Next gen consoles: Finding a balance.

     With the news of any new video game console their is inevitably the rise of rumors. They flood in relentlessly until the cold hard facts are presented. This of course is no exception with the latest next gen consoles; the PS4 and new Xbox (Infinity, Fusion, 720, Durango, Next Box, etc.). Sony had their press conference back in February and released some information about the PS4. Even with all the rumors flying about the new Xbox, Microsoft still hasn't announced anything and won't until their press event on May 21st. I've been looking over the rumors of the new Xbox and the information given about the PS4 and have some new thoughts on the two. Specifically on the media service side of things.  

     Let's talk a little about the buzz surrounding the media features of the new Xbox. Rumors have been going around about the new Xbox focusing heavily on being the "all in one" device for your living room. Reports are saying the new Xbox will be able to stream television shows, act as a DVR, and even be the source for original television shows. This of course is on top of having the ability to stream media and music from a variety of apps and services (like the Xbox 360). Personally I don't have the need for all of that, but I can see where some people would want it. Sony on the other hand has repeatedly stated that the PS4 is a all about the games and that's what they are focusing on. Sony has also said that they will have streaming services like Netflix, but they will focus on the media apps later on.

     Even if you don't like the direction Microsoft is going with the new Xbox, you have to admit they are using the tools and connections they have. Microsoft has the ties with media and they are going to really drive that.
Personally, I like that Sony is focusing on the games, but at the same time Sony needs to be careful and not push the media stuff too far on the back burner. I admit 100% that I want a next gen gaming console, but I don't want Sony to end up loosing people or support because they become too limited with the music/media apps and features. I don't think Sony will do this though. At the same time, Microsoft needs to make sure they don't focus too heavily on the media stuff and neglect the gaming side of the new Xbox.

     That's what the title of this blog is about. Finding a balance between gaming and media services. I say all this as a gamer and owner of multiple consoles. Even though streaming music and videos is not my idea of a video game console, I still want some of those features because I do stream video and music from the consoles I have now. We live in an age where people stream media digitally constantly. Both Sony and Microsoft know this. Again, I will say that I want a next gen GAMING console first and foremost, but I still would like some media apps/services too. It would be dumb to say that media apps have no place on the new Xbox or PS4. So many people stream Netflix, Hulu Plus, YouTube, music, and many other media services through their consoles now. Myself included because I ditched cable almost a year ago. Of course more of these features will be unveiled and rumors will be put to rest once Microsoft has their press event on May 21st, and of course after E3 in June. It's just important to find a balance, but to also remember why we'll be getting a new Xbox or PS4...to play games!

Written by: Alter Ego 83