Fresh rumours emerge on the next Microsoft console-- Bloomberg reports the new Xbox carries an AMD processor, while Microsoft analyst Paul Thurrot claims the machine will be revealed on 21 May 2013.
A switch to AMD (specifically an SoC combining a "Jaguar" CPU with a GPU) instead of the IBM Power PC technology means the new console will be incompatible with 360 game titles. It would also seal AMD's leadership of the console segment-- the Playstation 4 also makes use of x86-based AMD hardware, part of a Sony bid to make the console more attractive to developers.
Meanwhile veteran Microsoft watcher Paul Thurrot claims the company should reveal the console on May 2013 before an "early November" launch. News site The Verge confirms the report and adds further details will be available at June's E3 and Build events.
Reportedly the console, codenamed "Durango," will be "expensive" and and demands an always-on internet connection as an anti-piracy measure.
"Looking at some of the stuff I got a long time ago, it actually says "must be internet-connected to use" in the notes," Thurrot says. "And that's all I have, but it does say that."
Thurrot has a further Microsoft gaming-related report-- the company will release "Stingray," a budget-priced 360 variant costing all of $99.
When questioned neither Microsoft nor AMD provided further comment.
Go Microsoft Said to Adopt AMD Chips for Next Xbox Console (Bloomberg)