Xbox Sequel Rumors

no1here writes "PC Format has an article about a supersecret device from Microsoft code-named HomeStation. Supposedly it will be the home entertainment system that Microsoft has always wanted. It will tie into Microsoft's .NET strategy, delivering video-on-demand, high speed internet connection, and communicate wirelessly with portable devices. It might even be able to play Xbox games, along with PC games."

Comments

This is really, really old news...and a hoax

[Glonk]

This came up months ago, everybody had a laugh. In fact, Slashdot posted about it.

It's a hoax, though. But probably not too far off from what MS will eventually do anyway.

Repeat

[John_McKee]

This has already been posted on slashdot.

http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=01/09/06/2322 25 9&mode=thread

-john

Re:I thought the Xbox itself was that

[Steveftoth]

I don't think that the number of PS2 units outsold the xbox AND GC, but the number of games sold for PS2 was crazy.
According to http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20011227/tc/tech_v ideogames_sales_dc_3.html
During early december, The ps2 had 8, ps1 had 4 gc had 2 , gba had 4 , gbc had 1 and Xbox had one game in the top twenty best selling.

Going by those numbers it's going to be hard for anyone but Nintendo to get rid of the PS2. At least Sega will be making games for every system, even if Shenmue 2 will only be for X-Box.

Actually...

[Baalam]

It's not really so super-secret. I saw a prototype of the HomeStation that was on display at the Microsoft TV booth at NATPE (National Association of Television Porduction Executives) in Vegas last year. It was running on a watered down version of the then Windows Whistler (XP) code. It had interactive TV capabilities as well as Tivo functionality. Looked very nice then, but was not fully functional, but the prospects looked very nice.

Re:Old news but makes sense

[bdavenport]

It will tie into Microsoft's .NET strategy, delivering video-on-demand

good article at Forbes (free registration required) talking about video on demand and the burgeoning digital cable market.

fake or not, this is the plan that Bill is seeking - a trojan horse in your house that will play games, videos, cable, etc.

"Leaked" plans keep competitors nervous

[Infonaut]

Microsoft has a long history of leaking or announcing technology long before it actually is developed. As the 800-lb. gorilla, this tactic works quite well, because it makes the competition less likely to embark on technologies that might compete directly with the "upcoming" Microsoft product.

I'm not saying that Microsoft deliberately leaked information about HomeStation, or that they're not well on their way to making it a reality, but early announcement is a clever way of placing barriers to entry in front of their competitors. If you're trying to line up partners for deployment of your new all-in-one home gizmo, who's going to work with you if they know Microsoft is coming out with their own gizmo "any time now"?