Digital Home Thoughts: APRIL FOOLS: Microsoft Unveils XboxVP, Category-Defining Portable Device

"Following up on the enormously successful November launch of the Xbox 360® home entertainment console, Microsoft Corp. Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates today unveiled a prototype of Xbox®VP, a “category-defining portable device” designed to seamlessly integrate four key mobile product categories: gaming, media playback, computing, and GSM-standard wireless communications. Scheduled for release in the fourth-quarter of 2006, Xbox®VP will leverage established Microsoft technologies, including the software development framework XNA™, DirectX® for media, and the Windows® Vista™ Premium™ operating system. “Today’s consumers do not want to compromise,” Gates said. “That’s why we’re building Xbox®VP to deliver an unflinching portable experience, with the best features from our most popular hardware and software platforms. Hard core gamers will be astonished by its powerful 3-D capabilities, casual users will love its large screen video and high-definition audio features, and enterprise users will laud its productivity features.” Additional details on its GSM telephone functionality will be unveiled later this year."



This is exactly what I've been waiting for! Suffice to say, I was disappointed with the PSP when it came out, and I was hoping that Microsoft would accept the challenge and step up to the plate. And how! With full Windows Vista functionality, a built-in phone, and the ability to play original Xbox games, how can they go wrong?! Even better, it will beat the PS3 to market! OMFG I can't wait! 8O