Microsoft making Xbox Surface - report

[Soldier 95B]

Microsoft is making a 7 inch gaming tablet called Xbox Surface, according to a new report.

Hardware planning for this device is underway, The Verge reports. It will “likely” include a custom ARM processor and high-bandwidth RAM designed specifically for gaming tasks. These specs may be altered before release, though.


Xbox Surface won't run a full version of Windows, the report claims. Instead it will run a custom Windows kernel. It is “likely” being made using the secret hardware production process Microsoft uses for its Surface devices. The Xbox 720, as it's called, will be manufactured by the usual suspects though, such as Foxconn.


Apparently Microsoft “locked down” several Xbox-buildings at its offices in Silicon Valley recently to protect the inner workings of its unannounced gubbins from leaking outside. It is here, at the heart of the Interactive Entertainment Business division, that games and software are being created for the Xbox Surface, the report claims.


The Verge said we should expect to see the Xbox Surface debut ahead of the next Xbox. Will both devices work together?


The announced Surface released late last month alongside the Windows 8 operating system. The basic 32 GB model without a cover costs £399.


Microsoft is yet to comment.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...surface-report

I imagine the price of the Xbox Surface, if true, will be out of reach of most gamers. Hardcore are the only ones I could see buying it, if at all.

[maltrophstitan]

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/20...surface-report

I imagine the price of the Xbox Surface, if true, will be out of reach of most gamers. Hardcore are the only ones I could see buying it, if at all.

price it at 349.99, offer a subscription model with access to live features and data plans. I don't think MS would fear selling at a loss or little profit if it's mainly a consumer device that allowed them to make the money back through content on live.

it would be cool to have a device that you could read the halo books and immediately switch to a halo game with a swipe of your finger. and i would love to see the type cover thing implemented for controls.

[Yungstar 2006]

actually, if you read the spec, it mentions... a stationary computing device' under the 'tablet computing device' section. more nextbox than portable..

[mynd]

actually, if you read the spec, it mentions... a stationary computing device' under the 'tablet computing device' section. more nextbox than portable..

Yeah I just noticed that, stationary computing device..has the specs for the next xbox been under our noses all a long.

Thats a 12 core machine BTW.
5 GB main memory
1.2 GB VRAM
SM 5.0

How the hell did I not notice that before?

[F34R]

That looks NICE! Love to see what this is all about...

[mynd]

That looks NICE! Love to see what this is all about...

Its the next Xbox, is what it is, and it looks like it comes with a 7" tablet surface.

Holy hell 12 cores, that flipping "hard"core.

5 gb would lead me to believe 4 gb for games 1gb for O/S.
1.2gb of GDDR seems odd though.

I wonder if the name is going to be simply Xbox Surface.

[F34R]

This is crazy good if it's the nextbox 1280! lol

[Ghost-Rhayne]

Sexy piece of kit, if true.

[mynd]

Would bring the rumours of a 4gb PS4 as about right though.
So maybe 4gb is the next gen standard (I believe the 1gb is not going tobe able to be touched by games devs).

[The Sith]

I remember posting info on the Xbox surface tablet four months ago. It was a seven inch screen with video game controllers that would allow all sorts of interactions with the next Xbox

[DarkVincent07]

Maybe the next xbox will be a LOT like the WiiU.... hmm

[Vulgotha]

I don't see this going anywhere. Not unless all the titles made for this device are compatible with the next generation or existing Xbox.

I don't get this direction.

[mynd]

I don't see this going anywhere. Not unless all the titles made for this device are compatible with the next generation or existing Xbox.

I don't get this direction.

Its just an Xbox branded smart glass device I would think.

[Vulgotha]

That may be, but "Xbox" as a brand has certain connotations tied to it wouldn't you say? Why arbitrarily brand a smart glass device "Xbox" if it has zero to do with the actual brand outside of some periphery abilities tied to the smartglass tech.. And certainly not 'device exclusive'?

[mynd]

That may be, but "Xbox" as a brand has certain connotations tied to it wouldn't you say? Why arbitrarily brand a smart glass device "Xbox" if it has zero to do with the actual brand outside of some periphery abilities tied to the smartglass tech.. And certainly not 'device exclusive'?

Played with Windows 8 music yet?