It seems only fitting that, with E3 only a week away, we report on some of the latest details of Microsoft's next-gen Xbox. Whilst it's unlikely that we'll hear any next-gen announcements at this year's expo, with expectations that new hardware will arrive in 2013, that's not to say console firms won't be paving the way with updates to current-gen services and offerings.
Whilst 2013 feels like a long way away, it's actually fairly late on in the development cycle and so, whilst behind lock and key, decisions have already been made and specifications set in stone. Sometimes, the only outlet for these NDA-covered secrets are job postings, looking for the right kind of person, with the right kind of expertise, forcing hiring firms to let out hints of current development projects. Well that's exactly what Microsoft has done with a few of its new job postings.
Recently, Microsoft acquired Skype, opening up a world of interesting new communication possibilities for the firm, amongst which is an increased living room presence through Xbox. Microsoft, through a job posting, has confirmed that it not only fully intends to bring Skype to Xbox but, that it is focused on "enabling amazing new in-game and in-console voice and video experiences for the next generation of Xbox."Strongly affirming rumours of a 2013 release, the job posting goes on to say "This is a crucial initiative for Xbox, and it is time-critical given the hardware lead times involved."
