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Redmond-based Microsoft Corp. has quickly moved to quash yet another spate of videogame industry rumour suggesting the American software heavyweight is finally on the verge of bowing to market rival Sony by introducing Blu-ray to its Xbox 360 console.
Absolutely, positively, in no way coming to Xbox 360. Image: Microsoft.
The latest bout of speculation was kicked up after gadget blog Gizmodo published an interview with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, in which he intimated that while the Xbox 360 is unlikely to ever include Blu-ray out of the box, compatible accessories supporting Sony’s HD standard are on the way.
“Well I don’t know if we need to put Blu-ray in there,” Ballmer offered regarding the lack of high-def support on the Xbox 360 following the demise of Microsoft-backed format rival HD DVD. “You’ll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories,” he added.
However, with whispers once again beginning to gather intensity at the prospect of the Xbox 360 sitting squarely with the PlayStation 3 in utilising Blu-ray, a spokesperson for Microsoft has told industry watchers at CNET that Ballmer’s comments were not centred on the company’s home console industry.
“Steve was referring to Blu-ray accessories for the PC,” the spokesperson insisted in an e-mail communication. “As we have said in the past, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360.”
Moving to further distance itself from the possibility of embracing Sony’s format on its home console, Microsoft has also reiterated its belief that the future of home entertainment lies in online digital distribution and will begin this autumn when instant-on Full 1080p high-definition movie streaming launches through the Xbox 360.
The Tech Herald: Microsoft once again rubbishes Blu-ray Xbox 360 claim
The Tech Herald: Blu-ray on Windows? Yes. Blu-ray on Xbox 360? No.
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