2013/04/26 Microsoft may announce next-gen Xbox on 21 May
Originally scheduled for April, the event was pushed back to May, sources have told The Verge .
That echoes similar information from SuperSite for Windows writer Paul Thurrott. In an interview with the video blog "What the Tech" at the end of last week, Thurrott said that Microsoft had planned to announce the new console on 24 April, but then rescheduled the event for 21 May. In the video clip of the show, Thurrott's comments about the next Xbox start at the 54:44 mark .
The Verge's sources claim that the event will be a small one, offering the first details on the next Xbox, code-named Durango. Microsoft reportedly will unveil the console at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) event in Los Angeles in June, with the product hitting shelves later in the year.
Thurrott added even more to mull over. He said that "Durango" is likely to be expensive - US$500 for the regular console and US$300 for a subscription-based model.
Thurrott also chimed in on the controversy over rumours that the next Xbox would require an always-on internet connection. A creative director with Microsoft Studio got himself into hot water last week when he told people upset over such a requirement to just " deal with it ".
If the requirement is true, what does an "always-on" connection mean? Even Thurrott isn't sure. But he did say that his previous notes on the device specifically state: "Must be internet connected to use". He didn't reveal where he got this titbit, but Thurrott has a good track record for uncovering accurate information about Microsoft's plans.
Microsoft could have more than one console up its sleeves.
Thurrott previously said that Microsoft will update the Xbox 360 and sell it for US$99. Such a development may suggest that the new-generation Xbox won't be able to play 360 games, but that's speculation on Thurrott's part. A US$99 Xbox 360 also could be positioned as a cheaper entertainment console to compete with Roku and similar devices.
Finally, Thurrott is citing an early November release for the next Xbox, just in time to lure in holiday shoppers.
Microsoft has yet to reveal or confirm any details about the next Xbox. A spokesperson sent CNET this statement overnight: "We do not comment on rumours or speculation. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform, but we don't have anything further to share at this time."
Sorce:CNET
