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[Aquamarine]

Still sticking to the idea that we won't see anything official until the 20th or later, since Gears of War: Judgement launches on the 19th, and is getting a push as the 360's last (exclusive) hurrah.

That's a very good bet. They're not going to unveil the Durango before their last big-budget 360 exclusive launches.

That'd completely cannibalize the launch-day sales with next-gen hype. April is looking more and more likely for the conference date.

 

[SlickShoesRUCrazy]

Based on the rumours my excitement is almost zero for this system however I would love to be pleasantly surprised, people forget competition is a good thing.

definitely. Question is what does Microsoft consider competition?

going balls out or going low cost.

 

[Syphon Filter]

Digital is different. The rumor was that it was still with discs, but they were locked to the profile or console right? Also I don't buy into gaming going into digital only in the foreseeable future. I do see it coming to the point where stuff is day and date, and maybe we'll get a version oft the Nextbox that is digital only, but there are just way, way, way too many constraints right now with what gaming is to have it digital only.

i don't mean this gen,i just mean eventually it will be digital only. this gen day 1 for sure will happen ,wiiu and ps4 are doing it.

 

[Izick]

That's a very good bet. They're not going to unveil the Durango before their last big-budget 360 exclusive launches.

That'd completely cannibalize the launch-day sales with next-gen hype. April is looking more and more likely for the conference date.

That was my thought process as well, and I was surprised Sony announced the PS4 with The Last of Us and Beyond Two Souls on the horizon. Maybe they decided it might as well happen since they didn't want to wait for Beyond Two Souls' release date (which I think is Q3 2013 right now?) so they decided to say fuck it and see how it all goes.

I doubt that it will hurt TLoU and BTS sales, but you have to at least think showpiece games like TLoU or Gears: Judgement don't look that shiny next to the new consoles' games.

i don't mean this gen,i just mean eventually it will be digital only. this gen day 1 for sure will happen ,wiiu and ps4 are doing it.

If this gen lasts 10 years, which is a generous estimate, then I don't think we'll see digital only consoles, and even after those consoles come out and last for 10 years, we still won't see digital only. It's just too soon, and there's too many reasons not to do it fully.

 

[Aquamarine]

definitely. Question is what does Microsoft consider competition?

going balls out or going low cost.

MS is going to focus heavily on the entertainment aspect. So things like set-top-boxes / Apple TV / Roku / anything that dominates your TV cheaply are probably going to be its primary competition.

The second tier of competition is going to be the PS4. I mean, MS obviously isn't going to make the system have Wii-U levels of hardware. While their priority may be services over games...they're going to bring a lot to the table gaming-wise as well.

But I see MS much more heavily prioritizing a subsidized model to provide people with a very low cost of initial entry. Xbox Gold will be paramount in this strategy.

 

[Izick]

Speaking of digital only and disc trays...I wonder if Microsoft would be willing to release two versions of the console; one with the regular BD tray, and another that is digital only, but has a far bigger HDD? Seems like a good, fair trade off to me. Still would probably go with the BD tray one though, as I plan to dump my PS3 and 360 at some point before the next consoles.

 

[Syphon Filter]

That was my thought process as well, and I was surprised Sony announced the PS4 with The Last of Us and Beyond Two Souls on the horizon. Maybe they decided it might as well happen since they didn't want to wait for Beyond Two Souls' release date (which I think is Q3 2013 right now?) so they decided to say fuck it and see how it all goes.

I doubt that it will hurt TLoU and BTS sales, but you have to at least think showpiece games like TLoU or Gears: Judgement don't look that shiny next to the new consoles' games.



If this gen lasts 10 years, which is a generous estimate, then I don't think we'll see digital only consoles, and even after those consoles come out and last for 10 years, we still won't see digital only. It's just too soon, and there's too many reasons not to do it fully.

Well eventually can mean anything from now to 20 yrs. It will happen for sure eventually is my point. Things change so much,just look at how much changed throughout this gen alone.

 

[Izick]

Also, power is important to a point. Don't get me wrong, I don't want a Wii U. Nobody wants a Wii U, but there's a difference between the Wii U, and the Nextbox being slightly underpowerd compared to the PS4. The PS2 was definitely underpowered compared to the Xbox, and the 360 to the PS3.

The smartest strategy is to find a balance like Sony and MS did with previous consoles.

Well eventually can mean anything from now to 20 yrs. It will happen for sure eventually is my point. Things change so much,just look at how much changed throughout this gen alone.

I agree, I mean a lot can change. Maybe Google will crack the code with internet speeds and free us from the current unfair oligopoly that rules the internet, but I still think Microsoft knows there are places that just don't have internet access, or shit internet.

 

[digoutyoursoul]

definitely. Question is what does Microsoft consider competition?

going balls out or going low cost.

Good question, I have no idea but they surely must be thinking about the many long term Gold subscribers who I bet could be put off by a very modest upgrade with a strategy of media box first, gaming second.

Then again I remember a MS rep saying in a interview the "core" as it were would buy into Kinect because the games have Achievements. They could over estimate brand loyalty and loyalty to their Gamerscore/ profile, thinking whatever they release many would buy it anyway.

I'm hoping its a great system alongside another potentially other, PS4.

 

[Aquamarine]

Also, power is important to a point. Don't get me wrong, I don't want a Wii U. Nobody wants a Wii U, but there's a difference between the Wii U, and the Nextbox being slightly underpowerd compared to the PS4. The PS2 was definitely underpowered compared to the Xbox, and the 360 to the PS3.

The smartest strategy is to find a balance like Sony and MS did with previous consoles.



I agree, I mean a lot can change. Maybe Google will crack the code with internet speeds and free us from the current unfair oligopoly that rules the internet, but I still think Microsoft knows there are places that just don't have internet access, or shit internet.

Based on the Wii U's current state, I wouldn't be surprised if the Wii U wasn't even on MS's radar in terms of competition.

 

[Izick]

Based on the Wii U's current state, I wouldn't be surprised if the Wii U wasn't even on MS's radar in terms of competition.

I was talking more about raw power, but yeah I totally agree. There's a difference between having a console that runs next-gen games slightly worse, and a console that can barely keep up with the 360 or PS3. It was a boneheaded move to put that thing out.

 

[ekim]

Found this:

https://64.85.67.140
(Xboxevent.com resolves to 64.85.67.139)
its the registration page for AMP OEM Marketing Summit from MS.

April 22 - 23
Microsoft Conference Center
Microsoft Campus, Redmond

This event is designed to connect you with Microsoft executives, plan for upcoming product releases, and help you take part in upcoming Microsoft marketing campaigns and programs.

So I guess the XboxEvent is beforehand?

 

[Maximilian Kolbe]

Found this:

https://64.85.67.140
(Xboxevent.com resolves to 64.85.67.139)
its the registration page for AMP OEM Marketing Summit from MS.


So I guess the XboxEvent is beforehand?

Yeah that possible means they will announce 720 before April 22

 

[Doffen]

Found this:

https://64.85.67.140
(Xboxevent.com resolves to 64.85.67.139)
its the registration page for AMP OEM Marketing Summit from MS.


So I guess the XboxEvent is beforehand?

Nice job. Hopefully Microsoft will soon give us more to discuss here on GAF.

 

[derFeef]

Nice job. Hopefully Microsoft will soon give us more to discuss here on GAF.

Yah, it's pretty dire.
Also nice sneaking ekim

 

[HollovVpo1nt]

So the event on april 22-24 is basically a marketing event. Why do you guys think that Nextbox reveal will be prior to that?

 

[pswii60]

So the event on april 22-24 is basically a marketing event. Why do you guys think that Nextbox reveal will be prior to that?

I think this event will just be for retailers, distributors and marketing partners. I wouldn't be surprised if we have to wait until E3 for an official unveiling of Durango.

After all, MS only officially unveiled Xbox 360 just mere days before E3 2005.

 

[Reiko]

I think this event will just be for retailers, distributors and marketing partners. I wouldn't be surprised if we have to wait until E3 for an official unveiling of Durango.

That is too long to wait for a console reveal. I can see some losing interest fast.

 

[ekim]

So the event on april 22-24 is basically a marketing event. Why do you guys think that Nextbox reveal will be prior to that?

My thinking was, that MS invites partners like Netflix to introduce them the new Xbox (next to other stuff) and it's possibilities and blablabla - and before some of those partners leaks something they might just announce that thing in before.

 

[specialguy]

I think this event will just be for retailers, distributors and marketing partners. I wouldn't be surprised if we have to wait until E3 for an official unveiling of Durango.

After all, MS only officially unveiled Xbox 360 just mere days before E3 2005.

I dont, because CVG or whoever specifically rumored an Xbox reveal event on April 26th.

 

[Feindflug]

I didn't even bother liking it. I don't even have enough room to make it work properly.

Same here, if MS wants Kinect to be a bg part of their next gen plans they better make sure it will work properly everywhere.

That is too long to wait for a console reveal. I can see some losing interest fast.

I totally agree, things are getting really boring lately with the lack of info/leaks. :/

Hopefully we'll have something to talk about in the next days.

 

[Miles Quaritch]

You also don't want to reveal at e3 as you run the risk, however small, of being overshadowed by others.

An event where the sole focus is on the next xbox is what is required. Anything less and it's an immediate failure on Microsoft's part.

 

[UrSuLeTZuL]

Xbox will always be big in the USA.. the rest of the world, well, that's another matter, but apparently M$ doesn't care anymore so it's only fair I don't care about them either...

 

[Walshicus]

Xbox will always be big in the USA.. the rest of the world, well, that's another matter, but apparently M$ doesn't care anymore so it's only fair I don't care about them either...

Who are you talking to?

 

[PhatSaqs]

Who are you talking to?

Lmao.

 

[NemesisPrime]

Yeah that possible means they will announce 720 before April 22

You planning a break in?

 

[ekim]

It's probably nothing but the company (42Entertainment) who did the ilovebees (Halo2) and Hex168 (Xbox360) ARGs registered only a few domains this year all including "history hackers":
www.historyhackers.com
www.history-hackers.com
www.historyhacker.org
.
.
.
All these domains are still parked at GoDaddy though.

As I said - it's probably nothing because they also do ARGs and viral marketing for other companies but I thought it's at least noteworthy.

 

[Doffen]

You planning a break in?

You want in?

 

[statham]

this is nothing, but kinect chips being made, mass production second half 2013
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20130307PB200.html

 

[ekim]

Yeah I know this is just about the free xbl gold weekend but the fontsize of the phrase (and the phrase itself) "Gold unlocked" and the whole golden galaxy within the lock are suspicious

 

[Reiko]

ekim going Inception here. Good detective work

 

[gaming_noob]

Yeah I know this is just about the free xbl gold weekend but the fontsize of the phrase (and the phrase itself) Gold unlocked and the whole golden galaxy within the lock are suspicious

Xbox Universe / Xbox Space / Xbox Galaxy / Xbox Ecosystem as potential names? Nah..over thinking.

 

[ekim]

Xbox Universe / Xbox Space / Xbox Galaxy / Xbox Ecosystem as potential names? Nah..over thinking.

the lack of real info makes me grasping at straws ...

 

[Linkified]

http://compass.xboxlive.com/assets/7a/61/7a616dc3-00ac-470c-8f2e-7bf8d764e139.jpg?n=gold_weekend_article_image.jpg[IMG]

Yeah I know this is just about the free xbl gold weekend but the fontsize of the phrase (and the phrase itself) "Gold unlocked" and the whole golden galaxy within the lock are suspicious :o[/QUOTE]

I think it is more there to emphasize the universe of possibilities that people are missing by not having XBL Gold.

I doubt there is any other hidden possibilities

 

[Meelow]

Yeah I know this is just about the free xbl gold weekend but the fontsize of the phrase (and the phrase itself) "Gold unlocked" and the whole golden galaxy within the lock are suspicious

Xbox Gold = Your Xbox is now Gold
Wii U = We and You
PlayStation 4 = We Play the 4th Station
Steambox = You Steam a Box

Those names...

Anyway, I'm interested to see the Xbox 720/Gold/etc announcement.

 

[enzo_gt]

Found this:

https://64.85.67.140
(Xboxevent.com resolves to 64.85.67.139)
its the registration page for AMP OEM Marketing Summit from MS.


So I guess the XboxEvent is beforehand?

I don't see how this in any way implies the 720 event is before this. If anything, this event is before the 720 one for them to prepare the immediate launch of a marketing campaign as soon as the announcement is made.

Though maybe it is before for maximum prevention of leaks, but this doesn't really point to that being the case.

 

[Izick]

Doesn't that leak imply we might see it on the 22nd of April?

 

[enzo_gt]

Doesn't that leak imply we might see it on the 22nd of April?

No, because it's phrased like an internal event, not a press one.

 

[Izick]

No, because it's phrased like an internal event, not a press one.

Now that I read your comment and reread the actual article, I think it is possible we could see the actual unveiling before said event. It would make more sense to announce the actual console so there are as little leaks as possible, then get everybody on the same page a few days later.

 

[Aquamarine]

More info:

1. MS just put up a job posting for an engineer to work on transitioning Kinect 2 for Durango into mass production. I presume they're going to be start manufacturing it within the next couple of months.

https://careers.microsoft.com/jobdetails.aspx?ss=&pg=0&so=&rw=1&jid=105724&jlang=en&pp=ss

"Product Engineer to support the development of mixed signal products and image sensor products. The position will have responsibility for product manufacturing readiness and transition of the production into mass production."

"Mixed signal products and image sensor products" = Kinect 2





2. MS seems to be heavily focused on the cloud (maybe adapting their Azure platform for cloud hosting?). For a 343 Industries posting, one of their criteria is:

https://careers.microsoft.com/jobdetails.aspx?ss=&pg=1&so=&rw=10&jid=98511&jlang=EN&pp=SS

-Large scale project management and Azure experience highly recommended, a passion for gaming desired.

We are primarily focused on Microsoft technologies including Windows Azure, Hadoop, Stream Insights, and other large scale deployment capable products. You background should include experience managing, building, deploying and sustaining server based applications, cloud services, and consumer facing experiences.

I don't see how that would be relevant if MS wasn't planning on adapting it into the 720 in some capacity.

 

[Izick]

Yeah, that's some Nextbox/Kinect 2 stuff for sure.

I'm still sticking by we get a date sometime after Gears of War: Judgement launches on the 19th of March.

 

[XtremeXpider]

2. MS seems to be heavily focused on the cloud (maybe adapting their Azure platform for cloud hosting?). For a 343 Industries posting, one of their criteria is:

https://careers.microsoft.com/jobdetails.aspx?ss=&pg=1&so=&rw=10&jid=98511&jlang=EN&pp=SS



I don't see how that would be relevant if MS wasn't planning on adapting it into the 720 in some capacity.

Internet connection required? I hope no.

 

[Biggzy]

More info:

1. MS just put up a job posting for an engineer to work on transitioning Kinect 2 for Durango into mass production. I presume they're going to be start manufacturing it within the next couple of months.

https://careers.microsoft.com/jobdetails.aspx?ss=&pg=0&so=&rw=1&jid=105724&jlang=en&pp=ss



"Mixed signal products and image sensor products" = Kinect 2





2. MS seems to be heavily focused on the cloud (maybe adapting their Azure platform for cloud hosting?). For a 343 Industries posting, one of their criteria is:

https://careers.microsoft.com/jobdetails.aspx?ss=&pg=1&so=&rw=10&jid=98511&jlang=EN&pp=SS



I don't see how that would be relevant if MS wasn't planning on adapting it into the 720 in some capacity.

Didn't the main person responsible for Azure move to the Xbox division a couple of years ago?

 

[Maximilian Kolbe]

Internet connection required? I hope no.

What is that job listing have anything to do with internet connection required
Sony have their own cloud service now,i can't see MS won't follow since they have azure

 

[sangreal]

They're also looking for a thermal engineer. Must be trying to figure out how to cool down those 2 APUs taped together

and I find this pun delightful

Join the Xbox Team and make your mark on the coolest gaming platform in history

 

[Biggzy]

They're also looking for a thermal engineer. Must be trying to figure out how to cool down those 2 APUs taped together

RROD: Part 2 confirmed.

 

[Aquamarine]

They're also looking for a thermal engineer. Must be trying to figure out how to cool down those 2 APUs taped together

and I find this pun delightful

They must not have the box finalized yet. That might point to an April announcement if they haven't done the thermal cooling yet.

Or maybe they'll just pull a Sony and show the features without the actual console itself.


The first posting is definitely Kinect 2. Like...seriously. I bet design for it is essentially done and ready to be shown off by now.

 

[Miles Quaritch]

Internet connection required? I hope no.

How on Earth did you reach that conclusion from what was posted?

 

[alphaNoid]

Internet connection required? I hope no.

GAF is internet required

 

[deadlast]

And then there's this

Larry Hryb ‏@majornelson

No @SXSW (read: BBQ) for me this year Far to much to do to get ready for my trip to New England for @Official_PAX East