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"Microsoft is working on an Xbox-branded set top box that will launch next year and provide access to digital entertainment and casual games, according to a report.  Citing sources &amp;quot;familiar&amp;quot; with Microsoft&amp;#039;s plans, The Verge says that the box will provide a &amp;quot;low-cost alternative&amp;quot; to the Xbox, offering consumers a choice between a TV set top box and a full-blown games console.  It would also compete with Apple TV and other devices that offer streaming of entertainment content.   Microsoft is thought to be preparing a two-pronged strategy to conquer the living room with its new generation of Xbox hardware in 2013, including a rumoured brand new Xbox console and the Xbox TV box.  With a release date expected before the Christmas shopping season, the new Xbox set top box would run the &amp;quot;core components&amp;quot; of Windows 8 and offer a range of casual games rather than full console titles, The Verge reports.  Technical specifications remain unclear, but The Verge says that Microsoft will use a chipset enabling the box to boot up quickly and provide &amp;quot;near-instant access to TV and entertainment services&amp;quot;. Microsoft is also said to be working on bringing the Xbox Live service to third-party television sets as part of a licensing programme.  In a statement, Microsoft declined to confirm its plans, but did say: &amp;quot;Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend the console lifecycle by introducing controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships.  &amp;quot;We are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention.&amp;quot; "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.digitalspy.com/tech/news/a440011/microsofts-xbox-tv-set-top-box-to-launch-in-2013/>