Microsoft hasn't released any official information about its next-gen Xbox 720, or Durango, console, but it might not be too long before the tech giant does. A countdown has appeared on a Microsoft-affiliated website that indicates that the Xbox 720 could be making an appearance at E3 2013.
A countdown timer that has appeared on Microsoft Director of Programming for Xbox Live Larry Hyrb's website, Major Nelson, strikes zero just as E3 2013 kicks off on June 11. There are no clues about what the countdown timer is for, and Hyrb only offers the words "And it's on." Unless the timer refers to some kind of an unforeseen Xbox Live overhaul, it's pretty safe to say that the countdown is referring to a hardware unveiling. What kind, however, is up in the air.
Microsoft is reported to be interested in releasing more than one piece of gaming hardware in 2013. Reports have confirmed that Microsoft is working on a 7-inch gaming tablet, as well as cheaper set-top version of the dedicated Xbox 720. Microsoft has even been rumored to be working on a game-centric smartphone that would join the Xbox ecosystem.
If E3 2013 finally gives us the Xbox 720, then there will finally be something more to go on than the current unofficial rumors and leaks. At the moment, the Xbox 720 is rumored to utilize Blu-Ray, have 8GB RAM, and sport a TV input for DVR-like capabilities. The Xbox 720 is also expected to help launch Kinect 2.0, which Microsoft has been working on for some time now.
Developers have already confirmed they are working on titles for Microsoft's next-gen console, and actual working demos may not be too far off given that dev kits have been shipping out for some time. E3 has played host to console unveilings in the past, but unless some incredibly detailed information leaks out ahead of time, we'll simply have to wait until this one to find out what Microsoft has up its sleeve.