Blu-ray? Isn't that the format for all 8th gen video game discs? Unless MS intends to release a digital only xbox one console, blu-ray can't be removed from the console.

Nope, Microsoft will release a console in 2018 more than likely and everything will be about 5 to 6 years more powerful. 4K is not next gen for sure because not enough people are willing to adopt it yet and the fact to see the difference of a hdtv and 4k tv you will need a huge tv or be close up to the screen. VR is a gimmick and not here to stay.

LOL I know what these things are buddy.  The X1 was originally tooled for DDR4, so again there is no reason they couldn't do it (Though it's unlikely it would be economical in time).

And yeah I said 14nm/16nmFF would be economical NEXT year lol.  It is already half way through october 2015.

Not needed if its digital only.  They could shave $50 off the price and force people to only buy digital  (Thus increasing profits long-term).

By what standard are they on track for 30m sales? It outsold the 360 last year (2014 vs. 2006), and if the holidays go anything like they did last year will outsell it this year too (2015 vs. 2007).

Now, I don't think the Xbox One will outsell the 360 lifetime, but the Xbox One should be nearly at 20 million by the end of this year. You think it will only do another 10 for the rest of it's life? That's less than a year and a half of sales.

This also all assumes they drop the price to $299 this holiday. Which they might, but it seems unlikely.

Edit: I'd also like to point out that dropping the disc drive would likely hurt sales more than the price drop would help them. Forcing people to buy digital AND hurt it's hard earned reputation as the media center of the consoles? Bad plan.

The last time MS tried to "force" gamers to do anything (DRM, always online), it didn't work out so well for 'em. Honestly, I doubt that Spencer would risk it. Even a option for a digital only console wouldn't be  worth it. Those steam boxes don't even sell that well. I think it would be more worthwhile for MS to develope some new IPs to attract gamers to their console.

Funny that you think its a good thing (i assume), it means MS is losing even more money if true

If they're anything like my local stores are, they're probably just trying to get rid of the big stock of X1's. All of the stores in my area seem to always be loaded up with X1's, while the PS4 consoles, continue to sell out.

We will probably see X1s at that price and PS4s at 329 during the course of Nov/Dec for special deals

Actually no, Costco already bought them from Microsoft. If they are selling their stock cheap it will affect only the retailer. 

It will affect the numbers of Xbox Ones Costco will order in the future though.