6 Pop Songs Great for Audio Demos
Worst DIY Installs Ever Part 7
10 Must-Have Products for Your Next Install
6 Amazing High-End Home Theaters
Print
Email
Comments (0)
Share
Report: Microsoft, Toshiba Working on New Xbox Entertainment Device
Built-in HD DVD drive, wireless capabilities, and the possibility of dual HDTV tuners and EPG.
Microsoft and Toshiba are currently working on a "brand new Xbox" device that is more of an entertainment hub than the present unit, reports Smarthouse.com.au.
The report cites insiders at Toshiba who say that the new Xbox will feature a built in HD DVD player, wireless networking, 1080p playback, a large hard drive, and possibly a dual HDTV tuner and an electronic programming guide.
Keep in mind -- this is just a report. But it makes sense for Microsoft and Toshiba to bundle the Xbox gaming capabilities, HD DVD player, and media centric-functionalities into one device for the home.
Sony, Microsoft and Toshiba's biggest rival in this space, just cut the price of the PlayStation 3 by $100. The PS3 features a built-in Blu-ray player, and European gamers will soon be receiving DVR functionality.
Microsoft has positioned the Xbox 360 to be an important device in the connected home, functioning as a Media Center Extender, offering HD downloads and recently adding an HDMI port. The external HD DVD drive is reportedly the Xbox 360's "biggest-selling accessory", according to CNET.
While many questioned why it wasn't included in the new Xbox 360 Elite, its addition into a new Xbox unit would add a new layer for gaming junkies on the fence about the format war.
Additionally, Microsoft recently received some stellar news about Xbox 360 sales. According to NPD data, sales of Halo 3 propelled Xbox 360 sales to the top of September's gaming charts.
Halo 3 sales reached 3.3 million units in September, helping total industry sales to reach $1.36 billion.
SmartHouse says that the new Xbox device is expected to be released in late 2008 or at CES 2009.
Toshiba has responded to the report, saying they have no knowledge of Microsoft's plans. "Toshiba is not currently aware of Microsoft’s plans to integrate an HD DVD player in the Xbox 360," says a company spokesperson.
The report cites insiders at Toshiba who say that the new Xbox will feature a built in HD DVD player, wireless networking, 1080p playback, a large hard drive, and possibly a dual HDTV tuner and an electronic programming guide.
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".
Keep in mind -- this is just a report. But it makes sense for Microsoft and Toshiba to bundle the Xbox gaming capabilities, HD DVD player, and media centric-functionalities into one device for the home.
Sony, Microsoft and Toshiba's biggest rival in this space, just cut the price of the PlayStation 3 by $100. The PS3 features a built-in Blu-ray player, and European gamers will soon be receiving DVR functionality.
Microsoft has positioned the Xbox 360 to be an important device in the connected home, functioning as a Media Center Extender, offering HD downloads and recently adding an HDMI port. The external HD DVD drive is reportedly the Xbox 360's "biggest-selling accessory", according to CNET.
While many questioned why it wasn't included in the new Xbox 360 Elite, its addition into a new Xbox unit would add a new layer for gaming junkies on the fence about the format war.
Additionally, Microsoft recently received some stellar news about Xbox 360 sales. According to NPD data, sales of Halo 3 propelled Xbox 360 sales to the top of September's gaming charts.
Halo 3 sales reached 3.3 million units in September, helping total industry sales to reach $1.36 billion.
SmartHouse says that the new Xbox device is expected to be released in late 2008 or at CES 2009.
Toshiba has responded to the report, saying they have no knowledge of Microsoft's plans. "Toshiba is not currently aware of Microsoft’s plans to integrate an HD DVD player in the Xbox 360," says a company spokesperson.
Post a comment