14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has been working overtime during the past few months of 2015 to make sure that its Xbox One can compete with the PlayStation 4 from Sony, and it seems that the company might be ready to introduce a new version of the device before the end of the new year.
A blogger named Brad Sams is saying that he was able to talk to sources inside the gaming division who mentioned that a new take on the platform might be revealed soon but that discussion was continuing about its exact nature.
The lightweight Xbox One would apparently be designed as a direct competitor for the Apple TV and might only allow players to download video games from the official store, which suggests that a disc drive would not be included.
Apparently, the coming version of the home console will be offered at a much lower price and might be introduced during the second half of the year or even in time for Christmas.
Gamespot has contacted a Microsoft representative who says that "We do not comment on rumor or speculation."
Rumors about a lightweight Xbox One have appeared all through the year, and neither of them has been confirmed, with the executives from the gaming division making it clear that their teams will only reveal details about the future of the console when they have a clear set of details.
The older Xbox 360 received an Elite version in 2007 and a smaller sized model in 2010, both of which allowed Microsoft to extend the life cycle of the platform and to attract a new set of users.
The console competition will heat up all through the year
The Xbox One has been unable to defeat the PlayStation 4 when it comes to sales for the past two months, despite the fact that Microsoft has introduced a wide array of bundles and a temporary price cut.
Some analysts are suggesting that plans are in motion to make it permanent during the coming months while also seeking to add value with a wide variety of new promotions.
Microsoft will also heavily push the coming Quantum Break exclusive as the kind of video game that can revolutionize the action genre and deliver a unique experience to all those who own a Xbox One.
The PlayStation 4 is at the moment the leader in global sales and has managed to move more than 30.2 million units to gamers, with Sony saying that it currently has no plans to introduce a price cut or a new version of the device.
In 2016, both companies might have to also deal with a new hardware launch from Nintendo, which might be ready to both unveil and offer the NX for sale, although little is known at the moment about its capabilities or the kinds of unique experiences it can offer.
The competition between the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4 has so far been good for the industry, with both consoles managing to create more sales than their older cousins.