No he didn't. Read the article again carefully.
He said Windows works offline. And then he said "But,"
Uhh...What?
Here is the quote:
More to the point, I think that an always-on Xbox is directly in keeping with Microsoft’s strategy for all next-generation platforms, including Windows Phone (all versions) and Windows 8/RT, which are designed to work as if you are simply connected all the time. Yes, they do work offline, of course. But the apps platform on these systems—which will be replicated on the Windows 8-based next Xbox—assumes a connection. Microsoft’s new platforms are integrated conduits for online services.
Let me break it down for you guys, since reading comprehension isn't your forte:
I think that an always-on Xbox is directly in keeping with Microsoft’s strategy for all next-generation platforms, including Windows Phone (all versions) and Windows 8/RT, which are designed to work as if you are simply connected all the time.
Translation: Durango will work similarly to win phone and win8/rt - as if you always have an internet connection.
Comment: We know that the majority of the features on those items require an internet connection, but they still work offline.
Yes, they do work offline, of course.
Translation: Win8/RT and the phone do work offline, even though they are designed for always online - essentially they are always-online platforms.
Comment: Basically confirming my earlier comment.
But the apps platform on these systems—which will be replicated on the Windows 8-based next Xbox—assumes a connection. Microsoft’s new platforms are integrated conduits for online services.
Translation: The apps on these systems assume that you have an internet connection. The apps on the Windows 8-based xbox will also assume a connection.
Comment: NOTHING IS ACTUALLY BEING SAID ABOUT GAMES. Only apps. The apps will be designed to work online.
So just like the phone can still make phone calls without an internet connection, and you can still use your windows 8 PC without an internet connection, the next Xbox will still have basic offline functionality, and one would logically assume that it can play games, although it does not specifically say so. The apps and some other features will work assuming you have an internet connection, BUT WE CANNOT CONCLUDE ANYTHING ABOUT GAMES, though we can logically assume that games will at least work offline going by what he said.
THERE, you got it?