Rumor: Next Xbox Could Run Windows

[Plazmatic]

OK, Next Xbox runs Windows, and Windows 8 will run Xbox games?

Remind me again of the difference between a PC and a console.

The former gets viruses, the other doesn't have major compatability errors that stop you playing games.

No, I am not gonna stop talking about how much trying to game on a PC has been fucking me over.

well don't whine about your own stupidity here, or for that matter any where, its really not that hard to simply run a game on a PC. I would spend the time telling you why your point about viruses is void unless your a mac user (which would explain a LOT) and compatibility errors as well, but I doubt you could comprehend that since you seem to have trouble in simply clicking a button.

any way, ON topic.

This is a strange move for microsoft, as it would, like others, essentially make a xbox a full on home pc, just a shittier one with more restrictive capabilities, disquised as a gaming computer. This would be the final nail in the coffin for consoles, as it would finally take away the aspect of ease, and focus on the game for the system and user, as it now has to deal with an OS, and what ever the user decides to put on it.

 

[Callate]

"We won't have an ecosystem for PCs, and one for phones, and one for tablets - they'll all come together."

I'm not seeing consoles on that list. Did I miss something?

And do we really think Micosoft is eager to sell you one version of software if it could sell you three?

Four years is a long time to believe promises from the people who seemingly spent more time and money on telling us Vista would be great than they did making sure it actually worked well out of the box.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

And do we really think Micosoft is eager to sell you one version of software if it could sell you three?

No, the plan is to sell you the same operating system 3 times.

 

[mjc0961]

Uhm... Okay. It probably won't be too much of a bother for a console (we can still use Internet Explorer to go download a browser that isn't shit, right?), but Windows 8 on my computer better work like a normal computer operating system instead of some touch screen shit or 360 dashboard shit or I'm sticking with Windows 7 forever and ever. At least I won't be as stuck far back in the past as people still refusing to leave XP.

 

[Dascylus]

Using a wireless usb reciever thingamabob doohickey, computers will be compatible with xbox controllers and the OS will rund the games. Consoles become obsolete.

It's good though.
This is the messy period till we all are walking round with tricorders and communicators... Wait, smartphones and bluetooth headsets... Dammit... Where's my replicator and holodeck?

 

[Wolfenbarg]

Not sure if this is a good idea. As much as we all hate being locked out of things, I think the next Xbox would be most stable if it were running a closed OS similar to an Apple product (I know, but hear me out). With this method they could diversify the next Xbox to truly be the massive cross-platform of social and hardcore games that they just recently made their goal without opening the machine up to the typical issues that come with PC gaming and software compatibility. They'd also have the massive headache of trying to make a system with set hardware running every configuration of software that the regular edition of Windows can, which means all of the customer relations responsibility would be theirs. Because the only Windows stamped thing on my current computer is the OS, there are too many variables for them to give a crap that my random piece of software doesn't work. However, on a machine that is completely branded by them, I would damn well want an answer why it doesn't work. A closed OS with approved software only smooths over these issues, just as long as they don't close it so tightly that people can't open it up if they'd like (don't want another Geohot fiasco).

 

[Atheist.]

Windows already seems like an appropriate name for that type of Operating System. You know, windows between all the platforms and whatnot.

 

[A Weakgeek]

It doesen't matter if its a PC that plays xbox games or a Xbox which runs windows

 

[MaVeN1337]

Congratulations Microsoft, you created a computer! Oh wait.

 

[TheComfyChair]

I don't think xbox should = PC completely i think this should happen:

Xbox - kinect: self explanatory, a cheap console for casual-esque gamers focused on party style games

Xbox - PC: A pre-packaged PC that is upgraded every 2 years and labelled simply as 'xbox-PC 2012 edition' for example. Games will then have requirements of 'requires xbox-PC 2012 edition to run 1920x1080 high' for example.

Normal PC's will exist alongside the xbox-PC, but for those who are scared of technology, or just lazy, the xbox-PC will be an easier method of getting a gaming PC.

 

[Buizel91]

"Can we F**k it?" is the only question i have.

Im happy that this is happening though. Its basically going to be a PC built for gaming. Im guessing it will be around 500-800 USD. But it would be well worth the price if you ask me.

At least someone agree's with me.

This is an awesome idea on Microsofts part and i happily welcome it. Maybe this means Some PC games will work on the Xbox and vice versa. Lets face it, that would be awesome.

Quite a good business strategy if you ask me, if done correctly of course...But Microsoft have never let me down before, So i hope it doesn't start now.

 

[similar.squirrel]

I'm surprised that nobody's been able to get a Linux distro running properly on the Xbox. I think somebody managed to sort of do it via some convoluted method involving shaders on a pirated copy of King Kong, but that could just be the alcohol-induced memories talking.

Anyway, that would be awesome. It's so stupid to waste all that hardware on just games. But it's financially viable, which is what matters to Microsoft.

 

[NezumiiroKitsune]

A linux dawn a approaches from everyone who resents having their control reigned and software controlled. The market will split, many will buy Macs, others will be content with the new iteration of "Windows", however in their droves gamers, administrators, whole offices, developers and what have you will embrace linux as their platform of choice. We're not far from linux being a viable option for gaming. It is a much closer thing that Microsofts plan, and this will only spur the migration.

I don't foresee a much greater increase in Mac conversion unless they release Macs at more competitive prices for the home market.

 

[Doclector]

Please just about no.

I am not a smart man. Full windows compatibility means the xbox becomes more like a PC, which means more complicated PC features, which means multiple plug ins for games, the full fun leeching power of DRM, and delicious amounts of extra possible problems.

Basically, if I one day have my brain upgraded I will get a gaming PC. Until then, keep consoles as simple "put disc in, play disc" devices, eh?

DISCLAIMER: not to say PC gaming is bad. It is just far out of my mental league.

 

[ZippyDSMlee]

Should have done that like 5 years ago..... now were are on the precipitous of a new console and no amount of duct tape can save MS from making a new console.

It would be great if they did it but too little to late IMO.

 

[Sightless Wisdom]

I don't give a damn about xbox, but as soon as my PC looks like it's running a phone operating system... I'm switching to Linux.

 

[samsonguy920]

Weird as this sounds coming from me, this would be awesome if Microsoft decided to enter the PC making business, with their schtick being that it would be the ideal platform for gaming. All they would need is to give a product that can run strongly with high end games, and be more affordable than Alienware's fare.
Their strength has been in software, and yet except for some hiccups, the Xbox has shown itself to be quite the platform. I think it's about time MS rolled up its sleeves and showed HP and Dell that the PC business is still open for new contenders.

I wouldn't want to be footing the bill for that marketing campaign though.

No, but I would kill for the contract. If this follows through as it is being rumored, there are going to be some people in advertising businesses making lots of money. Anybody looking to get degrees in Communication and Marketing best be taking notes.

 

[Srs bzns]

I'm very conflicted about this. I admit whole heartedly I'm one of the biggest PC gaming snobs you are going to find. The vast majority of console games to me are a very small step above pulling a lever, seeing the big plastic arrow spin, and learning that "The Duck says, QUACK QUACK QUACK". Ideally I would like to keep console and PC gaming as far apart as humanly possible.

I've witnessed the cesspool that is Xbox Live and PSN and those people seem like like the absolute lowest of lifeforms. I don't want to share a platform with those people, I don't want to interact with those people, and I sure as Hell don't want people designing the games I play with those mouth breathers in mind.

You might have missed the golden rule of playing multiplayer on a console - mute anyone with a disconcerting number of x's, z's, and/or y's in their online names or anyone with a name that has been CaPiTaLiSeD LiKe ThIs.

 

[Illithidae]

If this works out, then I can honestly say we're moving into the next age of gaming.
I mean, they'd be like console-esque laptops. Upgradable consoles with PC capabilities and optional control setups. Heck, we might even see the end of console ports - from Microsoft, at any rate!