Xbox 720 Rumors Internet Connection Backwards Compatible

With Sony's cards laid out on the table as far as the PS4 is concerned, the ball is now in Microsoft's court - as gamers anxiously wait for the next generation of the Xbox. For a while now, rumors have circulated that suggest one thing or another without a lot of definitive proof, and that still continues.

We've heard a lot about how the console might require a constant Internet connection, while a competing rumor claimed that is not the case. Then came the Adam Orth debacle, where the former Microsoft Creative Director told his Twitter followers to "#dealwithit" as far as always-online was concerned.

Now, we're not one for speculation, but a new manifesto of sorts has appeared online, which contains some juicy info about the forthcoming Xbox 720. The information is completely unsubstantiated, but the source — who has been using Pastebin for their thoughts — claims they have inside knowledge of Microsoft's next-gen plans.

The individual admits upfront that some of his past claims never happened — like the April reveal date and the HMD glasses — but they feel confident with the rest of their proclamations. Make of that what you will, but if true this rumor will put the always-online questions to rest.

The source writes:

"You are not required to be connected to the Internet in order to play Durango games and MS were NEVER considering doing such a thing. Now please, just read that last sentence over and over again until it sinks in. Done? Good."

Xbox 720 AMD Backwards Compatibility

The source also explains that most of the rumors floating around concerning Kinect 2.0 are true. Namely the motion control device will be able to register more users and more accurately detect specific movements. Basically, Kinect 2.0 will deliver on the promises Microsoft made with the original Kinect.

As far as the console's new controller is concerned not much will be different. The source claims the D-pad has been improved, but "the change will only be noticeable when actually using it."

The controller will use battery/charge packs, but the wireless tech Microsoft is working with is said to improve battery life by 16% compared to the current generation of controllers. So, like with Sony's Dual Shock 4, there won't be a radical redesign. Although Sony's controller does have a few new bells and whistles.

While he doesn't have any details, the source also claims that Xbox TV is "happening." He describes the devices as a 360 without a disc drive. Gamers can play XBLA or Games on Demand titles, but the main purpose of the device is for streaming media.

And finally, the individual confirms the Durango will ship with an Xbox 360 SOC (system on chip); that is, the console will be backwards compatible. Apparently Microsoft has been keeping this specific detail under wraps, but backwards compatibility will be possible. Moreover, game developers can use the 360 SOC to increase overall processing power for the Durango.

Possible Xbox 720 Event April

So while the rumors continue to build around the next Xbox, gamers are slowly starting to get a clearer picture of what to expect from Microsoft's presentation. As well, these new rumors might put gamers' minds at ease regarding backwards compatibility and always-online requirements. Still, every rumor should be taken with a grain of salt from now until Microsoft officially unveils the thing.

Do you think that Microsoft will announce a console that is backwards compatible and doesn't require an always-online connection? Would you like to see Microsoft change the Xbox controller?

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Source: PasteBin (via NeoGAF)