xbox tv Microsoft reportedly launching 'Xbox TV' devices next month( +Xbox One slim and a more Powerfull console 2017)

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Microsoft is said to be planning to unveil new Xbox streaming devices at E3 next month. The software giant has been considering an "Xbox TV" device for at least three years, and it appears a variant of it will be unveiled in June. Brad Sams, executive editor at Petri, revealed that Microsoft is "going to be announcing at least two streaming devices at E3" during an online podcast today. Sams previously reported on the new Xbox elite controller, ahead of its announcement at E3 last year.

 

Microsoft is reportedly preparing a Chromecast-like device that will work as a basic streaming stick for Xbox digital content. Sources familiar with Microsoft's Xbox plans tell me that the company has long been experimenting with a Chromecast-like device that would allow you to stream Xbox One games from a main console in a living room to a second TV elsewhere in a house. If Microsoft does introduce such a device, it will be a basic streaming stick that works with the Xbox One controller.

 

Microsoft's second streaming device is the more interesting of the pair. Sams speculates that it will be a streaming device with advanced functionality. Microsoft originally planned a two-SKU strategy for the Xbox One, but it canceled an "Xbox TV" device. The original TV streaming device was supposed to support the core components of Windows 8, with support for casual gaming through apps. Microsoft's Windows 10 strategy with the Xbox One means that its new rumored Xbox TV device could access universal apps and games from the Windows Store.

 

While the "Xbox TV" won't be capable of running the latest games like Forza, it's easy to imagine it running basic casual gaming titles. It could also be used to stream Xbox One games from the main console in a house. Microsoft stopped the production of its Xbox 360 console last month, and many consumers had been purchasing the aging console just to use it as a basic gaming device and to stream content from Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon. The popularity of streaming devices has largely replaced the Xbox 360, but a dedicated "Xbox TV" could renew interest for consumers if it's priced aggressively. Microsoft is due to hold its Xbox E3 press conference at 12:30PM ET / 9:30AM PT on June 13th, and The Verge will be covering it live.

 

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Xbox One slim rumored for E3 and more powerful console expected in 2017

While Microsoft is rumored to be planning two new "Xbox TV" streaming devices at E3, it appears a slimmer and smaller Xbox One will be unveiled too. References to a new Xbox One wireless chip were discovered last month, and now Kotaku claims Microsoft will release a "cheaper, small Xbox One" later this year. The updated Xbox One is rumored to include a larger 2TB hard drive. Sources familiar with Microsoft's Xbox plans tell The Verge that the refreshed Xbox One will be 40 percent smaller than the current model, and will likely include 4K video support.

 

Microsoft is also reportedly planning a larger update to the Xbox One next year. Codenamed Scorpio, Kotaku claims the new console will have a more powerful GPU to support 4K gaming, and that "it will also be technically capable of supporting the Oculus Rift." Microsoft is reportedly pursuing a partnership with Oculus, but the details seem vague and it's not clear if this will mean native support of Oculus Rift on the new Xbox One or the previously announced game streaming to the VR headset.

 

Microsoft's new consoles are part of what's described as "Project Helix," to converge Xbox and Windows 10 gaming. Microsoft is expected to talk more about part of its efforts towards this at E3 next month, and announce the smaller Xbox One console. The Verge will be covering Microsoft's E3 event live at 12:30PM ET / 9:30AM PT on June 13th.

 

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