Rumor: Next Xbox Runs On Full Version Of Windows 8, Not Always Online, Will Be Backwards Compatible

A new report suggests that after all the ranting and raving about an always online Xbox, Microsoft "never" considered doing such a thing with its next-gen gaming machine.

An alleged source posted a whole bunch of Xbox 720 info anonymously on Pastebin (via NeoGAF), saying flat out that “You are not required to be connected to the internet in order to play Durango games and MS were NEVER considering doing such a thing. Now please, just read that last sentence over and over again until it sinks in. Done? Good.”

On top of that, the poster goes on to add that the console will be revealed next month and that the company is currently working on a pair of VR glasses that will work with the system. Also, those worried about backwards compatibility will be pleased to hear that the box will allegedly come with an Xbox 360 system on chip (SOC), which will allow you to play all your Xbox games from this generation.

Kinect 2.0 apparently boasts a “substantial increase in the hardware over Kinect 1.0, any humanly noticeable lag should be gone,” and as far as the system's new controller, don't expect a whole lot different, as the design itself is said to be unchanged. The D-pad will look identical, but feel better. The battery packs/AA batteries are here to stay as well, but thanks to improved wireless tech, they'll last an additional 16% longer.

As previously suspected, Microsoft has a different team currently working on a $100 Apple TV competitor that won't have a disc drive, but will be able to play XBLA and Games on Demand titles thanks to the inclusion of an Xbox 360 SOC.

Now here's the bad part: The next Xbox is said to run on a full version of Windows 8. However, it is said to run the new WinRT framework, which allegedly will make the box the most “indie friendly” console next generation. Gotta take the good with the bad, I guess.

That's a whole lot of rumor-filled content to speculate on. Be sure to share your thoughts on all of this craziness in the comments below.