Even though Microsoft has no plans to reveal their next-generation Xbox gaming console at E3 later this year, it hasn’t stopped the rumor mills from providing theories on what the new gaming console from Microsoft will include.
Today, Xbox World has reported that Durango developer kits were sent out last month by Microsoft. Even though they don’t resemble the finished product in design and appearance, the inner workings of the developer kits are still representative of the next-generation Xbox 720 console.
Hardware Specifications and Capabilities
Durango, as the new Xbox console has been codenamed, is reported to now contain an AMD’s Radeon 7000-series in terms of graphics, together with a 16-core IBM Power PC CPU. AMD launched the world’s first 16-core processor for the business market back in November last year, so could the new Xbox require such a beast of a processor? Sure.
The inclusion of a 16-core processor is particularly noteworthy. This level of processing power is unprecedented in gaming consoles and suggests that Microsoft is aiming to future-proof the Xbox 720. The additional cores could be utilized for more than just gaming. For instance, they could support advanced AI, real-time physics calculations, and even background tasks like downloading updates or running apps simultaneously without affecting gaming performance.
“It’s a ridiculous amount of power for a games machine – too much power, even,”-“But remember, Kinect 2 could chew up four whole cores tracking multiple players right down to their fingertips, so it’ll need a lot of power.”
Potential Features and Innovations
The mention of Kinect 2 is also intriguing. The original Kinect was a revolutionary piece of technology that allowed for motion-sensing and voice recognition. However, it had its limitations, particularly in terms of accuracy and responsiveness. With the new Xbox 720, it seems Microsoft is aiming to overcome these limitations. The use of four cores just for Kinect 2 suggests that the new system will be capable of tracking multiple players with a high degree of precision, right down to their fingertips. This could open up new possibilities for gameplay, making it more immersive and interactive.
Moreover, the AMD Radeon 7000-series graphics card is another significant upgrade. This series is known for its high performance and efficiency, which means the Xbox 720 could support higher resolutions, better frame rates, and more detailed graphics. This would be a significant step up from the current generation and could help Microsoft compete with other high-end gaming systems and PCs.
Another area where the Xbox 720 could innovate is in its online capabilities. With the rise of cloud gaming and streaming services, it’s possible that Microsoft could integrate these features more deeply into the new console. This would allow gamers to stream games directly from the cloud, reducing the need for physical media and potentially lowering the cost of games.
Additionally, there are rumors that the Xbox 720 could include features like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). While these are still speculative, the inclusion of such technologies would align with Microsoft’s broader strategy of integrating AR and VR into their product ecosystem, as seen with their HoloLens project.
In conclusion, while Microsoft has yet to officially reveal the Xbox 720, the information from the Durango developer kits provides a tantalizing glimpse into what we can expect. With a 16-core processor, advanced graphics capabilities, and potential new features like Kinect 2, AR, and VR, the Xbox 720 could set a new standard for gaming consoles. As we await more official information, the excitement and speculation continue to build.
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