Again, he neither confirms nor denies a feature in the Xbox 8.  He simply states he doesn't understand why, in this day and age, anyone would have a problem with an always on console.  Which, is different than always online.

Always ON means the device is always powered, even if on low power.  A cable box operates this way.  Most phones and tablets are never turned off, but rather maintain a low-power state until they're used.  Many people operate their computers and laptops in a low-power state for faster booting and quicker access.  Always ON is not a boogey man.  It just means the device will exist in a low-power state when the user "turns it off".  The PS4 will likely offer something similar.

Even Always Online is not the boogey man that people are attempting to make it out to be.  The Xbox 8 will have features that benefit from an always on, always connected device.  If the user doesn't use them, it's not going to be a major issue.  If the user does however, then it could offer very slick functionality.

Consider a world where someone doesn't have phone service, but instead has a phone line through Skype (VOIP) and thus uses Skype on all their connected devices.  Windows PCs, Tablets, Phones, etc.  That functionality would likewise be available for the Xbox 8 console too, giving people the abililty to easily hold a conversation from the couch.  Doesn't matter if it's video or voice only.

So, in that scenario, it'd be beneficial to have an always on, always connected device that way when a call came in the person could "answer" it.

Socery was not a multiplatform game.  It was a PS3 game.

oh. I guess I didn't notice it on my friends xbox. I was thinking about an updated version of it.

I'm certain there will be an update to the interface.  I suspect there'll be one for the Xbox 360 as well before this year is out.  I suspect Microsoft wants Skype on those installed Xbox 360's, not just its next gen console.

why skype? i know mircosoft bought them but still...they have cross-game chat.

He also tweeted to an average joe @theonlyalexw

I think they want people to chat from their Xbox to people on other devices 

Again, he neither confirms nor denies a feature in the Xbox 8.  He simply states he doesn't understand why, in this day and age, anyone would have a problem with an always on console.  Which, is different than always online. 

Always ON means the device is always powered, even if on low power.  A cable box operates this way.  Most phones and tablets are never turned off, but rather maintain a low-power state until they're used.  Many people operate their computers and laptops in a low-power state for faster booting and quicker access.  Always ON is not a boogey man.  It just means the device will exist in a low-power state when the user "turns it off".  The PS4 will likely offer something similar.

Even Always Online is not the boogey man that people are attempting to make it out to be.  The Xbox 8 will have features that benefit from an always on, always connected device.  If the user doesn't use them, it's not going to be a major issue.  If the user does however, then it could offer very slick functionality.

Consider a world where someone doesn't have phone service, but instead has a phone line through Skype (VOIP) and thus uses Skype on all their connected devices.  Windows PCs, Tablets, Phones, etc.  That functionality would likewise be available for the Xbox 8 console too, giving people the abililty to easily hold a conversation from the couch.  Doesn't matter if it's video or voice only.

So, in that scenario, it'd be beneficial to have an always on, always connected device that way when a call came in the person could "answer" it.

Socery was not a multiplatform game.  It was a PS3 game.

You equate information by employee that is driving away customers with a "random press release"?  Any company that would do a press release like this would fire their customer relations management for putting that out.

Where are you getting Xbox 8 from? Yeah, I know what always on and always connected means, trust me lol, and yes I know many devices use this. As far as I'm concerned it's all conjecture, however if it is an always connected device this could alienate many gamers as many points have been made. I personally wouldn't be affected by this all that much as I live in Canada and have a pretty good internet connection, I didn't know this but apparently puts many US ISP's to shame (heh, tech savy Canadians(found out while playing The Old Republic)) and I hardly loose connection, but many will. I know of people that still use dial-up because it is all that they have available to them, or in other areas satellite internet which is great for downloads but still uses a phone line for uploads. The source of the problem is that with these inconsistant forms of internet, it might render the user to be unable to play the game they purchased on the system they purchased. This could be a very real issue if this is the approach that MS is taking. However with that said I can fully understand why they would go to such extremes since xbox live is/was hackable to give gold status and even steal games from the network. This is an ongoing issue that has only grown in the past few years and there aren't many ways to stop it. If I were in MS position I would likely do the same, but in doing so I would realize the down sides of this as well.

Once again, this is all unknown and based on rumors, so we won't really find out until the system is launched. Honestly I'm hoping for the best for the new MS console because competition in the gaming business is good. It encourages better games which results in a better gaming experience for the consumer, and really that's what it's all about right? Games for the gamers.

It depends on how you read his tweets I guess. 

If you read his "electricity goes out, don't buy vacuum cleaner" or "mobile reception is spotty, don't buy phone" tweets, you could take that to mean the Next Box requires electricity to work. Most take it as it requires internet because of the almost 12 months of consistant rumors from multiple sources saying it will.

You can defend Microsoft or this practice if you like. But there is good reason for the rest of us to be worried at this point