X-Box 360

[Steve]

Unsurprisingly, various sites have X-Box 360 info and articles. Here's a list:

HEXUS.net

HardOCP

Bit-Tech

Anandtech

Voodoo Extreme

[Platinum]

Same CPU as a mac and looks like a mac....

[Jonny M]

Not the same CPU as a Mac

[Swafe]

Its a G5 isnt it ? esentially, just a tri core version, maybe with a BIOS flash you make a mega mac encoding rig... ? Im sure a Tri 3.2ghz G5 would cost a consumer over 300 quid to buy so it would be worth it (Seing as macs do more work than P4s per mhz.... with a multithreading program like dvd encoders, or graphics design, would rock! )

[directhex]

it's an extremely customized and cut down IBM POWER5, it's not in the sligtest bit an apple-ibm G5. bear in mind POWER5 is normally dual-core anyway

the gamecube had an IBM POWER3 derrivative - but it didn't run MacOS X either

[Xaneden]

I'm sorry, but that is one damn ugly case! What are Microsoft thinking, I mean for christ's sake, the panels are a cucumber shade of beige....... Its a shame, because the shape is somewhat promising...

Apart from that, the specifications look very promising!

[scottyman]

come on - amongst all of us- do you honestly believe it's going to stay that color.
it's not bad (color wise) i've seen worse - and at least they haven't gone the shiny chromed plastic route of too many bits of ht kit have recently. would still have preferred matte black - with bluuuu leds, but then that's just me - and illustrates the point i think - doesn't matter what it looks like - it's the hardware inside and the modding potential that counts!

[Stoo]

Anyone else seen the mtv footage yet?

It doesn't seem that much smaller than the orginal xbox, except this time it can sit on it's side..

I have to say, the few ingame shots didn't make it look all that different to most current games.. *shrug*

[DavidM]

The first games on any new platform never push the technology.

Mind you, very few games push the technology to its max.... except perhaps with graphics.

[Swafe]

the gamecube had an IBM POWER3 derrivative - but it didn't run MacOS X either

But it did run linux

[Matt1eD]

It sounds really nice. Might get one. Any idea how much it'll cost?

[Xaneden]

I watched the MTV program for it, and tbh you hardly get two glimpses of it. Naturally, MTV would focus on the music being played, but for cryin' out loud, its a 'X-Box Party' so they should have at least shown a few more close ups.

[rc55]

Footage I've seen so far is underwhelming. Microsoft really have to take themselves a lot more seriously. What I'd do if I was them was release some High Definition WMV files showcasing the Xbox 360's graphical power (and making it a double hit by promoting the WMV-HD / VC-1 "next generation" video format).

The MTV footage was poor - most of the clips appeared to be cut-scenes, and it was all broadcasted in mpeg-2 at 480p and dressed up in stupid hyper MTV style.

For the most part us technical enthusiasts will be disappointed with this weak unveiling but marketing wise it's commendable. Microsoft are trying to appeal to mass-market middle America and establishing themselves as cool. Pulling together current pop icons (The Killers, Elijah Wood, Pimp My Ride) and associating it with the Xbox 360 brand AWAY from E3 bucks the trend by avoiding the normal cycle of using industry events to launch products, at the same time cultivating consumer speculation from more than just the more dedicated gamers. (I suppose the Gizmondo thing did the same thing but everyone just knew the thing was going to die on its ass).

I've no doubt this is frustrating for most of us to watch, but I suppose in a way its making us anticipate not just the launch but how they can improve upon it and regardless of our opinions of the launch, we'll have our eyes on XBOX 360 for some time.

Ruairi

[Xaneden]

Also, Microsoft associating themselves with 'The Killers'.... Destined to be a failure

[Agent]

Also, Microsoft associating themselves with 'The Killers'.... Destined to be a failure

Wow, we agree

[Nick F]

this sounds good


"Microsoft may be battling the iPod on the digital music front, but on the gaming side Redmond has embraced its Apple rival. The Xbox 360 will enable users to connect a portable music player, including an iPod, to the system and browse or play back music through the console's interface while watching 50 visualizations.

"We see the Xbox 360 as replacing your CD player in your entertainment center, but also as the best digital media amplifier available," said Xbox 360 product manager Barry Steinglass. "Your PC is a great place to manage your music, but it's not always the best place to enjoy it. With Xbox 360 you've got one central place to listen to all your music on the best sound system in the house."