XBox does the right thing

From Zero to Hero in four days.

Last June 15th, it was announced that the Xbox would only work if it was able to connect with MSFT servers once/day.

For a anyone in an urban environment, this is a non-issue. For people living in rural areas or Military deployed in areas where broadband is strictly regulated -- no joy. Also, the games are locked to the players region so if Aunt Maude bought you a copy of the latest game from Wal-Mart in Peoria, Il. and shipped it to you in Japan, no joy. Finally, the microphone is always on -- even when the Xbox was in sleep mode.

Today, from Microsoft:

Your Feedback Matters - Update on Xbox One
Last week at E3, the excitement, creativity and future of our industry was on display for a global audience.

For us, the future comes in the form of Xbox One, a system designed to be the best place to play games this year and for many years to come. As is our heritage with Xbox, we designed a system that could take full advantage of advances in technology in order to deliver a breakthrough in game play and entertainment. We imagined a new set of benefits such as easier roaming, family sharing, and new ways to try and buy games. We believe in the benefits of a connected, digital future.

Since unveiling our plans for Xbox One, my team and I have heard directly from many of you, read your comments and listened to your feedback. I would like to take the opportunity today to thank you for your assistance in helping us to reshape the future of Xbox One.

You told us how much you loved the flexibility you have today with games delivered on disc. The ability to lend, share, and resell these games at your discretion is of incredible importance to you. Also important to you is the freedom to play offline, for any length of time, anywhere in the world.

So, today I am announcing the following changes to Xbox One and how you can play, share, lend, and resell your games exactly as you do today on Xbox 360. Here is what that means:

• An internet connection will not be required to play offline Xbox One games - After a one-time system set-up with a new Xbox One, you can play any disc based game without ever connecting online again. There is no 24 hour connection requirement and you can take your Xbox One anywhere you want and play your games, just like on Xbox 360.
• Trade-in, lend, resell, gift, and rent disc based games just like you do today - There will be no limitations to using and sharing games, it will work just as it does today on Xbox 360.

In addition to buying a disc from a retailer, you can also download games from Xbox Live on day of release. If you choose to download your games, you will be able to play them offline just like you do today. Xbox One games will be playable on any Xbox One console -- there will be no regional restrictions.

Now that is how you run a business. It does not hurt that the new Sony PlayStation is breathing down their necks with a bit better performance and a $100 less purchase price...