Microsoft said to be considering cheaper 'lightweight Xbox One' to compete against Apple TV
http://www.neowin.net/news/microsof...htweight-xbox-one-to-compete-against-apple-tv
Microsoft is reportedly considering a new addition to its hardware line-up, in the form of a new device that would compete against
the Apple TV box.
That information comes via Brad Sams from
Petri, citing unnamed "internal sources" at Microsoft, who have told him that the company is "considering plans for a lightweight Xbox One". Rather than simply being a smaller version of its latest console, the new device may be intended to run Windows Store games and apps only, and not full
Xbox One titles.
However, the report also states that "it's not clear if these plans have been scrapped", but adds that if the device does come to market, it is unlikely to launch before the second half of 2016, and at a much lower price point than the
Xbox One - presumably somewhere in the region of the Apple TV's $149-$199 price range.
If you're getting a sense of
déjà vu here, you're not alone. Rumors of an 'Xbox TV' or 'Xbox Mini'
have been doing the rounds for several years; most recently, some reports claimed that a device of that ilk would be unveiled at
Microsoft's Windows 10 hardware event three months ago, at which it announced its new Band, Lumia and Surface devices. However, Microsoft's Phil Spencer shot down those rumors before the event,
declaring them "not real".
Source:
Petri