
Xbox 720 advertisement in new Hugh Jackman sci-fi flick - Hardware - News - HEXUS.net
Slashgear said:Microsoft is readying two next-gen Xbox console variants, insiders suggest, one targeting the entry-level market as a stripped-down option, while a second delivers true hardcore gaming. The strategy would be a broader progression of Microsoft’s current dual-SKU Xbox 360 offering, Digital Foundry‘s sources claim, where both cheaper and more expensive versions of the 360 are on offer, though the difference between the next-gen models would be considerably more extensive.
“A pared down machine is to be released as cheaply as possible, and positioned more along the lines of a set-top box†it’s suggested, targeting streaming media services like Netflix as well as more casual gaming in what’s described as “a Kinect-themed portal.†Meanwhile, those gamers chasing the cutting edge would have the option of a true 360-replacement, with an optical drive and HDD storage, along with backward compatibility with older titles. It would obviously carry a higher price tag and likely deliver more capable graphics performance.
We're getting some kind of new Xbox in 2012
Scott: I'd place the likelihood of a new version of the Xbox 360 at 50/50 and the next Xbox at slim to none. It makes no sense financially and with Halo 4 slated for holiday 2012, it makes no sense strategically.
Steven: It's pretty clear that "something" will be announced by Microsoft next year; all signs seem to point to it. However, measured from right now, that will give Microsoft about a year to go from unannounced product to on store shelves; while that kind of turnaround might work in some contexts, it's just not the case when it's come to console development in the past. More often than not, a console is revealed a good two years before its release, in order to allow time for other factors (third-party development, hardware manufacturing, etc.) to fully steep. Only giving yourself a year is just not a wise business move, and not one that I see Microsoft making.
Peter: No way. With Halo 4 not having a release date and still coming to Xbox 360, there's no reason for Microsoft to launch any kind of new system in 2012. If anything, they'll continue supporting Kinect and opening up new entertainment routes with additional content providers before even announcing any kind of successor to the Xbox 360.
Mitch: NOPE. The S model is still fairly new-and-improved and selling strong, so it doesn't make business sense, and major system updates negate our need for fancier tech just yet. Like Scott said, with so many huge games in the pipeline -- Rainbow Six: Patriots, Insane, and Devil's Third have tentative release dates of 2013, for cryin' out loud -- the Xbox 3 doesn't make a lick of sense.
Verdict: Doubtful
Microsoft has admitted that the leaked document describing plans for the next generation Xbox console does belong to the tech giant, and its lawyers have ordered websites to take down links to the 56-page PDF file.The document is referred to as an IEB Roadmap, where IEB stands for Interactive Entertainment Business - the Microsoft division responsible for Xbox and other consumer electronics.
For some reason Microsoft is primarily picking on Czech technology site Ihned.cz, although links to the document on the far more high profile Game Informer still seem to be working (although that may only be until America wakes up later this afternoon).
The document first surfaced on download site Scribd, which naturally became the first target for Microsoft's lawyers. Of course by that time the file had already spread across the internet and even if major sites are forced to take it down we doubt more than a few seconds on Google will keep you from it.
Xbox 720 reveal set for April 26 – rumour
Microsoft will unveil its new console on April 26, CVG’s Rob Crossley has said on Twitter, citing a trusted source. Both VG247 and CVG’s sources had earlier indicated an April event, and a recent domain registration hints that we don’t have long to wait.