Microsoft shoots down Blu-ray on Xbox talk

Larry Hryb (aka Major Nelson) has claimed that Microsoft has no plans to introduce a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360, despite apparent comments to the contrary from CEO Steve Ballmer.

Writing on his popular blog, from his position as director of programming for Xbox Live, Hryb claimed that "Steve was referring to Blu-ray accessories for the PC. As we have said in the past, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-ray drive for the Xbox 360."

Ballmer's comments yesterday appeared to be unambiguous, as he answered a question about Blu-ray compatibility with the Xbox by saying: "I don't know if we need to put Blu-ray in there - you'll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories".

However, as many observed the rest of the interview did not appear to support the implications of his statement. Ballmer also has a record of making erroneous comments about the Xbox business, for which a Blu-ray peripheral appears to make little practical or strategic sense.

Highlighting Microsoft's continuing focus on downloadable movie content Hryb added: "In fact, the future of home entertainment starts very soon when Xbox 360 becomes the first and only console to offer instant-on 1080p streaming HD movies. With a library of thousands of TV shows and movies to choose from, Xbox 360 owners can instantly watch the movies they want, when they want, in the highest form of high definition."