*groans*
How many times do I have to say it? Just because they've begun R&D on their next system, does NOT mean they're coming out any time soon. I'd heard rumours of a PS3 RIGHT after PS2 came out. It takes TIME to figure out what you're going to do with these machines, as well as figure out the specifics, reduce costs, get factories ready, and begin preliminary parts manufacturing.
They'd still be selling the original Xbox if NVidia hadn't screwed them over.
Hell, from this article, he doesn't even SAY that they've begun R&D yet! For crying out loud, all he says is that when the time comes, they'd like to be the first out of the gate again.
I really don't see why you guys are reading so much into this.