Xbox will not include DVD playing software as standard
"Developer convenience" blamed by Microsoft for Xbox' falure to play DVDs
“We intend to make a state of the art gaming console that will move the industry three generations forward, not a sub-standard all-in-one games machine, cum DVD player, cum set top box.” This was the word from Microsoft the press office about the announcement that the Xbox will not feature DVD software as standard. The machine will still come with the Ravisent CineMaster DVD software, which will then need to be upgraded by purchasing a separate DVD remote controller and “Playback Package.”
Though they would not admit it, this comment is the latest in a string of digs that Microsoft has made at Sony recently, following the announcement that the Xbox would see some delays. Microsoft said the reason for the delay was “to avoid over-promising to, and therefore disappointing, the consumer base.” Now who does that remind you of?
So what does this mean to all you prospective Xbox owners out there? Well, for a start it means added expenditure though hopefully not that much. Also, does it put you off the machine a bit? In our conversation with Big Bill’s minions, they stated that it had always been the company’s intention not to include DVD abilities in with the initial machine, though this is news to us. In fact, we can find no mention of this, quite the reverse. Microsoft has stated that the reason for separating both the integral DVD software and the ability of the consumer to play it, has been done purely in the interest of developers. We contacted several developers who said it made absolutely no difference to them as to whether or not the machine was DVD enabled or not. In a less defiant statement they all asked not to be named. Sounds to us like a bit of a video games industry porky.
Though they would not admit it, this comment is the latest in a string of digs that Microsoft has made at Sony recently, following the announcement that the Xbox would see some delays. Microsoft said the reason for the delay was “to avoid over-promising to, and therefore disappointing, the consumer base.” Now who does that remind you of?
So what does this mean to all you prospective Xbox owners out there? Well, for a start it means added expenditure though hopefully not that much. Also, does it put you off the machine a bit? In our conversation with Big Bill’s minions, they stated that it had always been the company’s intention not to include DVD abilities in with the initial machine, though this is news to us. In fact, we can find no mention of this, quite the reverse. Microsoft has stated that the reason for separating both the integral DVD software and the ability of the consumer to play it, has been done purely in the interest of developers. We contacted several developers who said it made absolutely no difference to them as to whether or not the machine was DVD enabled or not. In a less defiant statement they all asked not to be named. Sounds to us like a bit of a video games industry porky.
Companies:
Microsoft
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