Gates predicts disc-free future for Xbox 360: No HD DVD, no Blu-Ray
Oct 19, 2005 @ 3:17 am · By Nicole Stiles
Filed under News · 
Deutsch
In a recent speech at Howard University, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates shared his vision for the Xbox 360 and speculated on the future of next-gen optical disc formats HD DVD and Blu-Ray.
According to Gates, the Xbox 360 will be
“more than 10 times better in terms of the visual realism, the speed, the depth of what you can do”
… however, the real breakthrough will be the console’s connectivity.
Gates outlined that the Xbox 360 would be capable of connecting to a variety of music players and cameras via USB, including the Apple iPod.
He summed it up by saying that
“this box really is about integrating all the different digital sources together and making it very simple.”
Gates’ comments on the future of the HD DVD and Blu-Ray formats were particularly interesting, pointing to a future where optical discs would become obsolete and content delivery would take place via the internet.
In his words,
“The format that’s under discussion right now, HD versus Blu-ray, that’s simply the last physical format we’ll ever have.
Even videos in the future will either be on a disk in your pocket or over the Internet and therefore far more convenient for you.”
Source: http://www.microsoft.com/billgates/speeches/2005/10-14Howard.asp
[Story first broken by joystiq.com. - Ed.]
Writer’s comment:
Bill Gates’ comments could indicate that future versions of the Xbox will not ship with an HD DVD drive, and may instead deliver game content over Xbox Live.
Microsoft has already revealed that Xbox Live Arcade games for the Xbox 360 will be made available over Xbox Live, along with additional levels for regular Xbox 360 titles. Is this part of a broader strategy to get gamers comfortable with the idea of downloading entire games, as opposed to just demos and “bite size” Arcade titles?
Obviously, downloading any big name next-gen title would require a super-fast broadband connection, and a lot of storage space.
Looking at the current situation, it’s fair to say that digital game delivery is a way off yet:
Only half of those online in the US have broadband, and Peter Moore has recently stated that Microsoft has no plans to release a larger capacity hard drive for the 360.
So what does the future hold?
Future versions of the Microsoft’s video game console (Xbox 720?) will likely come with extended storage options other than an a HD DVD drive.
Mr Gates’ vision is compelling: It is only a matter of time until fully digital content delivery is common place, not only for digital music files, but also for movies and video games. We can’t wait!
Oct 19, 2005 @ 7:39 am
Chris Said,
This is amazing. I can’t wait till the day comes when I want to buy a new Xbox game that I just have to d/l it and not have to go to the store. Will [...] more
Oct 19, 2005 @ 9:22 am
Nick Said,
I think that is not farfetched at all because of the simple fact that there are so many things downloadable now-a-days. The writer does make a good po [...] more
Oct 19, 2005 @ 10:04 am
Mik Said,
Probally still a ways off but very much possible, even within the current technology. My guess is some sort of solid state tech similar to the USB Th [...] more
Oct 19, 2005 @ 12:30 pm
Macgravy Said,
Why do people listen to bully….He is no visionary…He & doughboy are just getting ready to stuff another thing down on the public. Dump this gu [...] more
Oct 19, 2005 @ 5:15 pm
charlz Said,
Even though downloading games is a good idea, i think i’d still prefer them in physical format. you can’t really lose the game if its on disc, but whe [...] more
Oct 19, 2005 @ 7:30 pm
vc Said,
Sounds a lot like what Joystiq said on this same speech: http://www.joystiq.com/entry/1234000247063965/
Oct 19, 2005 @ 8:25 pm
Markus Said,
vc, I had a look at your joystiq article, and yes there are similarities, but they are not surprising. I guess it’s the same speech after all. I e [...] more
Oct 19, 2005 @ 11:17 pm
razer Said,
this is priceless.. When Kutaragi predicted this future people laughed at him and said he he is a fool… Bill Gates says the same things years [...] more
Oct 20, 2005 @ 7:27 am
AndyR Said,
As per usual we are dictated to as to how we are to use media by people who just don’t know how media is used in the real world.
Oct 20, 2005 @ 1:25 pm
Calvin Said,
You guys are reading between the line. Please allow me to finish his thought for you. Someday, if you want anything be it music, movies or games, [...] more
Oct 21, 2005 @ 9:18 am
Sceptic Said,
“The format that’s under discussion right now, HD versus Blu-ray, that’s simply the last physical format we’ll ever have…” This must be t [...] more
Oct 24, 2005 @ 3:15 pm
Sam Lewis Said,
The issue is not upgrading the storage of the xbox…it is the interconnectivity to a device that already has lots of storage (i.e. your computer) [...] more
Oct 26, 2005 @ 5:31 am
Frankie G Said,
Look, it is really an attempt to make sure the consumer buys a game. It would force you to buy rather than rent, borrow, or copy.
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$P@RT@N 117 Said,
im thinking bill is gonna waste all his money on the xbox 360 and halo3
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people if you are gonna buy halo3 you better go to bestbuy at 3:00 a.m inthe morning!
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