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Next Xbox Doesn’t Require a Constant Internet Connection #DealWithIt

Next Xbox Doesn't Require a Constant Internet Connection #DealWithIt Much has been made of the rumor that the next Xbox console would require an always-on internet connection. We’ve talked about it on Entertainment 2.0 and have been skeptical of this particular rumor from the very beginning. If it were to be true it would alienate a large audience of users who don’t have high-speed internet access at all, or even those with poor connections. Now it looks as if that idea that had enraged so many may in fact be false.

Today Peter Bright, Ars Technica’s primary Microsoft blogger, wrote about a supposed Microsoft internal email that debunked the always-on drama. Bright quotes the email as follows:

“Durango [the codename for the next Xbox] is designed to deliver the future of entertainment while engineered to be tolerant of today’s Internet.” It continues, “There are a number of scenarios that our users expect to work without an Internet connection, and those should ‘just work’ regardless of their current connection status. Those include, but are not limited to: playing a Blu-ray disc, watching live TV, and yes playing a single player game.”

One could continue to take a negative view by pointing out that this is a supposed leak responding to a supposed leak. Instead we’re going to take the optimistic, and logical, approach. It would be a mistake for Microsoft to only allow use of its next-generation entertainment console when connected to the internet. Some of the responses to this are especially laughable. One comment on Bright’s post indicated that this clearly proves that Microsoft did initially plan to enforce an always-on policy with the next Xbox, and that the mass hysteria that erupted forced Microsoft to change their stance. This is a ridiculous thought as it’s not as if the decision to require a constant connection would be an easy one to change. The next Xbox will be so much more than just a game console, as the Xbox 360 already is. Managing its connection to the internet will reside at the core of the entire system’s architecture.

Another interesting tidbit from the leaked email is that an internet connection won’t be required to watch live television with the next Xbox. Most are taking that as validation that Durango will allow live TV playback via an HDMI input. While that is probably the most likely scenario we’re going to wait until May 21 to get the rest of the details on that functionality

Source: Ars Technica

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  • Next Xbox Doesn't Require a Constant Internet Connection #DealWithIt

    Josh has been writing software since his parents brought home their first computer. His love for gadgets and technology eventually spurred a passion for home theater technology. After starting the DMZ, he received Microsoft’s MVP award for Windows Media Center. Even though the beloved home theater PC platform is all but dead he continues to tinker with consumer entertainment technology. He’s a life-long gamer and DIY smart home enthusiast. He co-hosts the Entertainment 2.0 podcast with Richard Gunther and the DMZ’s gaming podcast, Story Players, with Joe DeStazio.

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About the author

Josh Pollard

Josh has been writing software since his parents brought home their first computer. His love for gadgets and technology eventually spurred a passion for home theater technology. After starting the DMZ, he received Microsoft’s MVP award for Windows Media Center. Even though the beloved home theater PC platform is all but dead he continues to tinker with consumer entertainment technology. He’s a life-long gamer and DIY smart home enthusiast. He co-hosts the Entertainment 2.0 podcast with Richard Gunther and the DMZ’s gaming podcast, Story Players, with Joe DeStazio.

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