Rumour control: Microsoft begins manufacture of nextbox

The rumour mill has been working hard again, this time churning out more “insider” info on Microsoft’s next-generation console.

According to an undisclosed source, Microsoft has started actual manufacturing of the next-generation Xbox. This is supposedly being done at Flextronics in Austin, Texas – the same company that manufactures the Xbox 360 and also previously the original Xbox.

According to the rumour, Flextronics has created an internal testing group to handle hardware, software and marketing of the next-gen console. The current production will supposedly start with development kits, which means that production of the final product itself, allegedly code-named Durango, is still a long way off.

When questioned on the rumour Microsoft said nothing in particular, rather taking the opportunity to plug the Kinect. “Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend its lifecycle like introducing the world to controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the lifecycle convention. Beyond that we do not comment on rumors or speculation.”

As for Flextronics, they declined to comment at all. This tells us pretty much nothing at all, and until the source of the rumour can be disclosed, the credibility is going to be questionable. Regardless, it seems we still have a long while to go before we actually see the nextbox.