Xbox 360 doesn't have an internet browser because MS can't secure IE

Insider claims there is no browser on Xbox 360 because MS can't secure IE. They are also reportedly too concerned to use another browser because it would be like 'losing face'.

[Why o why]

with a browser MS couldn't make gold members feel like they're getting a greater service as facebook, twitter last fm etc would be accessible through one FOR FREE unless of course you have to be a gold member to receive the browser...lol

[JustSomeLogic]

And it still didn't have a web browser. I'm sure they could have made the browser gold exclusive if they really wanted to do what you're saying they did.
Unless of course I'm mistaken and X360's used to have web browsers and microsoft removed that feature thru a firmware so that they can profit from it later.
But that would be just Backwards and not very Compatible to their strategy of adding features and not removing them

[AKissFromDaddy]

X360 never had and probably never will have a web browser because it is the most closed console this generation.

[Red_Orange_Juice]

MS would disable Internet Explorer for gold subscriber.

[MorganX]

R U Serious? You know what, you win.

[FanboysWillHateMe]

Even if the Xbox had an internet browser, we'd still stick with our computers. I mean, it's cool that the PS3 has one I guess, but let's be real here...it's not the lifesaver that some people make it out to be.

[imvix]

All of us know Microsoft is a business. Why would they want to give people internet access?

They want people to buy Windows. If people could access internet via the Xbox, that might compromise some of their Windows sales. Dont think Microsoft would ever want any of that.

[8-bit]

I love that the PS3 has a web browser... I use it to pull up Pandora and listen to internet radio. I can youtube videos on my TV for friends to watch together without crowding around a tiny laptop screen. I can check facebook or twitter when my Girl is using the laptop. I can browse and download PS3 themes for FREE. I can play flash games, google search, download pictures to my PS3 HDD to message to friends.

Don't act like since you don't use the PS3 browser that none of us do..

[ChineseDemocracy]

I'd rather have no browser at all than use IE haha. Firefox/Chrome/Safari ftw!

[nix]

it is a lifesaver for me... i browse at home using PS3 browser n i just typed this using it.

[CimmerianDrake]

I see what you did there. Apparently your stealth troll was successful because no one touched on your dig at Sony.

[Weaksauce1138]

The PS3 web browser is only slightly above Other OS in terms of needed and actually used. I guess its important if your stealing wifi and don't own an adequate computer.

[darthv72]

They dont want an internet browser on the 360 because it would undermine their efforts on the PC. That is the platform that the browser was crafted for that is the one they will continue to support first and foremost.

MS did at one time have an internet tv service but it failed. MS could revive it for the 360 but they wont. Lets just let this rest until next gen. Perhaps then will be proper mouse/kb support and a browser if they so choose.

[Brklynty1]

They dont have one because they didnt think about it at first and because if they did there would be no need for FB and Twitter apps.

[ghostgaming]

Just sad - even the Wii with its online system not great has a browser

[8-bit]

wii's Opera browser is actually pretty good too. I had no problems with it

[crzyjackbauer]

You probably have no pc or just use your mom's computer

[VoicesInMyHead]

People still use IE??

[DiRtY]

Yeah and it still leads the market.

I am using FF right now and it is my browser of choice, but IE is not as bad as people make it look. The porn... ehhh private mode on IE works better than the private mode on FF IMO. FF has more advantages though.

[number47]

its bundled with windows.

[lucifon]

Have to agree with Dirty. IE9 is actually really really nice too, i've been using it all the time since the beta hit.

[Gawdl3y]

You know, Microsoft is touting IE9 as the second coming, saying it's going to be fully standards-compatible and compliant. I call BS. Microsoft has never managed to make IE standards compliant. Web developers like me have had to write extra code for IE for years. And what's even worse is the web developers who give up on the other browsers all together and code specifically for IE. IE needs to die.

[dredgewalker]

Not me, I started using Chrome and I like it even more than Firefox, but that's personal preference.

[elmaton98]

your right nothing can beat Google Chrome not even opera nor ff. Hmm I wonder when the PS3 will include GC as a default browser

[Brklynty1]

I am a chrome user though ive switched to Opera idk i just find it neat but chrome is always my browser of choice.

[nikoado]

Chrome for me.

Every time I use IE8 and then try to exit it, the program crashes and I have to hit ctl+alt+del. I don't know if that's a glitch or just an issue with my computer or something.

Chrome is fine for me. The only niggling issue I have with chrome is that they keep changing the layout every month or so.

[Gawdl3y]

The layout has only changed two or three times in the past two years.

[PopEmUp]

Chrome in my oppinion is better than both FF and IE, it faster and smoother imo

[swat]

Xbox 360 have browser u dumbs in WMC

[bikar]

lol IE that is bigger crap then netfront on ps3
Firefox and Chrome FTW
hope ps3 gets one of those two

[Longrod_Von_Hugendon]

It only does everything.... except the interweb.

[Redempteur]

was that supposed to be trolling ?

Because i'll let you know you can browse internet on your ps3

[crzyjackbauer]

Redempteur

when you suf the net with a ps3
it will crash and freeze the ps3 in less than 10 minutes
i dont use it because i find my self constantly restarting my console

[Baka-akaB]

uh no it doesnt necessarily crash . it's slow and not always up to date , but it works wonders for some people .

[Redempteur]

@crzyjackbauer

you're alone in that case ...

i'm using the ps3 broswer regulary , i do it with the music from the xmb ..
and starting this week i plan to use move with it ...

i usually open 6 windows and i don't have problems ..AT ALL except with some flash abusives websites and that was fixed in the 3.50 update .

the problem is on your side , not with the PS3 internet broswer

[divideby0]

I always wantded a browser on my 360.. Its so easy d/ling stuff for UT..

[PopEmUp]

you can play Copy games straight out of the box? lol

[Vip3r]

Herp de derp derp.

So obvious.

[Baka-akaB]

secure as in "we couldnt resell you free services any longer"

[duplissi]

yep

[lucifon]

What a fail article, whos this insider, the authors dad? The reason the 360 doesnt have an Internet Browser is so that they can have apps like Hulu, Facebook, Last.fm, Twitter etc etc. Therefore controlling the content on there - business decision.

Don't know about you but i've used my PS3 Browser about twice in the years i've had it. It's much easier just to use my phone if i'm ever in a situation where my PC isn't on...

[MorganX]

I'm with you on not using a browser on a console, but I don't think having one is going to prevent content from coming to online services. Doesn't seem to be stopping Hulu.

[crzyjackbauer]

i rather use my blackberry than to use the ps3 or psp's web browser

[Corrwin]

I'm not sure why this is a problem, since the 360 doesn't have a windows browser, and it's not difficult to isolate the internet browser from the rest of the system (like PS3, Wii, and pretty much any other operating system)

[MorganX]

Maybe they don't want Trent Antivirus for XBox, like Trend Antivirus for PS3. Anything with a web browser is inherently insecure. Whether or not it actually gets exploited is another matter. I've owned a fat and slim PS3 and have never, ever launched the browser. I think a browser on a game console is silly and stupid. I have a computer, my career is in IT, and maybe that's why I can't see how anyone could seriously consider browsing the web on a game console with a gamepad.

I guess if you have no PC something's better than nothing. Tablet, iPhone, with touch, yes. Console with gamepad, why?

[SkyGamer]

Bubbles. I too work in the IT field and you are right. Who wants to browse the net with a controller? Do you want to take up extra resources by having an anti-virus? If you can afford a 360, wii or ps3, why couldn't you afford a budget pc? Doesn't make any sense. A 2+ ghz pc with 1 gb of ddr ram and a 40+ gb hdd with a 17" crt monitor should cost you 100 bucks or less.

[awiseman]

I too do not understand you all but I thumbed you up for intelligent responces. Something that is an endangerd species in this site...

[P_Bomb]

Console browsing is a great alternative for people who don't have or want a computer in every room of the house.

Wife's asleep right now so I can't go on the main computer, other one's slow, laptop is exclusively my stepdaughter's. PSP browser is pants so I'm browsing and typing this on a console on my 52" HDTV sprawled out on my couch. It's awesome. When baby gets up I won't have time to browse anymore anyways.

That's fine that you guys who work in IT think it's silly & stupid, but having a family with limited time/space to browse has made me appreciate the convenience.

[Baka-akaB]

who said anything about a gamepad ? Mouse and keyboards are compatible (and now move).
I work in IT as well , and i see nothing stupid in having the option to use some emergency back up for web browsing and printing among other things .

No need to even use that antivirus for now , wich is just some lame cash-in attempt .

Of course it's not worth a pc , but hey it's a fricking option , no need to be that snobbish.
Same goes for the wii's browser

[MorganX]

You have qualified it by adding a keyboard and mouse, and the emergency backup tag.

If it's there, why not. But it's not really snobbishness, more defensiveness. It's most silly to attempt to put down a game console for not having a web browser. There are as many reasons not to have it, as there are too have it.

If it's there and you find it useable, fine. I think popular web apps should be applicaitons on consoles, such as the facebook, last fm, type gateways. A browser, just a bad idea IMO. It's like the Mac, sure, it's so small with regards to marketshare, no one bothers to exploit it. That's probably why Apple is one of the slowest to release fixes for its vulnerabilities and was ranked #1 producer of vulnerable software this year. But I'm not comfortable with security by obscurity, especially when the only thing of value on the PS3 would be to gather credit card info.

I was responding to the article and the ridiculous headline.

[Dorwrath]

Name one one browser thats a 100% secure, lol None of them are, none of the companies can guarantee 100% security.

[Skynetone]

god only knows what random sites they would attack

best to keep them bots locked down

[chasegarcia]

I disagree. Sometimes my bro is using my pc and instead of kicking him out I use the ps3. The reason the box does not have one is because it will interfere with their business module of charging for everything.

[MorganX]

That just makes absolutely no sense man. None.

[NitrousX]

it is possible for the 360 to a web browser but the only atm is to use the windows media center via Vista or win7.

I've tried it not quick or reliable. I wouldn't mind the 360 receiving a fully fleshed out browser as long it is stable and quick similar to IE9 Beta then i'm happy as larry.

[Eiffel]

I never got the fascination with a console having a web browser, they are always slow and crap. If you own a PC/Laptop, what's the fucking point?

[Adrela]

Wasn't there a poll taken awhile back asking 360 owners whether or not they would like a internet browser on the 360? If I remember correctly, most of them didn't want it.
I don't care what the reason is, I don't want an internet browser on my 360. :|