Xbox 360 2 On The Way? Job Listings Hint That Microsoft Is Working On Next-Gen Console

Listings on professional social-networking site Linkedin.com suggest that Microsoft may be hiring people to work on the next generation Microsoft console.

According to the ads, Microsoft would like to fill these three positions:

• Graphics hardware architect-- "The responsibilities include architecture analysis, key technology selection, architecture specification, communication and collaboration with extended Microsoft teams and partner companies. The ideal candidate should have a broad background in 3D graphics rendering architectures and algorithms (ideally with gaming applications in mind), 3D software pipelines, and physics. The candidate should also have a solid understanding of graphics hardware implementation, including design methodologies and production yield and cost analysis. The successful candidate is expected to have a working knowledge of how state-of-the-art PC and/or console OS, driver and application code is designed and how it interacts with graphics HW/firmware. The ideal candidate will have been the lead architect and/or implementation lead of a 3D graphics core. The candidate must have taken designs from investigation to end-customer shipment during their career."

• Senior Architect and Performance Engineer in XBOX Console Architecture Group -- "Initial Responsibilities - Development of system C models for performance and design verification - Pre-silicon performance and functional validation at the block, chip and system level - Algorithm mapping to verify performance for specified workloads."

• Senior Hardware Verification Engineer -- "Do you have a passion for leading edge technology? Are you fascinated by the video game industry and Xbox 360? Come join a dynamic engineering team and play a key role in the development and verification of the Xbox and future platforms. We are looking for an experienced Senior Hardware Design/Verification Engineer. You will be responsible for the design verification and qualification of the Xbox console at the component, motherboard, and system levels. You will lead test strategy discussions, develop test methodologies & plans and project-manage qualification cycles"

Obviously, at this early stage, there is no verified information at all. We have no projected release date, price or name for the theoretical device -- it might not even exist-- but it's not too early to speculate: Any features you'd like to see implemented? Any suggestions for names for a potential next-gen Xbox?