We have another slew of rumors for the next Xbox console. For a change, the rumors are at least partially good news–if they’re true. As usual nothing is confirmed yet, but we are starting to get closer and closer to when we will have answers, so let’s get to the latest batch of possibilities!
Always Online
Probably the most questionable and worrisome rumors that has been circulating has been the fear that the nextbox will be an always-online console, unable to play even single-player games without an active internet connection. These rumors have been exasperated by some public relations stupidity and an official no-comment policy.
The latest rumors finally seem to disagree with the fears. The new rumors from VGLeaks suggest that while the console will have certain always-online functions, it will not prohibit play of single player games offline. As an added bonus, it also will not prohibit the playing of secondhand games.
Both of these would be drastic improvements on what we’ve been expecting thus far.
Backwards Compatibility
Another issue for the coming console generation is the ability to play current generation games. PS4 has confirmed it will not be possible to play currently-owned discs, but there has still not been formal word on this with the nextbox any more than on anything else.
These latest rumors say the console itself will not be backwards compatible, but it will have an add-on to enable it to play Xbox 360 games. The add-on is effectively an Xbox 360 that lacks a disc drive. This could be necessary given the nextbox using AMD’s new chips, but a part of me still wonders if the same thing could not have been achieved with a much cheaper system, a cable for example, simply connecting a person’s 360 to their nextbox.
The possibility is still better than the nothing we have heard before now.
Kinect
The automatically-included Kinect in Microsoft’s upcoming console also has new rumors relating to its effectiveness, and they promise incredible potential if true. The sensitivity on the new camera will be sufficient, according to rumor, to not only identify how many people are in the room but to tell where a person is looking.
An example given of possible application of this would be wanting to pause the game by turning your head away from the screen. That would almost instantly accident-proof a great many Kinect games where you cannot normally simply push the start button hurriedly if something happens. It’s also cool as hell.
XTV
There is also talk of something called xTV. While specifics are hard to come by, these being rumors and all, but whatever it is plans to add new functionality to television, including both sharing and searching for desired content.
All rumors, but finally positive ones. I want to hear more, and am finally getting genuinely excited again about the nextbox now that we have some idea of possible good news!
Published: Apr 10, 2013 08:00 pm