Social media is a very powerful tool. Not only has it changed the way companies interact with consumers — just see my latest exchange with Hyundai for proof — but it has given companies a new way to gauge consumer interest in products.
But to fully take advantage of the benefits, one must first understand the data, or clues, that social media provides. That's where Fizziology comes in. For those unfamiliar, Fizziology is a research firm that utilizes social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter to track what press and consumers are saying about key products. When we last heard from them, they had tracked games for the PlayStation 4.
Now, with Microsoft set to unveil its new console next week, Fizziology has turned its attention towards the chatter surrounding the next Xbox. And while what they found isn't too surprising, it's certainly interesting. And possibly useful.
For instance, the most talked about next Xbox conversation isn't necessarily its features, but rather the name. Nearly half (about 43%) of the total conversation is about the name of the new console. People want to know — will it be called the Xbox 720, Xbox Durango, Xbox Infinity, or something else entirely? Data collected by the firm indicates the majority of social media users are referring to the next console as the Xbox 720. And now you know why the majority of sites tend to use the phrase "Xbox 720" in their headlines.
Names aside, there's a good chunk of people talking about the possibility that the Xbox 720 could require you to always be connected online. It's a rumor we've heard a lot recently, but despite no factual evidence, there's a good amount of gamers ready to switch to PlayStation gaming if it is true. Fizziology told us that the "highest percentage" (about 24%) of all "negative chatter" for the new Xbox console is "surrounding gamers' disapproval" of an always-on requirement. Another 12% of negative chatter has to do with the idea that the next Xbox may not be backwards compatible — another rumor that has yet to be confirmed.
Having said that, gamers are, overall, reacting to the next Xbox more positively. Fizziology's research indicates 32% positive sentiment towards the next Xbox compared to just 10% of negative sentiment in all conversation surrounding it. It's about the same as the reaction to Sony's PS4 announcement which was 37% positive and 11% negative.
So there you have it. Less than a week away from the official unveiling of the next Xbox, Microsoft now knows what they should talk about to address social media's concerns. Come Tuesday, I better know the name, whether I must be connected to the internet to play, and whether or not I can play my old Xbox 360 games on it. Don't fail me, Microsoft.
[High five, Michelle!]
