No Blu-rays for Xbox 360, only for PCs

Techtree News Staff, Oct 23, 2009 1412 hrs IST

Microsoft reiterates Ballmer's statement saying Blu-ray is due for PCs

Recently, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, hinted that Xbox 360 gaming console will get Blu-ray drives as external accessories. Microsoft later sent out a revised statement saying that the company has "no plans" to bring Blu-ray to Xbox 360. Despite the video taped interview where Ballmer is speaking about Blu-ray for Xbox, Microsoft prefers to re-iterate it plans to bring Blu-ray only for PC.

The revised statement as per Gizmodo:

Steve was referring to Blu-ray accessories for the PC. As we have said in the past, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360. In fact, the future of home entertainment starts this fall when Xbox 360 becomes the first and only console to offer instant-on 1080p streaming HD movies. With a library of thousands of TV shows and movies to choose from, Xbox 360 owners can instantly watch the movies they want, when they want, in the highest form of high definition.

Looks like Microsoft is covering up on the blunder instead of being open ended about the statement passed. Nonetheless, Microsoft is bringing 1080p HD instant-on streaming to Xbox 360 later this year. Even Major Nelson aka Larry Hyrb, director of Microsoft Xbox LIVE programming, gave a heads up to the revised statement.

Firstly, it was surprising since Microsoft wasn't doing anything to bring Blu-ray to Xbox 360 after the Blu-ray vs HD DVD battle ended. And now, the plan was spilled on the table, the company is diverting attention of users. What harm would external Blu-ray drive do anyways? None! Probably, Microsoft is trying to tease Apple CEO Steve Jobs who called Blu-ray as a 'Bag of Hurt'.

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USER COMMENTS

A couple of people here apparently don't understand Blu-Ray or High definition technology. First, HD is FAR from dying. 1080p is now the industry standard for video games and movies. This wont change for some time. Second, Blu-ray is NOT about HD movie playback, rather its about content space. A bluray disc can hold approx. 10 times the data that a standard dvd can. This is necessary for high definition video and data storage. Those familiar with the xbox 360 should know titles like FFX3 will require four discs to hold the same content that requires one disc on the PS3. THIS is where a Blu-Ray peripheral would be an advantage for Microsoft. Lastly, xbox 360 is NOT reaching the end of its "life cycle", Microsoft studios’ corporate vice Shane Kim said to expect a TEN YEAR lifespan and support. Given it was released in 2005, we still got some time to go.

by Klatu, San Diego, on Oct 31, 2009 05:54 PM, Report abuse Reply

Xbox360 Has too many problems as it is! Red Ring Of Death! Also Hd Died! First of all the blue ray players, you buy for around $100-150 at any store. Now xbox360 would like to add this? ya ok no money here. Now Micro$oft is shutting down hackers because of there high prices on hard drives and mem cards they $ell! Software update twitter,facebook,and other crap is going to help the xbox360? Oh No Internet browser yet? Why? Maybe to many holes in there explorer 8. I see wii,playstation3 have internet browsers that work fine. Looks like the xbox360 is slowly dying! 5 years from now Blue ray disc may be around Still, but high definition will be stored in memory Cards, and hard drives and cd disc's will be in that collection of Beta,Vhs,vinyl,records,8tracks,cassette. O Ya i forgot xbox360s,playstations,wii's sega intellivision colecovision ex....

by John, Edmonton, on Oct 25, 2009 08:12 PM, Report abuse Reply

With 34 million units sold and highest attachment rate of any console, external peripherals are selling incredibly well. Why release a Blu Ray for the 360? Exactly, just doesn't seem profitable. I know I wouldn't buy one, especially in this economy. The economy was also MS reason for not releasing an updated 360 console, they are most likely going to stick to the smaller and cheaper (more profitable) peripherals. Microsoft, and even Sony, are moving down the road of downloadable content and releasing a Blu Ray does not fit into this strategy. Also, the next generation consoles will most likely rely more heavily on online content. For example, the new PSP Go only does online content. The only maker not to join this trend will be Nintendo, because of their younger target audience and their lack of ability in the online department. It has already been stated that the Wii 2 will be nearly identical to the original Wii spec and control-wise, this indicates to me that they are not planning to change much of their strategy in the years to come.

by Kmach, Denver, on Oct 25, 2009 02:38 PM, Report abuse Reply

I can't believe this made google news.

by asdf, asdf, on Oct 23, 2009 09:08 PM, Report abuse Reply

The 360 is nearing the end of it's life cycle anyway, so why bother creating an external peripheral that will likely see limited adaptation? We should expect BluRay in the next generation of Xbox, but certainly not this one.

by Ted, Boston, on Oct 23, 2009 08:27 PM, Report abuse Reply

my connection is not fast 3-5mb download speed. i cant watch 1080p on that. anyway i'll get the ps3 4 bluray.& some games i may like

by shooting your s, madagasca, on Oct 23, 2009 02:57 PM, Report abuse Reply