Earlier this month, a report from a Chinese blog claimed that Microsoft was working on a slimmed-down Xbox One for release in October. Now, Microsoft's top gaming boss has responded, pouring cold water on this report. Asked by a fan about this rumored console, Phil Spencer bluntly said: "Not real."

　　Spencer is Microsoft's Head of Xbox, and is in charge of overseeing the company's gaming business. His comments, of course, do not rule out the possibility that Microsoft would release a "mini" model in the future, only that it's not likely to happen anytime soon, it seems.

　　The Chinese technology site that originally reported on the console, WPDang, claimed it would be about one-third smaller than the existing model and make less noise. The report also claimed the smaller-sized system would ditch the existing unit's Blu-ray player, which would be a big move.

　　Microsoft does have a history of redesigning its consoles throughout their lifecycles. The Xbox 360, for instance, got an Elite model in 2007 and a slimmed down version in 2010.

　　There's no question that the Xbox One is a big console; a slimmed-down version, which could carry a lower price tag, too, would be welcome. But you probably shouldn't hold your breath for it.