Examiner

Microsoft insider Paul Thurrott previously claimed that the operating system for the next Xbox (aka Xbox 720) will be based on Windows 8. He took it a step further Tuesday by stating that the next-gen console will come with the enhancements currently planned for the Windows 8.1 update, code-named "Blue."

"Blue" is an update for both Windows 8 and Windows RT that is based on customer feedback of the new operating system since it was released last fall according to Microsoft executive Tami Reller. This is rumored to include the return of the Start button but it is what Thurrott notes about the next Xbox that should perk up gamer's ears.

When Reller says "new device types," she is not just referring to new tablets for Windows 8 but also to the next Xbox according to the tech expert. "I suspect some of the updates in that release are designed for that console," he says.

The software and console maker is attempting to turn its entire suite of products for the PC, tablets, smartphones and consoles into one large ecosystem. Keeping these devices on the same relative platform will ensure cross-compatibility which is something that was introduced with the Xbox 360 via apps like SmartGlass.

Microsoft will make the full reveal for the next Xbox during an event on May 21.

http://www.examiner.com/article/report-next-xbox-os-will-include-windows-8-1-blue-enhancements

i wanna see win 8.1 first before i go gaga over this

It would be the kernel, not the full blown OS, Microsoft will want it locked down for financial and piracy reasons and to keep publishers/developers happy.

ok then i wont be that happy.... i tried to love windows 8, i just cant for now...

The UI will be specially purposed for Xbox. Probably very much like what you have now on X360 plus a bunch of new features for sharing / social networks / etc.

It's not the same, you're confusing a full blown OS to a stripped down and re-purposed one, much like how Android and MacOS has roots in Unix and Linux.

Windows 8 kernel is based upon Windows 7 kernel which in turn is based on Vista's, which in turn is based on XP which in turn is based on Windows 2000 which goes all the way back to Windows NT.

It sure perked up my gamer ears. Bring it.

Not sure a gimped version of Windows 8 is a good idea for the next Xbox. Unless the next XBox can replace my PC, then I see no use for it. By replace my PC, I mean just that. If it can't do everything my PC can do, there's no reason to have Windows on a console.

It is not like they are going to charge gamers extra $100 for putting Windows RT on the next xbox. Windows 8.1 RT is the most efficient OS they have for portable and multi functional set up boxes. So why not use it. XBOX 360 did quite good in terms of OS compared to Wii and PS3. So no reason to write them off. 

You are not getting it.  If MS use Win 8 for the nextbox it will be using all of the features and stability of a mature OS.  The NextBox will still be a console, and I highly doubt a lot of services that run within the current Win OS will be there.  Instead, Win 8 on the next box gives the system the ability to do true multitasking, a much better and well defined memory management system for when multiple Apps, games and services run in the background.  

Having the same kernal allows MS to leverage there App store on all of their devices.  You can have the situation where you purchase a game on the App store and if there is a version for the tablet, PC and console, the game can be download to all devices with one purchase.  With XBL, you could start a game on the console save it at a point, pick up that same point in the game on your tablet while taking a train to work or something like that, and then pick back up with the game when you get back home.

It also make development of games easier for developers as they can target multiple devices without having to rewrite their code.  If MS allow developers to create nextBox games and sell them on their app store then it would totally fix their indie developer issues and probably would get a flood (good and bad) of game development for their console.  Also this would allow app developers to target the console as well which also could be good or bad.

You are thinking about this the wrong way.  You are thinking MS will be making the next box another PC while that probably is not the case.  Instead MS is leveraging their technology and ecosystem to create one big platform which allows developers to target multiple systems and make money.