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Microsoft Reportedly Working On Xbox TV Device

Posted by Soulskill on from the just-don't-call-it-the-metrobox dept.

SternisheFan writes with news of rumors over Microsoft's plans for its next-gen Xbox console. According to The Verge, the company is working on a cheap, Xbox-based set-top box for some time in 2013. "The device will run on the core components of Windows 8 and support casual gaming titles rather than full Xbox games typically found on a dedicated console. Although hardware specifications aren't fully locked down, we understand 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. Microsoft's Xbox set-top box work is said to be part of a broader effort to ensure its core architecture for the next-generation Xbox is scalable enough to be put together to run on a number of devices. We understand that the company 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."

4 of 104 comments (clear)

  1. Failed xbox shrink by spire3661 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I have known for a long time the xbox 360 would be relegated to a lower end Xbox gaming device when the next Xbox came out. Im surprised this is a mini, scaled down version that wont run the whole 360 stack though. I figured they would be able to make the 360 cheap/small enough by now to do so.

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    1. Re:Failed xbox shrink by man_of_mr_e · · Score: 4, Insightful

      More than likely, this won't be an xBox at all, but rather a small ARM based version of Windows 8 RT with Media Center built-in, and Metro apps for things like Pandora, Netflix, Hulu, etc...

      It doesn't make much sense to make it an xbox unless you're planning to run actual xbox titles.

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    2. Re:Failed xbox shrink by Zaiff+Urgulbunger · · Score: 4, Funny

      XBox 360-RT. That'll clear up any confusion!

  2. Problem with set top boxes... by ducomputergeek · · Score: 5, Interesting

    My previous TV was older with no internet connection and I ended up using my Xbox that last year or so more to stream netflix then actually play video games. When that TV died last year and I bought a new one, the new TV had a dozen services built in including Netflix and Hulu. Since then I actually let my XBL subscription lapse because I just didn't use it enough. If the idea works, what is to stop Panasonic/LG/Samsung et al from basically building similar services directly into the TV. My current TV is still wired into the home network, but I'm seeing a lot more TV's with built in Wifi.

    My Cable bundle contract expires at the end of the year and I'm seriously debating whether or not it's time to cancel the TV subscription.

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