Planet Bob

Sony has handled their E3 announcements about the PS4 absolutely brilliantly. They've effectively won the next console war before it's begun.

 

I'm wondering how long it will be before Microsoft begins backpedaling on their earlier announcements...

Not mine:

 

"Microsoft is dead. Call an ambulance. Wii U Wii U Wii U..."

I don't think MS will change their tune - they've built the Xbone around "downloads on disc" and I suspect there's no way to install a game without the Xbone authorizing with XBL. However, I think the bigger problem is they've excluded anyone who doesn't have broadband Internet. People may squawk about the ownership restrictions & privacy conspiracy theories, but they will still buy their favorite games. But if you can't play to start with, then that's a lost sale forever.

 

The interesting question is whether Sony considered going this route with the PS4, but made the opposite decision. Maybe someday there will be an insiders article from one of the two camps.

 

IMHO Sony also won big on price as now MS has to justify why their console costs US$100 more.

The couldz!!!! Your $100 goes towards all that offloaded AI in Sim City!

However, I think the bigger problem is they've excluded anyone who doesn't have broadband Internet. People may squawk about the ownership restrictions & privacy conspiracy theories, but they will still buy their favorite games. But if you can't play to start with, then that's a lost sale forever.

 

According to Microsoft, people can just buy a 360 instead. They don't care what system you buy, as long as it's one of theirs.

 

Can MS get any more arrogant? I'm looking forward to what stupid thing they say next.

I'm wondering how long it will be before Microsoft begins backpedaling on their earlier announcements...

 

Apparently, one week. I'll admit I didn't expect them to do it that fast.

As I said on my blog, my error in assuming it couldn't be changed was forgetting it's all software - and MS is still a software company.

I guess this confirms a pattern of M$ caving in to public pressure. They should stick to the evil things only Technicians and Developers understand are wrong. If we can't explain it to the general public and media then its as good as done. That's why even server operating systems must be activated today. Oh, and good luck activating Office without a Microsoft Live account *groan*