Next Xbox will play Blu-Ray, get Kinect 2 say sources

As new Xbox 720 rumours continue to mount, it has been claimed that the next generation Xbox console will finally ditch the traditional DVD format, and instead opt for Blu-Ray playback.

Such a move would see the new Xbox match the PS3 in terms of movie playback and eliminate the need for games to be laid out on multiple discs. A source also claims that the next Xbox will use technology that could prevent used games being played on the console.

Following lots of speculation, a source recently told gaming website Kotaku that Microsoft will use Blu-Ray technology in its next console, like Sony currently does with its PS3 console.

Kotaku’s source also says that the next Xbox will also use a form of “anti-used” technology to could prevent used games from being played on the console, though it is not clear how the technology will work. One suggestion is that games will be tied specifically to users Xbox Live profiles, to enable the console to detect whether a game has been played using another profile.

Should this be the case, it could be a blow to sales of pre-owned games – they would not work on other consoles once the player signs in to their Xbox Live profile. The report also mentions the next generation of Microsoft Kinect, which will be fitted with a new sensor for better accuracy, and a smaller controller than the current version.

What do you think of Microsoft’s possible move to Blu-Ray as a game and movie format? And how could this “anti-used technology” be used in future? Any guesses, gadget fans?