps4's interface and media functionality?

And do you honestly believe that voice controls are going to be mainstream? Smart phones have voice functionality, honestly who uses it? You might be the minority here.

The catch is that, software functionalities can be introduced, hardware is dead set in the stone.

It was a smart console. It was truly a console built for the feature. Due to the stupid Sony fans bashing Xbox One since the announcement, pretty much every groundbreaking feature is removed now. Xbox One is actually Xbox 720 basically. Maybe even 540.

I likew this answer here because it is th truth in a nutshell.

While I disagreew ith the OP for now that is, it is far to early to tell. It doesn't really do anything "new" or "innovative" but it gives a different way to do all he things you already do and  on one device at that. Maybe 5-10 years down the line with lots of word of mouth it could take off, but for now outside of "gamers" who know all these features and see the use of them it won't be that big of a deal. It will still sell tons none the less though.

So I like the features and all in one capabilities(even if some are just made for the lazy person to be come even lazier lol) now where it goes in the future only time will tell!

This is a good way to advertise. You need to call ms.