Durango not "always online," contains XTV, new 360 SKU makes it backwards compatible
A trio of next-Xbox rumors have surfaced today, and no matter whether the sources call it Xbox 720 or Durango, keep in mind we will know nothing for sure until Microsoft announces something. Click the break for today's lowdown.
Xbox TV, or XTV if you will
First up, Superannuation has dug up information pertaining to the TV services the next console will contain.
According to a resume dug up by the Internet sleuth, a Microsoft engineer noted he worked on the Video Cognition team which was the result of Microsoft's acquisition of VideoSurf, which developed tech which "catalogued and tagged videos by scanning audio and visual content of videos."
MS will supposedly be using the VideoSurf tech "to radically change the way we watch TV," using gestue and voice control to "streamline the way viewers search, consume, and share content, minimizing the time spent searching for programs, while maximizing the viewing and sharing capacities."
Super points out this could mean MS plans to integrate its next Xbox with television content leading credence to the rumors that there will be two-SKUs with the upcoming console: one which is a set-top box and the other a console with all the bells ans whistles.
A couple presentation images mentioning "xTV" were also dug up, stating it was part of "multiplatform ecosystem that will allow a user to finish a television episode they were previously watching on their train ride home," wrote Super. This was also mentioned in the 56-page manifesto which was leaked much to the chagrin of MS and its lawyers last year.
Via Kotaku.
No "always online"; new Xbox 360 add-on for backwards compatibility
Another report today over on VGLeaks stated that the next-box, codenamed Durango, will contain the dreaded always-online internet component - plus, it will be backwards compatible with your old Xbox 360 due to an add-on coming to the aging consoles.
The site's source told it that while it will have always-online functionality, it will not prevent the use of second hand games nor bar people from playing local content when they are without Internet.
Furthermore, a smaller, more stripped down 360 will be arriving on shelves for around $149 or less. This sku will act more like a set-top media box with Xbox 360 and XBLA game support and it may not have disc drive.
"Putting in an Xbox 360 disc into Durango will prompt the user to attach the supporting device that is sold separately. By separating the two devices and their functions it will ensure price competitiveness for both pieces of hardware," says the report.
This means all content will need to be downloaded digitally. Should it be connected with Durango, users can use their disc-based Xbox 360 games on their Durango console with the small add-on Xbox.
Think of it as MS's version of Google or Apple TV.
Thanks, CVG.
Kinect will be able to detect your shifty eyes
Finally, The Verge is reporting that this new, set-top Xbox will not only contain various channels and support for cable services, but that the next Kinect will be able to detect eye movements as well as several bodies at once.
Want to pause content? Turn your head away from the TV. Seriously. That was what The Verge was told.
No telling what else you will be able to do with it. Maybe fast forward by blinking constantly. Turning it off when you close your eyes for a period of time. I jest. I have no clue, really.
If all of this is true, eventually, it will be hard for us to discern whether we are indeed in the Matrix or not - despite the food tasting good.
Hit up all the links for more rumors and better information.
The next Xbox is rumored to be revealed on May 21.