Xbox2 more than just for gaming

[Xenon]

http://xbox.ign.com/articles/577/577825p1.html

Gates on Xbox 2
Tidbits on the future of console gaming.
By Hilary Goldstein
January 6, 2005 - In a recent interview with CNET, Microsoft Chairman Bill
Gates offered some insight into Xbox 2. Though Gates never mentions
specifics on when Xbox 2 will be released or even revealed, he makes it
clear that the next Xbox is going to serve a larger role than mere video
game console.



Microsoft's primary goal is to broaden its market and Xbox 2 is definitely
part of that plan. Gates confirmed Xbox 2 features PC connectivity and that
Microsoft's Media Center can "project through Xbox," and added, "that's just
the start of what we can do there."

As expected, Xbox 2 is going to expand its reach. Gate promised, "Great
video gaming but videogaming for a broader set of people, more
communications, more media, more connectivity." This extends to music,
media, and greater integration with MSN Messenger.

It's possible that allowing PC connectivity could be an easy way to avoid
including a hard drive in the next Xbox. Assuming Xbox allows for speedy
content-sharing, the PC could be used for content storage, game
customization (maps and skins), and even custom soundtracks.

Gates had nothing else new to say about Xbox 2, but did speak briefly about
the rumors that Microsoft is considering entering the handheld realm. It
appears plans for an "Xboy" are either non-existent or far from becoming
reality. "The fact that Sony's a little distracted with [PSP] may let us do
all the better in the next generation," Gates noted.

We'll have more on Xbox 2 as soon as new rumors or information surface.

 

[Ice Wipe Inc.]

As a once famous wreastler would say... Bill Gates can take his ugly Xbox 2,
turn it sideways and well, you should be able to guess where to shove it.

Stupid troll

 

[Paul Angstrom]

As a once famous wreastler would say... Bill Gates can take his ugly Xbox 2,
turn it sideways and well, you should be able to guess where to shove it.

Ugly Xbox 2? When did Microsoft release public photos of the finalized
case design?

Unless you're part of the Xbox 2 design team, it sounds as if you're
talking out of a place where you can shove it.

 

[Joe Ottoson]

Ugly Xbox 2? When did Microsoft release public photos of the finalized
case design?

Unless you're part of the Xbox 2 design team, it sounds as if you're
talking out of a place where you can shove it.

Dunno about the case, but this "extra functionality"'s going to backfire.

 

[Fred Liken]

I'm not a fan of Xbox, but I'll bet you that the XBox2 is a kick ass system.

As a once famous wreastler would say... Bill Gates can take his ugly Xbox
2,
turn it sideways and well, you should be able to guess where to shove it.

Stupid troll

http://xbox.ign.com/articles/577/577825p1.html

Gates on Xbox 2
Tidbits on the future of console gaming.
By Hilary Goldstein
January 6, 2005 - In a recent interview with CNET, Microsoft Chairman
Bill
Gates offered some insight into Xbox 2. Though Gates never mentions
specifics on when Xbox 2 will be released or even revealed, he makes it
clear that the next Xbox is going to serve a larger role than mere video
game console.



Microsoft's primary goal is to broaden its market and Xbox 2 is
definitely
part of that plan. Gates confirmed Xbox 2 features PC connectivity and that
Microsoft's Media Center can "project through Xbox," and added, "that's just
the start of what we can do there."

As expected, Xbox 2 is going to expand its reach. Gate promised, "Great
video gaming but videogaming for a broader set of people, more
communications, more media, more connectivity." This extends to music,
media, and greater integration with MSN Messenger.

It's possible that allowing PC connectivity could be an easy way to avoid
including a hard drive in the next Xbox. Assuming Xbox allows for speedy
content-sharing, the PC could be used for content storage, game
customization (maps and skins), and even custom soundtracks.

Gates had nothing else new to say about Xbox 2, but did speak briefly about
the rumors that Microsoft is considering entering the handheld realm. It
appears plans for an "Xboy" are either non-existent or far from becoming
reality. "The fact that Sony's a little distracted with [PSP] may let us do
all the better in the next generation," Gates noted.

We'll have more on Xbox 2 as soon as new rumors or information surface.

 

[Fred Liken]

Dunno about the case, but this "extra functionality"'s going to backfire.

Like a DVD player on the PS2?

 

[Doug Jacobs]

Dunno about the case, but this "extra functionality"'s going to backfire.

How so?

Although if you ask me, it sounds like a lot of the XBox mods just went
from being "hacks" to "features" for XBox2... After all, can't a modded
XBox already play media from a networked PC, CDR or DVDR? And can't you
already hack a XBox to become a web surfing appliance as well?

If anything, I'd accuse Microsoft of having a lack of creativity, but
that'd be nothing new for them.

 

[GaryDawg]

http://xbox.ign.com/articles/577/577825p1.html

Gates on Xbox 2
Tidbits on the future of console gaming.
By Hilary Goldstein
January 6, 2005 - In a recent interview with CNET, Microsoft Chairman Bill
Gates offered some insight into Xbox 2. Though Gates never mentions
specifics on when Xbox 2 will be released or even revealed, he makes it
clear that the next Xbox is going to serve a larger role than mere video
game console.



Microsoft's primary goal is to broaden its market and Xbox 2 is definitely
part of that plan. Gates confirmed Xbox 2 features PC connectivity and that
Microsoft's Media Center can "project through Xbox," and added, "that's just
the start of what we can do there."

As expected, Xbox 2 is going to expand its reach. Gate promised, "Great
video gaming but videogaming for a broader set of people, more
communications, more media, more connectivity." This extends to music,
media, and greater integration with MSN Messenger.

It's possible that allowing PC connectivity could be an easy way to avoid
including a hard drive in the next Xbox. Assuming Xbox allows for speedy
content-sharing, the PC could be used for content storage, game
customization (maps and skins), and even custom soundtracks.

Gates had nothing else new to say about Xbox 2, but did speak briefly about
the rumors that Microsoft is considering entering the handheld realm. It
appears plans for an "Xboy" are either non-existent or far from becoming
reality. "The fact that Sony's a little distracted with [PSP] may let us do
all the better in the next generation," Gates noted.

We'll have more on Xbox 2 as soon as new rumors or information surface.

Hmmm.... A working Microsoft network in each person's home, very clever...

 

[Daniel Kolle]

http://xbox.ign.com/articles/577/577825p1.html

Gates on Xbox 2
Tidbits on the future of console gaming.
By Hilary Goldstein
January 6, 2005 - In a recent interview with CNET, Microsoft Chairman Bill
Gates offered some insight into Xbox 2. Though Gates never mentions
specifics on when Xbox 2 will be released or even revealed, he makes it
clear that the next Xbox is going to serve a larger role than mere video
game console.

Well, ain't that nice. Not.

 

[Toe Jam]

It also makes a great doorstop!

 

[Maurice S. Villarreal]

I would say, excess of greed, they know that thing can do a lot of stuff,
but they want to sell every functionality separately.

 

[Joe Ottoson]

Like a DVD player on the PS2?

That's like saying just as many people got the PS1 for the benefit of
having a CD player. A far cry from what Billy G's getting hoppity about
right now.

 

[Joe Ottoson]

How so?

I don't see the features as elements that a game system buyer would
routinely use or that they'd view them as a selling point. Seems more
like an excuse for MS to try to get their MS TV box off the ground.

If anything, I'd accuse Microsoft of having a lack of creativity, but
that'd be nothing new for them.

Agreed. I just don't see how this will help MS sell game systems.

 

[Doug Jacobs]

I don't see the features as elements that a game system buyer would
routinely use or that they'd view them as a selling point. Seems more
like an excuse for MS to try to get their MS TV box off the ground.

I don't see it as detracting from the gamer side of things. It's not like
this is going to cost any real extra money to develop or anything like
that. After all, they've already included all the required hardware for
games, and all they'd have to do is grab a network browser (Explorer) and
maybe tweak the UI from their existing Media Center PCs.

Will it help sell boxes? Who knows? True, I do hope that Microsoft
hasn't lost sight of the fact that XBox2 should be a gaming console first
and foremost, but again, extra features make your product appear better
and more attractive to consumers.

It wouldn't surprise me if they then ported the media features over to
their new WebTV consoles.

Agreed. I just don't see how this will help MS sell game systems.

I just find it interesting that Microsoft's done a 180' here. When Xbox
was being readied for the market, Microsoft went out of their way to
emphasize that Xbox was *NOT* a PC - it was a game console. And they got
very upset when people hacked it to play their media files, talk to a
normal PC over a network, etc.

Now, with Xbox2, Microsoft has gone the other way and wants you to know
that their console is more than just a game console.

And in the meantime, there's been little (if any) buzz about what games
(if any) this thing will play - or if it'll even be backwards compatible...

 

[poldy]

If anything, I'd accuse Microsoft of having a lack of creativity, but
that'd be nothing new for them.

Agreed. I just don't see how this will help MS sell game systems.[/QUOTE]

They're probably hoping it helps sell Media Center PCs.

They can't have anyone else like Sony dominating the living room. They
hate that the iPod is dominating the portable digital audio players
market.

That is why they've invested so much money into software for cable set
top boxes and they're going to launch IPTV.

They want the Xbox2 to be one of the devices which connect to the Media
Center PC.

 

[poldy]

I just find it interesting that Microsoft's done a 180' here. When Xbox
was being readied for the market, Microsoft went out of their way to
emphasize that Xbox was *NOT* a PC - it was a game console. And they got
very upset when people hacked it to play their media files, talk to a
normal PC over a network, etc.

Now, with Xbox2, Microsoft has gone the other way and wants you to know
that their console is more than just a game console.

In this case, they want the Xbox2 to help sell Media Center PCs and vice
versa.

They won't put useful PC features like letting you browse, email or
instant message directly from the Xbox. These features would have meant
no need for things like Action Replay.

But they will let you connect to a PC, if it helps them sell more of
their Media Center OS.

 

[Joe Ottoson]

Agreed. I just don't see how this will help MS sell game systems.

They're probably hoping it helps sell Media Center PCs.

They can't have anyone else like Sony dominating the living room. They
hate that the iPod is dominating the portable digital audio players
market.[/QUOTE]

I'd think iTunes would piss them off more, as I don't recall MS ever
offering a MP3 player...

 

[Paul Smith]

I'd think iTunes would piss them off more, as I don't recall MS ever
offering a MP3 player...

Well Sony won't be using iTunes... Because Apple as per usual refuse to
licence anything to anyone.

Microsoft don't need to offer a hardware player - they provide the platform
for other's to build the hardware, and there are hundreds of players and
dozens of stores based on Microsoft technology.

--
Paul Smith,
Yeovil, UK.
http://www.dasmirnov.net/
http://windows.dasmirnov.net/ Windows XP Resource Site.

*Replace nospam with smirnov to reply by e-mail*

 

[elrous0]

I just find it interesting that Microsoft's done a 180' here. When Xbox
was being readied for the market, Microsoft went out of their way to
emphasize that Xbox was *NOT* a PC - it was a game console. And they got
very upset when people hacked it to play their media files, talk to a

normal PC over a network, etc.

Now, with Xbox2, Microsoft has gone the other way and wants you to know
that their console is more than just a game console.

That's hardly anything new for Microsoft.They did the same thing with
the internet at first. Then they watched companies like Netscape take
over the market, got jealous, and introduced their own browser and
increased internet support on all their products.

Basically, Microsoft waits for others to pioneer the way, gets jealous,
and then steals the idea for themselves (promoting it like it's
something new). It's just what they do. MS will never be the *first* to
introduce anything.

-Eric

 

[Mike Kay]

That's hardly anything new for Microsoft.They did the same thing with
the internet at first. Then they watched companies like Netscape take
over the market, got jealous, and introduced their own browser and
increased internet support on all their products.

Basically, Microsoft waits for others to pioneer the way, gets jealous,
and then steals the idea for themselves (promoting it like it's
something new). It's just what they do. MS will never be the *first* to
introduce anything.

-Eric

thats not fair. AFAIK they were the first company to make the "blue
screen of death" famous.

(ok not as good as a Guru Meditation but still.......)