The head-to-head battle between Sony and Microsoft for their next-gen consoles are up for a more heated peak as reports about Microsoft emulating Sony's PS4 down to the series processor gets out.

According to Bloomberg, the Xbox 720 will be using Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) processors, specifically the x86 format, a system-on-a-chip matched with a "Jaguar" central unit.

Given this development, the earlier rumor of the next-gen Xbox not being able to support Xbox 360 disc may have found its bearing. If anything, GameSpot reports that backwards compatibility may be pursued via software emulation.

While this may mean even better news for game developers, who now no longer have to develop very different versions for each console, it does make you wonder where the edge for each console will lie.

PS4 still seems to have the edge, having already announced that it will not require Internet connection to run, but it will all depend on what exactly Xbox will reveal for its next-gen console in the coming months.

A May reveal as well as a price tag surprise

It seems that, like Sony, Microsoft will be planning its own Xbox event on May 21. But unlike the PS4, the reveal may include the hardware.

EuroGamer even reports that the next-gen console may be only named "Xbox." But the even bigger news that can potentially affect consumers' decision on when and which console to buy would be the price tag.

Estimates have pegged the price to around $500, with the lowest price for a model being $300.

Last week, there have been news about Microsoft's Adam Orth laying down words and comments about the Xbox 720's rumored but never confirmed always on and connected feature.

"Looking at some of the stuff I got a long time ago, it actually says 'must be Internet-connected to use' in the notes," said Microsoft analyst Paul Thurrot to EuroGamer. "And that's all I have, but it does say that."

However, even this particular statement does not affirm if the actual console will require an Internet connection to run.

Until now, Microsoft has been very elusive and vague about this particular bit of news, with some reports even stating that this can be a coy attempt at either teasing its users to avoid leakage of actual specs and feature of the console, to a potential social experiment to gauge the reception of the rumored feature.

But if Bloomberg's reports are accurate, then next month maybe a barrage of news and updates for the Xbox next-gen console, and barring any other delays, it may be the awaited countdown of the consoles until their release.

Other Xbox devices?

As if that wasn't enough, EuroGamer also adds that there may be other devices that will come out bearing the Xbox brand.

According to Thurton, it seems that one of the previously unannounced devices, Yumo, meant for entertainment apps has already been cancelled.

But Stingray may be out for release later this year. EuroGamer reports that this may be a budget Xbox 360, a Goldilocks improvement of the current console with hints of the specs from the next-gen, potentially the Xbox's answer to the backwards compatibility for a new console.

Stingray may be up for release later this year, as Develop reports that the Xbox 720 may be looking at a holiday release in early November, a good follow-up for those who don't want to give up backwards compatibility when it comes to Xbox 360 games.