Next Xbox Will Reportedly Serve As A Set-Top Box Akin To Google TV

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There's been a whole lot of talk about the next Xbox requiring a constant internet connection, and now we may know why. 

According to a report from The Verge, "Microsoft will introduce a feature that lets its next-generation console take over a TV and set-top box in a similar way to Google TV." The always-on internet connection will provide immediate access to the console's entertainment services, as well as a TV signal.

Apparently, the signal from your cable box will pass through the console via HDMI. In this way, the Xbox UI can be integrated into your TV viewing experience. The outlet was also told by its sources that this will go one step further than Google TV because of Microsoft's deals with content providers.

Not only that, but the new Kinect will play into this alleged TV functionality as well. The new and improved camera will be able to detect eye movement, so that if a person looks away from the screen, the video content will be paused. Crazy, right?

Finally, the outlet reports that Microsoft still has plans to bring a budget-friendly version of the "Xbox TV" console to market, but won't release it alongside its fully-featured counterpart this holiday season. Instead, this streamlined set-top box will likely launch sometime early next year.

Once again, we must remind you that Microsoft has yet to provide any official details on the Xbox 360's successor, so bear that in mind. We're expecting the company to finally pull back the lid on its new console next month, so be sure to stay tuned to GameRevolution for all the juicy next-gen rumors that will inevitable spill out before then.