We're less than two weeks away from Sony lifting the curtains on its new PlayStation, but Microsoft's next Xbox is in the spotlight today with a few new rumors.
Let's get the bad news out of the way first: The new Xbox isn't going to play used games.
That's according to a new report from Edge, which states that the system is going to have an always-online requirement to function, and that each game is going to ship with an individual activation code that won't work with anyone outside of the original user.
Sony also recently filed a patent that would block the functionality of used games on an unspecified game console. If both companies go through with this approach, they could deal a deadly blow to the second-hand games market, not to mention potentially cripple game retailers like GameStop, who rely on used sales to stay in business.
Edge also reports that Xbox 720 games will come on 50GB Blu-ray discs, and that Microsoft is preparing to unveil a new version of the motion-controlled Kinect device, which will ship "alongside" the main console. Whether that means it will be sold separately or bundled with the system isn't specified.
Meanwhile, "sources familiar with Microsoft's Xbox plans" have told The Verge that the company's new system will support speech recognition such as wake on command, natural language controls, and speech-to-text. Potentially, this means you can walk into the room, say "Xbox," and the system will start itself up on its own.
Additionally, Microsoft is looking into making the Kinect capable of sensing how many people are in the room and suggesting ideal multiplayer games for everyone to enjoy. Users might even be allowed to ask their Xbox to tell them what their friends are playing.
Microsoft tends to be a little better at keeping secrets than Sony, but you can expect the rumors to keep leaking as it gets ready to reveal its new system. The company recently purchased a home automation company called R2 Studios and has hinted at incorporating Skype into the next Xbox, so chances are good that the system will be capable of doing a lot more than just playing games.
