A new Xbox could be coming our way as a patent reveals (rather complicatedly) some of the features that could be available on the next generation of a Microsoft console. Although it cites Xbox as an example of how the patent describes a "gaming device", it's not completely clear if that is what the patent is for:

A gaming system including handheld devices and console devices has variable functionality and processing performance as determined by the number of components in the system. Gaming components can be combined wirelessly, by wired connections (e.g., via a docking station), or a combination thereof. The processing capabilities and functionality of each gaming component in a combination are augmented by the processing capabilities and functionality of other gaming components in the combination. To take advantage of another gaming components processing capabilities and memory capacity, each gaming component is capable of utilizing another gaming component to process gaming applications. Further, each gaming component is capable of rendering audio and/or video information provided by another gaming component.

Basically, this new product will also have the ability to talk to any number of handheld devices, from mobile phones to PDAs. For what or why has yet to be seen. It's a lot to read, I know, but it makes for some fun bets you can have with your friends. I've got $20 that says it's full-sized robot shaped like a bunny rabbit. Kim Phu

United States Patent Application #20070087830 [US Patent & Trademark Office via Digg]