Microsoft reportedly provided details of the next-generation Xbox to close partners.
Besides a launch time frame of late 2013, the latest wave of posts discussing the features of the console include a dual-GPU setup, similar to two AMD 7000-series graphics processors. However, the graphics units will be integrated as independent processors that can process separate tasks at the same time.
According to VG24/7, the new Xbox will integrate four to six processing cores, one of which will be reserved for Kinect and one for the operating system. Given upcoming Kinect upgrades, which are rumored to include automated avatar generation based on a user rendering, as well as much higher resolution, it is reasonable to offload some of the required processing horsepower from the Kinect device to the console itself. Previous reports suggested that Kinect will be a default feature of the new Xbox and will be offered as standard equipment of the console.
The VG24/7 article also mentions that an always-on Internet connection will be a requirement for the Xbox for piracy protection purposes. Interestingly, there is a note of a Blu-ray drive as well and it appears as if Microsoft does not feel that streaming only content is an option just yet.
"an always-on Internet connection will be a requirement for the Xbox for piracy protection purposes"
When will they learn that hardcore DRM like this cripples the user experience? I can just imagine my internet connection going out and not be able to play games even in campaign mode.
PS4 - no used game support
My guess is that a lot of people will migrate to PC's in coming years.
"an always-on Internet connection will be a requirement for the Xbox for piracy protection purposes"
When will they learn that hardcore DRM like this cripples the user experience? I can just imagine my internet connection going out and not be able to play games even in campaign mode.
Just put a SD card slot on it. They could put games on those.
Let the spinning disk die!!!!
http://www.vg247.com/2012/04/02/xbox-720-detailed-blu-ray-inside-always-on-netcon-required/
from what I heard, other than the link above, its going to use an APU and an extra gpu chip is rumored at this point. No confirmations on anything yet so take any news with a grain of salt.
Personally, I game mostly on the PC, but have a 360 for jRPGs. I use the 360 for many jRPG games such as Final Fantasy, Tales games, etc. Also good for my kids where I don't really want them on the internet. I only hook it to the internet every now and then to update, but that is pretty much it. PLus it is fun to take it on trips where we dont really want to be "connected". I guess they want to eliminate this market.
I wouldn't want to pay over a 100$ for every boxed game I buy...
But if it's always online, then I won't be getting it anyways...
It can have all the processing power in the world, but if I have to create some childish avatar to create an account then I'll stick with PC gaming. Consoles these days are for kids.
Each report keeps getting better and better.
PS4 - no used game support
My guess is that a lot of people will migrate to PC's in coming years.