Xbox 720 Always Online Feature Shot Down by Microsoft
The Xbox 720 always online feature was debunked in a recent email that was sent out to Microsoft employees by the company.
The email was obtained by the tech site Ars Technica, who delivered the message that spoke about the console codenamed Durango.
"Durango is designed to deliver the future of entertainment while engineered to be tolerant of today's internet. There are a number of scenarios that our users expect to work without an internet connection, and those should 'just work' regardless of their current connection status," wrote Microsoft. "Those include, but are not limited to: playing a Blu-ray disc, watching live TV, and yes playing a single player game."
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The report basically shot down the always online feature and also shows that the next Xbox will function as a cable box and allow live TV playback along with the capability to play Blu-rays.
The next-generation Xbox console will also come with some other new upgrades and features, such as video sharing and the option for users to be able to have over 100 friends.
The Xbox 360 only allows users to follow up to 100 friends. The new version will remove that cap and the way games handle achievements will also be altered, allowing developers to add them without adding DLC post-launch, according to a report from Polygon.
The new Xbox will join the likes of Sony's PS4 and will also allow users to capture and share video through various networks including Ustream and Facebook. Footage could be taken based on the situation or status of the player. For example, users will be able to set the system to take the footage when they obtain a special achievement or lock in a headshot in a first-person shooter.
