Microsoft 'unlikely to provide Xbox 360 Blu-RAy add-on'

Microsoft may not develop Blu-Ray playing capabilities for the Xbox 360, it has emerged.

According to independent research company Directions on Microsoft, the technology giant has a track record of avoiding royalties payments, making it likely that the firm will shun Sony's high-definition format.

The news - which may be of interest to those looking for DVD duplication services - follows Toshiba's announcement that it plans to cease production of the HD-DVD alternative previously competing with Blu-Ray.

David Mercer, principal analyst for Strategy Analytics, told Punchjump.com: "I don't think Microsoft will ever introduce a Blu-ray player for the Xbox - they will just concentrate on downloads."

Meanwhile, computerworld.com has suggested that Toshiba's decision to end HD-DVD production could be in part attributed to ongoing negotiations between it and Sony about the sale of microchip production rights.

Haggling over the value of Sony's sale to Toshiba saw the former agree to a somewhat bargain price, which could have been instrumental in putting pressure on Toshiba to drop its high-definition format.