Rumours / Speculation on the Next Gen Xbox

[Spectral Jester]

Rumours about the graphical capabilities of Microsoft's next-generation console refuse to go away today, as the internet is once again ablaze with speculation about what the innards of the machine might be, with news on what GPU and CPU the console could utilise.

 

In a report on Fudzilla, it's claimed that the next Xbox will be powered by a PowerPC CPU alongside a modified ATI Southern Islands 7000 series GPU. Whoosh! That's the sound of it all going right over our heads. Apparently, the codename for this 32nm chip is 'Oban', and the report states that it's in production as we speak and is initially being built for development kits only. Sounds impressive, even if we're not quite sure what it all means.

 

The report also goes on to say that the chips will be put into production for consumer consoles (ie. the ones you'll be buying) by the end of the year, which hints at a 2013 launch for Microsoft's next Xbox at the very earliest. Meanwhile, IGN reckons that the GPU will be based on a 6000 series, similar to the Radeon HD 6670.

 

Naturally, Microsoft is remaining predictably schtum on the whole 'next-gen Xbox' subject, going with the old 'no comment' approach. Will Microsoft's next-generation console be unveiled this year and launched in 2013? Who knows? For now, it's all still rumours and speculation.

 

 

Even more next-generation Xbox rumours, following earlier news regarding the GPU and CPU Microsoft's console might use. This latest bout of speculation comes from anonymous sources cited on Kotaku that claim the next Xbox (720, Loop, whatever) will use Blu-rays rather than DVDs and it'll also reportedly have an in-built anti-used games detector doohickey.

 

First off, the introduction of Blu-ray as a disc format seems like a no-brainer as it offers 25-50GB worth of data storage rather than the 9GB offered by a DVD, but the possible inclusion of anti-used game measures that could involve linking games to your Xbox Live account sounds like it could be a massively divisive and controversial feature. This comes from a "reliable source" too, so it could be real. It's not just used games that'd be affected here, but also lending a friend a game could be a thing of the past.

 

There's also reports from another source that the next Xbox could come bundled with a new version of the Kinect sensor, with an on-board processor. This was a feature intended for the original Kinect and would allow the device to detect player's motions much more effectively.

 

A Microsoft rep had this to say to Kotaku regarding today's rumours: "As an innovator we're always thinking about what is next and how we can push the boundaries of technology like we did with Kinect. We believe the key to extending the lifespan of a console is not just about the console hardware, but about the games and entertainment experiences being delivered to consumers. Beyond that we don't comment on rumours or speculation."

 

Ah, yes. That old chestnut...