360V2
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Specialized 360 for IPTV in the works?
digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/gaming_news/Redesigned_360_console_for_IPTV_on_the_way'; Speaking with Major Nelson in his most recent podcast, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg spoke of the possibility of a specially configured 360 built with IPTV and DVR functions in mind. When questioned about DVR functions and the possibility of a larger HDD, Greengerg said, "clearly the current way the Xbox 360 is designed is not for that ... we did not build this box to be a High Definition DVR." Greenberg further states that it's possible that consumers will eventually purchase some kind of IPTV upgrade (possibly referring only to a larger hard drive) or purchase an IPTV specific 360 "configuration" from a service provider. Greenberg points out that a larger hard drive is really only necessary for DVR functions and that it's possible to run IPTV without a hard drive at all. While this doesn't necessarily mean we'll be seeing an entirely new 360, it may be the first time an MS representative hasn't outright deflected the possibility of a larger HDD, and that's saying something.
HDMI 360 for research, not in production
In recent interview with Gamespot at CES, Microsoft's Chris Satchel both confirmed and denied the existence of the HDMI enabled 360 which many have dubbed 360 v2. When asked about the existence of the new 360, Satchel replied that Microsoft is constantly working to upgrade the 360 and working on many different prototypes. He more or less confirms the existence of the HDMI prototype, saying, "at the moment, everything you might have seen is just looking at our experimentation back in Redmond, not really a product that we're thinking about announcing." So there you have it. The 360 v2 exists, but it looks like it's only a prototype (and one that may never see the market). Frankly, we're a little skeptical, as it only makes sense that Microsoft would eventually launch an HDMI enabled 360. The question really isn't whether or not Microsoft will incorporate HDMI, it's more a matter of when.Satchel also discusses IPTV, PS3 comparisons, and the Nintendo Wii. Overall it's a good read for 360 fanboys. Check it out.[Via Joystiq]
Video: 360 v.2 HDMI in action
Our friends at Xbox-Scene have uncovered more photos and a video (!) of the 360 v.2. They have scored several very high resolution pictures showing off all the trappings of the motherboard. We won't pretend to understand the significance of these photos, what with their vacuum tubes and their zip disks, and their Rock and Roll music. The important part, as we understand it, is that the motherboards in these pictures are different from what's in the 360 sitting in your entertainment center. The pictures also show a new HANA chip, supposedly a high def version of the ANA scaler that's been in the news recently. If that's not enough for you, Xbox-Scene even snagged a video (FYI: the person in the video uses an HDMI/DVI adapter). Check it out after the break.
Xbox 360 hits 10.4 Mil, IPTV imminent, probably
Coming from a recently vaporized post on Dean Takahashi's website (it was dated January 7), Microsoft is expected to announce that they have reached and surpassed their oft promised goal of shipping 10 million units by the end of 2006. The actual number is expected to be 10.4 million. We shudder to think what body part Peter Moore will tattoo next. Also expected is the announcement of IPTV support for the 360 from Microsoft bigwigs Robbie Bach and Bill Gates. Both announcements are expected on Sunday, during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.With the recent (probably factual) revelation of the Xbox 360 v.2, Microsoft continues to expand the abilities of its wonder box. The larger hard drive would certainly be welcome for DVR features. We do share a sentiment with Joystiq, though: we're not sure we relish the idea of leaving our 360s running for hours at a time. We only do that when we feel like cooking some eggs or heating the office. As mentioned above, the article in question has been taken down. It was dated for January 7, so it's possible Dean Takahashi hit the "publish" button a little early. Of course, we'd never to anything like that. No, never.[Via Joystiq]
Xbox 360 v. 2 revealed, codename "Zephyr" [update 1]
Update: We now have video of the 360 v.2 in action! Check it out here. (Also, readers have pointed out that the 360 uses more expensive 2.5" hard drives, so you can't get 250 gigs for $100. It's more like 80 gigs. Oh, and for the record, the redesign doesn't bother me at all. I just want a reasonably priced HDD.)Boy, that picture looks familiar. Our fine brothers at Engadget received quite a tip today, the first images -- and overall revelation -- of the second version of our beloved Xbox 360. The new box, codenamed "Zephyr," features a dedicated HDMI port -- meaning the long rumored HDMI cable for the current 360 probably doesn't exist -- and possibly a 120GB hard drive as well. The 120GB may or may not come bundled with the unit, but more space is certainly welcome. One thing is for damned sure, the hard drive price has to come down, considering we payed $100 for 20GB already. Engadget's tipster claims that the new and improved 360 will be available "soon." We have to wonder just how soon that will be, considering the smaller, cooler processor for the 360 was recently delayed. Engadget suspects that the unit will cost roughly the same as the current 360. If Microsoft can manage to get the smaller, cheaper CPU crammed into the 360 v. 2, then the same pricing structure would certainly be viable. Of course, as 360 owning fanboys, our biggest question is how Microsoft can release this without pissing off early adopters (if you consider the entire first year of availability as "early"). The easy answer is that they can't, especially if a 120GB hard drive is included with the premium pack for the same price as the current pack. Not many people even have an HDMI capable TV, so we won't feel snubbed by its inclusion, but hard drive space is something any 360 owner can identify with. Come on MS, savvy shoppers can buy 100GB 2.5" HDDs for $100. It's time to stick a reasonable price on yours.Keep in mind this isn't confirmed, but most of us have suspected it. How do you feel about it? Should MS decide to include the 120 GB HDD in the new HDMI enabled premium pack, is there any way MS can keep an angry mob of 20GB HDD owners from storming Redmond?[Thanks, Mat Parker]
