Microsoft Xbox TV set-top device due Early 2013, Xbox 720 In November

Posted by: Ernice Gilbert November 21, 2012 in Microsoft, Rumor, Xbox 720 2 Comments

Microsoft plans to unveil an Xbox set-top box called Xbox TV to compete with the likes of Apple TV early next year, sources close to The Verge say.

The sources claim the move to create a low-cost alternative to its Xbox console, designed to provide access to core entertainment services will allow Microsoft to further increase its presence in the living room, providing consumers with a choice between a set-top box or a full next-generation Xbox console.

Ostensibly the set-top box is part of a two-SKU strategy for Microsoft’s next-generation of Xbox hardware that will be unveiled in 2013, with a release date ahead of the holiday shopping season. The device will run on the core components of Windows 8 and support casual gaming titles rather than full Xbox games found on dedicated “hardcore” consoles. Although hardware specifications aren’t final, the sources say Microsoft will use a chipset to enable an “always on” device that boots quickly and resumes to provide near-instant access to TV and entertainment services.

Xbox TV is part of Microsoft’s strategy to enable its Xbox to encompass the entertainment industry as much as possible, with a focus reaching beyond videogames. The Verge says MS could opt to combine its core system for the next Xbox with a phone stack to deliver a phone capable of running a full version of Microsoft’s Xbox Live services. It has also investigated providing this functionality to TV OEMs, who could include the core services as part of a licensed Xbox television set.

benzo

They are doing too much. MS is trying to compete with Apple and unfortunately I think MS will lose. I feel like this will do a disservice to the people who like to game on the xbox. More money will be allocated to the casual stuff, and fewer resources will be available for gaming stuff. I may be wrong,but I would like the next xbox and playstation to get away from the casual type stuff and get back to amazing games! Bring back Syphon Filter, Conker, Killer Instinct, and Crash! Give me Blue Dragon 2, Legend of Dragoon 2, and Alan Wake 2! I am a gamer and I want this type of stuff! Not more catering to the casual crowd that doesnt buy games! End Transmission
nick

really cant see the point of these things.
so there going to release a true next xbox, and a mini xbox which just runs mini games and entertainment services.
what the bloody hell is wrong with a tablet, or mini PC?
exactly whats wrong with the market these days, were introducing 100 different devices that do EXACTLY the same thing!
i mean how many devices do we have now that can run multimedia tasks such as movies, music, social and networking tasks such as facebook and net browsing, and casual games?
exactly what this thing is suppose to be.
i mean phones can do it, tablets can do it, PCs can do it, consoles can do it, isent that enough?
next were going to have our toasters not toast our bread, but tell us when the new episode of our favorite show is on!
im all for competition, the benefits are endless!
BUT this is getting out of hand, theres a big difference between 1 or 2 devices doing a set of tasks, and 100s!
no thanks M$, ive already got a device that can do that and many more!
and its called a PC, you may of heard of it!
the think that made you who you are today, and have forsaken and spat in its face oh so many times!
GFWL was just one of the many nails in the coffin.