Microsoft patents have recently been hitting on a theme regarding what appears to be an animated splash screen.  More than one features the theme represented in the image below.

The image is incomplete, there seem to be frames missing with the patent filing.  It also doesn't feature any logos and there may be other final elements missing.  However it isn't currently used in any Microsoft product and the patent filings seem to be hitting on a theme of an explosion.

This may just be Microsoft doing due diligence and patenting a potential candidate, but what do you think?

Display Screen with Animated User Interface and Display Screen with Animated User Interface (A more recent patent filing)

Is "Xbox 8" the official name, now? I've seen that a couple of times, recently.

Honestly, it's easier than "next Xbox". 

My logic.  Windows Phone 8, Windows 8, and the next Xbox will be a Generation 8 console.  Xbox 8 seems to be more logical than Xbox 720 and fewer characters to type than "Next Xbox". 

Why not?

I was actually hoping that would be the case.  Hopefully, it catches on.

Man, lots of rumors about the next xbox recently, maybe MS will announce the system before E3? I guess that's possible.

It's just like Stolen Identity 3.  Cause sequels make lots and lots of more money.

Having used Windows 8 on a laptop and the Surface, I think the last thing Microsoft should do is tie the XBox to that PoS ...

This has to be one of the most ill-informed posts I've read.  While I think the last one I read was from you as well, this one is probably the worst.

Considering Xbox 8 will be coming out within a year (based on current reports), it would logically use the Win8 OS as the basis for its OS, which would consequently offer better application compatibiity between it and Windows 8, and Windows Phone 8.

As far as the UI goes, I think Microsoft will stick with something similar to the current Metro interface on the Xbox 360.  Maybe you'll be able to select a color and pattern for the background, but in general I think it'll be pretty similar to the current UI.

Well, unless they actually go ahead with using one patent.  I was thinking it was possibly phone related, but its entirely possible it was related to the Xbox 8.  Instead of views being presented in the middle of the screen, the view (channel) would consume the entire screeen and it's just a matter of your left-right navigation that changes the view.  How certain information is conveyed, like what channel you're on, time, or user info.  I suspect the channel name would be a watermark in the background or be superimposed on the screen for a period of time like with Windows 8 when you access the charms menu.

While I'm not currently using Windows 8, it isn't actually as bad as you think it is.  It's something that as you use, it gets easier,   However, there is a wall with respect to the Metro UI and the Desktop that you either have to navigate over or around.

Xbox 8 could also be called Xbox infinity. Utilizing the infinity symbol and the number 8's appearance as kind of a nod to the Windows 8 range of devices. As well as their attempt to bring cloud to the system and create the last hardware you need to buy, that is if UI updates are capable and fiber optics take hold in the next decade. Since Sony might be trying this as well and even implementing the name Omni. Besides Microsoft included these kind of sentiments in that 2010 next gen document.

As for the graphic, with a little tweaking and finalizing the animation I could see it being the emergence of the Xbox symbol. Either that or they are making another sequel to the ring.

I think the problem will come in a few years when we have the Xbox 8, the Windows 9 and Windows Phone 9....

But there are rumours that M$ are going to be doing some odd things (yearly Windows and other weird stuff), but for now the name does make more sense, I am not sure anyone ever actually thought that they were going to call it the 720