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Xbox 360 and IPTV interview
Our compatriots at PVRWire uncovered a 1UP video interview with Microsoft's Chris Satchell and Albert Penello. The group discuss the Xbox 360's feature set and what sort of improvements we might expect in the future. Some of the more interesting topics discussed include Xbox Live, features that the 360 should have, and, of course, a larger hard drive. The interview is broken up into two parts. The first part mainly covers IPTV and the possibility of a larger hard drive for DVR functions. The second half focuses on the 360 itself and its future potential. Part one is embedded above and you can watch part two after the break.
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.
Xbox 360 IPTV outshines Apple TV?
While the Apple iPhone may have unexpectedly blown Microsoft's Zune out of the water at CES, the 360 looks as though it may have pulled an unexpected fast one of its own. What we're talking about here is Xbox 360 IPTV versus Apple TV. As noted by Beta News, it may have been the frothing Apple blogosphere itself that muted the announcement of Apple TV: "I got the feeling that as [Steve Jobs] was going through the iTV announcement, the blogger was going, okay, 720p ... yadda, yadda, yadda ... come on, let's get to the phone!" Meanwhile, Microsoft dropped something of a bomb by announcing that IPTV was coming to the Xbox 360. The reason that this is very different from Apple TV is that Microsoft has already established an Xbox ecosystem. They already have millions of customers with 360s in their homes. According to the article, Microsoft has a key advantage in the TV space because of its leverage with the gaming audience (you know, 18-30 year old guys who dig technology). We have to admit, had we known that our Xbox 360 was merely a sneaky way of Microsoft solidifying its dream of creating the mythical "set top box," we would have been skeptical to say the least. But now that it's here, now that downloading movies and TV is possible (and having great games to boot), we're enjoying every minute of it. Microsoft has succeeded in an arena completely separate from games, and is giving similar services a run for their money (we wouldn't be surprised if the Video Mareketplace moves from its number 2 position to claim 1st place either).So, maybe the iPhone did shoot the Zune in the face, but Microsoft seemingly struck a similar blow with the IPTV announcement. Then again, maybe the Apple TV and 360 IPTV shouldn't even be looked at as competitors, as Apple clearly isn't aiming for the HDMI loving, 1080p needing crowd. What do you think, will the 360 become the first mass market set top box that the tech industry has been dreaming of since the 90s? (Bonus question: has it already?)[Thanks, Jonah Falcon]
Engadget Podcast 096 - 01.08.07
While the show floor is just about to open, we've already had a few days chock full of content. Ryan and Peter sat down with some other members of the Engadget family to talk about some HD announcements, first looks at at new cameras and the big two keynotes of Sony and Microsoft. No enhanced show today, but we've got three more Engadget podcasts on tap while we're in lovely Las Vegas. Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [RSS OGG] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in OGG) to your RSS aggregator. Hosts: Peter Rojas and Ryan Block Producer: Randall Bennett Music: Solvent - Instructograph (Ghostly International) Program: 02:26 - Live from the Sony Keynote 05:40 - Sony's new camcorders, including four new consumer HD cams 05:56 - Sony's wireless boombox, the WA1 06:52 - Sony Vaio VGX-TP1 announced, loaded up with HDMI out, DVD burner 09:10 - Sony announces "BRAVIA Internet Video Link" for HD content 12:30 - Xbox 360 IPTV interface gallery 17:52 - Windows Home Server, everything you need: features rundown, screens, hands-on 20:44 - Wireless HDMI over UWB? Heck yes! 21:33 - Microsoft announces the HP TouchSmart PC 22:12 - Live from the Bill Gates keynote 26:10 - A lunchtime chat with Bill Gates at CES 29:20 - Sharp trumpets 108-inch LCD TV, world wonders why 32:15 - LG's BH100 hybrid Blu-ray & HD DVD player: $1,199 34:41 - Samsung builds on ATSC, develops A-VSB for mobile broadcasting 39:00 - Live coverage of Verizon's press conference 43:25 - Hands-on with the Samsung SCH-U620 for Verizon 44:10 - Hands on with the LG VX9400 for Verizon 44:57 - Nokia puts Nseries on a diet: the N76 47:38 - Hands on with the Treo 750 LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast: 1-888-ENGADGET, Engadget (Gizmo Project) or podcast at engadget dawt com
