Xbox sets sights beyond gaming and plans to take over all entertainment
A communications hub for the home planned?
Microsoft has made some interesting comments recently, relating to what specifically it has planned for the Xbox and its application therein. As the company prepares to debut the machine in America this Thursday, the full extent to which Microsoft Corporation is relying on Xbox is beginning to unfold.
More than just a games console, Xbox is a powerful computer that has a hard drive and full Internet connectivity. Able to play DVD’s with a slight upgrade, this strange looking, large console marks Microsoft’s debut in the living room. “We've been very successful in changing the way people work from 9 to 5,” said J Allard, general manager for Xbox. “Now we have the way to change the way people play from 5 to 9.” Somewhat bizarre and clumsy wording from a company at the heart of many of the world’s major conspiracy theories.
“You don't have to squint too hard to see technology is going to change entertainment forever,” said Allard at a separate press event. “We are on the verge of a digital entertainment revolution. That opportunity needs a leader. Who better to do it?” Moreover, Allard is not just pitting himself against Sony and Nintendo. Microsoft want’s its Xbox to compete with all forms of living room entertainment. “I want an Xbox next to every television. To put an Xbox next to every TV means your experience has to be better than the competition. More compelling than Friends, ER or Third Rock from the Sun,” A bold, bold statement that may unsettle a few in the games industry.
Microsoft has managed to create a gaming machine that is, in every way, a Trojan horse. While Nintendo is pleased to watch the appeal the Game Boy Advance lends to potential GameCube purchases, Microsoft has its sights set significantly higher. The Console is, in essence, a PC that will play games through a TV set. It will be the console that is most compatible with the world’s existing online infrastructure, and will integrate itself with ease.
The ‘console as hub for the home’ plan has been kicking around for some time now, and was first touched upon by Sony, when it said that it wants to see the PlayStation 2, or some future Sony machine, take on the role of domestic communication hub. It looks like Microsoft is about to achieve this.
More than just a games console, Xbox is a powerful computer that has a hard drive and full Internet connectivity. Able to play DVD’s with a slight upgrade, this strange looking, large console marks Microsoft’s debut in the living room. “We've been very successful in changing the way people work from 9 to 5,” said J Allard, general manager for Xbox. “Now we have the way to change the way people play from 5 to 9.” Somewhat bizarre and clumsy wording from a company at the heart of many of the world’s major conspiracy theories.
“You don't have to squint too hard to see technology is going to change entertainment forever,” said Allard at a separate press event. “We are on the verge of a digital entertainment revolution. That opportunity needs a leader. Who better to do it?” Moreover, Allard is not just pitting himself against Sony and Nintendo. Microsoft want’s its Xbox to compete with all forms of living room entertainment. “I want an Xbox next to every television. To put an Xbox next to every TV means your experience has to be better than the competition. More compelling than Friends, ER or Third Rock from the Sun,” A bold, bold statement that may unsettle a few in the games industry.
Microsoft has managed to create a gaming machine that is, in every way, a Trojan horse. While Nintendo is pleased to watch the appeal the Game Boy Advance lends to potential GameCube purchases, Microsoft has its sights set significantly higher. The Console is, in essence, a PC that will play games through a TV set. It will be the console that is most compatible with the world’s existing online infrastructure, and will integrate itself with ease.
The ‘console as hub for the home’ plan has been kicking around for some time now, and was first touched upon by Sony, when it said that it wants to see the PlayStation 2, or some future Sony machine, take on the role of domestic communication hub. It looks like Microsoft is about to achieve this.
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