3/2/06: Microsoft's up to something

[Ed Oscuro]

But it might just be a tablet PC. Link at GameSpot:

http://www.gamespot.com/news/show_bl...ic_id=24365883

My initial thoughts:
Lovely, now Microsoft is playing the "features first, functionality dead last" game...well, if it's a full fledged PC, maybe it's not functionality that'll suffer, but rather performance. It might be affordable, but then again it might end up more expensive than a PSP and DS combined (though it's also possible this will be priced just like regular tablet PCs, as it doesn't seem that Microsoft planned on this speculation occuring).

I guess that guy got paid to run his fingers over the device while a video played on the screen, heh.

[keiblerfan69]

I am very interested in what MS is doing with this. If they can make that small thing run games and be under 1000 bucks, I will buy one.

[Ed Oscuro]

If they can make that small thing run games and be under 1000 bucks, I will buy one.

Would you buy one for $999 if it underperforms similar tablet PCs?

Microsoft is wise to make moves in this direction, I'm still just a bit stunned despite anticipating some move in this direction since '02. They've been trying to get into the hardware business for the returns for quite a while, and maybe they finally have a product better than those Floppy-to-TV-picture-viewers (disregarding the Xbox, of course).

[pacmanhat]

I have a feeling this isn't going to be what the gaming community thinks it is. It seems to me like this is little more than an evolution of Windows Mobile devices. Though if it's genuine to the leaked screenshots and it actually does play Halo, it'll definitely be naturally pushed in that direction. On a related note, I called up a friend of mine who interned with Microsoft and asked him if he knew anything about this. He didn't, and went as far as to say that J Allard himself told him that M$ had absolutely no plans for a portable game system. (and as sketchy as that sort of info sounds, this guy's trustworthy)

[MegaDrive20XX]

Just got a quick news report from a local 4 o' clock news channel here.

They claim it combines the blackberry, ipod, and Xbox into one...and even more...

[heybtbm]

I have a feeling this isn't going to be what the gaming community thinks it is. It seems to me like this is little more than an evolution of Windows Mobile devices.

Agreed. You might be able to play games on this, but it's not going to be Microsoft's official entry into the handheld market.

[petewhitley]

I predict this eventual announcement will have little-to-no effect on the gaming community.

[dcescott]

This will be a utility device for professionals. It's geared for streamlining work procedures and syncing your desktop. I can see this working in the medical field. It will be great to game on it, but it's probably too expensive for the masses. If my boss goes crazy over this, I'll be illustrating on my vacation.

[Ed Oscuro]

Well, for starters, the controls on the pictures (I haven't seen the movie yet) seem to be digital. I can't imagine this being a winner for FPSes without a stand and a mouse.

[Daltone]

Well, for starters, the controls on the pictures (I haven't seen the movie yet) seem to be digital. I can't imagine this being a winner for FPSes without a stand and a mouse.

Everything in the pictures is over a year old and alledgedly "Concept" though, so things may well have changed. I'm quitely interested, although I agree that this could have absolutely nothing to do with the gaming world at all.

[Slate]

That thing looks bulkier than a sega game gear.

[cyberfluxor]

Very interesting. I like it but wouldn't spend the money for it.

[studvicious]

Was anything ever announced?

[JJNova]

Was anything ever announced?

Yes, sort of. Microsoft said it's not being designed as a gaming device. Of course, we've seen a few "denials" end up being realities. But the official word is that it's just a tablet pc...that looks pretty.

[comrade]

We will find out the whole story on the 9th.