What's Microsoft up to this time?

[Elledan]

http://www.pcformat.co.uk/news/detail.asp?id=30803

Microsoft is working on a top-secret home entertainment device code-named HomeStation. The PC/Xbox hybrid will run a version of Windows to form a home entertainment hub. The device will finally turn the idea of digital convergence into a living room reality. Following in the footsteps of the PC-influenced Xbox, the device is likely to be a non-upgradeable sealed unit, with a system board based on nVIDIA's nForce, boasting GeForce graphics and Dolby Digital sound. HomeStation will come equipped for an array of online and offline activities: a sizeable hard drive, broadband connection and compression technology based on Windows Media Player 8 - included with Windows XP - all point to a video-on-demand role.

Sources say a Microsoft .NET server will dish out movies, music, messaging, games and TV programming - and with a stonking hard drive, it'll also double up as digital TV recorder (à la TiVo). In addition, it will wirelessly interface with portable devices such as digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players and telephones using HomeRF or Bluetooth protocols. It may even manage home automation.

If the article is right, then I really hope that XBox becomes a disaster for MS.

 

[Czar]

If that happens it will be all that Microsoft wants, Total Domination 2001

 

[Zwingle]

They won't be using BlueTooth, since Intel has said it is pretty much dead. This has always been Microsofts plan, waht is so new? They want to dominate everything they can. And they will. Ultimate TV and the XBox is another step in that direction.

 

[towelie]

It's a superb idea is what it is. Microsoft continues to make products that just simply RULE. I'm sure it will have Digital Recording (ala TIVO) capability, a dvd drive, broadband connection, etc..

Wow, i can't wait to buy one.

thanks for the info

 

[TripleJ]

Looks like what I've been expecting in the computer industry for a while; computer-entertainment integration. Big bickies in this area. At the moment, I'd still build my own computer entertainment system for MP3's etc. Actually, I'd use an old P200 or something that's lying around for it for now. Hmmm, this is giving me ideas...

 

[rahvin]

I can't wait for joe consumer to call in and ask why his new "entertainment hub" has a BSOD.

 

[KBrinks]

<< I can't wait for joe consumer to call in and ask why his new "entertainment hub" has a BSOD. >>




HAHAHHA

enteratinment hub service pack 18

 

[AMDPwred]

MS has a hand in everything these days.

 

[KeyserSoze]

I'm scared. The MS Regime will take over. Seriously, this is VERY dangerous.

Just my $.02


KeyserSoze

 

[loup garou]

Convergence just doesn't work in the US, for the most part. I think this will be a flop here (but, I'll be first to pick up one of these suckers when it goes on clearance).

 

[Rogue]

Look, I have a big beef with this and the Xbox at the moment. WHY IN THE HELL ARE WE STILL USING HARD DRIVES FOR $HIT!? Why? Hard drives are decades old technology, prone to failure after a few years of use. Where is new storage technology? What about solid state anything? Think about it, hard drives are the bane of a high performance system or a system that requires reliability. Hard drives suck.

 

[KBrinks]

i read awhile back that some company is reasearching data storage that uses holograms... that one sugar cube size hologram can store as much informatoin as 1.7 million CD's it uses 3d serfice scans.. but right now the problem is, they can store the data... but when they try to read it or add more data it wipes the original data clear... but maybe in 10 years or so....

i hate hard drives as well... i store important stuff on my computer (no not porn ) and it's hard tursting htem to hard drives

 

[Elledan]

<< Think about it, hard drives are the bane of a high performance system or a system that requires reliability. Hard drives suck. >>

I completely agree.

But because innovation is mainly driven by profit (can a company make profit on a certain technology) and not by curiosity or the will to innovate just because it's interesting to see improvement, innovation often takes a long time.

Stupid capitalism

 

[natto fire]

solid state hard drives.... hmmmm
I believe i read something about liquid storage but maybe i was just smokin' crack?

 

[Clinotus]

<<

<< Think about it, hard drives are the bane of a high performance system or a system that requires reliability. Hard drives suck. >>

I completely agree. But because innovation is mainly driven by profit (can a company make profit on a certain technology) and not by curiosity or the will to innovate just because it's interesting to see improvement, innovation often takes a long time. Stupid capitalism >>



Sometimes we get awesome technological innovations from companies and never realize it. Take Xerox for example, most of the pc platform came from them but it wasn't what they were trying to even build, they were side steps and industries were born. The HD thoughts are very true, but I am sure that somewhere someone is developing the next stage to storage and development. It might take a while though....manufacterers have to realize that as newer applications develop the need for retention and data management must also change....