A Microsoft executive confirmed the release of a new Xbox console, while talking to the media about Microsoft's new Outlook.com email platform.

Speaking on the The Verge's August 3 podcast, General Manager Brian Hall said that Hotmail's transition into Outlook.com came "right in time for the new wave of products that we have coming out, with Windows 8, with the new version of Office, with the new Windows Phone and the new Xbox."

The "accidental" confirmation shows that the next Xbox is an everyday reality for Microsoft.

The console's codename had previously been outed as Durango, with Microsoft priming third-party developers early in 2012, and it's expected to launch late 2013.

However, "clarifying" Hall's own words, Microsoft urged to explainthat the phrase "new Xbox" in fact refers to a "new Xbox update" due for deployment this fall.

"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," Microsoft said in a statement.

The PlayStation 4 console, also currently known by the name Orbis, is thought to be on track for announcement the same year; Nintendo's Wii U is due late 2012, PC-powered virtual reality headset Oculus Rift has December 2012 targeted, and the Android-powered cube Ouya is scheduled for March 2013.