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.

Old news but makes sense

[syrupMatt]

This is old hat, however, it makes perfect sense with the moves ms has been making lately.

First they break into the consumer electronics biz with the Xbox, and develop a loyal following. Next, they offer online services with your xbox games (and other entertainment features) via broadband.

Then, with the shares they just dumped into the AT&T cable deal, they have a hand in cable content delivery, as well as satelite content delivery (cant remeber if its echostar or dtv that they have invested in). Never mind the fact that they have something like 36 billion (with a b) cash in the bank to invest in further content mediums and conduits.

Once they have all the pieces in place, voila, unleash this hardware on the public, and possibly an upgrade offer for owners of current xbox's. .Net provides the framework for content delivery and tracking, also giving developers a ready platform for producing apps.

Interesting strategy, and again proving Gates's intelligence in market entrance for his products.