While Microsoft's focus lies with Xbox One X, we're not short on details surrounding the next flagship Xbox consoles. Microsoft's Executive Vice President of Gaming, Phil Spencer, has confirmed it's already architecting new Xbox hardware, with a promise to "set the benchmark" for console gaming. The Xbox 'Scarlett' duo is reportedly on the way, featuring a standard high-end console, and lightweight streaming-focused alternative.
AMD CEO, Dr. Lisa Su, has provided an insight into its work with Microsoft, speaking with Jim Cramer of CNBC's Mad Money. Following up on the firm's recent success, Dr. Su provided an insight into its Redmond partnerships, touching on its ongoing game console efforts and cloud computing investments.
We very, very much appreciate our partnership with all of our key customers. You know, Microsoft is the leader, certainly in Windows. We're partnered with them in game consoles – I think we have a vision of where cloud computing is going, and we're working closely with them.But you know, we also view part of our strength, is that we can work with all customers in terms of cloud customers, as well as PC customers, and we can differentiate for each one of them. I think that's what makes us unique, is we're working with both Sony and Microsoft on consoles, and they both have their specific secret sauce that we're helping them do.
The continued relationship is no surprise, with past Xbox consoles similarly packing AMD hardware. However, with rumors of hardware tailored to Microsoft's upcoming "XCloud" Xbox game-streaming service, AMD may be working closer than ever to deliver these devices.
Reports suggest a hybridized solution is underway for XCloud, merging both local and cloud-based processing. While latency-sensitive aspects would be processed locally, an infrastructure of stripped-down custom consoles would handle graphics-intensive outputs. If the next major Xbox consoles debut in tandem with XCloud, we can expect a heightened collaboration between the companies to build this backbone.
What are your thoughts on the future of Xbox consoles and game streaming? Let us know in the comments section.
