The AMD A8-3850 APU features a quad-core 2.9GHz processor with integrated graphics. It will work with the dedicated Radeon HD 7670 GPU, the HD 7670, and a DirectX 11-enabled card clocked to 1GHz with up to 1GB of dedicated VRAM. The HD 7670 is the same card that will reportedly be used in the Xbox 720, which is expected to compete head-to-head with the Orbis in discrete graphics.

The Sony PlayStation Orbis is rumored to arrive in time for the holiday season in 2013. Select game developers have already begun working on titles for the console. The Orbis is said to not be backwards compatible with PS3 games and will be capable of displaying 4096 x 2160 resolution and play 3D games at 1080p.

According to VG247, Microsoft has indicated to select software partners that they aim to launch the next-generation Xbox by Christmas 2013. Previously we heard the Xbox 720 would have a Blu-ray drive, with another rumor dismissing the idea, saying the console wouldn’t have an optical drive at all. VG247 believe that the console will indeed have a Blu-ray drive.

VG247 also learned that the console would have two GPUs. It’s unknown what company will be providing the GPUs, but the solution is said not to be like Crossfire or SLI. Instead, the GPUs will be able to render separate items simultaneously, independent of each other. The console will feature either a four- or six-core CPU, with one core being reserved for Kinect, and the other for the underlying OS.

The bad news? The Xbox 720 will supposedly require an always-on internet connection as an anti-piracy measure. We can’t imagine that going down well with consumers at all, although some may be willing to make that concession depending on the quality of content. There’s no word on if the controversial “anti-used games system” will be in effect.

[via Gizmodo UK]

Where previous generation PlayStation consoles had seen game integration from previous consoles, we’re now receiving word that this will be the end of such a practice from Sony. If the PlayStation – if it will indeed still be called that when Sony moves on with the “Orbis” name scheme – does indeed only work with new games, will you still be apt to purchase a console? This should be no different from when the world switched from cartridge games to disks, right?

As our anonymous source (who suggests they’re close to the action with Sony) notes, very briefly,

“the Orbis dismisses legacy games. No word yet on if game downloads will be compatible, possibility exists for Vita-like store with older games for download.” – Anonymous

What do you think, folks, time for downloads only? If Sony moves to a downloads-only model for older games – somewhat like what’s happened with Nintendo’s original Wii (sans the Gamecube integration), will you work with it? Or will you be tough and hang tight with the PlayStation 3 forever?

The Latin name “Orbis” means “circle”, or “ring”. Combined with Sony’s portable PlayStation Vita, you could be looking at a Latin play on words: “circle of life.” Specs for the console aren’t finalized, but Sony is said to be working with an AMD x64 CPU and an AMD Southern Islands GPU right now. The Orbis’ GPU will be capable of displaying a 4096×2160 resolution, and playing 3D games at 1080p.

Kotaku also reports that “select developers” have been courted to work on the console, receiving development kits at the start of the year. Finalised beta versions of the console will be sent out towards the end of this year. That will give developers time to work on any games planned to launch with the console during the holiday season in 2013.

Finally, it’s revealed that Orbis will not be backwards compatible with PS3 games, just like the PS3 removed the ability to play PS2 games. Sony are also working on an “anti-used games” system. Games will be available on both Blu-ray Discs and the PlayStation Network, and once you purchase/download and fire up the game, you’ll be required to “lock” it to your PlayStation account. If you were to try and trade the game or sell it second-hand, the new buyer would be limited in gameplay, and be required to unlock/purchase the full game again.