'Xbox TV' with casual gaming, streaming due in 2013?

Microsoft may be prepping to introduce a new "Xbox TV" with casual gaming and streaming abilities in 2013, a tech site reported.

 

The Verge cited multiple sources who said the Xbox set-top box may be a low-cost alternative to its popular Xbox gaming console.

 

"The move will allow Microsoft to further increase its presence in the living room, providing consumers with a choice between a set-top box or a full next-generation Xbox console," it said.

 

It quoted Microsoft as saying in a statement that Xbox 360 "has found new ways to extend the console lifecycle by introducing controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships."

 

"We are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention," it quoted Microsoft as saying.

 

The Verge said the set-top box may be part of a two-SKU strategy for Microsoft's next-generation of Xbox hardware that will be unveiled in 2013.

 

Citing its sources, it said the new device will run on the core components of Windows 8 and support casual gaming titles rather than full Xbox games.

 

Also, it said Microsoft has plans for it to be an "always on" device that boots and resumes quickly, to provide near-instant access to TV and entertainment services.

 

Combining with phone?

 

The Verge also said Microsoft may combine its core system for the next Xbox with a phone stack "to deliver a phone capable of running a full version of Microsoft's Xbox Live services."

 

"It has also investigated providing this functionality to TV OEMs, who could include the core services as part of a licensed Xbox television set," it added. — TJD, GMA News