"Halo: Combat Evolved" Remake in the Works?

I don't know if a system could ever be associated with just one game, but if there ever were one, then the original Xbox was synonymous with Halo: Combat Evolved.  The game revolutionized how we looked at first-person shooters.  Those conversations later evolved into the develpment of online multiplayer services and, eventually, Xbox Live.  Whether or not you liked it, there's a lot in today's gaming environment that can trace back to the first ride of Master Chief.

Now, the rumor mill is making some serious noise about a remake of the original Halo, built on the engine of Halo: Reach.  Apparently, there is some "industry chatter" that was picked up by the UK's Games Master magazine.  In response, Microsoft stated:

"Right now our focus is on supporting Halo: Reach. We have nothing to announce at this time."

I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like a no.  Of course, "no comments" can often mean nothing, but there's something about this quote that is... intriguing.  Is there another project in the works other than Halo: Reach upon which your focus could be turned?  Remaking a relatively recent game (well, recent compared to some 90s games that have been revisited lately, like Sam and Max) isn't usually done, but then again... the rumored 2011 release date would make a nice 10-year anniversary gift.

I've never been the biggest fan of Halo, but I know plenty of people who love putting the Covenant into the ground.  We'll keep our ears to the ground on this one.