Next Xbox: report notes DRM, sharing, Achievements revamp

Another day, another batch of Xbox rumors have landed on the Internet.

According to a Polygon source, Achievements are being revamped so that developers and publishers can add more to a game post launch - without DLC if need be.

This will allow developers to "tweak player behavior," like for example: having them spend more time in certain areas of the game or to help them "get past a difficult spot.” The report also states that the new Xbox could also contain “cross-platform” and “cross-title” Achievements.

There also won't be a cap on the number of Xbox Live friends a person can have, and supposedly, folks will be able to follow one another - sort of like on Twitter.

Other nuggets gleaned from the report include a video sharing system which will act similar to a DVR and record user gameplay to share on YouTube. Those who feel like sharing their session can go into the video and select highlights to edit. This function can be turned on and off or set up automatically.

The console will also have "some form" of always-on requirement to support apps, streaming video services, and act as a possible anti-piracy tool.

It will also support digital rights management and anti-piracy checks through an Internet connection. This could come in the form of a one-time authentication or a constant connection - depending on the publisher.

Take all this as rumor, as usual, until Microsoft finally announces the console on May 21.