Slashdot Mirror
VIA/Apex Game Console Details Leaked
DammiTT writes "It seems that Apex are releasing a new PC-based 'console', using VIA components, later this year. It'll be announced during CES on January 8th." However, HardOCP already has some initial pictures and details up on its site, for this "ApeXtreme Personal Gaming Console and DVD Player", or PGC. According to this early, unconfirmed report, it's running a 1.4Ghz VIA chipset, the CN400, and "will be powered by a near-instant-on version of WinXP (embedded) with Windows Media Player, and... will have removable media in the form of DVD/CD." It comes with "a 40GB IDE hard drive... you can play DVD movies, audio and video CDs... [and] the price points will be at US$299 and US$399."
I wouldn't worry about the Linux issues, or hardcore DRM for that matter. Both companies, VIA and Apex are not exactly know for their dogged pursuit of DRM and like technologies. Apex in particular has been slapped down abunch of times for violating DVD 'standards', anyone rememeber the region free DVDs sold everywhere?
There are a bunch of interesting things this console will bring. First is that VIA is really hot for it. They made sure to pester people to be at the press conference, something they are usually more laid back about. They are going to push this thing, trust me.
THe next thing is that I expect it more to be a 'digital convergence' box than a game console. It won't threaten the PS2 or XBox, that is for certain. If you look at the specs of the chip, it is packs a rather modest amount of horsepower, especially in the areas where 3D games need it most, FP. The GPU isn't exactly anything to make people forget about the NV40/R420 either.
What it will do is play DVDs well, most likely PVR functions, and play a lot of slightly modefied PC games more than adequately. If you take a TVs rez into acount, it should more than do the job. Overall, a lot of functionality for the money, but precious little bleeding edge.
I have two hopes for this box, first is reasonably priced games. Second, and more importantly is that VIA makes this a reference design, and Apex is the first of many to come out with a box. Others will follow, some with bigger HDs, other with better video out etc etc.
One thing for sure is that I will be at the press conference. VIA has always done some good things, and if you look at the stuff they showed me at Comdex, there are some really really cool geek toys there. They are all based on the EPIA platform which is small, fanless, and cheap, but more than powerfull enough to do most everything.
http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=12853
All the people at VIAs show (they were next door to comdex) had really innovative things. If you are into neat devices, I recommend you keep an eye on VIA, the platforms that they spent years creating are just starting to take off. Also, FWIW, I plan to do a full write up as soon as I can after the press conference.
-Charlie