Microsoft Unveils First Details about Xbox 2

[FoxExecutive]

Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT - news) on Wednesday gave some of the first key details on the next generation of its Xbox (news - web sites) video game system, which will include an emphasis on high-definition content, an integrated media browser and "microtransactions" for in-game purchases.

In a speech at the Game Developers Conference here, J Allard, the Microsoft executive overseeing the software development tools for the new Xbox, said the new streamlined interface would help draw more users to the platform.

"We've got to create a consistent experience so that consumers can enter our worlds much more easily," he told a packed convention center audience. "If we want to get to 10 or 20 million subscribers we've got to create some consistency."

Microsoft is expected to release the new Xbox in time for the 2005 holidays, but the company has kept mum so far on both timing and the name of the new device.

Among the features Allard demonstrated was an on-screen "Gamer Card" that gives information other players can see on a gamer's location, achievements in various games, time playing specific games and level of skill.

Other features include a custom music player and a "store" where players could make small purchases, for pennies or a few dollars, of new characters, parts for virtual racing cars and the like.

The theme of Allard's speech was the "HD Era," which he described as a time when all games are in high-definition, players are constantly connected through mobile phones, instant messaging and the Internet and gamers can personalize their environments to suit their tastes.

"The HD consumer needs more than a hi-definition Super Bowl," Allard said. "The opportunity is real and now, but make no mistake we have the power to blow it." - from yahoo

[shadow]

Beat me to it! ;D
I'll add some more info.


While no mention was made of the features that were rumoured earlier today for Xbox 2 (such as the inclusion of a digicam with every machine), Allard did highlight four ways in which the HD era would offer tangible benefits for gamers:

Gamer cards
These will provide gamers with a quick look at key Xbox Live information. They let players instantly connect with people who have similar skills, interests and lifestyles - although, presumably, for this to work fully, gamers are going to have to provide Microsoft with an awful lot of personal info.

Marketplace
This will offer an online shop in which consumers can obtain episodic content, new game levels, maps, weapons, vehicles, skins and new community-created content, all of which will be browseable by game or genre.

Micro-transactions
These will allow developers and the gaming community to charge as little as they like for content they create and publish in the Marketplace.

Custom playlists
This will eliminate the need for developers to support custom music in games and instead instantly connects players to their music so they can listen to their own tracks while playing Xbox 2 games.

Features such as custom playlists, the Xbox Live friends list and voice chat are enabled at chip level which, according to Microsoft's very own minister of fun, will liberate developers to focus on creating games, not developing for technical certification requirements. NextBox hardware design principles are also set to include the following:



A system that will deliver over a teraflop of targeted computing performance
A multicore processor architecture co-developed with IBM that provides developer 'headroom' and flexibility for the HD era
A custom-designed graphics processor co-developed with ATI Technologies designed for HD era games and entertainment applications
Meanwhile, software technologies such as DirectX, PIX, XACT and the XNA Studio - an integrated team-based development environment tailored for game production - are designed to complement the new hardware to help game developers produce increasingly powerful products.

In addition, Microsoft are also promising "character movements and expressions that are intensely vibrant and nearly indiscernible from real life; multi-channel, positional audio fidelity so clear and precise that players will be able to hear the faintest enemy footsteps sneaking up behind them; richer online communications; and an abundance of on-demand content for game consoles."

However, there was still no mention made of an official name for the Xbox successor, despite recent chatter that long-running codename Xenon would in fact be its final name. Instead, Microsoft are continuing to refer to the platform simply as "next-generation Xbox".

Neither was there any indication of an official release date for the machine, although it's widely considered an open secret that the next-generation Xbox is scheduled for a November release.

[Trunksangel79]

Thanks for the info shadow & FoxExcutive! ;D The next-generation xbox sounds like it's going to be awesome.

[FoxExecutive]

One thing I have a problem with that online shop is that fact that developers can make a game that is cool, but in order to get it how they trully dreamed of the game to be, they force you to pay for a lot of extras. Some more explanation on that one would be nice.

[Trunksangel79]

I totally agree it would be.

[HLOCKE]

Eh...I hate to bring in the negative flow to this thread, but these specs over the Xbox 2 have been nagging at the back of my head for the past few days and I've honestly got to say...so far I'm dissapointed.

I understand that Microsoft's main intentions this next crop of consoles is to bring in a profit, and defeat Sony in #1 ownership of the gaming market. I understand that Microsoft is trying to draft as many Japanese compaines as possible in order to strengthen its console's library. But what I don't understand is, why is the Xbox 2, Xenon, 360 or whatever...is so much weaker than its predecessor?

Taking a deep analyzation of the Xbox 2 specs and info given by Microsoft reveals multiple proponents of error in Microsoft's Xbox 2 agenda. The hardware itself has practically no improvement over the original Xbox, other than graphic capabilities and online program. Following that the Xbox 2 pales in comparison. Here's a quick, and easily accessible table:

Xbox I

-Built in Hard Drive

-Hard Drive use led tono requirement of memory
cards.

-Excellent graphical capabilities

-Original Xbox Live program, revolutionary

-4 Controller ports


Xbox II

- Hard Drive sold separately

- Lack of Hard Drive addition results in a considerably weaker system for consumers.

-Hard Drive may be required for backwards capability, if it is even offered at all.

- Superior graphical capabilities

- 2 controller ports

- Xbox Live II, improved over orginal. But no radical evolution.


After coming to those conclusions awhile ago, I realized that until there's some more notable changes brought to X360 by E3 or launch. This system is going to get, hardware wise trampled by the capabilities of it's inevitable rivals, The Revolution and PS3. Which are both incorporating bakwards compatibility in there consoles from initiation, possibly even better graphical capabilities (PS3 supposedly has the power to crush Xbox 2 hardware wise), a free-online Wi-Fi plan on Revolution, and possibly a much improved online plan from Sony.

So in conclusion, I'm not trying to write off Microsoft as an immediate loser next-gen. Because, that conclusion would be inaccurate without any concrete facts. But I do see lack in improvements over the original Xbox. Compared to what Sony, and more in particular Nintendo are doing for there systems. Microsoft dosn't need to bring a revolution with there system, but they should at least offer a more improved unit from there first endeavor.

[shadow]

Interesting points but from what you say, Revolution is a clear winner...
This generation Xbox didnt bring anything new to the table. It was basically a PC in a big black box. Hardly revolutionary. The only thing Xbox has done to evolve the console market is the introduction of Xbox Live and the hard-drive.

PS2 on the other hand didnt do anything to improve over PS1 apart from graphics and look what happened there. PS2 has won this generation by a long shot without really pushing itself.
What will PS3 bring to the table. Amazing graphics....ermmm...and maybe some multimedia features...Thats hardly evolving the market. We have seen how the public reacted to a console packed full of multimedia features. They didnt buy into the idea.

So what have we learnt? PS3 and Xbox 2 won't bring anything new to the console market. These consoles arent designed to do that. Revolution on the other hand have taken a completely different direction. Its a huge gamble which could pay off but we will have to see...
M$ have repeatably said that they believe software will win this generation, not hardware. I also believe that which means its an open competition to all three consoles.

[HLOCKE]

^Exactly,

While Xbox 2 and PS3 are just ushering in another age of improved graphics and visual tricks. Nintendo's Revolution could possibly bring that breath of fresh air and revolution that the gaming industry desperately needs. But the question remains, will consumers catch on before it's too late?

[shadow]

The said:

^Exactly,

While Xbox 2 and PS3 are just ushering in another age of improved graphics and visual tricks. Nintendo's Revolution could possibly bring that breath of fresh air and revolution that the gaming industry desperately needs. But the question remains, will consumers catch on before it's too late?

Personally, i hope Revolution will be a hit as the console industry needs be pushed forward. I cant really see it being the #1 console though. Its a dangerous game Nintendo are playing and if they dont pull it off, they could land flat on their face.
For me, my must buy is Xbox 2 basing on the facts. So i am left with the choice to then add a PS3 or a Revolution to my collection as i want something different. At the moment Revolution seems the best choice as its a completely different console which should offer a welcome change to Xbox 2 if i get bored with that.
PS3 is out of the question unless its amazing and has excellent software...

[FoxExecutive]

I'm not really sure what will pan out. I definitely won't find myself buying the Xbox 2 on release date. I've made up my mind since I bought the Xbox that I wasn't going to buy each system when they come out. Instead, I'm going to wait to see what develops.

However, I am a little troubled by the comparisons given to us by Boss. In all truthfulness, the Xbox 2 does look a bit on the flabby side. If MS does decide to leave out the HD and not make it backwards compatible, I would seriously reconsider purchasing the Xbox 2. If they offered it seperately, it would have to be affordable and offer such features as backwards compatibility, which is a must. I have enough systems as it is. The last thing I need is a system I constantly have to change if I want to play my older Xbox games. In my mind, if the systems are similar Sony actually has the advantage if they offer backwards compatibility. If we see similar games on the PS3 and Xbox 2, and one has the ability to play your older games, I think the PS3 would be choice of the many. I say this because Sony's fan base was shaken somewhat, due to Xbox's offers of a better system, similar games, and online play. But with Sony being slapped a little, they only learn.

For Microsoft to say that only software will be the deciding factor is in my opinion dumb. In my mind the PSX failed because everyone already owns a computer, dvd player, and playstation. There was really no reason to buy one. But because the new set of systems are about to come out, everybody will want the fullest experience. Microsoft has promising software, but they don't own the market. Having great software is what you should have, but not having that edge may cost them.

Sony has always found an edge to keep people in. Revealing that you can order pizza online or adding a great online system is keeping that edge. An online store in my opinion is pretty much worthless. Forcing people to pay for extras, when the game should already contain them will just hurt MS I think, not help them. I mean seriously, what would you rather do? Would you rather eat pizza on a great game or would you rather buy that extra level that should have been in the game already? Yes, software is a major part of a consoles success. But it isn't all of it and considering Microsoft doesn't actually know that it will be the best in software, why would you gamble on your own success by not adding a hard drive or those two extra controller ports?

The Revolution is a real mystery right now. I would love to see a machine that blows the competition away, but unfortunately I don't see that happening. Really, I don't think I could see Nintendo killing everyone with technical superiority, mucho grande features, and software galore. That has never been Nintendo's style. Nintendo has always done their own thing and in the process, I will admit, hurt themselves badly. Possibly, they may have made to many mistakes in the console area, that it one day could be fatal. But like the Phoenix, Nintendo could rise out of the ashes red hot.

I'm not trying to glorify the PS3, but Nintendo and MS have a lot to prove. Nintendo is staking a claim on a revolutionary way of playing games and MS is assuming that they will definitely come out on top by offering software like no other. Now I wouldn't go so far as to say Sony has nothing to lose, but Sony will continue to be Sony and really all they have to do is offer a great product.

Like Boss said, I'm not saying that Microsoft will lose this battle or won't be number one. The system hasn't been fully unveiled and we can only wait to see what the Xbox 2 has to offer and Sony and Nintendo's responses. As E3 and the deadline approaches for the Xbox 2's release, I can't wait to see the battle of the next gen consoles--not to mention play them.

~FoxExecutive

[shadow]

Great post.
Although i have to clear some things up. Most of the things Boss said about Xbox 2 are rumors and nothing more. Nothing has been confirmed about Xbox 2. They havent even officially announced the console...
At the moment the rumors are;
Xbox 2 will be out November 2005, it will come without a hard-drive. The hard-drive will instead be sold seperatly and offer backward-compatability with Xbox.
Those are the rumors that seem the most believable.
Then there are the really spaced out rumors such as Xbox 2 will only have 2 controller ports and a USB controller port...

Also, to touch on this online shop addition. Its not there to make you buy each section of a game. Its there to keep games alive. The whole point of it is for users to create items etc that they can then sell online through this shop. So for example, a user could create a car in Forza, mod it to the max and then sell it through the shop for say $5, where other users could make a purchase or bid for the car. It to make the community more lively.

As for these multi-media capabilities of PS3, they will come at a price of course, and at a one which would be costly to Sony. By the time PS3 comes out Xbox 2 will have had a full year without competition. M$ are making the console with price at mind, so it will already be fairly cheap, and imagine how much cheaper it will be than PS3 by the time thats out. This happened to Xbox. M$ were forced to reduce the price at a more competitive price and it could happen to Sony. Also take into account Halo 3 is being produced with the PS3 launch in mind, PS3 could be in a spot of bother...

I for one will buy an Xbox 2 at launch, unless i dont like what i see at E3. Its PS3 that has alot to prove to me in order for me to make a purchase.

[FoxExecutive]

That too was a great post. Most of the rumors are probably just that. But rumors are occasionally true. The fact of the matter is that MS will be able to put all other rumors to rest when E3 comes around.

Really, I've heard a lot of things about the PS3 and the Xbox 2 feud. Which one is more powerful is really still up in the air. I would have a hard time believing that MS would shoot themselves in the foot by allowing Sony to make a superior system. At the very most I would imagine the PS3 is only a little better. But Sony is going up against MS here. If MS feels they would be crushed, it woudl seem they would have some sort of backup plan. Maybe the Xbox 2.5? LOL

Really, in all truthfulness I was a bit over the top about how bad the new Xbox might be. I don't think two controller ports have been seen since the first Playstation. I'm sure that MS isn't going to have a bad system, but I still would rather wait a bit before I make a final decision.

[~*Hieislove*~]

I always thought Xbox was the best system out there. I'm sure Xbox 2 will be better. The only thing I didnt like in Xbox was you had to buy something to play dvds, hopefully the second one doesnt make the same mistake.

(My post seem so small compare to you guy's)

[FoxExecutive]

LOL, I don't always have that big of posts. Just on stuff I really want to put a lot of thought into. One thing I skipped was the online store. I still don't think that is the greatest idea. Why pay a guy $5 when I could customize it myself? I think a system where you would get stuff off the companies free would be an excellent idea like the PC. And being able to trade stuff here and there online would be cool. But actually spending money is really a waste I think. Games either last or they don't. I can't really see a system where you buy stuff giving more life to a game.

[~*Hieislove*~]

FoxExecutive said:

LOL, I don't always have that big of posts. Just on stuff I really want to put a lot of thought into. One thing I skipped was the online store. I still don't think that is the greatest idea. Why pay a guy $5 when I could customize it myself? I think a system where you would get stuff off the companies free would be an excellent idea like the PC. And being able to trade stuff here and there online would be cool. But actually spending money is really a waste I think. Games either last or they don't. I can't really see a system where you buy stuff giving more life to a game.

Not everyone knows how to customize it, or is too lazy, so what do they do? Pay others to do the work for them. Free stuff? HAHAHAHAHA Like that would ever happen in America. But your right , to buy a game, then buy things to complete the game seems like a ripe off. But they just want money