Rumor: Next Xbox to be Powered by Windows

With the major holiday releases having already hit store shelves, or hitting store shelves tomorrow, news, as always, is looking to the future. It has been indicated, through several LinkedIn accounts, that Microsoft has been at work on the successor to the Xbox 360.  There is very little reason for Microsoft to confirm this story as console manufacturers are more than likely looking ahead as soon as a console releases.  What remains to be known, until an official reveal, is exactly what gamers can expect from the new console.  On the MS Nerd blog, which has in the past gotten some predictions and leaks right, it has been revealed that the successor, codenamed "loop," will utilize a modified Windows9 core.

Building a custom designed hardware platform, using ARM architecture, "loop" will have a Zune HD-like hardware platform that enables a main processing to use multiple dedicated associative core to handle graphics, AI, encryption, and most of the system functions.  Those who are hoping that Kinect will become a thing of this current generation may be disappointed, as the successor will further enable Kinect functionality.  To further add brand potential Microsoft is taking a page from Apple's book of compatibility, and will integrate very tightly with Windows Phone.  

The problem now though is when will we see an announcement, Nintendo has already stated that at 2012's E3 they will focus heavily on WiiU, and Microsoft will clearly need more than just another Halo title to attempt to steal attention away from the competition.  According to Paul Thurott, of Supersite for Windows, in a recent interview on TWiT's Window's Weekly netcast, states his sources have a release of holiday 2012, and will run "Silverlight." However you put the name or time of release, Microsoft will likely reveal information at one of the next major expos. 

What do you guys think?  Are you ready for the next generation of consoles?