Rumor: Next Xbox Could Run Windows

[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!

 

[General_Potatoes]

I would like to see that. But then I'll also probably be really disappointed by it.

 

[smartengine]

Maybe they finally get this one right! It would be nice to be able to plug in a controller and be able to play 360 games... sure would ruin PS3! Why would anyone buy a console when you can buy a PC with all the console goodness. And the Xbox would then become a pre-built PC. Sounds good to me.

 

[Kuckles]

If this is true, then brace yourselves third-party developers. Cause Piracy is going to fuck you up, if you choose Microsoft. I mean seriously, Windows is not really known for it's good protection against piracy, and pretty much the only thing stopping this for the Xbox is that you have to hack the console itself to play pirated copies. Now they're just going to put Windows on the Xbox, and everyone can just start up a hacked copy of the game. And 'god' knows DRM won't help!

Sure the idea sounds cool, and practical of course, probably saves some money too. But I am wondering what they're going to do about the piracy. And then there's the viruses. Imagine your PC infecting your Xbox and pretty much bricking it via your home network. Also what's the point of even having a Xbox anyway, what will be the extra value over a PC, Right now its pretty much the XBLA and the games, but then it will maybe be the controller? (which can be used on a PC anyway.) I just don't really see this working, but go ahead Microsoft, prove me wrong.

 

[masticina]

If you think RAM is a cost issue then you really dont have a clue.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104166
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148346
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820178265
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233132

want more in the under $25-50 range?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%204025&IsNodeId=1&name=%2425%20-%20%2450

Thats in retail prices, easily twice as much as what they would pay for in a bulk contract directly with the manufacturer. $12.5 to $25 and they would be about what it would cost them for 4GB per XBox today. the biggest cost in the console is the CPU and GPU not memory.

OT:

Why dont they just sell the Xbox as a program for PC like steam is but much more built into the OS and let people use a laptop or desktop of choice? it would be the same selling model as the windows OS as in you pick your own hardware. hardware incompatibility wouldnt be an issue with the games themselves because the program that runs them could be easily set for exhisting hardware and when new hardware comes out they wont need to do anything because its all backwards compatible as is until major advancements come into play.

Manufacturers of laptops could add in the Xbox program and controler/TV hookup kit and you could have an ultra portable Xbox play your games while traveling and hook it up to the TV when you get there.

Right so where is my PS4/XBOX with 8Gbyte of memory... I don't see it yet.

Seriously it is true that RAM is cheaper then the GPU and the CPU but you still get less then a contemporary pc. What will the next consoles get .. 1Gbyte.. maybe. Seriously I don't see the next upcoming consoles coming out with 8Gbyte of memory or 16Gbyte. Something like that would be very nice though if you want to raise teh possible image quality.

And that is the problem seriously both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 have about 512Mbyte that is it. A strong limitation in what it can offer.. the next consoles will have the same problem.

 

[aashell13]

well, as long as they didn't sacrifice functionality, kept a decent amount of backwards compatibility and kept the OS size way down, I think i might be able to get on board.
it IS a tall order though.