In what is pretty much the most idiotic move the company has made in recent times, Microsoft have denied the existence of a “new Xbox” as accidentally mentioned by their employee Brian Hall.

Having spoken to The Verge earlier in the week, Hall had mentioned that the “new Xbox” would utilise Windows 8 by slipping it in by complete accident. However, for Microsoft this was just Hall’s words being misconstrued.

In fact, Microsoft have been so kind that they’ve released an updated version of what Hall really meant:

“The comments to The Verge were not understood in their intended context. When Brian mentioned a ‘new wave of products,’ he was referring to the full lineup of products coming later this year from Microsoft, including Windows 8, Office, Windows Phone and of course our fall Xbox update which will bring a host of new consumer experiences like Xbox Music, Videos, Games on Windows 8 and Xbox SmartGlass.”

So, as you can see, Microsoft would much rather try to tenuously cover up a mistake that references a console that is clearly in development but they don’t wish to reveal. Not only does this smack consumers in the mouth as it seems that Microsoft just don’t think they’re ready to know about the next generation – literally guiding them by the hand at what they should want to play. It also sucks as this is exactly how the games industry is now governed, by timely press releases designed to maximise profit.

Here’s hoping enough people rise up and give Microsoft a good shaking so they start talking.