An in-depth report from veteran tech blogger Paul Thurrott on Windows IT Pro elaborates

on several topics including the next Xbox's pricing, release date, operating system, and

more.

According to Thurrott, previous rumors that there will be two versions of the next Xbox

are no longer accurate. He notes that Microsoft "originally planned to offer both a 'full'

version of the next Xbox (with video game playing capabilities) and a lower-end entertainment-oriented

version, code-named 'Yuma,' that didn't provide gaming capabilities."

However, "plans for Yuma are on hold, and no pure entertainment version of the next

Xbox will appear in 2013 (or possibly ever)."

That rumored and controversial "always online" functionality of the next Xbox is apparently

correct. He says that "the next Xbox must be Internet-connected to use." But, he adds

that it isn't as Draconian as many seem to believe."

He reiterates that "Microsoft will initially offer two pricing models for the console:

a standalone version for $499 and a $299 version that requires a two-year Xbox LIVE Gold commitment

at an expected price of $10 per month."

The system will apparently launch in early November this year.

Building on rumors that Windows 8 could power the next Xbox, Thurrott writes that the system

is "based on the 'Core' version of Windows 8. This suggests a common apps platform or

at least one that is similar to that used by Windows 8."

He also believes that Microsoft "could open up this platform to enthusiast developers"

and reports that the company "will discuss the next Xbox developer platform at the Build

conference in San Francisco in late June."

That would be good news, because Microsoft's restrictive policies this generation have

scared off some independent developers.

Thurrott also confirmed previous rumors that the next Xbox will include a Blu-Ray drive.

The name of the console is apparently still a big area of speculation. But Thurrott agrees

with several of us here at IGN that it might simply be called Xbox.

Whatever it's called, it will be revealed on May 21. You can watch the reveal live on

IGN, along with pre- and post-show commentary and analysis.

Finally, Thurrott notes that beyond the initial announcement on May 21st, Microsoft "will

fully reveal details about the next Xbox, including the launch lineup of games" at its

E3 press conference on June 10th.

We'll continue reporting everything we learn about the next Xbox right here at IGN.