What if the next Xbox isn’t just a console?

Microsoft has had some major success with its Xbox brand since its launch in 2001, and that success has continued into Microsofts second console the Xbox 360. Since the 360’s launch however, the Xbox brand has evolved. Xbox has moved on to its new Windows Phone 7 mobile service, which shows that Microsoft is getting serious about the Xbox lives future. Recently Xbox live and Games for Windows Live have also merged, to bring an Xbox Live like experience to the PC. It is clear that the Xbox is evolving, and we can expect some great changes in the near future. But the real question is, what is the Xbox’s future?

[Septic]

Then the Dead or Alive games will be the best selling games in the world.

[Karum]

It depends if Microsoft change their strategy and attitude as to whether or not I get the next Xbox.

Of course I am IMMENSELY interested to see it when they eventualy announce it to find out what it can do and what services etc. it hooks into but I'd really want to be seeing if their attitude to developing games that sets their console apart from the others changes. At the end of the day I'm buying a games console to play games on and that is the one area that will convince me whether I want one or not.

[Cmpunk]

im getting a ps4 next gen no doub't i have nothing against the xbox ive' just been with playstation for my whole life and they have never let me down

ive' had a ps1 ps2 ps3 and will have a ps4

plus ill grab the wii u also since i have a soft spot for nintendo

[Karum]

I'll be getting the next Playstation for this reason. Despite the issues the PS3 has had during it's life, every iteration of the Playstation console has always delivered quality games across every genre, I've never been let down (apart from like 2007 with the PS3).

And again, as for the xbox 3 or w/e it gets called, it depends totally on the games. Deliver on those and I'll gladly buy one.

[_Aarix_]

Ill get it if it has bc. I think its mandatory now with all the dlc and your achivements/trophys.

[InNomeDiDio]

"What if?" is always a cool thing, but this is a bit lame. I don't start thinking about a new PS3/Xbox until there are some real information and data about it.

[Alos88]

I remember one of the higher ups at Microsoft once said "Convergence is bullshit".
I hope he's still working there.

[SheenuTheLegend]

It will b hacked next Day sorry it will be hacked in the evening of the same day of release
Everybody knows the type of security that windows have

[Dovahkiin]

I highly doubt it will 'b hacked next day' and yeah, everyone does know the type of security windows have; and so far it hasn't let me down.

[Karum]

Windows is no less secure than most other operating systems. The problem is it is more widely used so more hackers target it giving the illusion that it is less secure.

If OSX ever becomes the dominant OS for home users and enterprise then the same thing will happen to it.

[Solid_Snake-]

thats a bit of a bold statement.

i aint had a virus in over 5 years.

Avast FTW

[MagicAccent]

There had better be a toaster bulit in, or else...

[Mike_Tha_Hero]

Is it ever just a console?

[sackb0y]

it is more then a game console. i use my old one as a heater. sorry had to go there

[SITH]

The xbox brand has it's own OS that was built from the ground up for a reason.

http://blogs.msdn.com/b/xbo...

[Droid Control]

Bill Gates REALLY wanted the orignal xbox to run windows but it just wasn't possible at the time.

Now, with him gone and that clown running things, I its no wonder why the Xbox has turned into a Wii HD.

[RevXM]

Sounds a bit like dumbing down a major OS platform and making the console more of an allround purpose system to run all possible 3rd party software applications and having pc functionality.

HORRIBLE IDEA.

Having extended functionality and 3rd party apps doesnt need to be a bad thing, but consoles always had limited resources and got to maintain a certain performance and reliability.
IT will be a mess, and the consoles lifecycle will have to be shortened, it could also be somewhat less userfriendly than current systems.

If it is going to be something it would be a simple home entertainment/ casual gaming platform rather than a real gaming platfrom.

[Wintersun616]

What if it's also a toaster? That would make sence since the first models of 360 got pretty close.

[Vega75]

I would still get the next xbox. One had nothing short of a great experience with my system and look forward to third next console with new features. I love XBL and don't mind paying for a service I enjoy and games I enjoy playing with my friends and family. But that just me

[Jocosta]

This will never happen.

[kma2k]

I could see some jerk creating a virus to attack windows 8 that affects xbox dual boot like he was saying in the article, so the console war would just have another bullet. "At least ps4 can play games likes its supposed to" Sincerly doubt windows 8 on the colsole would happen.

[ATi_Elite]

It's the gradual and inevitable evolution of the console into a PC.

Resistance is futile.....you will be assimilated!!!

[cstyle]

if they do decide to go wit a version of windows inside the next xbox, that would be awesome and trouble for sony. That means xbox would be capable of running pc games too. Plus they can run the xbox live service with windows without putting extra strain on the console.

[aliengmr]

PC platform is too open. At best you might get to play Xbox title on a PC. Also it would be far from "awesome" and in fact it would be horrible. Take away the PC's open platform, all you are left with is Xbox titles and very irate gaming community that will take their anger out on MS. Remember what happen to Ubisoft when they launched that DRM? Magnify that by 1000 times. Sony would love that to happen.