Microsoft's next Xbox with Kinect 2 could be $299, report says
(CBS News) Microsoft may have let plans for the next Xbox video game console leak, according to a recent report.
The Verge reports, a 56-page document from 2010 that was posted online suggests Microsoft's next gaming console, which has been nicknamed the "Xbox 720," might feature a Blu-ray player, 3D output, SmartGlass, Metro dashboard, Xbox TV apps and a price point of $299 when bundled with Kinect 2.
The alleged leaked Microsoft document also mentioned details of the "Fortaleza" Kinect Glasses that will interact with the Xbox "720" and be an augmented-reality device. Kinect is a motion sensing device that works with the Xbox 360 and Windows. According to the documents, the "Fortaleza" Kinect Glasses may launch in 2014.
The document was later taken down at the request of the law firm Covington & Burling LLP. The Verge pointed out that the law firm lists Microsoft as a client.
While the updates to the Xbox console remain pure speculation, Microsoft has already launched several products that could be incorporated nicely into its next-generation console.
The company unveiled the Windows 8 operating system in June 2011. Windows 8 features a touch-friendly interface called Metro, which could also work well with the Xbox console.
Microsoft introduced SmartGlass at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June 2012.
Xbox SmartGlass is an application that can run on computers, tablets, smartphones or the Xbox 360 video game console. It's meant to work as a companion for watching television via the Xbox 360, with the app providing additional information in accordance with the users' interests.
The rumors of Microsoft's next-generation console come on the heels of the company's launch of a tablet computer. TheMicrosoft Surface tablet features a 10.6-inch display, a full version of the Windows 8 operating system, Gorilla Glass, a built in kickstand and a tactile multi-touch keyboard.
Microsoft has confirmedthere will be no Xbox successor in 2012. It's been speculated by several video game blogs that the company will release a new Xbox in 2013.
The Xbox 360 was the top-selling console in 2011, outselling the PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii by over 2.7 million units. Microsoft recently reported that the Xbox 360 has been the top-selling console for the past 17 months.
