Nintendo's Wii U recently launched and kicked off the next generation of consoles. Microsoft and Sony have yet to announce anything official about their next-gen home consoles, but a recent report suggests that Microsoft will be releasing two versions of the next Xbox.
According to The Verge, one console will be a dedicated powerful gaming system and the other will be a casual set-top box. The Verge states the information came to them via multiple sources familiar with Microsoft's plans.
The set-top Xbox will be running a version of Windows 8, according to The Verge, and will support casual gaming that will most likely come from Xbox Live and the Windows Store. The set-top Xbox will apparently be equipped with an "always on" chipset that will allow for a quick boot up. The set-top Xbox will cost less than the full-fledged gaming Xbox 720, and be more geared towards providing entertainment services towards consumers.
The set-top Xbox should make an appearance alongside the Xbox 720 in early 2013 and release before the 2013 holiday season kicks off.
The set-top Xbox is part of Microsoft's larger plan to create a scalable Xbox platform, according to The Verge. There's already talks about an Xbox tablet, and this could mean an Xbox-driven phone might be unveiled in the future.
Regarding the gaming-centered Xbox 720, magazine Xbox World recently released all the details they know about Microsoft's upcoming console. If their report turns out to be true, then the Xbox 720 will use Blu-ray discs, have at least 8GB RAM, and feature Kinect 2.0. The Xbox 720 should also come equipped with a TV input to allow for DVR-like recording of television shows.
There are no exact pricing details regarding the two Xboxes.
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