Not content with buying Sony's Cell processor manufacturing, Toshiba is now apparently partnering with Microsoft to produce the next generation of Xboxes.
Apparently, the new 1080p box will have built-in HD-DVD, a larger hard disk, and new entertainment software based on the current Media Centre. Wireless networking capability, a dual HDTV tuner and EPG capability and a docking port for an MP3 player.
Also being discussed is the development of an open standard docking port similar to the 17 pin iPod port. This would allow all manufacturers to use the same port for docking.
Australian site, Smarthouse, reports that:
However, the site also points out that, "For Toshiba, the device is critical if it is to be successful in beating Sony and the Blu-ray promoters." Makes the purchase of Cell production seem like one of the those strange business decisions - given that Tosh' is also a member of the HD-DVD consortium - that's business though.
Source: Smart House
Apparently, the new 1080p box will have built-in HD-DVD, a larger hard disk, and new entertainment software based on the current Media Centre. Wireless networking capability, a dual HDTV tuner and EPG capability and a docking port for an MP3 player.
Also being discussed is the development of an open standard docking port similar to the 17 pin iPod port. This would allow all manufacturers to use the same port for docking.
Australian site, Smarthouse, reports that:
"A senior Toshiba executive in Singapore told SmartHouse that "An Xbox with a built in HD DVD drive is critical. They and we are working on it. It also has to be more than a gaming machine. Microsoft recognise this. A version of the device may also be sold under the Toshiba brand name.
"The new device is expected to be released late in 2008 or at the 2009 CES show in Las Vegas."
"The new device is expected to be released late in 2008 or at the 2009 CES show in Las Vegas."
However, the site also points out that, "For Toshiba, the device is critical if it is to be successful in beating Sony and the Blu-ray promoters." Makes the purchase of Cell production seem like one of the those strange business decisions - given that Tosh' is also a member of the HD-DVD consortium - that's business though.
Source: Smart House
Read More Like This
Comments
realvictory 19 Oct 2007 19:46
1/3
Pff, everyone complainas about "unecessary features" the PS3 has, making it too expensive, and then complains when Sony remove features and make it cheaper - but this is surely no better - so many different versions, adding bits here and there, features that they started out telling you aren't necessary.
Looking back, I'm glad not to have got an XBox 360 yet, because I didn't miss out on the earlier limited versions, but encouraging people to wait for the next version isn't a good thing. I probably won't even end up getting one at all.
Looking back, I'm glad not to have got an XBox 360 yet, because I didn't miss out on the earlier limited versions, but encouraging people to wait for the next version isn't a good thing. I probably won't even end up getting one at all.
deleted 19 Oct 2007 20:13
2/3
realvictory wrote:
Pff, everyone complainas about "unecessary features" the PS3 has, making it too expensive, and then complains when Sony remove features and make it cheaper - but this is surely no better - so many different versions, adding bits here and there, features that they started out telling you aren't necessary.
Looking back, I'm glad not to have got an XBox 360 yet, because I didn't miss out on the earlier limited versions, but encouraging people to wait for the next version isn't a good thing. I probably won't even end up getting one at all.
Looking back, I'm glad not to have got an XBox 360 yet, because I didn't miss out on the earlier limited versions, but encouraging people to wait for the next version isn't a good thing. I probably won't even end up getting one at all.
realvictory wrote:
Pff, everyone complainas about "unecessary features" the PS3 has, making it too expensive, and then complains when Sony remove features and make it cheaper - but this is surely no better - so many different versions, adding bits here and there, features that they started out telling you aren't necessary.
Looking back, I'm glad not to have got an XBox 360 yet, because I didn't miss out on the earlier limited versions, but encouraging people to wait for the next version isn't a good thing. I probably won't even end up getting one at all.
Looking back, I'm glad not to have got an XBox 360 yet, because I didn't miss out on the earlier limited versions, but encouraging people to wait for the next version isn't a good thing. I probably won't even end up getting one at all.
Whats more important to you though, having the top of the line Ltd Ed. 360 or Playing good games?
These extras aren`t necessary, the are what they say EXTRAS!, if you want to play some good games, get a premium pack, i did, and i dont think darn i dont have HDMI or i dont have it in black or Halo colours, i just stick Bioshock in sit back and enjoy, if i were most peeps i would focus your money on a Decent HDTV & Dolby Digital Surround System, everything else is an Extra.
LUPOS 21 Oct 2007 16:57
3/3
Whiel i don't mind the idea of having a special "media version, much like that dvd playing gamecube that only came out in japan, I am a touch annoyed because it seems to me that this will be the go to system for the iptv service. I kind of thought thats what I was getting with the elite and it's bigger hard drive. IF it turns out I need this new one for iptv then I'll be pissed. Till them it's just a wait and see.
On a side note its good to see MS and Toshiba going though with making an integrated hd-dvd drive version because it means they still have a lot of faith in the format. With the sales of the 360 easily out pacing that of the ps3 and hd-dvd stand alone players selling 2:1 right now against blu-ray, I'm feeling pretty good about that little add on drive of mine. :)
Also before anyone makes the "OMG i cant believe they are splitting the user base!!" comments I'm relatively sure games for the 360 will still only come in dvd form as this is meant to be an xbox/media combo system and not just a gussied up 360. It'll have a much smaller install base. Plus the hd-dvd external drive still doesn't have the speed to match the dvd drive that comes in the 360 so it couldn't run games if they wanted to. The new one will most likely come with a 2x hd-dvd drive (or higher) so it can read a dvd fast enough to play 360 games. If you consider that pc's had dvd drives for a good 3-4 years in them before games started coming on dvd (i think it was a myst game) it doesn't seem highly likely that any 360 games will ever be released on hd-dvd.
Frameing this as a media center unit that happens to play 360 games is definitely the way to go and is a big jump forward for MS in their bid to own the living room as a content portal. Let a hard ware company make whatever machine they want as long as it meets MS's specs and then MS provides the software and the content channel. Live! market place is going to completely subvert the iTunes store.
These are interesting times...
_____
On a side note its good to see MS and Toshiba going though with making an integrated hd-dvd drive version because it means they still have a lot of faith in the format. With the sales of the 360 easily out pacing that of the ps3 and hd-dvd stand alone players selling 2:1 right now against blu-ray, I'm feeling pretty good about that little add on drive of mine. :)
Also before anyone makes the "OMG i cant believe they are splitting the user base!!" comments I'm relatively sure games for the 360 will still only come in dvd form as this is meant to be an xbox/media combo system and not just a gussied up 360. It'll have a much smaller install base. Plus the hd-dvd external drive still doesn't have the speed to match the dvd drive that comes in the 360 so it couldn't run games if they wanted to. The new one will most likely come with a 2x hd-dvd drive (or higher) so it can read a dvd fast enough to play 360 games. If you consider that pc's had dvd drives for a good 3-4 years in them before games started coming on dvd (i think it was a myst game) it doesn't seem highly likely that any 360 games will ever be released on hd-dvd.
Frameing this as a media center unit that happens to play 360 games is definitely the way to go and is a big jump forward for MS in their bid to own the living room as a content portal. Let a hard ware company make whatever machine they want as long as it meets MS's specs and then MS provides the software and the content channel. Live! market place is going to completely subvert the iTunes store.
These are interesting times...
_____