Not exactly sure what you are trying to say?  I wasn't even talking about used games, but for the record I've supported both Sony and MSFT blocking used games.  I wouldn't doubt if both have some way of doing this.  Maybe by letting developers/publishers  have the choice, idk.  As far as XBL it is hated on these forums but in real life it is also highly successful.  From the thing I've learned, it is not people who are fans of the Xbox complaining etc.  It is fans of other companies who had no intentions on buying an xbox anyways.  I'm just saying that they will have to shutup about internet. They can further complain about some other trivial reason.

That's excellent news if true. And here I thought that Microsoft was rapidly becoming the second EA.

Now just announce that the 720 won't be $500 and stop beating us over the head with Kinect and I'll be happy.

The information is most probably correct and the Nextbox will indeed not be requiring "always online".

But that doesn't necessarily mean previous information was wrong by the time it was published. The whole wording of that eMail sounds like it was written as a reaction to the public outcry over "always online". So it's not clear if this eMail was simply for clarification, or because the universal public outcry caused Microsoft to reconsider their strategy. Remember that back at the time when these rumours came up, people already suggested that this rumor might just be a "test balloon" to see people's opinion on a subject Microsoft already feared could be very controversical.

But anyway, I don't think this will put an end to all the laments. Once people realize that the actual message between the lines really is the end of secondhand games, people will continue to complain.

Believe! Ha! :) Well, I am wondering why this is posted at ars as this site to me is one of the most serious sites out there and especially does not exclusively rely on videogames. I somehow smell it's an intended "leak" but even if, it's ok.

I wouldn't have cared for always-online anyway.

i dont quite understand how you guys arent considering this a rumor, a "leaked" email lol

So everyone here is fine with blocked used/borrowed games? Ok....

Wrong thread? And how can the gamestop-guy say "It's a hot, compelling device" to NextBox? Some people...

So, that means the next Xbox will keep my internet on even my isp crap out? That's awesome! I'll take 10, kthxplox.

Butbutbut, the ps4 will do this too? Keep spinning this positive news buddy!

Because it is not released on a random blogging-site and reposted on N4G to make it more true but is released on arstechnica?