Microsoft is holding an event on May 21st which will be the unveiling of a new Xbox to replace the ageing Xbox 360. Over the past few months, various pieces of information have leaked about the next Xbox, including a reported spec upgrade and the launch titles.
The Verge is reporting that Microsoft is planning an update to the Xbox dashboard UI which will enter public beta around June or July. The interface tweaks will include new, smaller Live Tiles, similar to Windows Phone and Windows 8.1. Microsoft may also be looking into adding dark/light themes to the Xbox, an idea that has been lifted from Windows Phone and should appease those who like to play long into the night but are blinded by the bright white screen today.
According to the report, Microsoft is looking to make the transition from Xbox 360 to the new Xbox easier, and will allow new users to interact with the Xbox 360 via messaging, beacons and achievements. Microsoft is also looking to remove the current Points system in favour of currency and gift cards.
Despite reports to the contrary, the next Xbox won't require an always on connection for games to work and could launch alongside an 'Xbox TV' or will allow the Xbox to interact with your TV as a set-top box.
The final version of the UI update is said to be available in August.
Source: The Verge
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