As Microsoft soldiers on towards the domination of the global living room, The Verge reports the company should fire another salvo come 2013-- a low-cost "Xbox TV" STB device.
Apparently, according to "multiple sources familiar with [Microsoft] plans" the Xbox STB will provide access to 360 entertainment services and aims at a more mainstream consumer base.
It should run on core Windows 8 components as an "always on" device and support casual games, rather than full Xbox titles.
Adding further grist to the rumour mill, the Verge also says the STB is just part of a "broader effort"-- one stripping down Xbox architecture in order to make it run on different devices, such as tablets or web-connected TVs.
When contacted Microsoft simply states "we are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention."
The above rumours of course follow all the by now familiar hearsay on Apple taking on TV, which analysts suggest will also hit the market next year.