XB360 Web Browser

[fallenangle]

Simple question - is there going to a be an official decent web browser for the XB360?

With all the Media Centre and on online stuff built in the lack of a web browser just seems so bizarre.

I'm still using my DC Dreamkey v.3 online even now and it became a hugely attractive aspect of the DC for me and, I know, many others.

When even mobile phones and the DS have browsing capability the reason for the facility not being built into the XB360 from the start has always perplexed me.

[Concept]

I don't think there's one planned, no. There is due to be a web browser for the PS3 though included in its interface (unless I'm horribly mistaken). That'll probably spur MS into action.

[MJ]

There's also the issue of viruses and spyware.

[Bada Bing!]

There already is one. I haven't used it much but I installed it months ago.

[fallenangle]

But it's not an official one provided.supported/endorsed by Microsoft is it?

People installed all sorts of PC stuff on the 'old' XBox too but it was all pretty dodgy from the legal and reliability point of view.

[Bada Bing!]

No, but it's perfectly legit freeware. As long as you have Windows Media Center you can do loads of stuff from some really reliable sources with your 360 whilst not invalidating the warranty etc.

Transcode 360 for example is a godsend for watching divx movies on your 360.

[fallenangle]

That maybe the way to go if you already have a PC to be able to install the browser so you can download applications directly. But, having a PC, you're not going do your weekly food shop or order from Amazon using your XB360 are you?

The problem for me is that I don't have a PC and this is exactly what I want to be able to do on my XB360 ie. act as a simple PC. It's well within it's capabilities so why not?

My ideal would be able to just plug the XB360 into a 'phone socket and not only use either an existing connection but actually set-up a broadband (and why not a dial-up as well/instead) connection through an ISP directly. Then browse away happily.

[Matt]

It'll only be a matter of time. I fully expect MS to release a new dashboard update before the PS3 release and for that to have a web browser.

[EvilBoris]

It'll only be a matter of time. I fully expect MS to release a new dashboard update before the PS3 release and for that to have a web browser.

Indeed, the 6 monthly update falls nicely in time with the ps3 launch does it not?

[fallenangle]

I look foward to it. Around Xmas time I'm going to consider getting a XB360 if there are actually any games I'm really interested in enough to consider it worth spending ?40+ a time getting.

But if it comes pre-installed or via disc a decent browser option I could use as described would sell the XB360 to me straight away.

[Ginger Tosser]

Surely at Microsoft there is going to be a conflict between divisions if they stick a web browser in a 360. Some people have a PC for web/email only. Maybe they'll just buy a 360 instead.

[MJ]

Indeed, the 6 monthly update falls nicely in time with the ps3 launch does it not?

Haven't Microsoft said they have something special planned for the 360's first anniversary, based on the US release date, which also coincides with this time?

[fallenangle]

Surely at Microsoft there is going to be a conflict between divisions if they stick a web browser in a 360. Some people have a PC for web/email only. Maybe they'll just buy a 360 instead.

I don't understand what the "conflict" would actually be. Why should they object to people buying Microsoft hardware and also using an official Microsoft browser with it as well? Do they make more profit if people buy a PC (which they don't make) running Windows XP.

[Matt]

Conflict? They can't have the PS3 having a browser when they can drop IEx on to the 360. They'll release a keyboard and trackball type of thing as well I'd expect

[Ginger Tosser]

Do they make more profit if people buy a PC (which they don't make) running Windows XP.

Yes, they make a profit from every PC sold with a licensed copy of XP and any Works package installed. I believe they still make a loss on every 360 sold. But possibly make it back with Live and Games.