Microsoft's Next Xbox May Be Based On Windows 8

For some time, gaming experts have been speculating about the release date, hardware specifications, and software capabilities associated with the next version of the Xbox video game console from Microsoft.

Now, a slip up by a Microsoft representative may have revealed that the device will be heavily integrated with the Redmond, Washington-based company's soon-to-be-released operating system (OS): Windows 8.

In a podcast with the hosts of the show Vergecast, Windows Live general manager Brian Hall listed the "new Xbox" along with a number of other products that will use or closely reflect the Windows 8 operating system.

Comment Indicates Xbox-Windows 8 Integration Likely

After referring to a new version of Hotmail called Outlook.com -- which features an interface very similar to the new one in Windows 8 -- Hall said:

"We just decided it was time to do something new...and release it right in time for the new wave of products that we have coming out with Windows 8, with the new version of Office, with the new Windows Phone and the new Xbox." (Source: ign.com)

It's worth noting, however, that Hall didn't explicitly say the new Xbox will run on Windows 8.

However, all of the products he did mention -- including Hotmail, the Office software suite, and the Windows Phone mobile platform -- have received major overhauls, with new interfaces matching the new touchscreen-friendly style of Windows 8.

That's why experts suggest it's likely the next Xbox will have undergone a similar face-lift and will feature lots of integration with the upcoming OS.

Microsoft Expected to Unveil New Xbox at E3

Hall's comments are likely to fuel interest in the development of the next Xbox (reportedly code-named "Durango"). Many experts believe the new device will receive its first official unveiling at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in June of next year. (Source: csmonitor.com)

Of course, we've heard before about Windows 8 and Xbox integration.

Last year Microsoft marketing executive Mike Delman revealed that Windows 8 would feature prominently on the company's current console, the Xbox 360, once the OS was released. Windows 8 is set for launch on October 26, 2012.