The next-gen Microsoft Xbox 720 might have cross-platform achievements which will allow gamers to unlock these achievements using their smartphones as well. So it seems that the release date of the next-gen Xbox 720 has a lot more to offer as compared to the Microsoft Xbox 360.
So the cross-platform achievements will definitely attract a lot of gamers, but there are many other features that will interest consumers and game developers. These other features include social sharing features, and anti-piracy tools as publisher-controlled DRM options.
As far as the Microsoft Xbox 360 is concerned, the only way to interact with the system is through the SmartGlass app. This app allows gamers to control their console and allows users to check out gamer statistics and other basic information.
It is also being said that the next-gen Xbox 720 will allow game developers to link in-game achievements to apps on smartphones and tablets, hence improving overall social interactions. The sources also say that Microsoft might allow game developers to add achievements to games on the Xbox 720 even after release date and that too without DLC or other paid add-ons.
There is also a possibility that like Sony, Microsoft will also include game streaming in the Xbox 720. Reports also say that the Xbox 720 will not have the ‘always on’ system which would require gamers to always be online in order to use the console. The console will have support for apps and games and at the same time will support online DRM but it will not be a compulsion.
So the good part is that Microsoft will let the game publishers decide whether the players have to be online while playing their games or not. This way Microsoft helps both sides, because the gamers will no longer blame Microsoft for making it compulsory to be online and on the other side, game developers and publishers will also be happy to know that they are free to make the important choice.