New 'sources' back always-online next-gen Xbox rumour

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The rumoured claim that Microsoft's next generation Xbox will require an always-online connection to function has been further backed up by another report today.

According to Kotaku, two more 'sources' familiar with early prototype hardware report that the new console - codenamed Durango - won't run any games or apps without a connection to the internet.
"Unless something has changed recently, Durango consumer units must have an active internet connection to be used," one source apparently said, before detailing how the console might deal with dropped connections.

"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," they added.

Kotaku notes that other sources familiar with the new console have said they're unaware of any such plans for a required online connection, but have been unable to completely debunk the rumour. It was reportedly suggested that the online requirement could be enforced at the 'operating system level', meaning game developers don't necessarily need to be made aware of it.

In response to the report, a Microsoft rep said, "We do not comment on rumors or speculation. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform, but we don't have anything further to share at this time."

This backs a report from our colleagues at Edge, who cited sources claiming that next-gen Xbox games will require an internet connection in order to function, and that a passcode system will block second-hand game use.

These claims were later reinforced by screenshots reportedly taken from a Durango software development kit, which indicated the requirement of an always-on connection.

Sony has confirmed that the PlayStation 4 'will not demand an always-online connection'.

It has been speculated that Microsoft will announce its next-generation Xbox platform at a special event in late April.

The next Xbox, codename Durango, is said to utilise an AMD eight-core x64 1.6GHz CPU, a D3D11.x 800MHz graphics solution and 8GB of DDR3 RAM.

Posted:
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.computerandvideogames.com/399237/new-sources-back-always-online-next-gen-xbox-rumour/

Comments

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WhirlpoolPosted:

slapshot101 I don't see what they are going to do with a console that always has an Internet connection. What purpose would it serve? People will end up finding ways around it anyways.


Well if they do then the people who can't get live will enjoy that lol, I'm sure if they had the console always online there would be some special feature they could add or else they really would be no point

slapshot101Posted:

I don't see what they are going to do with a console that always has an Internet connection. What purpose would it serve? People will end up finding ways around it anyways.

WhirlpoolPosted:

Danimals why would they even think about doing this? horrible idea


I think if the console was always online they would add some new cool features that now can't be added because they have changed the console back to an online offline state

DanimalsPosted:

why would they even think about doing this? horrible idea

nelipotPosted:

This will be a terrible feature what if we dont have internet

SynybunPosted:

Lavish This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. I wonder if Microsoft thinks that everyone lives in an area with fast internet. Over half the population has a connection below 3MBs up and down.


They aren't doing this anymore, but i agree with you. I don't see why they even thought about doing this.

WhirlpoolPosted:

I'm glad that this is false. If I get this console I like to play offline alot and if the console always needs to be online then that would just be a big disappointment.

TywinPosted:

This is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. I wonder if Microsoft thinks that everyone lives in an area with fast internet. Over half the population has a connection below 3MBs up and down.

MortarPosted:

It will be a shame if this is true as it means we won't be able to use the console if there is any reason why we can't establish an internet connection, which then means we can't play single player aspects of games without requirements. That being said, it shouldn't cause too much hassle, it is just a bit of an inconvenience.

SynybunPosted:

PGA I think that this is a stupid feature of the new xbox.


I think they decided not to go through with it.