It is being reported that Microsoft’s next Xbox console will use a processor by AMD. The AMD system-on-a-chip system will reportedly combine powerful “Jaguar” central processing units with graphics chips.
This shift, likely due to cost saving measures, will push the console towards the x86 format of most modern PCs. This would also mean that the Power PC technology designed by IBM used to power the Xbox 360 won’t be compatible.
AMD’s stock surged at the news, which puts Microsoft’s technology on similar levels of approachability as the PS4 (which will also be powered by AMD). Microsoft clearly wants to make their technology as approachable as possible as game consoles face a crossroads in the coming generation.
“We’ll probably see many more titles because the console makers are saying the publishers are back in the driver’s seat,” said Richard Doherty, president of technology consulting firm Envisioneering Group. “[Developers won’t have to reinvent various features, such as] smoke, shading and reflections for each machine and can essentially create once and port once, and be done.”
Source: Bloomberg.com
