Report: Xbox 360 successor can tolerate only brief Internet interruptions

[mindcycle]

Kotaku is citing two unnamed sources that it says "have a perfect track record in getting these kinds of things right" to report that Microsoft's follow-up to the Xbox 360 will need a working Internet connection to start games and apps. And the site goes on to write that the system will only tolerate brief interruptions in that connection while the game or app is being used.

"Unless something has changed recently, Durango consumer units must have an active Internet connection to be used," one source told the site, referring to the internal code name for Microsoft's next system. "If there isn't a connection, no games or apps can be started. If the connection is interrupted, then after a period of time—currently three minutes, if I remember correctly—the game/app is suspended and the network troubleshooter started." Another source said this requirement was still in effect on development hardware as recently as two weeks ago.

Of course, this is all still rumor for now, and Microsoft doesn't comment on rumors and speculation as a matter of course. Even if it's true at the moment, the company could reverse itself before officially announcing the system, which is widely expected to hit stores by the end of the year. Microsoft could even use a firmware update to remove any sort of Internet requirement after the system launches if there is enough public outcry (or market impact).

http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/...n-tolerate-only-brief-internet-interruptions/

Of course, it's worth noting again that this hasn't been confirmed by microsoft, so it's really just speculation at this point. IMO they would be shooting themselves in the foot if they required this and the PS4 didn't (as has already been confirmed by Sony reps).

Would you buy the next Xbox if it required a constant internet connection? I know I sure wouldn't.

 

[American Gunner]

This old report again? This has been talked to death at this point.

 

[mindcycle]

This old report again? This has been talked to death at this point.

Well considering the article is from today I thought it was likely relevant and contained new info. If this is already being discussed elsewhere please let me know where and I can request that this thread is closed.

 

[RedRooster]

My internet is constantly on on my 360 and I never move it from the tv stand. This product is compatible with my situation.

 

[American Gunner]

While this report is dated today, the always on has been around for a while. Here is the thread it was in.

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2297106&page=10

Edit: On your original question, I don't know where I stand. My internet is usually on, but sometimes in the spring the winds get really bad around here and can knock it and tv out for a bit. The idea of not being able to play anything when the tv is out sounds pretty crappy, but I enjoy my Xbox enough and know that all my friends will most likely jump on the nextbox when it comes out. So I coudn't give a straight answer on it at this point, I would need to hear what MS has to say about it.

 

[alcoholbob]

I live like a mile from Comcast headquarters and my internet still goes down on a regular basis. If this is true, no NextBox for me.

 

[smackababy]

I think what this article is really stating, is that the development consoles require always on internet connection. This is probably a security measure to ensure they are accounted for and don't make it out into the wild. From what I've been told, MS was already very wary about who got a development Xbox 360, and that would make this going a step further.

Now, will this make it into launch? Of course not. Xbox Live has, what, 30 million subscribers? They've sold 74 million Xbox's. That is less than half. MS isn't stupid enough to cut it's available market in half.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I think what this article is really stating, is that the development consoles require always on internet connection. This is probably a security measure to ensure they are accounted for and don't make it out into the wild. From what I've been told, MS was already very wary about who got a development Xbox 360, and that would make this going a step further.

Now, will this make it into launch? Of course not. Xbox Live has, what, 30 million subscribers? They've sold 74 million Xbox's. That is less than half. MS isn't stupid enough to cut it's available market in half.

Unless you like the rumor about always on kinect with always on internet so they can use what the kinect sees to target advertising to you.

 

[coldmeat]

My internet is constantly on on my 360 and I never move it from the tv stand. This product is compatible with my situation.

This

 

[RedRooster]

I think what this article is really stating, is that the development consoles require always on internet connection. This is probably a security measure to ensure they are accounted for and don't make it out into the wild. From what I've been told, MS was already very wary about who got a development Xbox 360, and that would make this going a step further.

Now, will this make it into launch? Of course not. Xbox Live has, what, 30 million subscribers? They've sold 74 million Xbox's. That is less than half. MS isn't stupid enough to cut it's available market in half.

Good point.

 

[badb0y]

I see zero chance of this happening when the product actually ships. For one Sony has already laid it's chips on the table and if Microsoft pursues this it would be a huge win for Sony. There's also the fact that not everyone has internet connection all the time.

 

[purbeast0]

rumor has it that the durango also gives blowjobs when you unlock achievements.

if you get all 1000 pts it gives you anal.

rumor though, nothing confirmed by ms.

 

[Anteaus]

The likely scenerio is that both the PS4 and next Xbox will provide the developer option of mandating game activation through their game account to play games, but its unlikely that a persistant internet connection will be required.

In either case I doubt the activation or connectivity requirement will be enforced by either Sony or Microsoft. From a PR standpoint both companies are going to say that the consoles will play used games and that connectivity isn't required, but the truth is that it will be completely developer/publisher driven and thus we can't trust anything they say until the consoles are released. They are both telling the truth and lying at the same time because DRM requirements will be decided individually for each game by the publisher.

 

[foghorn67]

I live like a mile from Comcast headquarters and my internet still goes down on a regular basis. If this is true, no NextBox for me.

This, except it's AT&T UVerse.

 

[mmntech]

As I've said before, I don't think Microsoft will implement this. They'd be stupid too. Especially now that Sony has come out and said they will not block used games or require an internet connection. Nor does the Wii U. Not to mention that about a third of Americans still don't have broadband. Also the recent SimCity debacle on the PS3.

I'm really not sure what Microsoft is trying with Durango's marketing. Whether they're pulling an Apple or it's just not ready for prime time yet. Though their silence is allowing these rumours to keep spreading.

All the leaks though are based on dev kits. I can see why Microsoft would want to keep tabs on those. So far Durango doesn't even officially exist.

 

[jpiniero]

Sony isn't automatically blocking used games, but there is a mechanism in the PS4 to so do - it's up to the publisher. IOW, don't count on it.

 

[badb0y]

I might have to eat my words.

This is Microsoft Studios’ Creative Director Adam Orth lol.

 

[cmdrdredd]

I might have to eat my words.

This is Microsoft Studios’ Creative Director Adam Orth lol.

Total douche...I know people who live out in the sticks somewhere and have no broadband. They go to their relatives house in the city once a month and when they do, they sometimes have to bring their PC or consoles to get updates.

Also yes, if the mobile reception is shit I won't pay money for a mobile phone. Why have one if I can't use it where I'm at?

 

[IAteYourMother]

That guy alone makes me want to just get the next gen Playstation. And I prefer the 360

 

[American Gunner]

Yeah, I don't like his stance on this. MS might want to shut him up.

 

[badb0y]

Yep, he's a douchebag.

 

[Sulaco]

That guy alone makes me want to just get the next gen Playstation. And I prefer the 360

Exactly how I felt. I'm surprised MS allows that kind of openly combative stance concerning their products/services from individuals on public social media accounts.

I sort of want to respond with "Adam, you're right...if only there was a competitor who was offering a competing product that didn't have this as a requirement.
Ohhhh wait!"

 

[cmdrdredd]

He put his profile on private now lol

 

[StrangerGuy]

As I've said before, I don't think Microsoft will implement this. They'd be stupid too. Especially now that Sony has come out and said they will not block used games or require an internet connection. Nor does the Wii U. Not to mention that about a third of Americans still don't have broadband. Also the recent SimCity debacle on the PS3.

I'm really not sure what Microsoft is trying with Durango's marketing. Whether they're pulling an Apple or it's just not ready for prime time yet. Though their silence is allowing these rumours to keep spreading.

All the leaks though are based on dev kits. I can see why Microsoft would want to keep tabs on those. So far Durango doesn't even officially exist.

Especially the when PS4 news is positive after positive and most importantly it is intended as a no-nonsense gaming platform first and foremost, not some change-your-living-room-into-something-else crap.

 

[pathos]

I'm wondering what we are supposed to do, if xbl stayed down as long as the psn did when they were hacked (about a month?). Gaming system? No, its just a brick.

Well, thats assuming this...fine example of the human race's views are what Microsoft will be pushing when they release the console. Still just a rumor, but this does seem to lend the rumor some credence.