Microsoft: Xbox 360 is now an "entertainment" console

[CurrencyChase]

For starters, Mehdi affirmed that Microsoft is witnessing an unmistakable transition of the Xbox 360 "from a gaming console to an entertainment console - Yusuf Mehdi, senior vice president of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business

Yusuf Mehdi, senior vice president of Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Business, just sat down alongside Nancy Tellem, Corporate Vice President at Microsoft LA Studios, to kick off this year's rendition of D:Dive Into Media here in Dana Point, Calif. The first session of the evening is being piloted by AllThingsD's Peter Kafka, and naturally, the topic of conversation is Xbox. For starters, Mehdi affirmed that Microsoft is witnessing an unmistakable transition of the Xbox 360 "from a gaming console to an entertainment console." At present, the install base is up to 76 million (up from around 70 million at the close of September 2012), with US-based users using the console for some 87 hours per month.

In fact, he stated that 18 billion (yeah, with a "B") hours of entertainment have been consumed on Xbox, and while Netflix is obviously the driving force, it might not be that way for much longer. He was quick to claim that Sony's PlayStation 3 "isn't as good of an entertainment console" -- something he feels that "everybody knows" -- and insinuated that the next-generation Xbox will stick to "big and premium." In other words, don't expect Microsoft to kick out a $50 Roku-style content box. Mehdi wants to ensure that the future of Xbox enables voice control, interactivity, and "other stuff that's big and beautiful."

Kicking the conversation over to Tellem, she affirmed that Microsoft is going to invest in premium content -- and in fact, said that she "hopes" for some of it to actually hit end users this year. Not surprisingly, folks are going to be asked to pay for it, but she wasn't willing to talk specifics. Of course, existing Xbox Live users are technically already paying, so it's possible that this new wave of content will be bundled into that monthly cost. When asked if Microsoft was planning to fund its own shows (much like Amazon and Netflix are doing), she seemed open to the idea, but also noted that Microsoft will absolutely partner with existing studios and content creators in order to give them yet another outlet (read: not pay-TV) to get people hooked.

Finally, she noted that there's "more latitude" in what kinds of material they can produce given that console distribution isn't as regulated as traditional broadcast. And, while a good deal of it will aim to satisfy the 18-24 male demographic, we're told that womenfolk and families will be looked after, too. Oh, and as for these Microsoft-funded shows hitting other distribution outlets? According to Tellem, that's unlikely -- at least at first -- but a sizable enough check from the likes of Hulu, Amazon, Sony, etc. could very well change that. In response to a question from TechCrunch's Ryan Lawler, Tellem noted that Microsoft's desire to churn out original, interactive entertainment is a way to both "move consoles, create new relationships with consumers and to expand [Microsoft's] audience," and from a higher level, to create the next generation of TV and "have it be a hit."

Microsoft talks plans for premium content production, details Xbox 360's transition to an 'entertainment console'

This generation is already won if you're looking to play games, youre going with a PS4.

 

[CurrencyChase]

Yeah Microsoft shift your focus to provide other services while Sony focus on creating games. Good plan Microsoft. Also thanks for charging me yearly for shyt i can do for free on the computer, The roku, and Smart Tvs..

 

[courtdog]

In before the merge

 

[b_low_brown]

at least they lettin people know from the jump

 

[courtdog]

at least they lettin people know from the jump

The only thing they are letting people know from the jump is the xbox will be exactly what its name suggest. The X-Box aka the do everything box
Now where do you get that it won't be a gaming system?
Maybe you guys too busy funboying it up, but developers have already spoken and said both systems are about equal in terms of what they can do gaming wise
What seperates them is all the entertainment and different ways to play games (Kinect/Fortaleza glasses)

So while its doing all that, the ps4 will have games that look identical just like most games have this entire gen. A lot of sony's first party studio's have closed down. All of sony's top titles didn't sell very well, very little profits were made last gen on sony consoles. So you guys who read that the ps4 is easier to develop for than previous sony machines does not equal "lead platform" because as of right now the xbox is still the system of choice by actual GAMERS
You guys are acting like the next xbox is on Wii-U status
Its in its own lane

Xbox 720 and PS4 rumored specs compared; nearly identical | playstation-techzone.com


Console War thread, here we come!!!

 

[Higher Tech]

I don't understand the problem in it being an entertainment console...

 

[CurrencyChase]

The only thing they are letting people know from the jump is the xbox will be exactly what its name suggest. The X-Box aka the do everything box
Now where do you get that it won't be a gaming system?
Maybe you guys too busy funboying it up, but developers have already spoken and said both systems are about equal in terms of what they can do gaming wise
What seperates them is all the entertainment and different ways to play games (Kinect/Fortaleza glasses)

So while its doing all that, the ps4 will have games that look identical just like most games have this entire gen. A lot of sony's first party studio's have closed down. All of sony's top titles didn't sell very well, very little profits were made last gen on sony consoles. So you guys who read that the ps4 is easier to develop for than previous sony machines does not equal "lead platform" because as of right now the xbox is still the system of choice by actual GAMERS
You guys are acting like the next xbox is on Wii-U status
Its in its own lane

Xbox 720 and PS4 rumored specs compared; nearly identical | playstation-techzone.com


Console War thread, here we come!!!

I can buy a Roku for $50 and stream everything the xbox has and more and i dont have to pay extra. If you like to play video games, this generation is won by Sony.

 

[Liquid]

I don't understand the problem in it being an entertainment console...

you will soon enough. The lack of attention to games on a device that is marketed as a gaming device should be frightening to a gamer.

 

[CurrencyChase]

I don't understand the problem in it being an entertainment console...

They're focusing on acquiring steaming deals and Kinect games instead of pumping out good AAA games like Sony.

What new exclusives games came out for xbox the last 2 years?

 

[Higher Tech]

you will soon enough. The lack of attention to games on a device that is marketed as a gaming device should be frightening to a gamer.

They've focused on almost everything else for the last 3 years. Hasn't affected the gameplay to me yet.

They can add all they want, as long as the games do what they're supposed to do.

 

[Liquid]

They're focusing on acquiring steaming deals and Kinect games instead of pumping out good AAA games like Sony.

What new exclusives games came out for xbox the last 2 years?

Halo 4 and the new gears

 

[GoldenGlove]

I don't understand the problem in it being an entertainment console...

Only problem is how they charge people to use the media apps that other devices allow users to access for free.

My Xbox has served as a streaming box primarily for months now. Last time I was playing a game on it heavily was around Halo 4's release. Other than that, the only reason I turn it on is for ESPN, or the League Pass app.

 

[Liquid]

Only problem is how they charge people to use the media apps that other devices allow users to access for free.

My Xbox has served as a streaming box primarily for months now. Last time I was playing a game on it heavily was around Halo 4's release. Other than that, the only reason I turn it on is for ESPN, or the League Pass app.

sounds like you don't need an xbox 720 then

 

[Silkk]

you will soon enough. The lack of attention to games on a device that is marketed as a gaming device should be frightening to a gamer.

Its amazing how a lot of them dont seem to understand that

 

[The_Sheff]

Nintendo ENTERTAINMENT System

Nobody seemed to have a problem with that.