Next-generation gaming consoles Xbox 720 and PlayStation 4 might feature upgradable parts.
Product Review has reported that Sony and/or Microsoft might be having upgradable parts in their consoles that will allow them to be improved over time.
"[This patent] considers sharing computer resources and could be part of the planned design for an Xbox 720, aka Next Xbox, which details a base architecture like you'd see on PCs."
"Those for an upgradeable Xbox 720 point out that Microsoft would control the parts for an Xbox 720, so there shouldn't be compatibility problems, but this could also lead to higher costs for these parts."
"The bottom-line is if this option were delivered it would give Microsoft a major advantage over the PS4 in our opinion, which is of course based on Sony not going the upgradeable route as well," the report stated.
The report also spoke about " transmedia gaming" in the next-generation consoles.
"Transmedia gaming would allow you to play games and run applications at the same time thanks to different components being tasked with each job, so this would happen with a more advanced GPU and CPU combo," the report said.
Upgradable parts will be new for gaming consoles. The cost of bearing these is a major factor.
Meanwhile, The Verge reports that Microsoft is building an Xbox set-top box. This will provide access to TV and entertainment services, competing with Apple TV.
"Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend the console lifecycle by introducing controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention," Microsoft said in a statement.