Kotaku - Report: Microsoft CEO Says New Xbox Arriving In 2010 - Project Natal Report: Microsoft CEO Says New Xbox Arriving In 2010 Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer spoke at the Executive's Club of Chicago today, informing attendees that a new Xbox 360 will arrive in 2010, one equipped with a "natural interface" and built-in camera. Sound familiar? Either Ballmer has been reading 1UP, who recently ran a rumor that Microsoft would be re-launching the Xbox 360 next year with its Project Natal tech built into the device, or he's the CEO of Microsoft for chrissakes. According to TG Daily's recount of Ballmer's talk, in which he discussed "the role of innovation in changing economic times," the executive made mention of the new Xbox 360 configuration, one that Microsoft hasn't exactly denied. It makes a great deal of sense to bundle the tech with the stock Xbox 360, as peripheral support for the Natal-powered version of the box would ensure greater support. And Microsoft's Shane Kim recently told Kotaku that the size of the launch of Natal would be on par with a new generation console launch. Clearly, Microsoft also has designs on launching a version of its motion and depth-sensing camera as a peripheral, so current Xbox 360 owners don't have to upgrade to an all new box. 1UP's story on the "Xbox Natal" indicated that the device would also see a hardware spec boost, but it appears Ballmer didn't drop details on that. We've contacted Microsoft to get one more comment on the matter and will update when we hear back. Ballmer announces 2010 Xbox 360 at The Executive Club Chicago [TG Daily]
Um, no there aren't. Why make an exclusive for a 360 console that has a built-in natal when it's no different to one with a natal hooked up seperately? It's not a new system. It's still a 360.
I don't get how a built in camera system would work. Not everyone (most people I would think) have their Xbox right below (or above) their TVs and the line of sight for the camera would be a little weird and difficult to implement accurately. Packaging the Natal with the system makes more sense.
Kotaku - Microsoft: There Will Be "No New Console" - Microsoft Apparently there's no new model coming. Good ole Kotaku filled with the answers too and lies from, most of the gaming industry.
Ballmer really needs to consider his words more carefully. He either gave a statement that is contrary to what the company's stance on a new console is, or he phrased the company's stance incorrectly. I guess it's possible he was misquoted too -wouldn't be the first time. I think it would be just a bundled retail sku, too. The Natal would need line-of-sight to be sure, but if it is truly stereoscopic it won't need to be directly over or under the TV like the Wii sensor bar.
