14 DAY TRIAL // A brand new Xbox 720 leak has appeared on the web confirming quite a few interesting details about Microsoft's next-generation console, like how it will always be on, how it will require mandatory game installations and that it's going to be shipped with a new "high fidelity" Kinect sensor.
Sony revealed the PlayStation 4 last month and, even if it didn't actually show the new console, it has certainly overtaken Microsoft, which is still keeping its so-called Xbox 720 (codenamed Durango) under a shroud of secrecy.
Thankfully, plenty of leaks have appeared concerning the Xbox 720, the latest of which surfacing on website VGleaks and focusing on the different documents given to developers by Microsoft.
These files were transcribed by VG247 and detail quite a lot of new features about the upcoming console, besides the hardware specs we already knew about thanks to previous reports.
First up, it seems that the Xbox 720 will always be turned on and connected to the internet in order to provide content to its owners right when they want it.
"Durango will implement different power states so that it can always be powered on, but will draw minimal electricity when not in use. The console will be ready instantly when users want to play, and will always maintain a network connection so that console software and games are always current."
"With this “Always On, Always Connected” design, users will quickly and easily enjoy their connected entertainment experiences, with no waiting for the console to restart or install updates," the leaked document said.
What's more, each Xbox 720 will be shipped with a "high-fidelity" Kinect sensor that will be required for the console to work. It's going to feature much better detection and improves the quality of the picture, while including the Natural User Interface files that were regularly included in the actual games.
The new controller of the Durango will improve upon the design of the Xbox 360 one while adding a new wireless signal and "improved ergonomics."
Each Durango will also come with a hard drive, but it's unclear just what capacity it will have. The console will also have a Blu-ray disc drive, but it won't be used when playing games, however, as they'll require a mandatory installation.
"Durango consoles will have a Blu-ray Disc drive. Disc media will be used for distribution, but during gameplay, games will not use content from the optical disc. An installation system is being designed that will allow gamers to begin playing while the game is being installed on the hard drive rather than waiting until installation is complete."
The report looks legitimate but, before Microsoft makes any official announcement, take it with a grain of salt.