Apple TV is just a hobby, but it’s still a pretty great product that beats most of the other low-cost entertainment service set-top boxes on the market. It turns out that Microsoft may want in on the action and is building there own Apple TV type of device to compete with Apple.
Sources at Microsoft have confirmed to The Verge that the Redmond company has plans to introduce a low-cost alternative to its Xbox console that will compete more directly with the Apple TV.
The move would allow Microsoft to increase its presence in the living room by giving consumers a cheaper option than purchasing the next-generation Xbox console. The Microsoft set-top box will be unveiled in 2013 alongside the next generation Xbox, with a release date before the holiday season.
Rather than supporting hardcore gaming like the Xbox, the Microsoft set-top box will run core components of Windows 8 and support casual gaming titles. Hardware specs weren’t revealed yet, but The Verge is reporting that Microsoft will use a chipset to enable an “always on” device that can boot quickly and provide near-instant access to TV and entertainment options.
Regarding rumors of the planned set-top box, Microsoft released the following statement:
“Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend the console lifecycle by introducing controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention.”
Source: The Verge
