With the HD DVD ship sinking faster than the Titanic, the rats are quickly abandoning the ship: according to rumours, Microsoft may be releasing a Blu-ray-based Xbox 360 soon. We don’t know if the rumour is real, although it seems reasonable to expect it. The only real question is when. Their Microsoft insiders are saying May. We are saying maybe.
AU: And I am saying total BS. I’m sure the guys at Microsoft have discussed it, and I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that they had a working prototype with Blu-ray in their deepest, darkest laboratory. But MS was one of the biggest supporters of HD DVD, and they aren’t about to put their tail between their legs and come out in support of Blu-ray so soon. No way.
Adz
February 19, 2008 at 12:03 PM
I don’t think it will happen anytime soon, but maybe in a 12-18 months. MS might include BR in the 360 as the main drive. Only after releasing a BR add-on for existing 360′s.
Some may say BS, but they need to keep on selling new 360′s. The 360 is already noted in magazine reviews as a better Media Player/Extender. But I know people already looking at buying a games system and having the option of BR built in, are considering the PS3. MS will want to give themselves a better chance in this market with a single box option.
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February 20, 2008 at 3:29 PM
Another thought (and I have no idea if this is actually possible), but what if MS were to come out with a software patch that allowed the HD-DVD player to play Blu-Ray Discs.
All of a sudden the drive is one of the cheapest ways on to the market, and the early adopters aren’t burned. Also gets right in Sony’s face with the 360 competing again, without too much costly development.
Disclaimer, I own a 360, but neither a HD-DVD drive or a blu ray player. I (like most people) was waiting for the day to come when I could safely choose.
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