In an Xbox One platform demo at Tokyo Game Show today, Albert Penello, Microsoft's Sr. Director of Product Management and Planning revealed that – contrary to previous indications – voice recognition will be available at launch in Australia for Xbox One.

Penello assured us that Australia was on the list for launch, and that it was New Zealand that missed out in our region. When asked for 100% confirmation he looked it up on his phone and read from the screen: “Global voice commands in ten countries: U.S., Great Britain, Canadian English, French Canadian, French French, German,, Spain Spanish, Mexico Spanish, Italian and Portuguese.”So there you have it. According to Penello – and whatever internal document or press release he was reading from - Australia is on board for voice recognition at launch. I'd still take this with a grain of salt for the moment, however. Microsoft hasn't exactly been unified or consistent in its messaging around Xbox One, and it seems strange that three weeks ago we were out and now we're in.And sorry New Zealand, but in no scenario are you getting voice control at launch. “The alternative would be that since your English is quite good,” says Penello, “the console's region free, so you could sign in as a U.K. console or a U.S. console and the voice will work.” Of course, presumably you'd have to put on an Australian/British/American accent to do that. We'll let you decide whether the price is worth it.