Several companies believe that a single device/appliance will be used to handle just about any entertainment task a user can throw at it. Especially Sony and Microsoft as they prepare/tweak their all in one entertainment devices for the digital living room. Both companies believe that the future of entertainment involves "convergence". You know an application that will be able to handle multiple tasks in the digital living room, problem is no one has been able to do it right.
Unlike Microsoft, Sony has already unleashed its device, dubbed the PSX. The PSX has a built-in PS2 game console, DVD burner, TiVo-like video recorder, and other entertainment features. Problem is consumers are in no hurry to purchase it at a price tag of $1,000. Especially after Sony dropped several promising features from the PSX, such as MP3 playback. Though Microsoft doesn't have anything on the market that can compete with the PSX, it does have a plan that analyst agree gives Microsoft the edge. Microsoft’s plan is to centralize on the PC rather than just the device. Right now the PC is where consumers store their music, pictures, and videos. With most of Americans PC-centric Microsoft seems to have an edge in this market, but it could also change warned some analysts.
Both companies have good plans, but I think Microsoft’s is the best. I don't see a lot of consumers going with Sony’s plan. Simply because it's too much work, when compared to Microsoft’s approach. Using the data that's already on the PC is going to be a lot easier (if implemented correctly), and that's what's sells.
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Unlike Microsoft, Sony has already unleashed its device, dubbed the PSX. The PSX has a built-in PS2 game console, DVD burner, TiVo-like video recorder, and other entertainment features. Problem is consumers are in no hurry to purchase it at a price tag of $1,000. Especially after Sony dropped several promising features from the PSX, such as MP3 playback. Though Microsoft doesn't have anything on the market that can compete with the PSX, it does have a plan that analyst agree gives Microsoft the edge. Microsoft’s plan is to centralize on the PC rather than just the device. Right now the PC is where consumers store their music, pictures, and videos. With most of Americans PC-centric Microsoft seems to have an edge in this market, but it could also change warned some analysts.
Both companies have good plans, but I think Microsoft’s is the best. I don't see a lot of consumers going with Sony’s plan. Simply because it's too much work, when compared to Microsoft’s approach. Using the data that's already on the PC is going to be a lot easier (if implemented correctly), and that's what's sells.
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Cont...
Such moves are widely seen as an effort by SCEE to complement its already impressive internal development capacity by cultivating a Nintendo-esque network of "second party" studios - a move which not only guarantees continued support for existing platforms, but also gives the company an assurance of high quality early titles for its future systems.
"We've enjoyed an unparalleled working relationship with Evolution Studios over the past 4 years," according to SCEE's executive vice president for development, Phil Harrison, "and the quality of their work on the WRC franchise can be measured by the millions of loyal fans who love the series. This strategic alliance allows our organisations to work even more closely together as we prepare for the combined challenges of new formats and expanded game design horizons."
Evolution Studios was founded in 1999 by Digital Image Design founder Martin Kenwright (who is now managing director of the company) and Psygnosis founder Ian Hetherington, and has developed three successful titles in the World Rally Championship series for SCEE. Last year, the firm revealed plans to expand the studio through the establishment of satellite studios under the "Devolution" programme; BigBig Studios was the first studio to come under the auspices of this plan.
Anyone else think sony somewhat missed the boat here?
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