Rumor: Xbox 720 to Feature Google TV Rival

By Jane McEntegart
published

Xbox will incorporate Kinect in its connected-TV solution.

According to recent rumors, Microsoft will hold an Xbox 720 unveiling on May 21. This week brings a little more information on what we might see at that event. According to the Verge, Microsoft is gearing up to take on the likes of Google TV with a feature that will allow the console to take over a TV and set-top box.

The Verge cites unnamed sources that say Microsoft's newest Xbox will use an HDMI connection to pass a cable box signal through to the Xbox. This will mean a Microsoft UI on top of an existing TV channel or set-top box. Kinect will be able to sense the viewers eye movement and pause the content if they turn away from the screen. All told, the Verge's sources reckon Microsoft's solution, coupled with its partnerships with content providers, will take things 'a step further' than Google TV.

Other rumors regarding the Xbox 720 include reports of an '"Always On, Always Connected' approach. This would mean the Xbox would require an internet connection to function. Games will also apparently be installed to a HDD as opposed to played off of an optical disc. As such, there's speculation that this feature would block pre-owned games.

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Jane McEntegart
9 Comments Comment from the forums
  • aggroboy
    So the strategy is to heavily subsidize the hardware to become the main living room content provider.
    Reply
  • wikiwikiwhat
    Man, consumers are getting shafted because Microsoft wants to battle it out with Google. Xbox should just be a gaming system, updated to the times.
    Reply
  • kartu
    With "always on" requirement Microsoft can keep this incredibly advanced device featuring stuff found on smartphones (amazing achievement) to itself.
    Reply
  • Immoral Medic
    Honestly, I don't see myself buying the new xbox or ps4. I didn't have too much fun with the 360, plus, there aren't any new big IPs coming out for them that I see as a reason for purchase. I'm tired of the old franchises being milked and are no longer fun for me. The only games I'll play/buy over and over are from Nintendo. Brings so much fun for me ^^
    Reply
  • kartu
    ///
    Reply
  • jerrspud
    "Kinect will be able to sense the viewers eye movement and pause the content if they turn away from the screen". Cool, now I can pass out not miss any of my shows
    Reply
  • shikamaru31789
    The rumors about Microsoft wanting to make the 720 the center of the living room have been around for some time. This isn't the first time we've heard about TV tuner functionality, and we've also heard about DVR functionality. Even the 360 had started to move in this direction, with more and more online TV aps being added and even a web browser. I think it's a good thing that Microsoft isn't just concentrating on games, a set top box that does just about everything I could want it to plus play games sounds like a good choice to me. I won't need my aging Roku model or my aging Sony Bluray player (which has started losing support on several aps anyway) anymore becuase the 720 has even more set-top box functions. Plus I get Halo, Fable, Forza, and maybe even 3 new exclusive IP's if that rumor from a supposedly reliable source awhile back is true.

    It seems to me like Sony is focusing the PS4 on the core-hardcore gaming segment, while Microsoft is focusing the 720 on the casual-core gaming segment. As a core gamer that sometimes plays more casual games with my friends who I know are favoring the Next Xbox, it just seems like the better route for me personally. Price will also be a major factor for me and the 720 is rumored to be cheaper.
    Reply
  • m32
    It just seems like Microsoft wants to fail....
    Reply
  • JOSHSKORN
    XBOX 360 + More updated Hardware + Kinect 2 + DVR = XBOX 720?
    Reply