Xbox-alum all over iPod killer; Xboy next?

by Christopher Grant { Jun 19th 2006 at 2:00PM }

It's getting increasingly plain to see that the boys in Redmond have something up their sleeve. We've been hearing rumors about a portable Xbox (lovingly dubbed the Xboy) for a while, and now they've been coupled with rumors of another piece of Microsoft-manufactured hardware: the long-awaited iPod killer.

Last time Microsoft decided to skip the software-licensing route (read: Dreamcast) and go straight to making the whole thing themselves, they tapped Robbie Bach to lead the charge and his team gave us the Xbox. Now, according to Reuters, they've tapped Bach again (thanks to a promotion and some shuffling around in Microsoft's Entertainment division) to create a "music and video device" to compete with Apple's iPod. Does this lend any more credence to the Xboy rumors? And does it remove the "need" for the Xboy to be the all-singing, all-dancing jack of all trades of portable entertainment devices?

[Via Blogging Stocks; image: Playbomb]

Tags: Microsoft, MSFT, Portable Xbox, PortableXbox, Xboy

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Gonzo @ Jun 19th 2006 2:16PM

So these are two different devises then? An xboy and an xpod or will these be one in the same?

I ask because I'm rediscovering psp with the recent Roco Loco demo and I've been revisiting the media playing on it. Music is easy enough but I have an easier time formatting video for the gbamp.

If they're going to make one psychotic machine (rather than a gba/ds/psp killer and a separate ipod killer) it should really be as user friendly as the ipod and as much fun to play as the ds.

By the way, if you haven't yet, dust off your psp and download loco roco. This is the kind of game the psp needs desparately.

funkyflea @ Jun 19th 2006 2:17PM

Please god let the 'xboy' be just a gaming device with some xbox live incorporated into it.

Zo� Kunami @ Jun 19th 2006 2:17PM

While I'm not knocking the PSP (and really don't want to be the cause of another post being flooded with flame comments), I've always found Nintendo's strategy of "games first and foremost" on a gaming handheld to be the best way to go. The proof is in the pudding, as it were.

If Microsoft is going to give this thing a try, here's hoping they follow Nintendo's strategy a bit closer than Sony's. I would honestly love to see the handheld market explode and recieve just as much attention as its console brothers and sisters do... and with recent sales figures, it looks like that may be exactly what's happening. It's somewhat exciting.

Zo� Kunami @ Jun 19th 2006 2:21PM

I forgot to add that by creating two devices, Microsoft is effectively spreading the risk of failure out and away from one, single device. Which is not to say that they couldn't take the hit, but no one wants to fail.

If it's half as good as the DS or PSP, decently priced, EVER ANNOUNCED, and has decent developer support, I'd be hard pressed NOT to get one.

Nimby @ Jun 19th 2006 2:22PM

I am all for the xbox becoming portable. I do, however, see a bit of snag that Sony is dealing with right now. I imagine Microsoft making a small digital goliath. Sony did this and for what the PSP is it seems to be a technological marvel that can do anything you would need and still fit in your (oversized) pocket. But that is the flaw in the concept. Nintendo has made clearly less powerful machine, and is having great success doing it. I won't go into the why's becuase I am not a big enough fnayboy to anybody, but the simple truth is there are more games that are better/easier to pick up/fun to play on the DS than the PSP. That may change but as for now it seems like people buy portable game machines to play games. That sounds like a "well duh" statement but is it really?

Most PSP owners do other things than play games on their PSPs. I think it's cool that it can do all of that, but I do not want to sit infront of this handheld device and watch a tiny movie. Also it is not portable enough to be an MP3 player, IMO. The DS is not much more portable, but it is tougher and the games seem to be more diverse.

If Microsoft can keep it simple and affordable (which is something M$ has a hard time with) then they will have a great project that I will gladly support. It is a real challenge and system designer to say, "we can add an mp3 player built in for about $0.60 more per unit, but should we?" I don't know how to answer questions like that. I hope Microsoft does.

Cage @ Jun 19th 2006 2:26PM

They have a great advantage with Xbox Live that obviously need to use in a wireless device. Comes down to the differences between the DS and PSP.

1. Battery Life
2. Diversity of Games
3. Graphics
4. Price

If its not too big and I can play against 360 players it would be a slamdunk.

Celestkixy @ Jun 19th 2006 2:36PM

Yeah, I'm hoping for two seperate devices. An Xboy and a MuSicbox. I like that name. Anyway, the Xboy should be completely devoted to gaming, like the DS is, as opposed to the PSP. Concentrate on gaming, and it'll do well. And the MuSicbox should have a great interface, spacious hard drive, good software, open-ended format use, and if it's even 50$ cheaper than the iPod, that'll help. Oh, make sure it's pretty, Microsoft. That's a big selling point.

Joe @ Jun 19th 2006 2:41PM

Wait... am I supposed to care?

Night Elve @ Jun 19th 2006 2:45PM

Well the time has told us, that there is no rival for iPod in this world. Every intend to defeat iPod has failed so far.

ill trooper @ Jun 19th 2006 2:52PM

Sounds cool, but how many generations of 'iPod killers' have we heard about? 7,8,9? A game machine, yeah, I can see that happening, the other two guys have one, why not Microsoft? But a game machine/music player? It had better be small. No company has touched the ease of use, design, iTunes software integration or popularity of the iPod. Easy to use, and just as importantly easy to carry.

The problem with trying to take on the iPod is that it does what it says it's gonna do, and does it well. Not a large PSP device that can play music, or an FM/Recorder/Movie player with poor interface design.

We all hear about the Microsoft/MTV upcoming iPod/iTunes collabo. Yes, it's possible that they will somehow get it worked out and it will be viable. But the core of Apple's success with the iPod is that everyone likes music, and listening to music. They don't get in the way of that experience. Not to mention that if you want to buy music online, iTunes Music Store is really the easiest and best option, with a consistant (but still annoying) DRM scheme, so we'll see if MS/MTV can create something as innovative or tight. Steve Jobs is already moving on to adding movies to the store, and in arguments with the MPAA ove $9.99 movie pricing.

The iPod, as long as it works well, stays reasonably priced, and adds features as the public wants them, will never be uncool, because the object itself isn't the focus, the _activity_ of listening to music or checking out tv shows or podcasts is what people want.

Personally, I think the rumors of the alledged Apple phone/iPod are more likely to breed a success story, as more people are likely to want and use a phone with an iPod built-in than a gaming machine with a music player built in - the gamer market is big, but not as big as the mp3 player and phone markets.

DG @ Jun 19th 2006 2:58PM

An iPod killer has to just as full-featured yet just as simple. To date, nothing has come close. I somehow doubt MS has it in them succeed in this area where many, many others have failed.

Dan @ Jun 19th 2006 3:01PM

If the iPod is reasonably priced where you live... I'd like to come move in with you. Here in the UK, I would be willing to fight to the death anyone who calls an iPod 'reasonably priced'.

EP @ Jun 19th 2006 3:11PM

ipod killer? I can imagine it now...a gaming device strapped on my arm while exercising...

Jdoki @ Jun 19th 2006 3:17PM

I'd be happy to ditch my iPod Nano. Seemed like a great idea to buy one after my Zen Micro died.

Unfortunately the reality is different... Restrictive DRM stops me listening to my music how I want (i.e through my XBox360), which has resulted in me vowing NEVER to buy another track off of iTunes.

The lack of a replaceable battery severly limits the life of the product (the battery will die long before the hardware 'wears out').

So I'd be happy to give MS the money for a iPod killer if they strike a sweet spot between Cteatives function and Apples form.

As for a gaming device, I'm not that excited by the prospect of an Xboy - mainly thanks to the lacklustre PSP I stupidly bought.

Having 'yet another' piece of hardware to buy is annoying - I couldn't resist the lure of the PSP and that thing is now gathering dust waiting for some decent games to come out that are not half-assed PS2 knock-offs.

Chances are that MS will have to design a device that is a PSP killer (in terms of hardware and grunt), rather than a DS Lite competitor. So I would expect a multitude of Xbox ports rather than games designed for handhelds - something Nintendo are masters at doing.

If MS try and do anything fancy with the Xboy they run the risk of creating another PSP - or in other words a jack of all trades, master of none.

Napoli @ Jun 19th 2006 3:29PM

Does anyone think that there is a chance that this new xboy is going to be entirely centered around digital distribution through xbox live? It would be perfect for the smaller games like Geometry Wars, though it could get a little hairy with GTA type games unless it came with a 20+ GB hard drive.

Jdoki @ Jun 19th 2006 3:40PM

@14 Napoli, I think there's every chance that the Xboy will be driven mainly by digital distribution.

I suspect it'll really fit in with their Live Anywhere business model.

I'm not sure if the device would use a hard drive (increases bulk, reduces battery life) or come with a load of embedded memory (increases costs) and/or the ability to use some form of memory card.

Pretty Obvious @ Jun 19th 2006 3:54PM

Im sure whatever Xboy Microsoft decides to come out with will have a harddrive or some type of large memory like an Ipod. More powerful hardware then the PSP, at least I hope so cause I dont want any crappy looking DS games. And lastly I think they will be smart enough to take measures to ensure a healthy battery life.

rob @ Jun 19th 2006 4:03PM

if they want us to start buying content from them like music and movies, well they better offer us something to play it back on.

we already know that Microsoft doesnt like removable media like DVDs and Blu-Ray, so this will obviously be harddrive based and will plug into Vista Media Center via WiFi or Ethernet/USB.

mandarin @ Jun 19th 2006 4:15PM

Xboy doesnt sound right... Sounds kinda dirty.

Zo� Kunami @ Jun 19th 2006 4:31PM

@Joe

"Wait... am I supposed to care?"

People who don't care don't take the time to come into a post, leave an inane comment, and then load their email account to verify said comment.

Get a clue.

Jeff @ Jun 19th 2006 4:33PM

The images Engadget grabbed of this supposed "iPod killer" are just an ugly brown media-looking device - form facor like an iPod. The game player and iPod killer are most likely two separate devices.

"So I'd be happy to give MS the money for a iPod killer if they strike a sweet spot between Cteatives function and Apples form."

You complain about iTunes DRM and then say you'd be happy to give MS money?

Have you not heard of Janus? "PlaysForSure"? MS practically *invented* DRM (they didn't, but they may as well have). Try downloading a song through MTV's Urge, which is currently the only store available through Windows Media Player by default. Go on, try it, because for me, the stupid store doesn't even work... or at least I can't figure out how to make it work. (Surely clicking the "URGE" button in WMP should make something happen, shouldn't it?) I've tried this on 2 separate systems.

But I know what sort of DRM I'm in for if I managed to get the store working. You'll be running back to iTunes if you're afraid of restrictions.

But really, you're blaming the iPod for the incompetence of the record labels. There's no need to even use the iTunes Music Store if you have an iPod, just like I'm sure there will be no need to use URGE with whatever MS comes out with. Just rip your own music from the CD's you own.

Otami @ Jun 19th 2006 4:38PM

The xbox (in all its incarnations) just doesn't have enough good games to merit purchasing it, let alone a portable version. Plus, the games that it does have are really entailed, which in operation is contrary one of the very reasons to purchase a portable gaming device, namely to fill the void during trips or waiting in line.

Amos @ Jun 19th 2006 4:46PM

So, is there a reason that they are just completely disregarding the fact they already HAVE a line of devices on the market competing against the iPod? Last I checked, Best Buy was still selling iRivers...

rubaiyat @ Jun 19th 2006 4:46PM

"16. Im sure whatever Xboy Microsoft decides to come out with will have a harddrive or some type of large memory like an Ipod. More powerful hardware then the PSP, at least I hope so cause I dont want any crappy looking DS games. And lastly I think they will be smart enough to take measures to ensure a healthy battery life."

So a hard-drive...beefy hardware to not be a DS...and magical battery solutions to account for these two things.

Yeah, that's pretty likely. Maybe it will print money too.

Craig @ Jun 19th 2006 4:57PM

I think MS already has the iPod killer in them. If you look a the Gigabeat S it is just as easy if not easier to navigate in that menu system of the lovely Mobile Media Center. If their agreement with MTV's URGE store works out, which I could see it doing with the well funded youth market of america, and if they create a simple user interface and market the son of a Bi*^# like crazy then which they are in full capacity to do w/ all the cash reserves they have. It could happen. We will just have to wait and see.

Jdoki @ Jun 19th 2006 5:22PM

@19. Jeff

The issue I have, and the reason that I'd be happy to give MS (or Creative) my money when I next get an mp3 player, is because they use more accessible formats.

For tunes downloaded via iTunes I am forced to only use that track on an iPod, and I can not plug my iPod in to my Xbox360 and listen to some of the tracks I have on that device. It's the reason I've gone back to buying CD's.

DRM is pretty much a pain in any form. But I find Apple's very restrictive.

When I used my Zen Micro I knew I had a limited number of transfers from the Media Player store, not a problem unless I had to reformat the Zen. That music was transferrable to other mp3 players, and the playable on any number of devices or computers, and would work with my 360.

It may be the incompetance of the record industry for forcing companies to use DRM, but it's the individual companies that decide in what form the DRM is implimented. And I don't like Apples!

Add in the fact that they are creating a situation where the life of the product is dictated by the component most likely to fail first (the battery); then charging an extortionate amount for a replacement just seems pretty evil to me.

So, yes, I'd be happy to give MS my money for a piece of kit that is more compatible with the rest of my hardware. DRM is just something we have to live with.

Celestkixy @ Jun 19th 2006 5:41PM

People still pay for music? Why?

ill trooper @ Jun 19th 2006 6:52PM

Jeff, I understand, but I'm sure you know there is a thriving aftermarket for iPod replacement batteries:

http://www.suntekstore.com/apple-ipod-nano-replacement-battery-with-tools---330-mah.html

http://www.ipodbattery.com/

As for the issues you have with DRM, well, it's just the way things are right now. It just so happens that the 'playsforsure' thing also happens to be from the same company that makes the 360, and you can bet that people are also having the same trouble the other way around: If they buy music from MTV or Napster it won't play on their iPods. In fact, more people own iPods, so your concerns, (which I do think are valid, by the way) are also in the minority. Fewer people care about streaming music through their 360 than if it plays on their iPod.

But I'm not flaming on you, I understand, DRM is lame because it's limiting the usage you can get if you just get outside and buy the CD... But... buying an album... in the middle... of the night before big trip... urgh... soooo easy... Too easy... cannot resist...