If the latest Microsoft rumors are true...they already won this gen

With a $150 Xbox that can be integrated with your cable box and play any game from the Xbox marketplace. What a great idea that no on saw coming.That alone is going to crush Sony (and probably Apple in the process).  That's not even taking into account the Xbox 720. Sony doesn't stand a chance. 

I  have to admit Microsoft's silence had me a little on edge but if these rumors are true they have really outdone themselves. Brilliant move from Microsoft.

 EDIT:SOME PEOPLE SEEM CONFUSED ABOUT WHAT THE XBOX MINI ACTUALLY IS

 The "Xbox Mini" is not a 360 add-on, it is a stand alone product that contains Xbox 360 functions for gaming, and alone it is meant to compete with Apple TV. Since it is likely it will not have a disc drive, it is being designed with "always online" in mind, and with internet being required for Live functions. Xbox 360 Games can be played on it by purchasing Games on Demand on Xbox Live (for new purchases) or if already purchased, simply download it. This also applies to music and movies. To further clarify, the Durango will also have these (TV) functions, just with next-genration gaming hardware instead of Xbox 360 at a higher price.

When used with Durango, it offers connectivity with it for backwards compatibility with both disc based and On Demand games, and it's no more different than what Sony will be doing with Gaikai for playing PS3 games on PS4, only with Xbox it will be done locally and not through the cloud. You can control the Xbox Mini under a single interface and not have to worry about switching between devices in a single display input.

These connectivity functions cannot work with existing Xbox 360 units due to the difference in external interface. The Xbox Mini was designed for this along side Durango.

I thought the $99 xbox was just a 360.MFDOOM1983

[QUOTE="Miketheman83"][QUOTE="MFDOOM1983"]I thought the $99 xbox was just a 360.rjdofu

For only $1 you can simply duct-tape your 360 to your cable box and have all the benefits of the Xbox-mini with the added functionality of a disc drive. A nice saving of $98 and a stylish addition to any home.

[QUOTE="Miketheman83"][QUOTE="clyde46"] Not when nearly everyone who would be interested in it already owns a cable box and most likely a 360 already.MonsieurX

[QUOTE="Miketheman83"]

With a $99 Xbox that can be integrated with your cable box and play any game from the Xbox marketplace. What a great idea that no on saw coming.That alone is going to crush Sony (and probably Apple in the process). That's not even taking into account the Xbox 720. Sony doesn't stand a chance.

I have to admit Microsoft's silence had me a little on edge but if these rumors are true they have really outdone themselves. Brilliant move from Microsoft.

 

WitIsWisdom

Except for the fact the rumor was that "$99" Xbox360 mini was "$149" and it sounded as if the 720 was required for it to work... SO basically you are repurchasing a 360... lol

Might as well keep your old 360 and save $150. Sounds a lot like the 32X and similar add ons... we all know what that led too.

[QUOTE="Miketheman83"][QUOTE="clyde46"] [QUOTE="NEWMAHAY"]We are considering the next 360 iteration as next-generation?MonsieurX

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

[QUOTE="Pray_to_me"]

so you gonna have to pay an XBL fee for cable AND Netflix you already paid for? Sounds amazing.

 

TC you're an effing tool.

2Chalupas

The rumours are that you hook your cable, via HDMI, through the 720 companion model, and then to your TV. Allowing it to add a "Smart TV" like overlay. You can probably pay the Gold fee (assuming it works the same way as this gen) and access all of the 360 On-Demand services as well.

"Smart-TV" like interface. 

So basically if I have a smart TV, and a cable box, then the "compainion box-XBOX" is like... totally useless. Does this box do anything but block my already paid-for services behind a paywall? :lol:

You realize that this device isn't aimed at  every single person on the planet, right? It's aimed at people looking to utilize the features of the console, much like any system released in a generation.

You're assuming it's blocking your cable behind a pay-wall (I assume that's what you are saying). We actually don't know how the paid services will work, or if there will actually be any, outside of potentially using the device for existing on-demand 360 services.

It's not a 360 at all. It's more like Apple tv except it has an edge by being able to play games also.Miketheman83

[QUOTE="Miketheman83"]

[QUOTE="WitIsWisdom"]

Except for the fact the rumor was that "$99" Xbox360 mini was "$149" and it sounded as if the 720 was required for it to work... SO basically you are repurchasing a 360... lol

Might as well keep your old 360 and save $150. Sounds a lot like the 32X and similar add ons... we all know what that led too.

WitIsWisdom

NO, it CLEARLY states that it doesn't have a disc drive but you can put a disc in the 720 to play the game through the add on device. Meaning it is a $150 360 with less features and is little more than an add on. It's only going to be able to play XBL games without being connected to the 720. If standalone product to you means that it loses over half of its functionality (the ability to play disc based... ANYTHING) then you can go ahead and buy another $150 360. I will not however purchase a $150 PS4 add on that plays PS3 games... why? For one, Gakai, and two, I WILL KEEP MY PS3.

"Always on" cable at an additional cost... lol. I'll keep my provider... thanks though.

So they will charge for that service, and live, and an additional add on in which you already have with the 360 only with less capabilities. Sounds like quite the deal... lol

Have fun with that.

Still sounds an awful lot like the 32X etc. etc. fiascos.

I wish Microsoft good luck, but history shows that these type of endeavors do not usually work out so well. If it does, then that is great. If the cable portion kicks ass, that is great. I am not a fan boy of any console or company. I am just highly skeptical especially without any formal announcements. The fact that the 720 unveiling was pushed back for at least a month seems odd to tsay the least. It is Microsoft feeling the heat right now... not the other way around.

Have you forgotten that XBL sells retail games too? Its a digital only Xbox 360 that plays all games and if you already have a 360 then its not aimed at you.

Its not an add-on. Its its own individual device.

So no, it doesn't sound anything like the 32X. Its seems this rumour is beyond some peoples comprehension LOL

ps. Firstly, lol at streaming games of gaikai, and secondly, don't expect it to be free.

[QUOTE="lundy86_4"]

[QUOTE="2Chalupas"]

"Smart-TV" like interface. 

So basically if I have a smart TV, and a cable box, then the "compainion box-XBOX" is like... totally useless. Does this box do anything but block my already paid-for services behind a paywall? :lol:

2Chalupas

You realize that this device isn't aimed at  every single person on the planet, right? It's aimed at people looking to utilize the features of the console, much like any system released in a generation.

You're assuming it's blocking your cable behind a pay-wall (I assume that's what you are saying). We actually don't know how the paid services will work, or if there will actually be any, outside of potentially using the device for existing on-demand 360 services.

I know MS is planning it behind a paywall because there is NO PROFIT in a $99 box if there is no subscription. They wouldn't make such a box. Does anyone honestly think MS is interested in "competing" with the likes of Roku for market share? MS, after suckering gamers for years with XBOX Live fees, obviously has pie in the sky ambition thinking they can get serious subscription revenues from the TV market.

How they plan on extracting those revenues with existing cable operators in the picture, and with "free" streaming devices like Roku, I have no idea.

Lundy said if sony plans on charging for Gaikai then eek (a service that goes over and beyond ordinary online features)  lol but in other threads Lundy said he paid for xbl all generation long and it was woth it to him...to have basic p2p online...a service that everyone else gets free.  What's the "EEK" on that? 

Now you see him trying to defend a useless tack-on service meant to lock people into contracts just because MS is behind it.  Why isn't he going "eek" on this?  Lundy is probably more conceted withMS sales that the acutal product or wheather it is even good or not, maybe he's just a shareholder, I don't see any other reason to be trying to defend this kind of garbage.

[QUOTE="MonsieurX"]

[QUOTE="Miketheman83"] It is not a 360. It is an Apple tv with the ability to access the xbl marketplace. It is also designed to work with the 720. Technically it is a next gen console.Miketheman83

1)Playing old XBL games

2)Cable

= next gen?

Deal with it :lol:

lol well said.  

Lundy said if sony plans on charging for Gaikai then eek (a service that goes over and beyond ordinary online features)  lol but in other threads Lundy said he paid for xbl all generation long and it was woth it to him...to have basic p2p online...a service that everyone else gets free.  What's the "EEK" on that? 

Now you see him trying to defend a useless tack-on service meant to lock people into contracts just because MS is behind it.  Why isn't he going "eek" on this?  Lundy is probably more conceted withMS sales that the acutal product or wheather it is even good or not, maybe he's just a shareholder, I don't see any other reason to be trying to defend this kind of garbage.

casharmy

I don't like paying for multiple services. I don't even have PS+, largely for that reason. Live is the only mandatory service that I pay for. Furthermore, i'm actually not defending this. My presence in this thread has been to clarify certain information. Furthermore, when I stated "eek" for paying for Gaikai, as a BC service, I also said that this  and  Gaikai are going to suck in the same post. Seriously, get your sh*t straight, son.

Stop being an idiot, yo.

We've just moved to SKY from BT. The guy on the phone gave us a 6 month half price deal on phone, TV and broadband as well as 2 months free access to SKY Movies. clyde46

That's actually pretty sweet. I loved Sky when I lived in the UK. In Canada, we were with Bell, and the TV alone cost $300 a month (packages and what not). We moved to Cogeco, and trimmed the packages a little, and I pay for much better internet, and it still only comes to $200. Not bad :P

[QUOTE="JamDev"]How many 360 owners are seriously thinking of buying this? I'm sure as hell not.NFJSupreme

If it delivers as a kick ass internet streaming device then yes ill get one to replace my girlfriend's roku. 

You could buy a HTPC right now that will not only stream everything available online as well as streaming content from your desktop, storing large amounts of content locally and playing most of the vast library of indie games available on steam for little more than the xbox mini will retail for, and that option will only get cheaper over the next few years.

In terms of gaming it offers less than a 360, in terms of streaming it offers less than a dedicated streaming device, it is a completely superfluous product if you already own a 360.

:lol:

I thought the $99 xbox was just a 360.MFDOOM1983

I thought the $99 xbox was just a 360.MFDOOM1983

[QUOTE="Miketheman83"][QUOTE="2Chalupas"]

LOL. I'm living in the reality how MS looks at it's customers now, and the type of high margin business MS shareholders are accustomed too.

You are the one speculating that all of a sudden this stuff will not be behind the Gold/paywall structure. 

I see this talk of MS "taking over the living room". That's just pie in the sky nonsense, and my gut tells me they really think they can extract alot of revenues and fees out of this business. It's a simple translation to $$$. They are not going to earn substantial profits off of a $99 box unless there are heavy fees attached. Roku is a small company, so MS could literally take over 100% of Roku market share and the hardware sales wouldn't even make a dent for a company the size of MS. Microsoft NEEDS subscription fees on top of hardware sales or it simply isn't a viable business for thier shareholders. 

MS doesn't have CONTENT. So what exactly are they selling us here? If they drop the paywall that would certainly be a good thing for customers, but then it also means MS dropped their ambitions down a notch. There won't be enough money in it for them to please shareholders long term, and certainly it won't even put a dent in their overall business (which is likely to be a declining business with the collapse of the PC market and Windows). So my take is this whole process will end up being Zune 2.0 - and in 5 years time MS will be in some major trouble (not unlike what Sony has gone through). 

MonsieurX

[QUOTE="MFDOOM1983"]I thought the $99 xbox was just a 360.Miketheman83

[QUOTE="Miketheman83"][QUOTE="MFDOOM1983"]So, what are you saying? Can you play durango games on the $99 box without durango?Ragnarok1051

Microsoft has nothing to do with any of that content you listed, and literally you don't need Microsoft or XBOX at all to access any of it. 

I always thought it was absurd for all of this to be behind the paywall on XBOX Live. But if it's behind the paywall on a device that is not primarly for games, then it's borderline insane to choose the MS product over Roku 3 or literally ANY other device.

 

2Chalupas

Are you implying that Microsoft didn't specifically go to these companies (or vice versa) and work with them to bring more  content  to their gaming system? At the end of the day, it's Microsoft who is offering the content, in partnership with the service providers.

Until I see more, it's hard to put a finger on who,  exactly, provides a better service, and whether it is worth the cost. However, if it offers similar services to a pay-once product, and these features are hidden behind a pay-wall, then I would agree.    

[QUOTE="Miketheman83"][QUOTE="rjdofu"] Which can only play 360 games :|rjdofu

I already have a cable box/DVR, why do i want something that "adds-on" to my cable box - presumably for an even higher fee?

Is there anyone in the world that looks at their PS3/360 and thinks "man, I wish this thing integrated with my cable box!"

[QUOTE="rjdofu"][QUOTE="Miketheman83"] Any game that's on the XBL marketplace. rrjim1

[QUOTE="rjdofu"][QUOTE="Miketheman83"] Sort of but not really. It's a standalone console or an add on for the Durango.Miketheman83

With a $99 Xbox that can be integrated with your cable box and play any game from the Xbox marketplace. What a great idea that no on saw coming.That alone is going to crush Sony (and probably Apple in the process).  That's not even taking into account the Xbox 720. Sony doesn't stand a chance. 

I  have to admit Microsoft's silence had me a little on edge but if these rumors are true they have really outdone themselves. Brilliant move from Microsoft.

 

Miketheman83

Joke topic :?

Between this and Gaikai for BC, it's going to suck. I prefer not having to leave my old consoles all hooked up. Furthermore, if Sony charges for the use of Gaikai, then eek.

[QUOTE="MFDOOM1983"][QUOTE="Miketheman83"] Any game that's on the XBL marketplace. Miketheman83

Ugh... just... UGH!! 

I already have a SKY box, I don't need another. I want something that plays games, not TV. I guess the joke that Lemmings used to run with because Cows only having movie's to play will used against them now. So lemmings, having fun playing all that cable TV?clyde46

It seems people don't understand the rumour. The $99 (or was it $149) option will just be a set-top box similar to something like Apple TV, however its advantage being it also has the 360 backlog of games (Apple TV can play games too, but you need to have it synced with an ipad or iphone).

So yeah, basically a cheaper "digital only" 360 (that also has the option to stream 360 games to the durango but thats not the selling point, just a nice added bonus).

This is just silly, if the rumor's true its just a set top box that can play DD 360 games.

I got a 360 and a Sky HD box, so this is useless to me.

[QUOTE="rrjim1"]

[QUOTE="rjdofu"] Which is not 720 game :)rjdofu

[QUOTE="rrjim1"]

[QUOTE="rjdofu"] Which is not 720 game :)rjdofu

[QUOTE="rjdofu"][QUOTE="rrjim1"]The rumor has it that when you add this to your xbox 720 then you can play both 360 and 720 games!

Miketheman83

Can the $99 thing play actual next gen games like the PS4 can though?

[QUOTE="Miketheman83"][QUOTE="rjdofu"] :lol:, so basically you buy another piece of device $99 (totally useless on its own), stick it onto your 720, to play game available for 2 platform, yep. It provides option which is a good thing for new gamer, but claiming ownage over this? Hahahaha.seanmcloughlin

Can the $99 thing play actual next gen games like the PS4 can though?

No only the Durango will be next (current) gen.