Here Comes the Next Xbox {Many Xbox 720 Details - Paul Thurrott article} [Updated]

[satam55]

Here Comes the Next Xbox

Microsoft's next Xbox will be revealed in a series of events in the first half of 2013


Apr. 25, 2013 Paul Thurrott






Microsoft on Wednesday confirmed that the next Xbox video game console, code-named Durango, will be revealed to the public during a special event at its Redmond campus on May 21. That event will kick off a multi-event unveiling that will continue through June and culminate with the release of the device, which is expected in early November.


On March 28, I exclusively revealed via Twitter that Microsoft had changed the original reveal date for the next Xbox from April 24 to May 21. So yesterday’s confirmation is interesting for two reasons, the least obvious of which is that the news came on April 24—the original date that the firm intended to reveal the next Xbox.


Here’s what I know about the next Xbox (along with some clearly identified conjecture).


Early announce. The initial reveal date was pushed back from April 24 to May 21 so that Microsoft could better position the device against the PlayStation 4, which Sony announced in late February.


Full (end user) announce. Microsoft will fully reveal details about the next Xbox, including the launch lineup of games, on the eve of the E3 tradeshow in early June 2013.


Developer announce? It appears that Microsoft will discuss the next Xbox developer platform at the Build conference in San Francisco in late June, based on clues on the Build website.


Launch. The next Xbox will launch in early November 2013.


Windows 8 Core. The next Xbox is based on the "Core" (base) version of Windows 8. This suggests a common apps platform or at least one that is similar to that used by Windows 8. It also suggests that Microsoft could open up this platform to enthusiast developers. (That last bit is supposition on my part.)


Price. Microsoft will initially offer two pricing models for the console: a standalone version for $499 and a $299 version that requires a two-year Xbox LIVE Gold commitment at an expected price of $10 per month.


No entertainment box. Microsoft originally planned to offer both a “full” version of the next Xbox (with video game playing capabilities) and a lower-end entertainment-oriented version, code-named “Yuma,” that didn't provide gaming capabilities. But plans for Yuma are on hold, and no pure entertainment version of the next Xbox will appear in 2013 (or possibly ever).


Blu-ray. The next Xbox will include a Blu-ray optical drive.


Internet-connected. The next Xbox must be Internet-connected to use. This is the source of the “always on”/“always online” rumors and isn’t as Draconian as many seem to believe.


Another Xbox 360. Microsoft will also deliver a third-generation Xbox 360 console this year that will be significantly less expensive than the current models. The new Xbox 360 is code-named “Stingray,” but it’s not clear whether this device is required because the next Xbox isn’t backward-compatible or because Microsoft simply wants a low-cost entertainment box alternative. (A third possibility—and to be clear, these possible reasons are all speculative—is that the Xbox 360 simply has life left in it and with dwindling component prices in the 8 years since the original launch, the firm can still make money selling such a device.)


There’s a lot I don’t know, of course. The name is a big area of speculation, and while I’ve heard nothing official, I’d be surprised if Microsoft didn’t just called it Xbox. I’ve never seen the console, nor have any idea what it might look like. And in addition to the aforementioned confusion over backward compatibility and the apps platform, there are questions surrounding Kinect (which I understand is integrated and non-optional) and of course the fabled (and possibly imaginary) Xbox Surface tablet. We’ll have to wait and see what Microsoft announces—or what it leaks—to find out more.


On that note, Microsoft’s May event will be broadcast live via Xbox.com, over Xbox LIVE, and on Spike TV if you're in the United States or Canada.


Here Comes the Next Xbox | Paul Thurrotts WinInfo content from Windows IT Pro

mmm-hmm, they definitely gonna have always-online. This is the 2nd story this week, claiming there will be always-online.

 

[Prince Akeem]

$499 with no contract?

 

[Rain]

@ this subsidized bullshyt

And we may not yet be done with the "Always Online" rumor I see

$499 with no contract?

I wouldn't be surprised if PS4 is around that

 

[MeachTheMonster]

"Always online" doesn't mean "connection required"

 

[Rain]

"Always online" doesn't mean "connection required"

The next Xbox must be Internet-connected to use

Sounds pretty straight-forward to me

EDIT: But looking at dude's twitter, he's not even sure what the hell it means himself

 

[Bboystyle]

I dont get it. Are they releasing GTAV for the 720 or 360? kind of stupid to release GTAV on 360 only right when the 720 drops.

 

[King Sun]

ps4 centric forum

 

[MeachTheMonster]

Sounds pretty straight-forward to me

EDIT: But looking at dude's twitter, he's not even sure what the hell it means himself

Plenty of products have been promoted as "always online" including the ps3.

Microsofts own explanation of "always online" had nothing to do with used games or not functioning without a connection. It was about updates, backround downloads, and a low power mode.

 

[Champion]

"Always online" doesn't mean "connection required"

You wanna tell us what it means then?

 

[MeachTheMonster]

You wanna tell us what it means then?

Durango will implement different power states so that it can always be powered on, but will draw minimal electricity when not in use. The console will be ready instantly when users want to play, and will always maintain a network connection so that console software and games are always current. With this “Always On, Always Connected” design, users will quickly and easily enjoy their connected entertainment experiences, with no waiting for the console to restart or install updates.

 

[Rain]

Plenty of products have been promoted as "always online" including the ps3.

Microsofts own explanation of "always online" had nothing to do with used games or not functioning without a connection. It was about updates, backround downloads, and a low power mode.

That's cool and all but I'm addressing what was said in the OP. It said internet connection was required to use. To use for what? I don't know. It doesn't even seem like the guy who said it knows but that's what it says

I know what you're talking about with "always online". My PS3 is "always online" because of Playstation Plus but it doesn't "require it". I can turn it off. This rumor is making it seem like it's required on the next xbox.

 

[ItWasWritten]

This is like when nas dropped ether and then jay was emotional and responded with his superugly track...

dealing with emotions like b1tches...were they even planning on doing a conference???

does anybody even care??

how much of the conference will be filled with innovative ways for the kinect to be used?

how much time will be spent on apps , live tv and other useless utilities to a hardcore gamer??

any new ip's??? another tired halo game?? another pre pre prequel to gears of war??

Follow the innovators not the imitators folks.

 

[MeachTheMonster]

This is like when nas dropped ether and then jay was emotional and responded with his superugly track...

dealing with emotions like b1tches...were they even planning on doing a conference???

does anybody even care??

how much of the conference will be filled with innovative ways for the kinect to be used?

how much time will be spent on apps , live tv and other useless utilities to a hardcore gamer??

any new ip's??? another tired halo game?? another pre pre prequel to gears of war??

Follow the innovators not the imitators folks.

Yup, cause the Sony reveal bad a bunch of new ip's and new ideas

 

[Poppa_Dock]

Internet-connected. The next Xbox must be Internet-connected to use. This is the source of the “always on”/“always online” rumors and isn’t as Draconian as many seem to believe.

I guess im coming back home to sony. Doesn't say "must be internet connected to be up-to-date" its "must be internet connected to use" simply.

 

[ItWasWritten]

Yup, cause the Sony reveal bad a bunch of new ip's and new ideas

It sure did didnt it???

That thread was glorious...yous should remember spreading your misinformation and hate.

The point is sony's exclusives are better than the kangaroorango's..

Halo 4 was weak.

The new gears??? redundant.

Is the durango a gaming system or a roku?? which one? Its for simpletons and morons the world over.