The "new Xbox" was actually referring the upcoming dashboard update

Aug 8, 2012 22:21 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft apparently confirmed yesterday, through the voice of one of its executives, that a new Xbox console was coming soon, but the company has now quickly backpedaled and revealed that the “New Xbox” was actually referring to the upcoming Xbox dashboard update for the current Xbox 360.

Both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 are getting ready to be replaced with next-generation devices by Microsoft and Sony, respectively, at least according to a variety of rumors that have appeared in the last few years.

However, neither company has actually confirmed that it is working on replacements for their current consoles.

Everything changed yesterday, when Microsoft’s Windows Live General Manager, Brian Hall, revealed that the new Outlook webmail system was “right in time for the new wave of products that we have coming out with Windows 8, with the new version of Office, with the New Windows Phone and the new Xbox."

This immediately started a new wave of rumors, some even claiming that the reveal of the new Xbox console (the oft-rumored Xbox 720) would be made soon enough.

Now, Microsoft has posted a new statement, saying that Hall was actually referring to the traditional Xbox fall update for the current Xbox 360 console, which will bring support for all sorts of new technologies.

"The comments to The Verge were not understood in their intended context. When Brian mentioned a 'new wave of products,' he was referring to the full lineup of products coming later this year from Microsoft, including Windows 8, Office, Windows Phone and of course our fall Xbox update which will bring a host of new consumer experiences like Xbox Music, Videos, Games on Windows 8 and Xbox SmartGlass."

Even if Microsoft’s excuse is plausible, it’s safe to say that a new Xbox console is going to be announced sooner rather than later.