One of the better rumors out there among the incessant HD DVD/Blu-ray arguments is that Microsoft has been thinking of working Blu-ray into the Xbox 360. I never expected this to happen, but it does seem that the two companies have been in talks.
Microsoft exec Jeff Bell says Microsoft has been talking to Blu-ray about the possibility of some kind of partnership.
"We've been talking to Blu-ray all along because we have the best piece of software in the business, called HDi. It is the backbone that powers interactivity in HD-DVD and we have that available to potentially partner with others," Jeff Bell told 1UP.
Bell also points to another sort of partnership between Microsoft and Sony. He uses the term "coopetition" to describe how Sony uses Windows software on their computers.
As far as the future possibility of an Xbox 360 Blu-ray player goes, Bell does not rule anything out.
"You never say never. I think we'd like to see how things evolve. Our commitment, however, to HD-DVD is profound and consistent, and we have done very, very well in term of our accessory sales."
I think there's always the possibility of the two working together, but I don't think we'll ever see Blu-ray in the Xbox 360. What do you think?
[Via eurogamer -- Thanks, DF]
Contest:
9:59 AM on 01.28.2008
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Seems like the logical business decision for a company that has no real investment in either format. Unlike Sony and BluRayp.
It would have to be as cheap as the HD DVD drive is now, though.
-Hey, look at this on Ebay, one of them HD-DVD players! I thought they were just like an Urban Myth or something.
-What the fuck is HD-DVD?
-Exactly
(PS- I am a 360 owner myself)
Although, in theory, had MS included HD-DVD built into the 360, HDDVD might still have a chance in the format war and may actually be winning at this point... afterall, every 360 owner would be a potential HDDVD customer and there might be A LOT more people buying HDDVD movies (might as well make use of it) and the movie studios would react to that. The studios might have sided with HDDVD since it seemed like the format that is most popular, the format the people have chosen
... Sure HDDVD would have increased the cost of the 360, but when it comes down to it, the PS3 was hurt FAR more by it's lack of games than it's high price; and the 360 had a good library
but ofcourse, we will never know what could have been...
@Dhaos
Nah, more likely, "external Blu-ray Add-on"
Go find out what CED is.
was you thinking this?
I hate people that make up dumb words.
Talladega Nights
I agree. I think that the game catalog for the XB360 is much better than PS3, but the only reason that I'd want a PS3 is for the BD functionality. An external BD player for the 360 would be fantastic.
That said, there are also combo BD/HD DVD drivers for PCs at around $270. So, I would think that an external BD player for XB360 would be available for less than $200.
Plus I think this is a clear nod where Microsoft are going to turn around and go oh yeah we fooled ya.... very very very belated april fool. Then go on as if they supported blu-ray from the very beginning, then throw money at the problem til it goes away. (3 year warranty extension anyone)
As a 360 loving multiformat gamer even I can see the lead blu-ray is at least gaining in the UK. on regular dvds its rarer to see a promo for HD-DVD than it is Blu-ray.
I think if a deal is struck between Microsoft and Blu-ray its for one thing and one thing only. The 360's successor.
I'd totally buy one if it came out and I needed some sort of cheap blu-ray player.
You pay for shipping.
Sony: JUST AS PLANNED