Microsoft has begun posting job openings regarding the Xbox 360's successor on Linkedin. They are currently looking for a graphics hardware architect, a senior architect and performance engineer, and a senior hardware design verification engineer for the Xbox console architecture group. I think their first order of business should be re-branding the console, Xbox is still one of the worst names that could ever happen to a game console- unless you are a Mountain Dew guzzling extreme gaming teen that is. The graphics hardware architect's responsibilities include "architecture analysis, key technology selection, architecture specification, communication and collaboration with extended Microsoft teams and partner companies." The senior architect will be primarily focused on performance evaluation and modelling. This person will likely be under a lot of pressure since Microsoft will not want to repeat the red ring of death situation that plagued the first half of this console generation. The senior hardware design verification engineer will be in charge of the "design verification and qualification of the Xbox console at the component, motherboard, and system levels."
Now that all that technical jargon is out of the way we can discuss what this means for gamers. How soon will we see a new Xbox? I am thinking it is still at least 2-3 off, seeing as how these job postings suggest the console is in early development. It seems as though Microsoft intends to ride the Xbox 360 out another couple of years on the back of Kinect, so don't worry about having to buy a new console just yet.
Now that all that technical jargon is out of the way we can discuss what this means for gamers. How soon will we see a new Xbox? I am thinking it is still at least 2-3 off, seeing as how these job postings suggest the console is in early development. It seems as though Microsoft intends to ride the Xbox 360 out another couple of years on the back of Kinect, so don't worry about having to buy a new console just yet.