There have been a lot of rumors, many contradictory, swirling around the Internet about the as yet unannounced successor to Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console. You may have heard the names Xbox 720 and Nextbox connected to this maelstrom of malarkey. Hatred and praise for this still imaginary device have been flung, dare I say, willy-nilly (pardon my language). Everyone has something to say on the matter, and most importantly, none of it is actually verified by anyone in any position of authority or in any official capacity.
Until now.
An anonymous, but totally verified, source within Microsoft contacted us early this morning with a slew of official details about Microsoft’s next entry into the console arena, including system specs, functionality, a name, and some things that nobody was expecting.
Name
“Box.” It’s the ultimate expression of Microsoft’s attempts to make their console more than just a console, but rather a single device that fulfills all of a home’s media needs and more (we’ll get to the “and more”). Not only does the name become more inclusive of the hardware’s widened horizons, but it rolls off the tongue more easily, and, however slightly, improves the names for those who suffer from hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia. Short, simple, and snazzy.
Main Specs
- Processor: An unannounced collaboration between Microsoft and Intel resulting in a processor that has been designed exclusively for the Box. The Box will boast a dual processor setup, with each x86-64 processor sporting 16 cores with HyperThreading, expanding the 32 physical cores to a total of 64 physical and virtual cores as needed.
- Memory: GDDR5 16GB
- HDD: The Box will provide multiple storage options. All SKUs will be loaded with SSD storage, allowing for nearly instant console activation and operation. The capacities will range from 256GB in the low end model to 1TB in the premium model. The Box’s OS will be given a dedicated 128GB SSD on all models, separate from storage, to allow for OS operation, avatar items, applications, and other relevant files.
- OS: The Box will run Windows 8, allowing for easy development of cross-platform gameplay between PC and Box users.
- Optical: The Box will use a Blu-Ray drive.
Core Functionality
The Box will retain the obvious ability to play video games, movies, music, and more. The user interface will be drastically different than what console users are accustomed to, however, with the introduction of Windows 8 as the operating platform. This opens the Box up to functionality that had been previously restricted (or in certain cases, should have been restricted) to personal computers, including word processing, database maintenance, social media, porn, and more. As a bonus, it has been confirmed that not only will the Box play used games, it will also not require a constant Internet connection…in certain cases. More on that in the “LIVE” section below.
Unexpected Feature
This week, Microsoft announced the arrival of the Pizza Hut application for the Xbox 360, allowing users to order pizzas straight from their console. This was just the first step in what has apparently been a collaboration long in the making. In a secret deal, Microsoft has acquired the technology behind the Easy-Bake Oven from Hasbro. Not only will you be able to order pizza from your Box, you’ll have it delivered from your Box.
LIVE
Microsoft has done a wonderful job of providing a stable, functional online service in the form of Xbox LIVE. With Box, the connected service will be called “BoxOn.” BoxOn will come in muliple flavors for Box users:
- BoxOn Core: Core is the basic level of BoxOn, and allows access to the store, basic Internet access, matchmaking/chat, and access for non-Box subscription services (Hulu, Netflix, etc.). BoxOn Core is available for $9.99/year.
- BoxOn Advanced: Advanced is the intermediate level of BoxOn that allows all of the functionality of BoxOn Core, but adds priority placement in matchmaking, download queues, and speed allocation. BoxOn Advanced is available for $39.99/year.
- BoxOn Professional: Professional is the ultimate level of BoxOn. It includes all of the functionality of Core and Advanced (with higher priority placement), and includes discounts and deals on store content. BoxOn Professional is available for $69.99/year.
BoxOn is not required for core functionality (playing physical media), but is required for any online interaction, including system updates and store access.
Pricing
Finally, our totally real source has given us an advance look at the Box’s pricing range. The lowest end model of the Box will be available for a scant $249.99 at launch, with the highest end model peaking at $599.99. Full details of intermediate models are not yet available.
Again, all of this information was provided by an anonymous (to you), but totally verified and legit (as far as you know) internal Microsoft source.
One wouldn’t think that it needs to be said, but let it be said anyway that this is a pointed work of fiction; there is no source, and all of these details are obviously fabricated. Now go read some more rumors.
