3 Versions of X-Box 2?

[Raven_Writer]

The rumors of on specs, games and capabilities from Xbox 2 and PS3 continue…

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A slide from a non disclosure agreement (NDA) presentation seen by the INQ points towards Microsoft launching three versions of the Xbox 2, one of which is a fully functioning PC.

The presentation, understood to have been given to analysts and market researchers in the UK earlier this year, plots a timeline for the introduction of the systems. Xbox Next and Xbox Next HD are planned for Autumn 2005, whereas the Xbox Next PC is pencilled in for Autumn 2006.

The standard Xbox Next will not include a hard drive, which will allow Microsoft to cut costs on this basic unit. Xbox Next HD, as you might imagine, does include a hard drive and will offer increased functionality based on this. Xbox Next PC is, according to the presentation, an entry-level PC that runs Windows and all standard PC software. It also includes CD Burner, Wireless keyboard, mouse and controller and will work best connected to a high-definition TV or PC monitor. Media Center functionality - like movies, music and photos - is also included. The device will also play most available PC games.

System outline specifications note that internet browsing and instant messaging would be key applications, and that the entire unit will be smaller than the current Xbox, although it will not be possible to upgrade the shipping memory or processor.

The year-long gap between the mooted introductions of the two standard Xboxes before the Xbox Next PC is an interesting decision, which suggests that Microsoft realises the time that the market needs to acclimatise to TV media functionality. Since the Vole expects to ship Xbox Next before the Sony PlayStation 3, two versions of the console allow it to get the first wave out before PS3, but to also spoil the launch of Sony's flagship by concurrently announcing the PC version.

Source: GameDev.net

[Andy A.]

This is very interesting.

It makes me wonder what kind of compatibility it will all have. I'd like to assume that all versions of the xbox will be able to play the same games, and hopefully prior first gen xbox games. If the fully functional PC version really does end up running in a windows environment, then will it use emulation to run the games? At that point, how long will it take before that emulation is available (legally or otherwise) on any other windows PC? It seems like Microsoft may be sticking it's neck out on this one. I know that if I have the option of buying an xbox game with out needing the xbox, I would chose that every time.

The xbox blurred the line between a PC and console hardware wise, now it looks to do it in software and function to. It's an interesting move on Microsoft's part, as every other attempt at this sort of appliance PC has failed miserably. I guess Bill figures that games are the key to keeping people using it, and the rest will follow. It is, to an extent, how the PC devolped after all.


-Andy A.

[Joe Matt]

If Microsoft sells those PCs, that means they are in essence selling G5s. Oh the irony....

I think penny-arcade got a different three though.... link

[Kyle Fenton]

Originally Posted by JosephM

If Microsoft sells those PCs, that means they are in essence selling G5s. Oh the irony....

I think penny-arcade got a different three though.... link

Yeah I was kind of shocked at first that Microsoft are going to use G5s in the next X-Box, but they needed something so a money loosing x-box wouldn't turn into a Linux PC.

These are special G5s though, and not the ones that Apple has. According to many sources it will be dual-core G5 with a very high bus and I/O architecture.

I have even heard that they will dump NVIDA and go with an ATI video card. Also the new Xbox will feature dual video outputs so you can hook up 2 TVs.

And the next X-box will also be backwards compatible with the old X-box. Just to add a special note, the next version of Virtual PC for the Mac will feature emulated 3D acceleration from the video card. And many sources have told that this work is not be done by the Mac BU but by the X-box development team. Interesting Huh?

Xbox Next PC is, according to the presentation, an entry-level PC that runs Windows and all standard PC software. It also includes CD Burner, Wireless keyboard, mouse and controller and will work best connected to a high-definition TV or PC monitor. Media Center functionality - like movies, music and photos - is also included. The device will also play most available PC games.

I don't know where they got this information, but if the X-box is a G5 it will definitely not be a PC with Windows. The only version of Windows for PPC is a really old version of NT. And it will be very doubtful that they will port Windows XP to the PPC.
However there are two possibilities that could occur:
1. They emulate Windows via Virtual PC. Which sucks, and won't fly with many consumers
2. They stick an X86 processor on there somehow and run it that way.

Also who would want to view a computer via a TV. The resolution will suck even with a HD TV. What might happen that could be a possibility is something like an eye home where people can access music, photos, etc.

[Raven_Writer]

I'm unsure myself where they got this information, but I believe on the main page it said like, Slashdot.org and other tabloid-like sites have posted this information.

I, for one, will not buy this. It's not really because I don't care for Microsoft, but I never liked the XBox. It's, to me, a bad re-hash of Nintendo 64 and GameCube. I'll just hold off and wait til PS3 hits the shelves.

I don't know how much closer Bill can get to labeling this a console for much longer, since the only thing it's missing really is a monitor of it's own, and then it's essentially a big laptop.