Rumor: Internet Explorer Web Browser Coming to Xbox 360

By Landon Robinson | 11 May 2012 | 8 Comments

According to sources known only by The Verge, Microsoft is reportedly testing a new version of its proprietary web-browsing software, Internet Explorer 9, to debut on Xbox 360.

With the console already including Bing voice search for searching media across the Xbox Live and Zune marketplaces, it’s not out of the realm of possiblity that Microsoft would want to include a full-on Internet browsing experience. This only adds to their philosophy of trying to further close the gap between the Xbox being merely a game console and actually resembling a fully featured, web-based media center. Adding internet surfing functionality would mean that you would, in theory, never have to leave the comfort of your couch or console.

But if my experiences with past console web browsers are any indication, the experience could be far from fluid or enjoyable. Though, rumors from the same source claim that there will be integrated Kinect functionality, such as gestures, that will help tune the browser for a more enhanced, controller-less experience.

Given that this project is underway and Kinect functionality is integrated well, we might just have a new, comfortable way to surf the web mouse and keyboard-less. The Xbox 360 already has YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, ESPN, and MLB – so why not go ahead and include the entirety of the Internet? Not a bad addition — if it’s free with Xbox Live Gold, that is.

With E3 right around the corner, I expect that if an announcement is planned, it’ll be executed during the Microsoft press conference.

Would you be interested in a web browser for the Xbox? Would you use it?

[via The Verge]

8 Comments

Posted by David on 11 May 12 at 8:37am

Why? This is a video game console. It doesn’t need an internet browser. All it needs is connectivity to Xbox LIVE and to be able to play games. This is just ridiculous but that’s my opinion.
- Posted by Brian P Rubin on 11 May 12 at 8:57am
  
  Hey, it’s all good with me. A web-browser isn’t really that necessary, but considering how much video is available on the web but NOT through YouTube, this could actually open up even more free content. And I’m not even talking about porn! (But yeah, there’s porn, too.)
  - Posted by Landon Robinson on 11 May 12 at 10:03am
    
    Highly doubt it would support flash content, but that’s just what my mind is telling me.
    My mind tells me a bunch of things.
  - Posted by Mark on 11 May 12 at 3:25pm
    
    Yeah but, unless it’s like Steam and you can access something mid-play, (which is the only plausible reason I can think to want something like that) why would you waste time browsing 4ft from the telly, typing with a controller?
    
    Some worlds aren’t meant to collide.
  - Posted by David Yepes on 12 May 12 at 3:41pm
    
    restrict porn pages??
Posted by Bryton Robinson on 11 May 12 at 2:57pm

Most likely gonna be a lot more secure then the browser on PlayStation 3′s is. Like downloading music, pictures, and themes for free off the internet. I’m not hoping for many restrictions, and who knows, maybe it’ll get more people to use IE.
Posted by David Yepes on 12 May 12 at 3:41pm

This would be pretty awesome. Xbox 360 with an internet explorer, wow!! Btw this browser is from Microsoft and it’s most likely gonna be more secure then the browser of PS3. I hope that this doesn’t require Xbox LIVE Gold. IMO
Posted by Jake on 12 May 12 at 7:14pm

Internet Explorer? I’d rather just get up and take the 3 steps to my computer so I can use Chrome.