Don't see a problem here, reduces loading-times by a lot. Why is it annoying? Also we don't know if Sony goes a different way. Also I prefer to install a game completely than just some parts of it as it stresses the ODD more and increases loudness and heat in the system.

Um... Wii had Wii Connect 24 or whatever it was called. This is nothing new and not a big deal.

I don't like the NextBox rumors though, it really seems like they are moving toward a miniPC. That's MS goal, of course, to turn consoles into PC's since they dominate the PC market. But I don't like it. Console gaming should be affordable and accessible. I already have a gaming PC if i want to use that.

Doesn't xbox live games currently operate under a similar banner. My gold subscription expired and now when I try and play Banjo Tooie a game I bought with my gold membership, I am only allowed to to play the trial, but I know 2000% I bought the game in full. Is this the norm?

but completely throwing out current policy on these very issues. not a very educated assumption if you fail to grasp how they currently do the exact same things but still allow used games. But I guess it is an assumption.

One of them, is that Kinect can be active always.  So walk in front of Kinect and it'll activate the system, recognize you, and do whatever.  Or you or somoene could say Xbox ON and it'd turn on.

There are some other features, like the ability to transfer a Skype call from the PC or Windows Phone to the console.  Transfer the call to your Xbox whilst in the kitchen and by the time you get to the living room it'll be up on the screen ready for you to sit down and join the conversation.*

Note:  The feature described is based on public information regarding a Skype patent.  Not first-hand knowledge of what Skype on the Xbox will do.

Doesn't sound terrible to me.

Only thing I hope for is that if a game is installed, has a activation code and not played from the disc, will I be able to de-activate the game from that console, thus allowing me to buy/sell as used.

Nothing is for certain yet, but if for some reason this is like a one time use system and it kills my chances of buying and/or selling my games then I will keep away. I don't have unlimited funds these days, so for the first time ever, beginning this generation, I have been selling my games to buy new games. I don't buy them used.

Like I said though, nothing is for certain. For all we know we can install these games on multiple consoles, but I doubt this is the case. No doubt there HAS to be an activation code.

false, a lot of the 1st party titles ran up to 20Gb

There is a huge difference between online passes and ownership of a used game where to play online you must purchase a new online pass, and the console blocking the use of a used game completely - it's not about limiting it to offline play, the moment the console sees an internet connection, the game will be deactivated and unplayable, offline or on.

So : no game updates, no online functionality at all, and potentially incentives for people not to sell their games as deactivation of their installed game could occur - essentially game activations are tied to an active unbanned console id, potentially they could deactivate both copies if the game is sold and activation is attempted on a second machine, much like the situation with Windows OS's.

No, I'm guessing you bought the game while you owned one console, then got a different one or are playing it on a different one than you originally purchased.

If that is the case, you can transfer the licenses from one console to another and you'll have full/functional use of the content.  Without the license transfer, no.

All content with Microsoft is licensed to the user (primary) and the console (secondary).  If the console doesn't change, anyone on that console can use the content regardless of whether or not they purchased it.  If the console changes, then the only person who can use it is the person who downloaded it after they connect to Xbox LIVE. 

If the license is transfered, then the purchaser can use the content without an Xbox LIVE connection.  Others on the console may not.  It depends on how the license transfer is done.  If Microsoft brokered the license transfer as a part of a repair, it likely won't.  However, if you handle the license transfer via Xbox LIVE, then everyone on the console will have full access to the content.

If you have multiple consoles, then the only console it will work on without an Xbox LIVE connection is the original console on which it was purchased. 

Hope this helps.

wat?

And right now what console games you won't need to update to play online btw