Sony chief executive Kaz Hiraiinterview with The GuardianMicrosoft chief Steve Ballmer [Image: Venturebeat (cc)] ...

One-time authentication and internet requirement decision left to individual companies, not Microsoft

Publishers will be able to decide whether their games for the next Xbox require a constant internet connection or one-time authentication, according to a report.
Speaking to Polygon, multiple sources claimed there would be “some for of always-on requirement”, with constant internet connectivity designed to support a number of non-gaming entertainment applications that will be launched with the console, such as video streaming.

The always on feature could also possibly be used as an anti-piracy tool through digital rights management and version checks.
But rather than the console requiring an internet connection, the sources stated that it would be up to individual publishers to decide if their games required one-time authentication or a constant connection. It was stressed however that such guidelines for the next Xbox could yet be changed.
It has been suggested on numerous occasions in the past that the next Xbox will require internet connectivity to function, and could stop being fully functional after a matter of minutes without one. Microsoft has yet to respond the reports however.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...-to-publishers
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Injustice: Gods Among Us is on sale at Toys R Us for a mere $34.99, a whopping $25 off its original price. The deal ends on May 4.

That's it. We're not sure what else you want from us here. You really should just go play the game and prepare yourself for the Lobo DLC that's coming on May 7.

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The new Xbox is almost here and the details appear to strongly suggest 'always on' is the way forward. We all know that this is anartificial requirement and certainly there are plenty of people on all sides of the table. To paraphrase the user 'tuffy' who commented on this issue at Ars Technica recently; if you're trying to sell 'always online' as a feature of the future, there needs to be some benefit for me the customer. There is not one. Or, rather, there is no sign yet of any actual clearly compelling reason why any end user would support this limitation to their purchase. So, what's the best way to express this? Spend your money on an Ouya? Contact the Xbox team? These are all valid options but they also lack visibility. What we need is a way that could help actually quantify the levels of discontent in the gamer community. Maybe E3 attendees could turn their backs in protest like some did during Thatcher's funeral procession. Or gamers could sign some useless petition. What do Slashdotters think? Is the upcoming Steam box a reasonable plan? As a gamer, I'm of two minds about the whole thing. I really don't like it but I may roll over eventually and join the herd because I could get used to it. Then again part of me is rankled by this slow erosion of access to me and my data.

http://games.slashdot.org/story/13/0...ements-and-you ...

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Next generation Xbox to be unveiled in 27 days

The next generation Xbox will be revealed on May 21st at 10 A.M. PDT, Microsoft has confirmed.
Rumors had already circulated to this effect, but until now there had been no official aknowledgement the company was working on a new console.

The rumors that suggested a late May reveal also reported the next Xbox would run onPC-based architecture similar to that used by Sony's rival PlayStation 4.
Other reports have said the new console will require a constant internet connection, and be able to access T.V. and cable channels.
Those interested in finding out for themselves can watch the console unveiling live at Xbox.com, on Xbox Live, or on the Spike network

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...console-reveal
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If you've got games, consoles, and peripherals gathering dust and cluttering up your minimalist entertainment center, today is the today to convert them to credit.

Gamestop has been the de factor black hole for trade-ins for longer than any of us can remember, but in recent years other retailers have jumped in to the fray. The paltry sums the big GS offers for your hard-earned discs have been a frequent lament, and while it's actually very possible to make a killing from Gamestop, the process isn't so transparent, and that's a PSA for another day.

The Amazon deal we're bringing to you today is dead simple. Trade in $20 or more worth of "games, consoles, and accessories," and get a bonus $20 credit. That is a serious deal. Games like the 360 version of Tomb Raider will net you $54 in credit after the bonus is applied, and some titles will actually cross the $60 event horizon. Yes, you'll make money on a game you paid full price for.

Shipping to Amazon is as low impact as possible, and FREE. What you will have to concern yourself with is that obviously, only new-ish titles are going to bring the big bucks. If you're sending in a legacy library, you may have to really stack them up to hit the $20 mark, as anyone who has ever traded at Gamestop knows.

We saved the best but most intensive part of the deal for last. If you're a fast player or the game in question is short, you can buy from Amazon, play, and sell back before the 27th, making money in the process. Naturally, having a Prime account would make this a lot more feasible by making the initial shipping to you faster.

Example: Buy Bioshock: Infinite for $50 with free shipping, play, ship by the 27th, get $56 (up to 36 +20) credit.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.htm...cId=1001102761 ...

Amazon's just updated its Appstore today with a much welcome offering for avid gamers: Xbox SmartGlass. Microsoft's app-based second screen solution has beenavailable on iOS and Android since late last fall, but despite sharing a kernel with Google's OS, hadn't been made dispensable to Kindle Fire / Fire HD owners until now. The app's been configured to scale natively on Amazon's refreshed tablet line, letting users navigate their Xbox 360 remotely, push and pull streaming content, as well as access achievements, messaging and Xbox Music. So if it's the living room of the future you're after, you might want to hit up the source and make that free download your own.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CF5LBYW?...kiangagenew-20 ...