New Information on XBoy

mysticsniper · 13 Jul 2006 at 03:54

New details of Microsoft's plans of handheld supremacy have surfaced hinting that the device will play games, music and will feature Wi-Fi connectivity.

A news story in the Seattle Times claims that Microsoft is poised to launch its handheld product, also known as iPod killer, in time for the Christmas holiday. Microsoft's project, codenamed Argos, will offer a wide variety of XBox branded digital media and MS already has a few partnerships in place in order to support the device.

The J Allard led Argos project will base its services around Wi-Fi connectivity as this is the feature that will deliver content through home and public networks and is the one iPod is lacking. The device however, will also target Sony and Nintendo handhelds as gaming will also be possible. According to the Seattle Times story the new handheld will support XNA making gaming content creation for it a simple step for current XBox developers. If all this comes together in time, there is some doubt, it will also tie-in well with the XBox Live anywhere feature.

Microsoft has the advantage of an online gaming gateway in place while the Urge / MTV deal will most probably supply music content for Argos. What needs to be considered is if a device that will take on the iPod, PSP and DS is maybe just a little too ambitious coming from a company that is undergoing major restructuring; then again this is Microsoft without Bill Gates, so anything is possible.

Linky

Raikiri · 13 Jul 2006 at 04:00

Nice photochop

That design just wouldnt work for a portable

Energize · 13 Jul 2006 at 06:09

Wifi just doesnt work for delivering media content to everyone, there isnt anywhere near enough coverage or free networks. The only practical way to do it would be for a 3g/gprs service. Wifi is just awful for handhelds, it drains the battery in no time whatsoever.

DeFrEaTs · 13 Jul 2006 at 10:17

HAHA that is the worst photoshop I have ever seen. Why do this closed minded people always try to fool people with this nonsense?

punky_munky · 13 Jul 2006 at 11:38

If this thing does end up with all this functionality, it's either going to be huge and heavy or/and have a terrible battery life. I think I'll wait for the next iPod, hopefully that'll have some sort of wireless, bigger screen and I've heard rumors of games (probably little pac mac type games though).

Caustic · 13 Jul 2006 at 11:41

Guys, by all account, this is going to be a music/video player only. This is not a serious portable games player.

davetherave2 · 13 Jul 2006 at 11:43

Its a nice idea but I personally wouldn't buy one. I haven't owned a handheld since the game gear and although I have been tempted to buy the DS Lite and PSP ultimately I just get bored too quickly with the games on them. I much prefer the feel of a computer game on the big screen.

I personally think that Nintendo and Sony have too much of a dominent market share in this sector of the games industry. Microsoft should stick with the 360 and establish itself further in the in-home console market before trying to take on the big guns in the portable sector.

But with all the money that Microsoft have if it is a flop they can recoup the losses somewhere else within the business.

EDIT: If Microsoft do keep this similar to an arcos type product then I might be interested. I was always under the impression that a portable games console should be that portable and a games console nothing more nothing less.

da_mic_1530 · 13 Jul 2006 at 12:06

its going to be more of a music video player, with live anywhere thrown on and a few basic games, dont expect to be playing halo 2 on the move

XD-3 · 13 Jul 2006 at 13:45

from what i have herd it just going to be a music and video player with a hard drive and built in Wi-Fi to connect to media player URGE so you can rent out and download music/video..

But i can't even think of a handful of places were you can get a Wi-Fi connection which is a shame but i do think it will be a good player though against the IPOD...

And i think they have another project called origami which will be a handheld PC with a touch screen like a tablet PC and that will be able to play games as it is just a PC...

but then there is also the slated XBox portable or what ever it will be called and if it ever comes out..

XD-3

Rich · 13 Jul 2006 at 14:06

Most Mcdonalds have WiFi. So do almost all Hotels, Motorway Lodges, Service stations and even a lot of shops. Just depends on the coverage of it all.

McDaniel · 13 Jul 2006 at 14:08

i thought Microsoft released a statement saying this was all a load of BS and they was not going into the portable market.

Yewen · 13 Jul 2006 at 14:18

McDaniel said:
i thought Microsoft released a statement saying this was all a load of BS and they was not going into the portable market.

Thats what I tought aswell.

Maybe next gen, but not now with Nintendo's all conquering range of devices since the early 90's.

punky_munky · 13 Jul 2006 at 14:26

Yewen said:
Thats what I tought aswell.

Maybe next gen, but not now with Nintendo's all conquering range of devices since the early 90's.

They're definately going into the portable music/video business. Not so sure about the games side...

http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/10/microsofts-argo-xbox-wireless-portable-media-player/

Sic · 13 Jul 2006 at 15:59

punky_munky said:
They're definately going into the portable music/video business. Not so sure about the games side...

http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/10/microsofts-argo-xbox-wireless-portable-media-player/

then this is in the wrong forum - one would assume such devices won't be direct competition for the PSP/DS?

JUMPURS · 13 Jul 2006 at 17:19

Isnt it just going to be an iPod with a Live Friends list?? if so, tbh who really cares. They are supposed to be putting live on mobile phones so i will just stick with the trusty iPod, as they are ment to be having a Wi-Fi one coming in the pipeline anyway, so should do the same as this, except the iPod is a tried and tested and loved brand. Girls etc will be happy to buy an iPod, anything portable with xbox in the title will still be seen as, i hate to say this, but geeky. Thats why the iPod is just so popular, its simple to use, its pretty and it isnt geeky.