Microsoft Tweaks Xbox One Before Launch (MSFT)

Microsoft's MSFT new game console received a boost of extra power this week. According to IGN, the company has confirmed that Xbox One's clock speed has been increased from 800 MHz to 853 MHz. Xbox One product chief Marc Whitten joined Larry Hryb (AKA Major Nelson), the Director of Programming for Xbox Live, in a podcast this week to announce that Microsoft had also changed the graphics driver. The new driver is reportedly "100 percent optimized" for the upcoming console. Hryb also denied the rumor that Microsoft would attempt to reintroduce Xbox One now that the controversy is over. Related: Zynga Hires Microsoft Executive Who Supported Xbox One's Most Controversial Policies Late last month, Microsoft announced that every Xbox One console -- even those sold to consumers -- can one day be used to develop new games. This is part of the company's plan to allow independent developers to publish their own games on Xbox Live. Sony SNE also allows indie developers to do the same on PlayStation Network, but they must be licensed with Sony in order to do so. Microsoft has not yet stated that indie developers will be required to obtain a license before publishing Xbox One games through Xbox Live. While Microsoft is dedicated to owning the living room (or, if nothing else, the TV at the center of it), the company has yet to launch its own TV service. The Windows maker plans to enlist in the help of Netflix NFLX and cable providers like Comcast CMCSA. Sony, on the other hand, is rumored to be developing something called PlayStation TV. No official details are known, but all signs indicate that it will be a streaming video service. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at 248-636-1322 or louis(at)benzingapro(dot)com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ