Geekscape Decodes Microsoft’s Next-Gen Xbox

Rumors are beginning to spread about Microsoft’s fancy new Xbox, or “Xbox 720” as some call it. Other websites are only touting the Xbox’s possibly new DVR feature and its new graphics processing unit (GPU). Websites are even discussing the possibility that the next gen Xbox will have the ability to load Blu-ray discs. Everyone focuses on these new features, and hardware improvements, but they are missing the big picture.

What is the “big picture”? I can summarize that with one name: Dave Cutler. This man just recently joined Microsoft’s Xbox team, which should make you extremely excited.

David Cutler

Let me explain. Dave Cutler has a lot of influence in the devices that you use just about everyday and is considered to be one of the top programmers worldwide. Not only did Cutler lead the Windows 2000 team, but he is responsible for the architecture behind the whole system. Cutler was even responsible for writing the kernel behind that platform, which requires an immense understanding of the system at a hardware level.

For those that don’t know, the kernel is the core component for an OS. The kernel is responsible for the OS, and the hardware behind it. Without the kernel, you wouldn’t be able to do anything. It is responsible for everything you do. A well coded kernel is a significant difference between a kernel that is not well coded (with Cutler’s addition, you’ll be able to notice the difference). Want to open an app? The kernel is responsible for the actions to get there. Wanna listen to music? The kernel makes it happen. The kernel is responsible for the effectiveness of ALL hardware.

Dave Cutler is also known as the “the father of Windows NT”.  Windows NT  can be thought of as a family of operating systems. This family is composed of, to name a few, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, and the upcoming Windows 8. Many of the different OS’s you see are built on the technology behind Windows NT. Windows NT is responsible for true 32-bit support for processors, and the NT file system (aka NTFS). Also, the NT has been the lead development of the 64-bit platform. But what does this all mean for the future of Xbox?

Dave Cutler is one of the twenty-two Microsoft employees who has been given the title of Technical Fellow. This means he is a technology leader within Microsoft. To be a Technical Fellow means to be a person who has impacted the technological industry for the greater good. Not only that, but it also means that the Technical Fellow is a key player in Microsoft’s business strategies for the overall technological industry. For him to be included in the Xbox Development team means Microsoft is serious about taking their user experience to the next level. This man will be instrumental to Microsoft and the road that it takes with the future of Xbox. Cutler has always moved forward, and never backwards. I have no doubt that he will take the Xbox to whole other level.

What to Expect From a Next-Gen Xbox

Now that we got that out of the way, let’s begin with the speculated specs of the new Xbox and what they might mean. If you’re wondering why I don’t call it the “Xbox 720”, it’s because, well I refuse to. Why would I want a console that makes two metaphorical revolutions, only to end up at the same place? Exactly. So let’s move on. It is speculated that the new Xbox iteration will have a GPU from ATI, which will relate to that of an ATI Radeon 6670.

According to the speculated rumors, the GPU is going to be six times faster then what the current Xbox contains. Doesn’t sound like much does it? Well, let’s look it at from this perspective. Think of Gears of War 3 looking six times better. The game looks magnificent as it is, so one could only imagine.

Anyhow, let’s say they do use this video card.  What does it mean for the Xbox, and what level of visual performance can you achieve with the graphics?

If Microsoft decides to go wtih this rumored GPU, then obviously we’ll have access to things such as DirectX 11, and a frame buffer of 1GB, with increased clocks! The video card also supports 3D Blu-ray playback. The specs are nothing near extraordinary if you look at it from the personal computer perspective. Even at the time of its release, this video card wasn’t a top of the line card. But still, the card will be more efficient and consume less power than the current Xbox. Not incredible from a PC gaming perspective, but a big plus if we compare it to what we’re playing Gears of War 3 on now.

In addition, after taking my time and doing some reading, this card is actually quite powerful when it comes to pure graphics rendering. Those who are avid PC gamers may be yelling “Blasphemy!”, but just hear me out. The hacked 2xxx GPU that was in the Xbox 360 can keep up with today’s modern games pretty well. Not only that, but people forget that there’s this thing called direct-to-metal programming. This means that developers operate with low level access to the hardware. So if you’re asking if the card can produce photo realistic graphics, I’ll say most definitely (in the right developer’s hands)! People have to remember that hardware is nothing without software. Because of software, we still get to enjoy great looking games. From a technical standpoint, this card will mop the floor against anything thrown at it.

Wait, wait, wait! I’m not done yet. I have a feeling that there are some people who still object to what I’m saying in defense of these improved specs. Time to educate. To the PC gamers: Did you know that the GPU’s on a PC is limited to around a few thousand draw calls per frame? Did you also know that a console can have draw calls ranging up to the tens to twenty thousands? Ahh, you didn’t know? Well I guess it’s time to read up.

Your education is located here and  should work to shut your elitist PC gaming face! Fixed architecture FTW!

Now, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please leave a comment below or email Dom. Thanks!