Good question: why doesn't the Xbox 360 have its own browser?

Just about everyone on here who wants the browser has said they want to be able to browse Youtube etc, which I can guarantee the PS3 and Wii won't do either, because none of them will ever get a flash player. I feel pretty safe in this assumption, considering Adobe can't even be arsed updating their linux player, never mind building a new one completely form scratch for some strange multicore architecture the programmers have no experience with, and with very little underlying OS to build on. Of course one of the console manufacturers could give Adobe masses of cash, but I doubt it's worth it to them.

If it hasn't already been mentioned. . .

Microsoft already has a television-based web browser. In fact, they pretty much own the TV-based web browser market. It's called MSN TV, formerly Web TV.

My parents don't have a computer. They do have an MSN TV after years of owning the other models of Web TV. Microsoft doesn't have a browser built into the Xbox 360 because- at the base of the matter- they don't want to bite into MSN TV sales.

BUT there's more. Have you ever seen MSN TV or any TV-based browser actually working? It's not pretty. They are designed to handle normal TV resolution (480i). Even when they support HDTV (1080i or 720p) they look nasty. The fonts are HUGE because they are too blurry and hard to see when at normal size at normal viewing distance. They're also slow and clunky.

Anybody who had a Dreamcast web browser knows what I mean. The television is not designed for web browsing. Yes, it's a screen-but your AMC Gremlin is a car, too, but that doesn't mean it should be used for NASCAR.

They COULD put a browser in the 360, but they don't because they have experience with this sort of thing, and they know that it opens all sorts of other tech support doors. It's better to have a system that is closed to the Internet at large so they can avoid issues like incompatibility with new video or audio codecs, malicious software, lack of support for web technology X, Y, or Z, and the general cluelessness of people using the Internet. Besides-- Who wants to surf the web with a video game controller?

Want a TV-based browser? You can get them pretty cheap these day. Hell, you can pick up a used Dreamcast and a copy of the web browser and get the same experience.

Now- - - My bet is that despite all this, MS will be pressured into upgrading to include the web browser. Right now, they're just figuring out how to set up tech support for that feature, as it is going to need a tech crew of its own. If Nintendo and Sony haven't figured for that probability, then expect your tech support calls to them to have long waits as you will be in line behind a thousand people from across the country who want to know how to make video from CNN.com show up on their browser correctly.

My bet is that the reason the 360 doesn't have a browser is because IE7 wasn't finalized... but it apparently is now, since it's set for consumer release within the month.

what ever happened to that Directv thing for the 360?

@The ZeroCorpse: Once again: Just because MS can't develop good internet browsers, that doesn't mean other companies can't either.

Because WebTV sucked and that came with a keyboard and mouse. Imagine web browsing with a gamepad. Ugh!

The XBOX 360 doesnt have a web browser there is no competition to force microsoft to offer it. Once that competition exists, you can bet your bottom dollar the browser will be on the Xbox360, despite the protests of the puritans out there. The Xbox was created as a defensive move by microsoft to prevent other companies encroaching on its territory. If anyone here honestly assumes that Microsoft are going to sit back and NOT release a browser for the Xbox360 when its immediate competition is doing so then im afraid your deluded. Expect to see a browser coming the Xbox360 soon. Just pray thats its secure.

It's a silly extra thing. Handy in the DS. Not so handy on a TV that's a few feet from your home computer.

OMFG! get real just because the PS3 will have a web browser doesnt mean it has to be the freaking standard acrosss all platforms. I swear if the PS3 came out with a freaking toaster built in all the freaking Sony fanboys would be all over it and spewing crap out of their mouths like "the PS3 is the shit because it has a freaking toaster". Come on people think beyond your fanboism If a console has this feature I guess it would be nice but not something that is necessaery , but in the end leave it will be the user who would decide if they are going to use it or not.

Both console and PC browsing have their advantages, but not enough to make the other obsolete.

Consoles are better for the "dude, check this out" factor, you don't have to crowd around a 20" screen to show off a web video, or news story.

PCs have the advantage of convenience. I'm at my computer on IM, I'm not going to turn on my Wii or PS3 to check out the news or YouTube. Furthermore, I can't download a Flash tutorial, or torrent file on a console as I can on my PC.

If consoles manage to implement a viable, user-friendly system that capitalizes on their native advantages (a couch is more comfortable than a chair for example) then they will here to stay. However, if we get blurry text and difficult to navigate web pages (which should not be a problem with the Wii) then they will just fizzle out.

As for the 360's lack of a browser, you'd have to ask Microsoft. Though, I would guess that it has something to do with their media tie-ins. Use your 360 as your media hub, and your pc as your work tool. Makes sense, keeping product roles distinct.

"Adobe can't even be arsed updating their linux player, never mind building a new one completely form scratch for some strange multicore architecture the programmers have no experience with"

they just need to target the usual PowerPC core, like they have been doing for ages on the Macintosh port. why would a Flash plugin need to use the Cell Synergistic Processors anyway?

Because anyone who has been forced to browse the web on TV knows that browsing the web on a television sucks shit. And people who own a 360 generally already own a device for surfing the web.

Browsing the web on a SDTV is not that bad. It's not the best experience, but it's still usable (as long as your TV isn't a POS). I am eagerly awaiting the day when the Links browser makes it into the XBMC CVS (I recently upgraded to the 2.0.0 point release ditching my old links enabled build).

While browsing the web on my TV is not a necessity, it did come in handy every once in a while. Mostly I used it for reading the news on xbox-scene.com when I saw an interesting item scroll by on the RSS feed.

It is also useful for getting TV listings if you don't have digital cable with nice manually scrollable interface.

I don't care if they put a web browser on the 360, as long as I have the option to download it so I don't have to clutter up my hard drive with a stupid feature I don't want.

The reason why the 360 doesn't have a web broweser is because Microsoft has 10 years patching security holes in IE.

Good luck Sony and Nintendo!

>> 24. stop looking at corn and you won't get the lieware. It's that simple.


LOL. Yeah, that corn will mess you up.

to #106 Loki:

"Hmmm guess you don't remember that when MS released XP and you had to validate your copy of XP over the internet (it could be done via the phone, if you liked waiting and waiting) that in the process of validation XP would take a snapshot of your hard drive and it's entire contents and sent that info without your consent or knowledge to MS.. but i guess that wasn't as bad as the Sony rootkit - eh.. hypocrite."

Loki, wait until you know what you are talking about before you talk again... there is no snapshot of your harddrive taken when validating windows... it DOES use the serial number of most of your components (motherboard, CPU, GPU, etc etc) to create the registration information, but is valid for a MAJOR upgrade of your PC... several components need to be changed before you need to reactivate, and then it revalidates your system... at no point do they "take a snapshot of your hard drive and it's entire contents and sent that info without your consent or knowledge to MS" dont be a troll

finally, a decent comment, at the end of the list. I wouldn't be surprised if microsoft is trying to use this like the 1080p thing, let Sony brag about some feature and then match it before the playstation launches. However I am relatively sure they will be too afraid to include anything like Linux, so the playstation will have an advantage there.

point blank...if MS sees demand rise for this feature in the xbox community..they'll add it...why the fuss?.

neither the Wii nor the Ps3 is out yet..so one cant even judge the potential of this feauture yet...for all we know both of those browsers cud flop and never be used by a majority of consumers...or they both cud further propel the internet porn industry.

either way...MS can wait back and find out...and add a simple update if need be. which i think will be fine for everyone.

I love how many "Firefox owns IE" comments there are. How bout, "Firefox owns IE 6, a browser that's ages older and has default security settings much lower than Firefox's," and conversely, "The brand new IE 7 spanks Firefox on the behind and probably will for awhile until Firefox progresses some time down the road." Face it, juicing over Firefox w/o acknowledging the major enhancements IE 7 made over IE 6 is just being a "browser fanboy," which makes no sense, considering I can boot up either browser within seconds...and for the record, Firefox has yet to display my myspace correctly.

for all the xbox faithfull all im going to say is wait and see.

I for one am all for it. I currently browse the web on my TV via my PC. If web functionality is available in the 360, I'll be able to ditch the PC completely.

Amos, IE7, like most M$ products, brings flashy interface changes and shallow upgrade in functionality. They are bringing cosmetic interface changes akin to Vista's Aero, Opera and Firefox tabs, RSS (even using Firefox-introduced RSS icon), and very little else.

CSS compatibility is nowhere near Firefox or Opera, nor Javascript DOM-compatibility (needed by AJAX apps). And does it have a nice javascript debugger like Mozilla's Venkman? What about extensions? Where's builtin SVG or XForms? nope.

i'd call it IE6.2, but nobody uses 2 points version schemes anymore...

The 360 Can use a USB Mouse and Keyboard. I use them to play BF2, Easier than the Controller.. .All you have to do is plug them in when it is booting and then away you go. :)

I don't think a browser is necessary.
anyone who has internet access is most likely have a Pc. Unless its some kind of "family fights over the only computer in the house on the daily basis" kind of thing. "giggle"

The arguement that MS has not put a browser on their 360 because its a gaming device and no one wants to surf the web on their tv or anything besides a computer is a joke.


MS obviously believes consumers want web browsing on the tv and is evident by the inclusion of web browsing in XP media center.

Mcrosoft bought webtv because they thought it was a wanted service and still support it and sell new units

MS offers web services in all of its pocketpc OS's and is used in PDA's and cell phones..

All major hotels offer web browsing on the tv through a service called lodgenet

The internet is evolving and just because theexperience of surfing the web is not identical on your tv, or cell phone, or pda, as it is on your computer does not make it unwanted and or unusable.

its not an important feature but its not useless either, i remember twice i had no pc because of repair issues and i took care of everything i needed to do on my sega dreamcast web browser and also its pretty cool because i remember u could take a snapshot of a jpg. shot and added to certain games like using it for graffiti on jet grind radio or also there sites that u can download game saves for dreamcast games ,

Look....if somehow Sony manages to come up with a browser that is fully functional (able to browse sites using AJAX, and all that good stuff), then everyone will shut the hell up and use it to browse, because hey, why should they go on their 17" screen laptop when they could use their PS3 and surf on their 42"+ HDTV and have the same capability. Now, I'm not saying that this will happen, because Sony has one of the worst track records when it comes to making functional software (along with new media formats haha), but if somehow they pull it off, M$ will be right there and put a copy of IE7 on the 360. Honestly, whoever thinks a "main selling point" of Windows Vista is IE7, is a retard....nobody gives a damn about that browser, as most people will still use Firefox afterward, and are more likely to use Vista because it'll ship on a new pc, or they're gamers who want DX10 capabilities.


Conclusion: If you had a fully functional browser on your PS3 or 360, and a nice HDTV to display sites on, you would use it for internet browsing.

Microsoft should abandon this whole HTPC thing and start making their 360 more functional.....because honestly, how many people actually spent money to upgrade to Windows MCE just so they could stream video to their 360's......little to none.

Remember when dreamcast had a browser and no one used it? Its a GAME console, I have a computer that does the internet just fine. Why waste time on worthless features?

BTW the web browser on the wii is free for a limited time... That meaning until july 07 you can download the PERMENANT WEB BROWSER for free. After that you have to pay for it. it does not simply run out after july and you have to buy it offline.

I just have to laugh now. Obviously everyone on this site has a Internet enabled computer.

It takes money to develop things like that so i would like to thank MS for saving its money and in the long run mine.

PS. I would also like to thank they for giving me the option to move up to HD-DVD/Blue whatever, by not forcing me to use it.

Who wants to sit on the couch and browse the web? Who owns a console and not a computer? It's not a good question, it's idiotic. Leave the unneeded complexity and diskspace out.

Try this:
1. turn your computer's resolution to 640x480
2. cross your eyes

This is how web browsing on your console will look for the majority of people out there without an HDTV.

Newsflash: Wii's browser can look good whatever the resolution, as Opera has a built in zoom function(and no, not like the other browsers) it zooms entire websites meaning you could have it set at a specific zoom size and not worry about screen estate.

And Wii's browser WILL have flash, so google video and youtube for example WILL be possible.

Anyway wii's browser will be better than PS3's in terms of accessibility and features anyway.

fooboo: [about IE7] "Where's builtin SVG...?" They do have it...and for a long time already, even in previous IE's. It's called VML...and was also a big ass hole for exploiting a month ago. :)

Re: browsing on TV. I actually do this sometimes. I've got a Media Center 2004 pc, which for some stupid reason doesn't qualify as a MCExtender. Luckily, I have TV out :) After watching my recorded tv shows on the tv, I can pull up Opera and browse with my wireless keyboard & mouse. (I really should look into one of those gyration mice one of these days). Anyway, web display on an SDTV is easily doable with Opera (zooming, user stylesheet modes, recallable sessions settings, fit-to-width, small screen rendering, etc). The only caveat is that text has to be made larger than normal to be easily read.

Because 360 owners are too busy playing GAMES. None that I know are:
a.) Interested in "playing" cooking/surgery simulators;
b.) willing to be referred to as proverbial dog shit by halfwit PR suits; or,
c.) so completely fucking twitchy that they can't get up and use their PC to peruse the 'nets.

XBox will be giving itself more problem if they were to add their own browser, inviting hackers and ActiveX flaws. Good thing that they don't do that.

Browsing the net on a console is a joke. It will never live up to everyone's expectations. Take a minute to think about it for a minute...most video files on the net these days are in .wmv file format..(yep that w stands for Windoze). What makes you think Micro$oft will take time out of their schedule to create a wmv plugin for Sony's browser. Then, you must take into consideration flash components...Yes Sony may be able to work something out with Macromedia, BUT, just "how" compatible are flash components with television screens. They could end up unproportional or unstable in some cases. Same story with .mov (quicktime) files. Basically, it is all about licenses! If Sony can work out something between these major media companies, then maybe they will have something. I've seen several electronic devices that allow you to browse the net via a television. And NONE of them have been all that good. All I am saying is that you should not expect much from this, just look at it as a way of surfing text pages and getting some quick tips & tricks for the games that you have =)

There is a 360 Keyboard and mouse out go take a moment and stop in at your local gamestop and you will see this and then ask ok where is my 360 browser?

I like console browsers, because of the fact that I can lay down and watch Youtube comfortably.

microsoft doesnt care about making any more money really, they have plenty. its the fact that if someeone is willing to buy it... they WILL sell it. not just to make money, but for the reputation too.

microsoft isnt also really worried about competition either.take halo franchisxe and bungie for example.microsoft sawa potential in halo and bouught nearly half of bungie,they see a threat, they eliminate it.


"Its not about the company's, but about the consumers and the buyers"

DON'T forget that Sony and Nintendo are both Japanese companies and there isnt alot of space here in the house so having a console that could browse the net is really good....remember most Japanese people only really use their computers for surfing the net (im genealizing here but from all the people Ive talked to - I work in a very busy language school and teach engineers from Sharp/Fujifilm ad Sony)

So if they include a browser that elimates the need to have a computer

Browsing the web on a TV = Suckage.

What's wrong with your computer that you can't walk to it and fire up your browser?

Hi evreyone i want to put my 2 cents in the xbox 360 ps3 wii are all computers and cost a lot. Say your kid wants a ps3 or xbox 360 so you buy it for him her etc. now the kid wants to get a computer for his room so you have to spend mucho bucks for that to. why ? the ps3,xbox 360 are already reasonably powerful computers the addition of a web browser would be nice for a parent he or she could save some money. and by the way i surf the net on my big screen tv and while it is not real pretty, it is functional and i think the people at ps3 are on the right track with this stuff i just hope microsoft see the light

I don't want a browser in my X360 ever.. No need for it and don't want the chance for there to be more problems with system, not the mention the opportunity for viruses, etc.. Its a media system.. For games, movies, etc.. Thats all it needs to be.. A browser really adds no value to it whatsoever.. Obviously the people here that are posting that they want one have a computer already, why put one on a "game" console?

to all the people who said it will hurt the vista sales

I dont see how a FREE web browser that you can get now will even put a dimple in vista sales

please correct me if im wrong

there are some of us that have PC's on different levels of the house and I use my PC monitor to play my 360 with the VGA cable. cant afford an HDTV and this is the next best thing. swaping cables is real anoying to just check email or an IM. also the part that allows you to hook to computers to one monitor lock the 360 in demo mode and thats no good.

i think the 360 should have a web browser. one i can look up something if i needed and cheats for GTA if i wanted them. they will probly port ie 7 on to it eventough i would like to see them use firefox. the ps3's web browser sucks. i have the ps3 and the web browsing is vary bad. i dont no y they used a web browser they made but IE or firefox would be much better. and if u pl are scard about viruses their will be none. its not windows the most used os in the world. and its not like its easy to hack into like the mac is. and if a out brake ms could send a update them changes tons of thing around so its fixed again or just securty upgrades 2. i have hooked my pc up to my tv before and got pritty good picture. and if u ever used the psp or even ps3 the resulition doesn't look bad. what they should do is give u the option and all the ppl that dont want it dont have to get it. but it beets having to turn on the pc. what might be a long time for u. even though my pc can boot up in 4seconds to the login screen and antoher 2 secnds to login. i really dont fell like doing it when i can watch tv and borwse the web on my tv using the split screen function on my tv. i can be watching HBO and surf the web. i can do that on my pc but i can only do it on a 25in widescreen. my xbox was moded with a 300gb hard drive. i have linux on it along with monies and games. i would borwse the web with it and it had firefox on it. and it was running much better then the ps3 web browser ever could. thats what i am using now as a tv web browser but i would rather have the 360 do it becuase i would get more functionaltty out of it. oh and dont get the ps3 downloading sucks big time on it. and graphics are the same. i got the 60gb one and i had to send it back once because it over heated and started to crach alot. even the new one i got has crashed 2times. and i just got this one sent to me 2weeks ago. and im proud to say my 360 has never crashed. and xbox live is much better then the crapy ps3 online.

Wow the people sure are stupid. Why in the world would anyone say they dont want one and you can walk into the other room and browse the web? Thats like just winning 100 bucks then seeing 50 more in the street and saying "I dont need that 50 since I already have this 100." Man you guys are stupid but im sure Microcrap wont add one cause that would cost money and what a day it would be if Mr. Gates deducted 500 bucks from his 50,000,000,000,000,000.00.