Could Microsoft make a big mistake with the new Xbox?

John Meadows from goozernation writes, "The date is May 21st. Microsoft is finally set to reveal the next Xbox. Microsoft has been really tight lipped about new features for both the console and Xbox Live. Sony announced the PS4 almost 3 months to the date. Has Microsoft waited too long to reveal the new Xbox? Are they going to have some mind blowing features to take some of the thunder away from the PS4? We don’t have too long to wait, but while we do, let the rumors fly!"

[MonkeyNinja]

I buy a TV to watch whatever is hooked up to my TV.

I buy a phone to make calls / text.

I buy a console to play games.

If I wanted apps, I'd use my phone's apps, or my TVs apps, or buy a tablet or laptop...

I think this could bite M$ is the @ss if their focus on games takes a backseat. But then again, if they're smart about marketing and PR, it might be a major success. This coming gen is going to be very interesting.

[jcmeadows]

Thats how i feel too.

[thechosenone]

I can't wait until E3 I'm really curious to see what MS is going to try and push out next.

"But in this economy can the gaming market stand to have two $500 consoles"

Where the heck did he get info that the PS4 will cost $500?

[Saigon]

@thechosenone

For some reason the author believes both consoles will be based on that price set of 500$. In reality I do not see it, and that is why i am a little skeptical about the Next Xbox rumored price point. I expect both consoles to be 400-450$. I may be wrong, but I feel better paying this price. If the subscription rumors are also true, I most likely will take advantage of them, if the value applied seems reasonable.

[NukaCola]

MS is going to walk out there and start their show. If it's about games, I'll be a happy camper. If they ride out on an elephant waving their hands and screaming Pinterest and Pizza, then in out.

[MikeMyers]

People still think the Xbox 360 doesn't have any games to play?

http://ca.ign.com/games/rev...

Seriously? I dare anyone who has somewhat of a life to be able to play even half of all of those games.

Even if Microsoft brings out more apps and partnerships with cable providers it will still have plenty of games to play. This notion that they somehow forgot about games is laughable. Their internal studios may not be as deep as Sony's but they still have over a thousand games available on the Xbox 360 to play. There are many reasons people buy game consoles other than solely based on 1st party content. If that were the case Call of Duty wouldn't be the biggest selling franchise on the PS3. You know, the game people seem to not buy here on N4G.

[fattyuk]

I've played alot of those games.

on my PS3 and online...for free.

Literally traded my Xbox in yesterday as after 18months and only playing Alan wake and spending x amount on membership I though it was about time to get rid of the thing

[Gazondaily]

So in your second sentence you said you use your phone to make calls/text and then in the fourth one say that if you wanted to use apps you'd use your phone?

Your comment actually proves the point contrary to the one you are trying to make.

[MonkeyNinja]

No, my point was that I buy a phone to make calls/text. And if I wanted to use apps on my phone I would, but that's not why I buy one.

If I bought the next Xbox, I might use apps on it, but it's not a reason that I'll be buying it. If I buy it, it's going to be for the same reason I've bought every other console I've owned: for the games. I'm simply worried that if M$'s focus is on apps and entertainment, then 1st party games will become a long-lost memory.

[Gazondaily]

"No, my point was that I buy a phone to make calls/text."

Well, I would be quite confident in saying that you would be in the minority these days if the main attraction for you in buying a phone is to make calls/texts.

"If I buy it, it's going to be for the same reason I've bought every other console I've owned: for the games"

Yup, same here but I'm being open-minded here. Whilst gaming is the main reason I would buy the Nextbox, I'm definitely intrigued about the 'other stuff' it can do too.

[Thatguy-310]

Think what he's trying to state is that if he were to use any of the apps he would just use them on his phone in oppose to a console. I for one have NEVER used Facebook or Twitter on my xbox simply because it's just easier and convenient to use it on my phone. Consoles should just focus on games and if integrated apps are made it should simply be digital streaming media like Netflix and hulu.

[DragonKnight]

"Well, I would be quite confident in saying that you would be in the minority these days if the main attraction for you in buying a phone is to make calls/texts."

LMAO! You just said that he's in the minority of people who use their phones primarily to make phone calls. That easily has to be the most hilariously retarded thing I've seen in a long time.

No. People don't buy phones to make phone calls. They buy them to use apps and instead shout to other people. Nice.

[Gazondaily]

"LMAO! You just said that he's in the minority of people who use their phones primarily to make phone calls."

See, I purposely designed my comment, thinking that it would be retard-proof but STILL, it seems like some people simply don't have the common sense to comprehend what I'm saying.

READING COMPREHENSION- LESSON 101.

Let's spoon feed this to you:

""Well, I would be quite confident in saying that you would be in the minority these days if the MAIN ATTRACTION for you in buying a phone is to make calls/texts."

You see those words, main attraction? What planet are you living on? Why are smartphones taking over? Heard of the iPhone, Galaxy, HTC and plethora of other smartphones that dominate the mobile phone market? If the main attraction of these phones isn't the apps and features these devices contain, why aren't people content with buying old-school handsets with longer battery life?

And please tell me where I said that people don't buy phones to make calls? Again, look at the word main attraction.

Still don't get it? Let me break it down. You said:

"You just said that he's in the minority of people who USE their phones primarily to make phone calls. "

I didn't say that at all.

"you would be in the minority THESE DAYS if the MAIN ATTRACTION for you in BUYING a phone is to make calls/texts.

Think before you type next time so you don't make yourself look like a fool trying so hard to be a keyboard warrior. And sorry if I sound harsh and condescending but judging by the lack of maturity in your post, I thought it apt to go down to your level and try and teach you a lesson.

[DragonKnight]

Septic, you can't make an hilariously retarded post such as yours retard proof. The main attraction of buying a phone is and always has been to use it as a phone. To call people. No one buys a phone first and foremost to use apps, especially when there are tablets that do it better. Maybe you should think, and then think again before you post something so utterly ridiculous as "you're in the minority if you buy a phone to use it as a phone."

Smartphones aren't "taking over." They are a natural progression in technology. But just because they can use the internet and have apps is NOT the primary reason people buy phones. They buy phones because they want to be able to use it as a phone, and apps and features like that are a nice bonus. The only time apps are a factor is when you are trying to decide which smartphone to buy. And let's remember that they are called smartPHONES not smartappmachines.

Seriously. I can't believe anyone would think that the main attraction in buying a phone isn't the fact that it's primary function is to be used as a phone. You haven't heard of tablets have you?

[Gazondaily]

Oh my days...it's like trying to talk to a brick wall. Look, try not to go remedial on me again and think for a moment about what I said. Did you not get a gist of what I tried to explain to you by spoon feeding the point?

""you're in the minority if you buy a phone to use it as a phone." "

When did I say that? The main attraction these days when buying a phone is the things it is capable of doing beyond mere phone calls.

"Seriously. I can't believe anyone would think that the main attraction in buying a phone isn't the fact that it's primary function is to be used as a phone."

I repeat:

""you would be in the minority THESE DAYS if the MAIN ATTRACTION for you in BUYING a phone is to make calls/texts. "

Either you know that you're wrong and aren't mature enough/man enough (I suspect both) or you seriously need to consider lessons in reading comprehension.

I am astounded by the stupidity or complete lack of common sense and logic by some people.

Out of interest, what phone have you got?

@Every one else

Please tell me you guys get it too or is N4G really this much of a lost cause?

[DragonKnight]

Ok, I'm going to explain this one more time.

The main attraction in buying a phone, is using it as a phone. How difficult a concept is that to grasp? You're literally taking out the basic function of the phone to say that its main attraction is apps. The only time apps are a main attraction is when you're deciding on what OTHER things you want to do with the PHONE. To say that a person is in the minority when their main attraction to buying a phone is, you know, the basic function of the phone first and apps second is completely retarded. Again, people buy phones first and foremost because they are phones. That's the main attraction, the fact that they will have a phone. Apps are a secondary, yet still important decision but only relevant when deciding THE TYPE OF PHONE YOU WANT TO GET!

Honestly, how hard is it for you to understand why the quote ""Well, I would be quite confident in saying that you would be in the minority these days if the MAIN ATTRACTION for you in buying a phone is to make calls/texts." IS SO WRONG WHEN TALKING ABOUT A PHONE!

You are literally saying that people aren't attracted to phones primarily to use them for calling/texting and instead because of apps. You are saying that when people are in the market for a phone they aren't looking first to phone/text and instead are focused mainly on what apps they can use on the phone. And that doesn't sound completely retarded to you at all?

Look, I'm not saying that YOU'RE retarded, I'm saying that you said something retarded. Geniuses can say something retarded. And when you said that the main attraction of phones today ISN'T calling/texting, it's apps, you're forgetting that in order to think of the apps you want on a phone, you first have to THINK ABOUT GETTING A PHONE! Apps are relevant when thinking about the TYPE of phone to get, not in the decision to get a phone at all. Geez, I'm even meeting you half way on that one and I haven't even busted out half the insults you've been throwing around.

@OhMiGawd: Everything you said is negated by the fact that you joined 1 hour ago so your knowledge about the site and members means that you created a dupe account because you either have 1 bubble on your main account, were restricted from commenting on your main account, or were banned on your main account. QQ somewhere else troll.

[Gazondaily]

FFS.....I am not 'LITERALLY' saying anything. Seriously, how obtuse can you get? Observe the word ATTRACTION and contrast this with the word NECESSITY.

I really can't be bothered with this. You carry on thinking my comment was retarded and I'll disagree whilst simultaneously holding out my hands in prayer for the human race.

[fattyuk]

what a bunch of childish artards.

[DragonKnight]

*facepalm* "Observe the word ATTRACTION and contrast this with the word NECESSITY."

You really need some literary lessons. Seriously. I would have to spend an entire day explaining how erroneous just that sentence was.

"whilst simultaneously holding out my hands in prayer for the human race."

So it seems you understand hyperbole only when it's convenient for you? You're pretty terrible at commenting on the internet aren't you?

[Patrick]

Lol, look, you guys caused septic to have to make another account to try and prove his own point and make himself look correct...which in fact, he is not. The main attraction for a phone is to make calls, remove that feature and not only is it no longer a phone, but it also will not sell. The apps and such are companies trying to compete and make their Phone stand out from the rest. The main attraction is to make calls, the decision of which phone to buy, is what else it can do. No one, and I repeat NO ONE goes to buy a phone thinking, "man I wonder if they have one that doesn't make calls and only has apps" If it doesn't call out, its not selling as a phone. As such, the main attraction for a game console is to play games, the decision of which console to buy is what games it plays and sometimes what else it can do. The main attraction, GAMES.

[MikeMyers]

1. A smartphones main purpose is still a phone. People use many other features and apps. The operating system, the screen, the app support and so on are selling features.

2. The next Xbox's main purpose will indeed be a game system. The online services, the media capabilities, the price and so on are also selling features.

If you like Android better than Apple buy an Android phone. Simple. If you like the exclusives more on the PS4 or the Wii U then buy those instead. Simple. What I don't get is all of this whining about what other people spend their money on or what other companies are offering if someone else is giving you what you want. We have choices, make one and be done with it. Want to buy a secondary one then go ahead.

If all that was available was an Xbox or just a PS4 or just a Wii U or just the PC then I can see why people should be worried and upset. That's not the situation. I've never seen so many people whine and moan, argue, attack other people, all over entertainment devices.

[Gazondaily]

@Patrick- yeah keep telling yourself that I made another account. Whatever helps you sleep.

@DragonKnight- Simply put, all I said was that THESE DAYS, people buy mobile phones because of their ability to do things beyond making phone calls.

I actually suspect that you know exactly what I was alluding to (or at least hope so)and your lack of any decent rebuttal to my post is evidence of either that or your lack of intelligence.

"You're pretty terrible at commenting on the internet aren't you?"

If exhibiting common sense and comprehending what a basic statement is alluding to means that I am "pretty terrible at commenting on the internet", then so be it. I'd rather be afflicted with the latter than to be someone in desperate need of education/understanding or someone who hasn't got the guts to admit when they are wrong.

You carry on as you were kid.

[DragonKnight]

See, your entire style of commenting just speaks volumes about you. You were wrong and so you just fall back on typical insults and feigned superiority. All this after you said you were done and yet somehow I'm the child. Right. Keep throwing your tantrums.

[LogicStomper]

Quote by Septic:

"Well, I would be quite confident in saying that you would be in the minority these days if the main attraction for you in buying a phone is to make calls/texts."

Okay, lets analyse this. He's saying in THESE days, he would be in the minority if he was buying it to call/text. This is correct to a significant degree. To prove the point, go to uni/school/work wherever you go and do a survey to see how many people have phones.

Now what you will realise is that 99% of people will have phones already, so why would they buy another? Is it because they want two devices to call and text? No. It's because smartphones now have higher capabilities and useful apps compared to your button phones. So now we understand that people are not buying new phones to have more calling devices.

How does this tie into the argument/point here? Well that means that having apps on the console is not a bad thing. Is it bad to have a machine that does more than expected? When you buy a computer do you expect it to ONLY browse the internet and play specific games? No, you want something that can do all.

So DragonKnight, your argument is invalid. And because you want a logic fight, you're bloody getting one.

"@OhMiGawd: Everything you said is negated by the fact that you joined 1 hour ago so your knowledge about the site and members means that you created a dupe account because you either have 1 bubble on your main account, were restricted from commenting on your main account, or were banned on your main account. QQ somewhere else troll. "

So because I joined a few hours ago, is everything I say irrelevant? If a proffessional football player joins a new team, does this make his skills useless? What the hell does join date have to do with the quality of thinking and writing? Are you oppressing the new? Do they not have the same rights as you?

http://inhabitat.com/13-yea...

This 13-year old kid, designs a solar panel taking into account the fibonacci sequence. Is he irrelevant because of his age? NO.

[LogicStomper]

"you either have 1 bubble on your main account, were restricted from commenting on your main account, or were banned on your main account. "

Because you can't read, refer to comment #1.2.10.

"QQ somewhere else troll."

Trolling? Hah, you don't even know what trolling is do you? Just because you can't shut-down someones argument you call them a troll? Does this mean that every person that has failed at becoming president is a troll?

I don't even know what sort of logic you use. Is making a thought-through and justified argument considered a troll-post? Tell me then, how is my post considered troll? I write with a point, I use examples, I justify my reasons. Does this mean all essays are troll-essays? You have no clue on what you're talking about do you? Just because you can't deny or even argue-against my post shows that. If you think this post is a "troll-post" then you might aswell consider this website a troll-site.

By Patrick

"Lol, look, you guys caused septic to have to make another account to try and prove his own point and make himself look correct...which in fact, he is not. "

Oh that's funny. Where's the proof that I'm him huh? You must be terrible at noticing different writing styles to consider me as him.

Oh yeah, seeing as your logic is flawless. Aren't you just MonkeyBootey, DragonKnight and every other fanboy on this site?

"The main attraction, GAMES. "

Already debunked your entire argument above. INVALID!

By fattyUK

"what a bunch of childish artards. "

Would you look at the irony in that, your username speaks volumes about the "childish"ness in you. Is you point even vaild? All you did was make an argument with absolutely no justification. How can it EVEN be CONSIDERED logical thinking? You prance in here accusing everyone of being "childish artards" without backing up your claims. Oh wait, you must be an alt of everyone else on this site aren't you? So why don't you and all your alts "QQ somewhere else troll. "

Man this is just getting hilarious now...

By DragonKnight

"You were wrong and so you just fall back on typical insults and feigned superiority."

"Septic, you can't make an hilariously retarded post such as yours ..."

Oh what's this? Two quotes from the same person? I'm pretty sure a decent person wouldn't "fall back on typical insults and feigned superiority".

[Boody-Bandit]

Microsoft can do all they want to do to expand the capabilities of their Next Box to entice a wider demographic. All I care about is their primary focus remains on gaming and that most of their efforts go towards gaming. Do that and I'm good to go for another generation and honestly I can't wait for it! I wish it was Fall 2013 already.

I am a little nervous with all these rumors. I am starting to think, IF these rumors are true, MS is doing an, "it also plays video games" piece of entertainment. I really hope MS doesn't go that route and announces some new "potential" block buster IP's that will be only on their console and that all of the other aspects they are expanding on take a back seat to gaming.

May 21st all we be known. MS is anything but stupid so I think they will make the most of all aspects. I sure hope they prove me right.

[Hicken]

Why is it so hard for some people to get this? It's like it's an either/or situation.

Jek, below, is a prime example. He doesn't seem to understand that people don't mind the apps: they just don't want them to be the primary focus of the console. People have to be happy with that.

They can't be worried that there's not been a lot of actual GAMING news out of Microsoft recently. Not liking that- and consequently, hell, even subsequently preferring Sony- makes you a fanboy in the eyes of many.

I HOPE Microsoft is doing what amounts to an extreme version of what Sony did last gen: using the end of the console's life to try and bring in a larger crowd. If so, then it's not likely they'll carry their current tactics over wholesale into the next gen. But given that they started doing so years before even announcing their next console, it could also hint at a new direction, entirely, and you'd be hard-pressed to explain how it's good for gaming.

We'll see soon enough, though.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

You know Sony is doing the exact same thing as MS just wanted to run that by you.
The thread title reaks another troll thread. I would like to post this exact same thread in the ps4 section ...like u say Sony blue print is the same as MS.

[Jek_Porkins]

I don't know about you, but I'd actually dislike a console that only played games. No Netflix? No Hulu? No Music service? I think we are past that point when it comes to consoles.

I like having a console that I basically never have to turn off, watch my shows, movies, browse the web, play games, do whatever I want without having to change devices.

If a console were to come along that eliminated options, I'd skip buying it. I think the games will obviously be there, and nothing wrong with branching out, now if they cant meet the demand with games, or start prohibiting third parties from making games for their console, then I'd take issue.

The thing is, we don't know a single fact about the next Xbox.

[SuperSteve]

Same here. I'm anxious to get all the facts on May 21.

I love the 360's level of app support. The new GameTrailers one is particularly awesome. Then you have variety; I can get everything from the TODAY Show to Maxim to Netflix and ESPN without ever having to leave my couch or flip the channel.

I would like to Microsoft expand their focus on 1st party exclusives, but as long as the games are there, I will be too.

[Knight_Crawler]

Good for you Monkey - I for one want to get rid of my Dish Network (personal reasons) service so I am crossing fingers that MS can deliver a n awesome TV experience.

Also I have tons of family all over the world and hope MS implements Skype on the Next Box flawlessly so I can keep in touch with them while I am gaming or watching a TV or movie.

I have a laptop and a PC but is MS can implement W8 and all of the Office tools into the Next Box then I can get rid of my PC and just keep my laptop.

Edit: I am not worrid aboiut gaming beciase I know the games will come being it 3rd party or 1st party games they will come.

Also I will own both console eventually so no biggy if the PS4 has more exclusives than the Next Box.

[Jaqen_Hghar]

Don't get any TV. Just get Netflix, Hulu, or other even cheaper options. 99% of TV is garbage anyway.

[Godmars290]

Its that they're asking for a fee to access those opps that's the kicker. More so when chances are the cable box or TV it'll be hooked up to will likely have some if not all of those same apps.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

If MS is strong in the games department, and strong in the entertainment department, then I'm happy.

As long as MS is strong in all areas and in bringing the AAA games I'm happy.

Simple.

[CEOSteveBallmer]

Yeah and they think they can shove off other devices and replace it with an "All in one" machine. Smartphone makers, tablet makers and TV makers would have something to say about this.

[Machiavellian]

Have you thought about MS not replacing your Smartphone, Table or TV but being another device that connects to all of those things and enhance the experience. I believe the key will be for MS and Sony is to provide a device that can do those things.

Sony has already stated they are doing this but for some reason people ignore that. MS create 5 studios under their gaming wing and people feel MS is not serious about games. Does it not dawn on people if MS was not serious about games that you do not create more studios, hire experienced developers if you are not serious about that part of your business.

The fact that MS does understand that they have the smallest number of teams to produce exclusive content for their device and fix the problem shows they understand this weakness.

[DiRtY]

It is funny that the examples you listed prove you wrong.

My phone does so much more than calls / text.
My TV makes so much more than just TV.
And I expect my console to make so much more than just play games.

People expect these apps and services these days and MS is dominating this segment so far.

Sure the console has to play games as well, but this is not in question. Actually MS hired so many developers and opened so many studios or bought them that you will get more 1st party games on the next Xbox than on the 360. You can bet that no game was cancelled for a new app.

[Walker]

Yes, they could make a big mistake with the new Xbox !

[JoGam]

In fact, MS or Sony can make mistakes. Now if they do, we just have to wait and see.

[LackTrue4K]

A great example of this is Nintendo!!

[yesmynameissumo]

Of course they could. As could Sony. As is Nintendo.

[Dms2012]

Are articles that end with a question mark starting to fray on a lot of peoples nerves?

[MasterCornholio]

They could just like any other firm. Take Nintendo for example before the Wii U was announced people were hyping it up to be the ultimate next generation console that would be perfect for games. After the Wii Us release people suddenly realized that Nintendo made several mistakes with it.

The same can happen to any firm even Sony with the PS4.

Motorola RAZR i

[Jek_Porkins]

Whenever you are about to launch a new piece of hardware there is potential for mistake. No matter what they decide to do, there will be armchair quarterbacks who will say they made mistakes, that happens with everything though.

[headblackman]

every console has the chance of making a mistake as all of them tend to do with every console that has ever been released. but the mistake isn't where a lot of people may think when talking about the next Xbox. true you buy a gaming console to play games on but that's not all it does. these new consoles are PC like. who in their right mind will build or a buy a high end gaming computer just to play games on? no one does. you surf the web,play games,burn CD's,build web pages,work from home on it, and much more. why? because the extra functionality is there. the same with cellphones. no one but an old person will buy a smart phone just to text and talk on it. its the extra features that draw us in and causes you to buy the next of its kind or higher. so let's not kid ourselves into believing that these consoles should focus solely on games. the games will always be there. 3rd party support and 1st. more 3rd than first but hell, its that way with every console. these console have to do some wild outlandish stuff now in order to set it apart from the rest and games won't do that anymore. this time around its go big or get out the game. all or nothing. these consoles will be too much alike in the hardware department, just as it was with the xbox360 and ps3.

[Supermax]

I'd use it for a dvr as well as games plus in hopeing they bring in some competition to cable company like me being able to choose wich channels I want to pay for.theres a ton of tv programming that I'm not interested in but am paying for.

[mochachino]

I can't presume what MS Fusion or whatever it's called plans are. All I know is that I'm getting the console that has better looking/running multiplats. I love Halo and Sony's plethora of exclusives...but my fav games tend to be multiplats (Bioshock, GTA, Skyrim, Red Dead, Mass Effect, Battlefield, Batman, Metal Gear, NHL, etc.). I'd be a PC gamer if it weren't for the frequent hardware upgrades and lack of sports games.

I do know that I'm not paying any exorbitant MS fees for anything. I refuse to be another consumer idiot paying for ridiculously priced hard drives, wifi, online mp charges, MS points, ect.

I definitely don't want to pay MS for cable. Renting movies on Xbox video is more expensive than any other online service. Who knows what they'd charge for cable.

If MS wants to be the biggest rip-off company in gaming again, I'll just ignore them irrespective of popularity. It's not like Sony or PC are going anywhere but up.

[zpoc]

people need to learn how to do math:

contracted $300 system after 2 years total cost (including live gold) = $540

non-contracted $500 system after 2 years total cost (including live gold) = $620

[jcmeadows]

True but I haven't paid full price for gold in a long time. Someone always has it on sale for $30 or $40.

[zpoc]

sure, but even at $30 the contracted console is cheaper.

[Max-Zorin]

Yes. Same thing apply to Sony or any other company. No one is immune to making any mistakes.

[SDF Repellent]

Guys, there are going to be 2 versions of the xbox Next, a bare-bone system for $299 and a supped-up version that includes cable box, a larger harddrive, and other extra features and is always connected to the internet, as you would expect from a cable box, but does that require games to be online, for $499. Both will have BC with the X360 and both will have bult-in Kinect 2.0 as a standard. On 5/21, you will see the truth.

[fingazblank]

I had to check this article was written today or yesterday, because it sounds like it was written in january.

no one knows anyhting its all fricking rumour sheesh just wait and see

[level 360]

Hope Microsoft would put variety back in their games line-up.. that is if they want the Infinity or Fusion or whatever it(?) will be called to succeed.

With the 360 they kind of became lazy and complacent by putting only a couple of game genre and not trying to discover other types to move the bar forward like Sony.