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Microsoft is testing another Xbox 360 disc format
GAME CONSOLE MAKER Microsoft is asking Xbox users to sign up for a trial of a new disc format on its games console, however it's accepting applications only from US citizens.
The Vole announced the trial in a blog post on its Major Nelson webpages where it explained that disc-tribution problems limited the tests to the US, but apparently it placed no limits on local guinea pigs.
"We are conducting an open call for US based participants for a public preview to help us prepare for an updated Xbox 360 disc format," said Larry Hryb of Xbox Live's Major Nelson. "This is an important update as we continually strive to improve our products and we could not do so without the help of our great Xbox community."
Hyrb added that the tests will involve multiple thousands of testers who would get a free copy of Halo: Reach and perhaps some other goodies for their troubles. He also said that Xbox Live Gold members will be given priority over less loyal gamers.
However, he did not reveal what the testing is designed to deliver, prompting the suggestion that it could be the long-omitted Blu-ray disc playing capabilities that the console is lacking.
Microsoft could not provide any further information about the trial, including whether or not it will be extended to the UK. µ
Tags: Microsoft
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http://www.pcworld.com/article/223712/xbox_360_dvds_get_1gb_extra_space_in_dashboard_update.html
Why they use a 8Gb DVD (with 1GB reserved so 7GB in total) rather than a 9GB I'm not sure.
this is clearly an attempt by Microsoft to implement a new DRM method into their DVD Discs.
this will give no benefits to end-users ... no greater disc capacity etc. This will end up being a software update and will be required with new game releases.
What Microsoft needs is a combination of different Xbox versions, Optical drive versions, system update versions and various games ... the combination of which would best be covered by thousands of gamers. This means that the update is very low-level with unexpected results. Developers should have been aware of these changes while developing games but wasn't required at the time as the system wasn't cracked at that time.
So, it's this update as oppose to a new secure platform to pitch to Vendors ... as Vendors are very worried about whether or not their games will sell on any console platform at the moment. If Microsoft gets away with this, they may get exclusives! ... so, depending on which side of the fence you're on, you can decide whether this is good news or not.
Wouldnt surprise me if we see the comeback of HD-DVD. I dont really care if the next Xbox has BD capability (unlikely anyway) as I'm not bothering to invest in it. I have a decent ADSL connection so going forward streaming is for me.
However, MS could re-use HD-DVD for games disks or at least a modified version of it. Flash is almost viable.
What do we want? Real games consoles or media centres that happen to play games.
What are you smokin?
To support Blu-ray, they would have to change the optical drives currently being used in Xbox consoles. It ain't gonna happen bud.
You can't just make a new disc format or provide a software update to magically support BD.
while Wishing Vole well, Selling test Beds, often for Good Money is theVOLE.
Need Player, Equipment that can handle data Rate & Good Luck. Way to Hold Fee Paying Subscriber Numbers Up, thru errie promises & Illusion of Research Teaming.
For that, 6 year old device stays in Black, Yet Does User get more than 1 New Format game, in overal, Or is XBOX360 about toGo Unsupported, Final Narley Sales Gimmick.
If BRD Worked with new software, wouldn't be Test Bed. Many Gaming Stalwarts Might Wonder what BluRay Hype was, in First Place. Microsoft has done Again: buy into future Developements, for price, so many times & lead to Disaster every time, forcing even more hard/soft Ware Purchases,To Correct Unsalable. Poor Monkeys Frantic to make Gizmo work.
vondrashek DD