Microsoft May Launch Xbox One Without a Disc Drive

Microsoft May Launch Xbox One Without a Disc Drive

Console gaming is more complicated than it used to be. Time was, you’d slam a new disc or cartridge in your machine, and you’d be playing in moments. Today, most games you purchase on disc have big patches to download and online features to set up, so why not do away with the discs entirely? Microsoft is reportedly planning to do just that. The future disc-less Xbox One could be the most affordable yet, but there are naturally some drawbacks.

According to a new report, the disc-less Xbox is due next year, and it’s separate from the next-gen console. The new console is expected in 2020, and there’s no word on whether that one will have a disc drive. Since the updated console won’t have a drive for discs, you’ll only be able to purchase digital downloads to play on it.

Microsoft May Launch Xbox One Without a Disc Drive
Microsoft May Launch Xbox One Without a Disc Drive
Microsoft May Launch Xbox One Without a Disc Drive

This would be a significant shift for Microsoft’s Xbox division, and many will complain about the added time it takes to download everything. So, why bother with this? Microsoft will supposedly be able to drop the cost of the console considerably by ditching the Blu-ray drive. Currently, the base model Xbox One costs around $299 when it’s not on sale. Microsoft believes it can trim $100 off the price, getting in just under $200. That’s a very attractive price for a full-featured game console. It’s just the sort of thing that keeps a console going in its twilight years.

The success or failure of this idea may influence the final design of the future Xbox console, currently codenamed Scarlett. Microsoft is still trying to decide if that console will have a Blu-ray drive at all. If the launch of the disc-less Xbox One goes well, Scarlett may launch without a drive as well. We might see the updated Xbox One as soon as spring of 2019. A second cheaper Xbox may launch later next year, but this one would still have a disc drive.

Continue reading

MIT Creates Zoomable Lens Without Any Moving Parts
MIT Creates Zoomable Lens Without Any Moving Parts

The science of optics has revealed the scale and detail of the universe for centuries. With the right piece of glass, you can look at a distant galaxy or the wiggling flagella on a single bacteria. But lenses need to focus — they need to move. Engineers at MIT have developed a "metalens" that could change the way we build cameras and telescopes.

Intel Wants to Enable UEFI Updates Without Reboots
Intel Wants to Enable UEFI Updates Without Reboots

Intel's Seamless Update could enable firmware patches without requiring reboots.

Report: Intel Trying to Secure TSMC 3nm Without Riling up Apple
Report: Intel Trying to Secure TSMC 3nm Without Riling up Apple

Intel is reportedly entering into talks with TSMC to try to secure some of its 3nm capacity, which is currently allowed to Apple.

Electric Chopsticks Make Food Taste Saltier Without Using Salt
Electric Chopsticks Make Food Taste Saltier Without Using Salt

The chopsticks may help diners continue to enjoy their favorite flavors without risking sodium overconsumption.