Microsoft is hard at work on the next generation Xbox codenamed Durango, and known to many as the Xbox 720. There are so any rumors circulating at this point about the specifications of the device, that makes you wonder if there is a factory where Xbox 720 rumors are churned out on a daily basis. Putting all the rumors aside, we are going to dig into our minds and fetch features we would definitely like to see in the Xbox 720, features that could allow Microsoft to retain its lead over the competition.

Follow us

Blu-Ray

Games might be heading into the cloud and on our hard drives, but until everyone has superfast Internet connection, a disc-based system is still required. It would be an act of blasphemy if Microsoft chose to implement DVD instead of a Blu-Ray drive, which has more space on disc for developers to create better games. Plus, gamers need a console to play their Blu-Ray movie collection, as one never knows when a standalone Blu-Ray drive could hit rock bottom.

Downloadable Games

When we say downloadable games, what mean is, we want to have the option to download disc-based games on our beloved Xbox 720. Times are a changing; people with fast Internet speed shouldn't have to be forced into buying games on disc. This is why PC gaming is so much better; gamers choose what they want and get what they want.

Xbox Live Multiplayer for All

Get rid of this Silver membership, Microsoft, as it makes little to no sense whatsoever. What's the point of gamers having a Silver membership account if they can't play online? Some companies, namely Microsoft, just want to see the world burn. We're not asking for Xbox Live to be free here, it would probably be just as problematic as the PlayStation Network that is so prone to hacking and an overall bad experience. If the Silver membership must stay, then put a price on it and allow multiplayer gaming. Gold Members will be the elite with all bells and whistles.

Kinect 2.0 Bundled With Every Xbox 720

Microsoft Kinect is best there is when it comes to motion-controlled gaming, and not even the Nintendo Wii, the console that set the trend can be compared to this. We hope to see every Xbox 720 bundled with the newest version of Kinect. This way, it will show Microsoft seriousness about motion controls which would draw more support from developers.

Gesture Controls

Owners of an Xbox 360 and Kinect knows about the already available gestures controls. However, it is not perfect and we believe with better hardware, it's possible Microsoft could give us something very similar to Minority Report.

Better Looking Xbox Live

Xbox Live in its current state is not the best looking. However, it is better looking than the PlayStation 3 XMB. Microsoft should design it more to fit the Windows 8 user interface, along with giving gamers more customization so we can make sure, whenever we fire up Xbox Live, we are not introduced to Coldplay and Rihanna.

More Power

Of course, we'd want a more powerful Xbox 720. Microsoft knows this and we are sure the company is working on it. However, it would be best if the system were powerful enough to deliver great looking games to the hardcore gamer. Pulling off a Nintendo Wii U is not acceptable. Make it powerful, but remember to add a good cooling system so gamers won't have to deal with another red 'ring of death' scenario.

3D Gaming

No, no 3D gaming. What's your problem? Were you expecting us to say the Xbox 720 should have full 3D gaming like the PS3? Sorry pal, but 3D gaming makes no sense. Majority of gamers tend to have a 20+-inch TV/Monitor. 3D on those display sizes are not the best and it would be a complete waste of time. On the other hand, developers would use 3D to increase the price of video games. Who wants to pay $80 for a game? Not us and surely not you.

Let us know what you would like to see in the Xbox 720, aka Durango, aka Next Xbox, aka whatever name Microsoft chooses.

Join Our Conversation

Smartphones

Nokia Lumia Windows Phone 8 quad-core smartphone shows up in benchmarks

Leaked images highlight Nokia EOS aluminum body

HTC One will get Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean update despite recent rumors

Oppo Find 7 may boast Snapdragon 800 processor, whopping 4000mAh battery

Tablet / Laptop / PC

AT&T Galaxy Note 8.0 LTE costs $399.99 on contract, $199.99 with smartphone bundles

Chromebooks land on Walmart, more retailers to get it soon

Apple's next iPad mini 7.9 inch Retina display will be Samsung-made

Next generation Google Nexus 7 could launch in July for $229

Gadgets

AMD moves from Intel's x86 platform to ARM for servers

OUYA team and E3 organizers battle over parking lot space

Sony PlayStation 4 to be available at $399 at the end of this year

Mad Catz to unveil M.O.J.O. Android game console at E3 to challenge Ouya

OS / Software

Windows Phone 8 GDR2 update reportedly coming in July

iOS 7 Beta comes with a bug that opens the lock screen to access photos [Video]

Microsoft recovers missing Lumia 920 with prototype Windows Phone Blue

Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie, Motorola X Phone reportedly launching in October

Internet / Social Media

What to expect from Facebook's June 20 event

WWDC 2013: OS X 10.9 Mavericks Safari is going to help you extend battery life

Samsung Galaxy S3 browser bug spikes data usage, slows loading times

Cisco appeals to European Commission to overturn Microsoft's 2011 acquisiton of Skype

What's App

Microsoft paying app developers up to $100,000 to bring content to Windows Phone 8

Windows 8.1 brings newly updated Xbox Music app

Instagram may add video on June 20 to challenge Twitter's Vine

Microsoft Office now available for iPhones, but there's a catch