TLDR in final paragraph.
If you've read my past threads about the xb1 and how the system is tied in to their strategy, this might be simpler, but for now I'll just summarize and try to explain how I came to my conclusion.
xb1 attacks a lot of markets simultaneously, and is their "foot in the door" or wedge support for much of their strategy going forward.
(this is based on original xb1 reveal)
1. to get the Azure Cloud into every major retailer
2. to control the secondary market (used games)
3. to gain software support for budding phone dev environment
4. to create all-encompassing OS
5. to act as a cable/media entertainment competitor
6. to get kinect 2 into households, where it can become a new app environment
MS has cut 2 of these things already...things that are actually pretty important to their overarcing strategy.
Now, given Microsoft's past history with modular xbox parts, this is what I predict for 2014/possibly 2015.
A return to the original xbox1 idea.
Online-only, new family-plan, larger hard-drive, and....drumroll...no blu-ray. I believe it may also come with a dvr built in.
Now, they aren't "scrapping" the xb1...instead they will be introducing a second SKU to sell alongside the xb1.
Current SKU will have a hard-drive upgrade, and come with a game, and stay at the 499$ price.
New SKU will have the same size hard-drive, game suite already installed (indies possibly), no BR Drive, sell at 399$...MS will introduce their digital trade-in program, or possibly digital auction house over azure. Family plan will be introduced, though it will be much different than what is expected (MS will say, "things have changed, so we had to change the way the family plan worked too").
They will also introduce upgradeable hard-drives, DVR system upgrade (possibly subscription based), and alternative Blu-Ray Drive add-on.
Do you agree? What do you think they'll do? Post below.
