I think it's possible that MS is aiming for software parity across all it's platforms. Win8's core/kernal could run the next Xbox in some stripped down form, but maintain easy compatibility between it and x86 and maybe ARM platforms. It would be pretty sweet to run an Xbox game on my PC with added graphics, even if only an increase in resolution, yet still maintain the same level of fidelity, playability, and interaction with XBLive. If I'm feeling it, I can stick with the cheap and easy solution (console) instead, but for those who want to pay the money, can build/buy a PC.
Hell, if you think about it, MS would be making more money selling an OS for $100 or $200 than an entire console for $300. Either way, Live is on the platform, it's available, and MS can make money on it if the software and services are there. Even better yet, you get people to buy both a Win8 PC, Xbox, and a Windows Phone, in order to "enjoy" the benefits of living on a single product ecosystem. Bingo. It would mean, however, that MS needs to go back to being a major PC software publisher, with a marketplace for all developers, since I'm sure Win8 will still stay open as far as software goes, and therefore no royalties for third party PC software running on Win8. The money will be coaxing people into the Windows ecosystem, making alot of money via the software involved. Consumers will feel the need to have software "approved" and bought through the MS marketplace since it will work on their Xbox as well as PC. MS will still make their money.
Hell, if you think about it, MS would be making more money selling an OS for $100 or $200 than an entire console for $300. Either way, Live is on the platform, it's available, and MS can make money on it if the software and services are there. Even better yet, you get people to buy both a Win8 PC, Xbox, and a Windows Phone, in order to "enjoy" the benefits of living on a single product ecosystem. Bingo. It would mean, however, that MS needs to go back to being a major PC software publisher, with a marketplace for all developers, since I'm sure Win8 will still stay open as far as software goes, and therefore no royalties for third party PC software running on Win8. The money will be coaxing people into the Windows ecosystem, making alot of money via the software involved. Consumers will feel the need to have software "approved" and bought through the MS marketplace since it will work on their Xbox as well as PC. MS will still make their money.
