Eurogamer

Microsoft is ramping up development of its next generation Xbox console according to job positions being advertised on business networking site LinkedIn, brought to light on theBeyond 3D Forum.

The first position advertised is for a Graphics Hardware Architect, working with the team that is "responsible for defining and delivering next-generation console architectures from conception through implementation".

"The responsibilities include architecture analysis, key technology selection, architecture specification, communication and collaboration with extended Microsoft teams and partner companies," according to the advert.

Microsoft's preferred person for the position has been involved in the creation of graphics hardware and is familiar with the concepts of design, production yields and cost analysis, and at the same time is aware of how the hardware interfaces with PC and console operating systems.

"The ideal candidate will have been the lead architect and/or implementation lead of a 3D graphics core. The candidate must have taken designs from investigation to end-customer shipment during their career."

The second position has Microsoft hunting for a new Senior Architect and Performance Engineer for the Xbox Console Architecture Group.

"Our group is involved in product definition from early evaluation all the way through high volume manufacturing," the LinkedIn ad read.

"The main focus of this position is on performance evaluation and modelling. However, involvement in all aspects of product development regularly occurs. We are looking for someone who is flexible, and wants to be involved with various stages of the product life cycle. During different stages of the product life cycle responsibilities will vary."

The final position sees Microsoft seeking a Senior Hardware Design Verification Engineer, responsible for elements of development in both Xbox 360 and its next-gen successor.

"You will be responsible for the design verification and qualification of the Xbox console at the component, motherboard, and system levels," according to the platform holder.

"You will lead test strategy discussions, develop test methodologies and plans and project-manage qualification cycles."

So, what does this recruitment drive actually tell us? Are there any clues as to the make-up of the next console? Right now, not much, but it does appear to be the first official confirmation that development of the new machine is underway.

However, the most intriguing element of the story is just how early on in production we appear to be - far earlier than many had suspected. Unless Microsoft is actually planning pre-production of the next next-gen console, the evidence seems to suggest that the system is so early in development that the graphics hardware at the very least hasn't been locked down.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/microsoft-seeking-staff-for-next-gen-xbox

Well with the somewhat substantial boost that Kinect had provided I wouldn't be bothered about Next gen yet either, it is a bit worrying though that a core feature such as graphics is not even established yet, maybe we'll see a 2013/2014 announcement, which will be interesting as X360 will be in it's 8/9th year. At the rate technology is progressing though...

"Planning pre-production"?

I'm willing to bet that it already is deep in the "production" stage as we speak. So are the competitor's consoles. The 360, all in all, released in late '05, I'm willing to guess that the successor is already in the works.

2012 - Wii 2
2013 - Next Box/PS4
2014 - PS4

Something like that, I don't see MS wanting to go to late, and I don't see Sony thinking it's harmful going last.

As I've been saying for a couple years now.... by the latest, E3 2012 will show next gen somethign for each company. However, at least one company will actually launch in 2012, but maybe even all three.

Might even see something from one of them by fall this year during a conference... but my bet is early next year at the earliest and E3 by the latest.

Halo 4 with PC maxed Crysis 2 graphics. Need I say more?

I think you mean Epic's GDC "next gen" tech demo graphics

This.

Please no new Xbox until at least late 2013

I think it means it is still a few years away.  And I would be surprised if they didn't go internal on several of those positions.  Especially with such a successful Kinect Launch - surely that head person aught to be available.

The last Xbox upgrade was cutting edge, I'm curious to see what the next upgrades will be. 

I hope it's safe to assume Kinect will go HD with a 1080p camera, equivalent greater depth resolution upgrade, and some full super HD 3D that isn't even out yet.  The increase in the latest DirectX (11) graphics are beyond the Xbox – and they look really good.  Hopefully, the next Xbox will use DirectX 12 or better and be creepily realistic - in a great way.

And they way things are going it appears it will have some form of ultra fast solid state drive. 

It should able to do more, not just in graphics, but in a Milo kind of computing horsepower.  They should use their talents to make something quite different than Sony or Nintendo.  They could make even more amazing Alan Wake meets Kinect hybrid game, where it uses that computing horsepower and software to customize and follow how the player is moving and feeling in the game.

And maybe make a World of Warcraft game that looks as good when you play it as the WOW trailers.