Microsoft has gone to extraordinary lengths to secure the secrecy of its next-generation console project, but it appears as if insiders are beginning to crack. Pocket-lint spoke to an anonymous source close to the Redmond-based company, who suggested that the "The majority of information leaked by many sources is true."
First off, don't expect the Xbox 720 moniker to stick. The new system will reportedly ditch numbers and revert back to its original branding with the simple title of 'Xbox.' The source notes that a 7-inch "X-Surface" tablet will launch alongside the console as a part of the "X" series of devices which interact with the console. The site explains, "On launch, we are informed, it will be able to access games, music and video hubs of the new Xbox, but will not have any apps of its own."
Concerning the machine's specs, the source confirms an eight-core 1.9GHz processor and a 800MHz GPU. Past rumors implicated an 8800 series GPU, 8GB RAM, and a 640GB hard-drive as well.
Next-Gen Features
Pocket Lint adds, "A couple of the features of multitasking explained to us include video calling in games (with users able to determine which corner of the screen to place the feed), and the ability to take screengrabs to save to hard drive or SkyDrive."
Video calling will likely use a built in Skype app, as Microsoft now owns the popular video conferencing company. Sources tell CVG that Microsoft is in the process of "consolidating all their communications technology [around Skype]...You might jump to the conclusion that we'll see asynchronous voice and video messages in the next-gen Xbox Live." The site even dug up a job posting for Skype's UK offices, calling for a user interface designer to work on integrating Skype into the next Xbox and expanding its functionality in the living room. The popular video service's involvement in Microsoft's console strategy is hardly a well-kept secret.
Back at CES 2013, Microsoft gave us a glimpse of Kinect 2.0, a device which could conceivably ship within the next-gen Xbox. The feature on display, known as 'IllumiRoom,' reads the shape of a room and dynamically creates projections to extend the usable display beyond the edges of your TV.
So When Does it Come Out?
Analyst Colin Sebastian of Rober W. Baird recently told Game Informer that the Redmond-based company would likely reveal its new Xbox at a standalone event by the end of March, and cost between $350 and $400 when it eventually launches. Most industry veterans expect the 'Xbox 720' to launch in Fall of 2013 alongside the Playstation 4.