PL_ Veteran Posted August 22, 2006 Veteran Share Posted August 22, 2006 So, I was looking at the Wikipedia history of the Xbox 360 article, and stumbled upon this bit, taken from (yeah, I know...) The Inquirer: 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. ? http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=19615 Well, compare this to what came up recently at GameSpot: Source: Popular hardware destination HardOCP.com, Taiwan-based Digitimes, and game-info site Digitalbattle. What we heard: Ever since the Xbox 360 was first shown to the public in May 2005, rumors have surrounded it. Once the specs for the console were revealed, the speculation shifted from what the console could do at present, to what it will be able to do in the future. Microsoft answered part of that question at E3 this year, unveiling several new peripherals, announcing Live Anywhere, and taking the wraps off the 360's external HD-DVD drive. Many speculated that premium, hard drive-equipped 360s fitted with the unpriced HD-DVD drive would cost around $600 a pop--that is, $399 plus a rumored $199. That's as much as the high-end model of the Blu-ray drive-equipped PlayStation 3, which has taken considerable flak for its premium price point. This week, two sources reported that the 360 HD-DVD drive will indeed ring up at around $200. First was Digitimes, which stated flatly on Monday that "Microsoft will launch external HD-DVD drives for its Xbox 360 at a retail price of US$200 by Christmas of this year." Seconding that opinion was HardOCP, which yesterday included the HD-DVD price point report as part of a piece titled "Xbox360 Roadmap Peeked At." The site elaborated on the add-on, saying it would "only require component inputs. ... No HDMI in sight." It also said that Microsoft would be releasing a cable to support 1080p video output. However, "little more information is known on [1080 output] or if there will be a gaming performance impact." Last but not least, HardOCP revealed that the Xbox 360 would soon get functionality borrowed from a Windows Media Center PC. "While this is not a term that Microsoft used, the Xbox360 will be seeing an added on 'media jukebox' for handling tons of movies, video, pictures, and music," said the site. No mention was made as to whether Microsoft was going to release larger-capacity "outrigger" hard drives to store said media, since many 360 owners' 20GB HDDs are getting nearly full with game demos, trailers, and saves.> In other 360-rumor news, Digitalbattle reported that Microsoft is mulling a second controller specifically for first-person shooters. "The new controller would have an improved and more precise right analog stick for games requiring higher precision," read the report, which sourced Microsoft’s product unit manager Robert Walker's presentation at the Microsoft Gamefest developers' conference. Strangely, though, firsthand accounts of Walker's Monday speech, like the exhaustive recap of the session on FiringSquad.com, make no mention of an FPS-centric controller. The official story: So what does Microsoft have to say about all this? Not much, unsurprisingly. Regarding the HD-DVD, "We haven't announced any pricing or availability at this point so we'll keep you posted," a rep for the game giant said regarding the HD-DVD. The same rep wouldn't comment on 1080p support and media jukebox functionality and would say only that "we have not made any announcements about a new Xbox 360 controller." Bogus or not bogus?: $200 360 HD-DVDD? If bogus, it's a close estimate. Support for 1080p? Almost certainly.Media jukebox? Sounds probable, given that Windows Media Center PCs already have similar functionality.> New FPS-specific controller? The jury's out on that one, but it would make sense. http://uk.gamespot.com/news/show_blog_entr...pic_id=24902136 What do you think? Is an Xbox 360 Media Center Edition coming? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerzdawg Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 "What do you think? Is an Xbox 360 Media Center Edition coming?" As long as I would be able to "upgrade" my 360 into this... I am all for it.... if not... then i'll be sad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StandingInAlley Posted August 22, 2006 Share Posted August 22, 2006 the only way i can think that one can upgrade will be by adding some external which is sad because i would prefer everything to be inside the box. having externals is pretty messy tbh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Live Veteran Posted August 22, 2006 Veteran Share Posted August 22, 2006 As a user, what I want is the capability to plug in a 500GB USB hard drive and have it play/share media from that... as well as use it for downloads. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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