The Xbox 720, alongside the rumored PlayStation 4, is easily one of the highly anticipated gaming consoles pitted to arrive in the near future, if not next year. New information regarding both the consoles has been flowing in frequently and now, per reports, the Xbox 720 may feature a new advanced Kinect 2 and a Blu-ray optical drive.
It is expected that the long-rumored “Kinect 2” will come as standard with the new Xbox console. The information was revealed by a previous CVG report, which states that the next-gen console “which it speculates is likely to be called simply "Xbox" - will introduce Kinect 2.0, use Blu-ray discs and feature directional audio, a TV output AND input, 'innovative controller' and - at a later stage of the console's life - AR glasses.”
It has also been stated that the Kinect 2, which has been among a lot of rumors with leaked images and information, may now feature far more accurate image and depth recognition compared to the current version. What this will do is that it will allow the user to exert more control over games and the Xbox 720 user interface.
Apart from the new Kinect, there has also been mention of a Blu-ray Disc drive. The information regarding the Blu-ray Disc drive may seem legit with the limited capacity of a normal DVD easily yanking out the possibility of it becoming an alternative. Moreover, the current generation’s Sony PlayStation 3 already features Blu-ray, and it may seem fair if Microsoft decides to introduce the same technology in its own consoles.
While it has also been stated that Microsoft may prefer to send out the next-gen games in a “downloads only” mode, it could seem like a poor idea simply because it’s not practical in parts of the world where broadband is slow, or is not available.
Nonetheless, other rumored features include an upgrade to USB 3.0, a magnesium alloy shell to help in cooling and a set of AV inputs that will enable the user to record broadcast TV to the Xbox 720’s hard drive.
This development for the next-gen consoles is a new one after it was reported that the PlayStation 4 or Xbox 720 is set for release next year to compete against Nintendo’s Wii U, which marks the start of the era of the next-generation of consoles.
