E3 rumors: Xbox 360 to get full web browsing with Kinect control

And no, it still wont be like Minority Report, stop asking

Words: Andrew Groen on May 10, 2012

The rumor comes our way from the folks over at The Verge who previously brought us the rumor about the $99 Xbox 360 subscription plan (so that's gotta earn them some clout.)

According to their source, Microsoft is currently working to implement IE9 functionality into Xbox Live and will be adding Kinect controls as well. That means voice and motion control in your web browser. Which is probably useful for somebody. Maybe.

This will expand Xbox Live internet capabilities by offering full web browsing without having to use a smartphone, laptop, or getting up off the couch to use a desktop PC (the horror.)

The source did not give an expected release date for the implementation of this service, but as with all rumors these days, it's unlikely we'll have to wait too long for confirmation. E3 is right on the horizon, and if the rumors are true, that's the place it will come to light.

And for everything on that, our E3 rumors compendium page has you covered. For everything.

Platforms:

Xbox 360

Topics:

E3, E3 2012, Kinect

13 comments

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therawski - May 10, 2012 3:21 p.m.

Too bad it won't be Firefox or Chromium, and you'll probably have to pay for a gold subscription to use it. Your phone will be faster.
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chad-munn - May 10, 2012 3:30 p.m.

It's not that I'm not wanting it to be there- but I don't know that I'd use it. I don't use it on my Wii or my PS3. I don't see me using it on my 360. The only part that might change that is the Kinect. The "Bing" on Kinect is VERY impressive and works VERY well... but it doesn't do web stuff, only game related stuff. So if this works with all web stuff... that may get me using it. I don't use other consoles browsers because I don't have a keyboard and I refuse to spend 45 seconds typing in a basic address when I can just use my computer to find the site I'm after in a fraction of the time. We'll see if it's true, and then how integrated Kinect is in the browsing.
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lilspooky - May 10, 2012 3:41 p.m.

Xbox...Internet Explorer...Xbox...HTML5...CRASH! All the browsers for consoles are bad right now. I'm not expecting xbox to be any different.
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Scoob - May 10, 2012 4:44 p.m.

At first I was like, "what's the point?" And then I realized, surfing porn while sitting back on my couch on a 55" HDTV sounds more awesome then doing the same while hunched over a keyboard.
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danielcw - May 10, 2012 5:56 p.m.

and thanks to kinect you have your hands free
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EwoksTasteLikeChicken - May 10, 2012 6:30 p.m.

It's better late than never, I guess.
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MadMan - May 10, 2012 6:57 p.m.

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
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Dadyo238 - May 10, 2012 9:39 p.m.

Lol
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Mooshon - May 11, 2012 1:34 a.m.

This is a pretty big moment in the scheme of things. Microsoft have long since shown their cards that they want the 720 to be a lifestyle 'platform' rather that solely focusing on games. This is why they have persisted so doggedly with the Kinect (easy family web browsing) and why the new dashboard is exactly how it is (huge advertising real estate). The only missing link was a browser to open up a partner's website after a consumer has clicked on the adverts. Going to be interesting at E3 to see if Sony try and compete on the same playing field or simply try to occupy the indy / hardcore game ground.
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The_King_of_Nothing - May 11, 2012 4:26 a.m.

People seem to be making a big deal of the "hands free" controls, one guy in particular. I see no merit in it. I would never use it anyway. There is nothing wrong with a keyboard and mouse. I would much rather just use my computer than boot up my PS3, even though this is about XBOX that I don't have. The PS3 browser isn't the greatest, but the had...since the beginning. I used it when I didn't have my own computer, but now that I do I haven't used but maybe once or twice. This announcement to me was, "Really? They still don't have that? It's about time. Kinect? Why? Whatever."
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joemama - May 11, 2012 9:19 a.m.

cool more places to go on Gamesradar I think im addicted or something.
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MrHo11ywood360 - May 11, 2012 4:25 p.m.

I can use my 360 for porn now! Anyone want to buy a PS3, I don't need it anymore.
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NullG7 - May 12, 2012 1:36 a.m.

Sniff* Sniff* Funny Joke ........................... Oh my god your being serious? ......... LOL!
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