Original URL: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/11/07/microsoft_tests_xbox_surface_gaming_tablet/
Microsoft mulls 'Xbox Surface' slate for games
Logical seven-inch extension of SmartGlass?
Posted in Hardware, 7th November 2012 12:26 GMT
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Microsoft wants to release a 7in gaming tablet, with hardware planning for an "Xbox Surface" already in the works, sources claim.
Details of the device - which was first mooted in June when speculation pointed towards an E3 games show reveal - indicate the use of custom ARM chippery [1] and high-bandwidth memory geared specifically towards gaming, the Verge reports.
Moles who claim to be in the know say the specifications could be altered to incorporate an as-yet-unannounced Intel SoC, however.
The Xbox Surface will run a custom Windows kernel focused on gaming activities, although messaging and other basic tablet functions would probably be supported too.
Microsoft recently locked down several Xbox-related buildings at its offices in Silicon Valley, limiting employee access and sending Xbox Surface rumours into overdrive.
Mum's the word as usual at Redmond HQ, with a spokesperson refusing to comment on rumours.
Those unable to keep their tongues to themselves say we'll see an Xbox Surface tablet launch ahead of the much-rumoured 'Xbox 720' console [2]. But an exact release timeframe for that badboy remains just as firmly in the speculative realm. ®