“Xbox 720” documents reportedly reveal $299 price, new Kinect, specs and more

 

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A “leaked” document reportedly reveals Microsoft’s upcoming plans for the new Xbox console through to 2015, mentioning “Xbox 720” by name, listing a $299 price for the console, confirming Blu-ray playback, and referencing the Microsoft Glass augmented reality technology shown at this year’s E3. The documents have since been taken off the internet at the request of Microsoft’s lawyers, lending the leak more credibility. Is this the Xbox 720?



Microsoft has of course yet to publicly confirm or deny the leak, but asking for the documents to be taken off the web has got commentators believing the above details could be the real deal.

Xbox 720 rumoured for 2013 said to be six times more powerful

The 56-page document that first appeared on Scribd, made mention of an “Xbox 720” for a 2013 release, and says that the new console will be four times more powerful than the Xbox 360, and cost $299.

Blu-ray is also included, as is USB 3.0, HDMI and augmented reality gaming. There’s also a mention of the next generation of Microsoft Kinect, designed to work better in smaller spaces. Microsoft Kinect’s biggest problem is its inability to work accurately in tight areas. Microsoft Kinect 2 will seemingly solve this problem with better tracking.

Since the document’s details have yet to be confirmed, all of the above has to be taken with a pinch of salt, but nevertheless, the details remain intriguing, not least of all that $299 price tag, given that an existing Microsoft Kinect sensor costs around £99.00 with a game included.

Xbox 720 rumours are of course nothing new. The next generation of Xbox has previously been rumoured for a 2013 release, with Blu-ray playback on board. And this year’s E3 2012 saw Microsoft dedicate a lot of time to services, without showing as many new titles as expected.

Microsoft will also not be attending this year’s Gamescom show in Germany – an annual event for showcasing new games. It is thought that with little new software to show for the current Xbox, Microsoft is saving it for next year. Or in other words, for the Xbox 720.

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Top 5 party console games for Christmas 2011

The current crop of games consoles have shattered the notion that gaming is anti-social once and for all. Today’s consoles are all about entertainment, movement and fun – in other words, they’re perfect for a party. Join us as we look at five top titles to get the party started this Christmas.
This time of year is party season, but instead of dishing up the same old combo of snacks, tunes and small talk, why not spice the occasion up with some party games to get everyone involved? With all three major consoles now featuring motion control add-ons, gaming is more active and immersive than ever before, so let’s check out the top party games on the shelves right now.

Just Dance 3 (all platforms)There are loads of dance titles out there, but we’ve selected Just Dance 3 because not only is it one of the best of the breed, but it’s also available on all three platforms and is one of the newest titles on the scene. Up to four players can dance together (or eight on the Wii) and you can even create your own dance routine for your fellow players to try and emulate.
We Sing Rock (Wii)We Sing was the first karaoke game to appear on the Wii, and the franchise has now gone on to sell more than a million copies worldwide. The latest release is focused around rock music, but features the same well-designed formula of fun and interactivity that has made the series so successful. Checking out your mates doing their best Alice Cooper or Motorhead impressions should be worth a few laughs this Christmas!

Wii Party (Wii)The Wii’s rival consoles have come a long way since Wii Party first surfaced more than a year ago now, but it remains a great example of what made Nintendo’s console such a favourite in the first place. Just about useless for a solo player, Wii Party cranks up the fun for two to four players with a series of games designed to raise a smile and get everyone involved.

Michael Jackson: The Experience (all platforms)The King of Pop had a style all his own, and now you can showcase your own dancing and singing talents against the backdrop of nearly all of MJ’s best-known hits. Perfect your signature dance moves and you’ll unlock achievements, plus of course you’ll earn the adoration of thousands of fans. A treat for Jackson fans, and good fun for everyone else, The Experience is well worth considering.

Mario & Sonic at the London Olympic Games (Wii)For some unashamedly simple multi-player gaming giggles, surely the Mario and Sonic mashup to mark London’s hosting of the Olympic Games next year delivers a gold medal performance. It’s comprehensive enough that there’s something for everyone, but doesn’t take itself so seriously that things become overly competitive. A solid choice for any party.

Avatar Kinect: 5 things you need to know!

If you’re a lover of talk shows, and fancy an unusual and innovative way of chatting to your mates online, you’ll absolutely love the latest Microsoft Kinect title. Called Avatar Kinect, the latest game was first touted back at CES in January, and promises to let you host your very own talk show.
It could be the perfect way of keeping in touch, although we can’t really imagine it being adopted for business meetings! Read on to find out five things you need to know about Avatar Kinect.

Smile for the camera!Although Avatar Kinect uses avatars – little cartoon characters – rather than an actual video of you, the Kinect is still capable of picking up on all your usual expressions. Smile, and your TV character will smile, frown, and your friends will know about it. Avatar Kinect also captures movements – so nod and shake your head and your cartoony avatar will mimic you.

Party for sevenOne of the best bits about Avatar Kinect is the fact it can cater for up to seven people. That means you’ll be able to chat to a whole group of friends simultaneously – have conversations, debates, arguments and stick your tongue out at them, all from the comfort of your bedroom.
Change the stageAlong with choosing an avatar that looks just like you, right down to the facial expressions, you’ll also be able to choose a stage. You can have your own talk show, for instance, with your friends on as guests, or you can set up a comedy routine. You can even set up a sports party stage.

It’s just like TV!Your conversation doesn’t have to be a one-off, either. Just like a proper TV show, the camera can zoom in and out on characters, panning and switching between your friends as they talk. And, just like a TV show, you can actually record it, and keep it to watch again in the future, or to share it with your mates via KinectShare.com.

Social networkingSharing captured clips with friends isn’t just restricted to those who have an Xbox or Kinect, either. You can also upload your talk show clips to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, letting everybody get in on the fun.