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January 26, 2012

Rumored Next Generation Xbox May Have Negative Feature for Customers

By Jordan Eggers, Contributing Writer

Popular used-game stores like Game Stop may be in trouble with Microsoft’s (News - Alert) next generation Xbox ‘720.’ According to gaming industry news site Kotaku, the new Xbox is rumored to have an anti-used-game system.



The site says a reliable sourced informed that the tip of the Xbox ‘720’ will use a sort of technology to block the play of used games.

 “The site’s sources weren’t exactly sure how this would work, but Microsoft already uses a process called activation to prevent users from installing a single copy of Windows or Office on more than one PC, so a similar process could be applied to Xbox games as well,” reports Business Insider.

Although this is considered to be a terrible move in the customer’s eyes its good news for publishers who are upset about seeing their revenue go to retailers like Game Stop.

Kotaku also reports a source familiar with Microsoft’s plans said the new Xbox will also ship with a Kinect 2. The new Kinect will have an on-board processor that was originally meant for the first Kinect and will make the console more effective with motion detection.

Rumors are also circulating that the next generation Xbox will also support Blue-ray discs. This has been a long time coming for Microsoft, but since they were partially owned by Sony, whose play station has Blu-ray capabilities, they had to hold off. Instead Microsoft was forced to go forward with the Toshiba (News - Alert) HD DVD add-on drive.

A spokesperson for Microsoft emailed Kotaku with the following statement:

“As an innovator we're always thinking about what is next and how we can push the boundaries of technology like we did with Kinect. We believe the key to extending the lifespan of a console is not just about the console hardware, but about the games and entertainment experiences being delivered to consumers. Beyond that we don't comment on rumors or speculation.”

However, rumors reportedly say that the console will be available in 2013 or even 2014.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO East 2012, taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 3 2012, in Miami, FL. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO registration, click here.

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Jordan Eggers has five years of writing experience and has written pieces for various print outlets and websites. Currently living abroad, she is working as a freelance writer and enjoys keeping up-to-date on everything new happening in technology.

Edited by Jennifer Russell
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