Business Approach Comparison Sony PS4 and Microsoft Xbox

[MrFox]

Is not context switching an issue with multiples CPU arquitectures (x86/ARM)?

There wouldn't be any thread switching from one to the other. The ARM core, from what I understand, is completely independent to do it's things. I assume it simply receives a list of tasks from main OS (maybe the i/o subsystem), like an SPU or something.

(sorry, I think we're going off topic, we're supposed to be fighting about which company is better)

 

[XpiderMX]

There wouldn't be any thread switching from one to the other. The ARM core, from what I understand, is completely independent to do it's things. I assume it simply receives a list of tasks from main OS (maybe the i/o subsystem), like an SPU or something.

(sorry, I think we're going off topic, we're supposed to be fighting about which company is better)

But, if I/O is handled by the second CPU (ARM I guess), what will happen when CPU requires an interrupt? When an interrupt occurs, a context switching happen.

EDIT: I'm sorry, off-topic, I will stop here.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

Looking at what the 360 offered in 2005 vs today is night n day. Look at the simple offering of Xbox Live in 2005 and compare that to what the platform offers today. Who would have thought that people are using their console for more entertainment and less gaming? I dare anyone to find a post in 2005 that would predict such.

Really? Since PS2 and Xbox, we've been talking about the consoles not as gaming machines but as the portal to living room content. We expected Sony and MS to roll out their media services, and it's actually surprising how limited both ended up being, instead becoming fronts to third-party apps and services. If you go look up posts from before PS3's release, you'll find conversation of expectations for Sony pulling together its music and film industries and providing a unified experience.

That MS is providing a front-end to cable TV channels instead of being the go-to media box playing content off MicrosoftNet just goes to show how much they failed in their ambitions; Sony too.

 

[expletive]

That MS is providing a front-end to cable TV channels instead of being the go-to media box playing content off MicrosoftNet just goes to show how much they failed in their ambitions; Sony too.

I think failed is a strong word for both but...

8 years ago, i'm sure the main hurdle they thought they would have for their vision is broadband penetration but instead it was content owners unwillingness to embrace new delivery methods and pricing models. I think MS is seeing that they are no closer to reaching critical mass now then they were 4 years ago (Apple too), and realize the only way around it to reach their UX goals to drag the "old" along for the ride with an HDMI in.

 

[XpiderMX]

That MS is providing a front-end to cable TV channels instead of being the go-to media box playing content off MicrosoftNet just goes to show how much they failed in their ambitions; Sony too.

Well, if roku had an input for TV/video, it would be the best multimedia box (IMO), but it is only internet based apps. I like Netflix, but I like live TV too.

If Xbox One price is not bigger than $349, with a lot of good exclusive games, and it can work like a good HTPC+Live TV, I will jump in.

 

[deathindustrial]

I think failed is a strong word for both but...
8 years ago, i'm sure the main hurdle they thought they would have for their vision is broadband penetration but instead it was content owners unwillingness to embrace new delivery methods and pricing models.

Sony *is* a content owner which unfortunately suggests that they feel that their current pay per play, DRM up the yin yang approach with PSN media rentals generates more value for them than going the Netflix all you can eat route.

As far as MS goes, the plan is probably to go the "embrace extend extinguish" route with the existing cable providers. I would not be surprised to see them copy Netflix's path of bankrolling new series to build their own catalog. They certainly have enough cash to do so.

Cheers

 

[wco81]

Sounds like the Halo TV series is something they're bankrolling.

In any event, who knows if Netflix will sustain the production of original series.

 

[AzBat]

Well, if roku had an input for TV/video, it would be the best multimedia box (IMO), but it is only internet based apps. I like Netflix, but I like live TV too.

I've got a Roku gen2 device & it's nowhere near as good as the Xbox 360 with Internet TV-based apps. That's even with the new interface.

Tommy McClain

 

[Brad Grenz]

A Roku 2 is silent, uses a tiny amount of power, requires no additional paid subscription and is always on so you never have to wait for the thing to boot and launch apps. They can also be had for as little as $60, allow sideloading of homebrew channels and support the SuperHD feeds from Netflix, which the 360 doesn't. That's a lot of advantages.

 

[deathindustrial]

I've got a Roku gen2 device & it's nowhere near as good as the Xbox 360 with Internet TV-based apps. That's even with the new interface.

I can't speak for the Xbox360 but in my opinion, my Roku 2 performs better and more reliably than any of the media apps on the PS3. The Crunchy Roll app is far better on the Roku (both in reliability and usability), the Netflix one avoids much of the aggravating fluff of the PS3 app (and again is more reliable) and the NHL app beats the PS3 one for reliability (though navigation can be slower). It also supports far more media services than the PS3, at least here in Canada.

I would not be surprised if either Sony or Microsoft buy Roku out.

 

[AzBat]

Don't get me wrong, the newer Roku interface is better than the previous version. And yes, it has more apps, but considering I don't use much more than Netflix & Crackle it's not a big draw. But on the 360 I also use ESPN, Netflix Kids & Hulu(not Plus via PlayOn). I could use PlayOn on Roku, but it requires a PlayOn Lifetime Subscription to work on Roku where it does not on the 360. Could care less about the silence & power capabilities. Waiting to boot is not an issue either since my Xbox is almost always on anyway. I do care about the WiFi requirement since I don't get a great signal from the back of the house.The 360 is connected via Ethernet, so I never have a speed issue. I'll continue with a wired connection even for XB1. I will say for $60 it's a great little add-on for secondary uses like your bedroom or kids room. I would recommend it for people who don't have already have a streaming device. But if you already have a 360 or PS3, I don't think I could.

Tommy McClain

 

[XpiderMX]

<p>

I can't speak for the Xbox360 but in my opinion, my Roku 2 performs better and more reliably than any of the media apps on the PS3. The Crunchy Roll app is far better on the Roku (both in reliability and usability), the Netflix one avoids much of the aggravating fluff of the PS3 app (and again is more reliable) and the NHL app beats the PS3 one for reliability (though navigation can be slower). It also supports far more media services than the PS3, at least here in Canada.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I would not be surprised if either Sony or Microsoft buy Roku out.

&lt;/p&gt;</p><p>IMO the PS3 Netflix app is worse than Xbox 360 version. I don't have a Roku 2 to try netflix.</p>

 

[AzBat]

Rumor is that Microsoft signed a multi-year contract with AMD for $3+billion...

Bob Feldstein, who was working at AMD & is currently the VP of Technology Licensing at Nvidia, stated the following on his LinkedIn account:

That his ”involvement was focused on business management and supply agreement negotiations.”

He also adds that, “AMD provided a custom silicon solution to Microsoft for the Xbox One, a game console and entertainment device.

“This required the coordination of multiple functional teams within AMD, as well as regular customer meetings with leadership teams responsible for handling the challenges of complex, muti-year deals. This project is valued at $3+B.”

http://www.gamechup.com/amd-xbox-one-project-cost/

Does that sound about right? Seems a bit excessive if this tech is as underwelming as most of you say it is.

Tommy McClain

 

[McHuj]

3 billion could be a lot or it could be little. If it's the total value of the xbox business to AMD over the entire Xbox 1 lifetime, I'm not sure it's that excessive. In this case, that amount is probably over 10 or so years. AMD's anual revenue is in he ballpark of 5B for comparison.

 

[manux]

Does that sound about right? Seems a bit excessive if this tech is as underwelming as most of you say it is.

If you go and divide 3billion with some arbitrary number XBone might sell you would get interesting results. Let's for example say 100 million devices sold would give us 30$ per box paid to AMD. Sounds reasonable enough when one factors in also the money paid for customization(r&d) in addition to per chip royalties/whatnots. OfCourse if you take microsoft PR numbers for next gen expectations you would have something much bigger than 100 million XBones

 

[manux]

I will say for $60 it's a great little add-on for secondary uses like your bedroom or kids room. I would recommend it for people who don't have already have a streaming device. But if you already have a 360 or PS3, I don't think I could.

I think it's microsoft who needs to ask and answer that question. Who would pay 499$ for new box + yearly xbox live fee when they already have tv, cable box, tivo, roku, ps3 or whatnot device that takes care of their need for tv like entertainment.

Also if one projects to future in my opinion it's likely tv will be less and less meaningful and people will use more and more streaming/on demand services. Likely those services are available on devices which don't require paid live subscription. I don't think competition(apple, google, sony, cable providers etc) will drop ball here when it comes to offering netflix, hulu or whatever the next big streaming thing will be.

 

[manux]

PS3 used to have(does it still?) the tv tuner? addon. Did we ever get number how (un)popular it was?

 

[ERP]

I think it's microsoft who needs to ask and answer that question. Who would pay 499$ for new box + yearly xbox live fee when they already have tv, cable box, tivo, roku, ps3 or whatnot device that takes care of their need for tv like entertainment.

Also if one projects to future in my opinion it's likely tv will be less and less meaningful and people will use more and more streaming/on demand services. Likely those services are available on devices which don't require paid live subscription. I don't think competition(apple, google, sony, cable providers etc) will drop ball here when it comes to offering netflix, hulu or whatever the next big streaming thing will be.

I think like many here your missing the point.
I agree I think being able to watch cable TV is mostly uninteresting in it's own right.
It isn't the raw functionality that's interesting, it's the user experience.
Anyone can play a video, or browse the web, or whatever it's how you integrate the experiences into the whole that will differentiate the additional functionality.
Sony has yet to demonstrate their vision for the experience, MS has focussed on theirs to this point.

 

[manux]

I think like many here your missing the point.
I agree I think being able to watch cable TV is mostly uninteresting in it's own right.
It isn't the raw functionality that's interesting, it's the user experience.
Anyone can play a video, or browse the web, or whatever it's how you integrate the experiences into the whole that will differentiate the additional functionality.
Sony has yet to demonstrate their vision for the experience, MS has focussed on theirs to this point.

I would rather press a button than use voice commands. So far siri and microsoft phones voice recognition fails so hard on my english accent that I don't bother anymore(and there is no support for my native language). Even if voice didn't fail all the time button is still faster and more convenient than talking. If you are referring to multitasking then I agree, wait and see is best approach

I just don't see tv/voice/waving hands as key differentiator. Soon if not already those will be present in all smart tv's or 50$ roku boxes. Or better yet the internet of things could happen and be controllable through your phone/tablet/pc/browser and ... console.

 

[AzBat]

McHuj & manux thanks for the replies regard the $3+billion figure. When you spread it across like that I can see how it might make sense.

BTW, I would pay $500 & a Live fee day 1 if it had 360 backward compatibility since I could sell my current system to help pay for it. Not so sure now. I'm going to see how E3 goes first. Anyway, there's a lot to be said for downsizing to one box. I think it will be one motivator for people. Remains to be seen if the box will fly off the shelf just for the entertainment functions. Right now it's not looking real promising if the Interwebs are any indication. LOL

Tommy McClain