Amidst the wave of speculation on Microsoft’s upcoming next-gen console throughout the past few weeks comes an unconfirmed rumor of the company’s plan to completely own the home television experience.
However, a switch to a more media-focused platform risks leaving serious gamers in the dust and, after the all-but-confirmed rumors of an always-online requirement and monthly subscription—not to mention last week’s Twitter press disaster—the developing console could use some positive opinion among fans.
A focus on cable integration and live streaming would also call for a fast and reliable Internet connection, which is not something many consumers have access to, especially in more rural areas. What happens to those who don't have cable, and use their Xbox as their only source of television? Will those people be forced to subscribe to a cable provider, in addition to the monthly fees to maintain the Xbox service?
For now this is all speculation, and we should know more after Microsoft's planned announcement on May 21.
