Microsoft job listing hints at 3D Xbox 720
A new job listing over at Microsoft has given us our first real hint at 3D compatibility for what is being called the Xbox 720, the company’s video game console successor.
The position is for an ‘Algorithm Research & Development Engineer for Xbox team’ to work for Microsoft in Israel. The applicant must have a clear understanding of “image processing algorithm and 3D imaging technologies which will serve millions through the world”.
“Responsibilities include algorithm design and implementation into state of the art 3D imaging systems,” the listing continues.
However, any 3D offerings in the next-gen Xbox would most certainly be optional. A recent rumour suggested that, in a cost-cutting effort, the Xbox 720 would use a year-old Radeon HD 6670 series graphics chip. 3D TV tech remains expensive, with low consumer uptake, which Microsoft must recognise; in these tough economic times, and with Microsoft already seeming to be making efforts to drive the cost of their next console as low as possible, it’s unlikely they’d be banking on many sales were the machine to have heavy, mandatory 3D integration.
The Xbox 720, or whatever it ends up being called, is hotly tipped to appear at this summer’s E3 2012. We’ll have all the details then, should it arrive at all.
