Microsoft licensed microchip technology from IBM

[McFly]

I see a pattern here...

You're not alone.

Fredi

 

[rabidrabbit]

Hmmm...
Somehow I don't believe that this announcement necessarily means that IBM will provide the processor for xbox2.

From IBM's site: "Microsoft has licensed leading-edge semiconductor processor technology from IBM for use in future Xbox® products and services to be announced at a later date"
Hell, that could even just mean that MicroSoft has licensed
this from IBM, for a future xbox accessory, the "Xbox Wireless Network Adapter"

 

[Gubbi]

I also interpret it as a IBM is going to fab the XBOX2 SOCs.

Cheers
Gubbi

 

[McFly]

My last quote:

IBM To Power Xbox 2

Representatives from Microsoft have confirmed that IBM will be creating various chips for the next generation Xbox console. The first Xbox console uses Intel technology but the switch for the next machine is thought to be due to the lower power consumption and running temperature of IBM’s PowerPC chips.

Gamsutra is a pretty good source for such informations and it looks like they have directly contacted MS. --> "Representatives from Microsoft have confirmed"

For me it looks like MS is pretty close to release the specs of the X-Box 2 and that it will really come out in Q4 2004. Maybe I'm wrong but that is what I think all those press releses and articles want to say.

Maybe all those games that got delayed to next year will come out on the X-Box 2 and the devs are right now working on redoing the code and overworking all the textures.

Fredi

 

[Megadrive1988]

Microsoft's Xbox to Use IBM Chips
Technology Is Licensed To Build the Next System; Move May Displace Intel

By WILLIAM BULKELEY and DON CLARK
Staff Reporters of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL


Microsoft Corp. said it will use International Business MachinesCorp.'s semiconductor technology for the next Xbox videogame system, a move likely to displace chips from Intel Corp. in a high-profile home-entertainment market.

The two companies disclosed few specifics of their plans, other than that Microsoft has licensed chip technology from IBM . But people familiar with the agreement said IBM has been selected to build the microprocessor at the heart of the next Xbox, a follow-on to Microsoft's current videogame console that isn't expected until at least 2005.

Barring changes, the agreement would mark a sharp strategy change for Microsoft, which selected chips from Intel and other parts from the personal-computer industry when entering the game-console market in 2001. Besides speeding development, the strategy was designed to exploit the large number of software developers that were used to developing games for Intel-based PCs.

But Microsoft has made limited headway in catching up to Sony Corp.'s rival PlayStation 2 system, which is believed to enjoy a cost advantage over the Xbox because it uses lower-cost parts. Microsoft recently selected graphics chips from ATI Technologies Inc. for its next-generation console. Nvidia Inc., which supplies chips for the existing Xbox system, said Microsoft was demanding low prices that made the business unattractive.

Microsoft and IBM declined to comment, as did Intel. But Kevin Krewell, senior analyst with Instat/MDR, and industry watcher in Scottsdale, Ariz., said that "it's possible Intel wasn't interested," in supplying the next Xbox, in view of the relatively low profit margins of the console market. "I don't think Intel considered this a strategic business," he said.

The agreement allows IBM , meanwhile, to wrap up the major console-makers. IBM and Sony engineers have been working on technology for the next PlayStation for more than a year, and IBM makes chips for the current generation of Nintendo GameCubes.

Microsoft's new machine, known by the code name Xenon, is now expected to use the Power PC architecture, which is used in some IBM servers and by Apple Computer Inc. The architecture, originally developed with MotorolaInc., tends to use less electrical power and generate less heat than Intel chips.

Besides the architecture, IBM has sophisticated chip-manufacturing processes that offer high performance and relatively low power consumption, as well as a $3 billion factory in East Fishkill, N.Y., that it is eager to fill with orders from new chip customers.

Some other industry watchers said it is still possible that Intel chips may play some role in the next Xbox, perhaps to allow the new systems to play existing Xbox games. Microsoft also might work to package IBM microprocessor technology in some fashion with graphics circuitry from ATI.

 

[pcostabel]

Back to coding on my dual G5 and 9800 Pro...

Cool! I thought I was the only one around here...

Add me to the list.

 

[AzBat]

Here's part of what teamxbox had to say:

"One month ago we brought you the exclusive. Now, you see why we are the Insider's Choice for Xbox Information!"






Azbat,

Did any of your sources tell you of this deal?

Bbot,

No. Actually my sources were hearing AMD rumblings. Big suprise to me and my sources. Same thing goes for today's SiS announcement.

Tommy McClain

 

[wazoo]

As far as I remember, Xbox was presented at CES, targeted to release at the end of the year and delayed one year to top the ps2 by a factor of 3. Maybe this year, they do not want to play the power game but more the first in (first out ) game.

 

[cthellis42]

I don't think there's been any official confirmation that Nintendo is still going with PowerPC, though. I'm still leaning in that direction, but NEC seems to be trying hard as well. And all things considered, this case with IBM/MS just goes to show how tenuous speculation IS until official announcements are made. Heh...

 

[Evil_Cloud]

Microsoft's Xbox to Use IBM Chips
Technology Is Licensed To Build the Next System; Move May Displace Intel

By WILLIAM BULKELEY and DON CLARK
Staff Reporters of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL


Microsoft Corp. said it will use International Business MachinesCorp.'s semiconductor technology for the next Xbox videogame system, a move likely to displace chips from Intel Corp. in a high-profile home-entertainment market.

The two companies disclosed few specifics of their plans, other than that Microsoft has licensed chip technology from IBM . But people familiar with the agreement said IBM has been selected to build the microprocessor at the heart of the next Xbox, a follow-on to Microsoft's current videogame console that isn't expected until at least 2005.

Barring changes, the agreement would mark a sharp strategy change for Microsoft, which selected chips from Intel and other parts from the personal-computer industry when entering the game-console market in 2001. Besides speeding development, the strategy was designed to exploit the large number of software developers that were used to developing games for Intel-based PCs.

But Microsoft has made limited headway in catching up to Sony Corp.'s rival PlayStation 2 system, which is believed to enjoy a cost advantage over the Xbox because it uses lower-cost parts. Microsoft recently selected graphics chips from ATI Technologies Inc. for its next-generation console. Nvidia Inc., which supplies chips for the existing Xbox system, said Microsoft was demanding low prices that made the business unattractive.

Microsoft and IBM declined to comment, as did Intel. But Kevin Krewell, senior analyst with Instat/MDR, and industry watcher in Scottsdale, Ariz., said that "it's possible Intel wasn't interested," in supplying the next Xbox, in view of the relatively low profit margins of the console market. "I don't think Intel considered this a strategic business," he said.

The agreement allows IBM , meanwhile, to wrap up the major console-makers. IBM and Sony engineers have been working on technology for the next PlayStation for more than a year, and IBM makes chips for the current generation of Nintendo GameCubes.

Microsoft's new machine, known by the code name Xenon, is now expected to use the Power PC architecture, which is used in some IBM servers and by Apple Computer Inc. The architecture, originally developed with MotorolaInc., tends to use less electrical power and generate less heat than Intel chips.

Besides the architecture, IBM has sophisticated chip-manufacturing processes that offer high performance and relatively low power consumption, as well as a $3 billion factory in East Fishkill, N.Y., that it is eager to fill with orders from new chip customers.

Some other industry watchers said it is still possible that Intel chips may play some role in the next Xbox, perhaps to allow the new systems to play existing Xbox games. Microsoft also might work to package IBM microprocessor technology in some fashion with graphics circuitry from ATI.

Source?

 

[cthellis42]

<blinkblinks> It may not have a link, but it's obviously sourced up top. Since you have to subscribe to the WSJ, I assume there may not be good direct links for most of us.

 

[fbg1]

Here's another tidbit:

http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=12476

IBM accidentally spills more beans about Xbox chip, Nvidia graphics, and the like

By Harta Glass: Tuesday 04 November 2003, 08:03

BIG BLUE'S Micro division is pleased as punch about Microsoft using one of its designs in a future Xbox. So pleased that when a spinner sent us a press release he outlined details of all sorts of stuff that isn't in the document. We'll include the boasting as well as the facts about what will be done where. At least someone from IBM talks to the INQ. Interesting bit in a different colour...

Dear colleague,

I hope, trust that you have seen the press release that Microsoft has just released announcing that they have selected IBM to help design, develop and make the processor for the next generation of their Xbox game system. In case you haven't had an opportunity, it appears below this note.

Microsoft has selected us for one simple reason -- we are the leaders in the advanced technologies they need for Xbox. This is a major success for us on several fronts:

It illustrates and capitalizes on our deep technology and services capabilities. The new Xbox technologies will be based on the latest in IBM's family of state-of-the-art processors;

It is the single largest win for our Engineering & Technology Services unit, which was set up a year ago in October 2002 and also constitutes a substantial foundry win for our 300 mm facility;

It confirms our position as undisputed leader in providing advanced chip technology for the gaming industry. We make the CPUs for Nintendo's GameCube systems. We are shipping in volume the GeForce FX advanced graphics processor for NVIDIA, the premier supplier of graphics chips for the gaming industry. We are working with Sony Computer Entertainment to develop the processor for its PlayStation3 system. And now we've won the next-generation Xbox.

It may be a cliché, but this is an "IBM Team" effort. Many of our major operations will be involved in the project, including -- Rochester, Minn. for design, our Austin, Tx. Advanced Microprocessor Development Center and Raleigh, N.C. Technology Park for development, East Fishkill, N.Y. for manufacturing and packaging, and Burlington, Vt. for mask and test work. It exemplifies the type of business that we're starting to win -- deals that use the full capabilities of IBM's many resources.

Increasingly, companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Intersil, Sony Computer Entertainment, Qualcomm and others are turning to us for advanced chip technologies and the essential expertise in applying them. The list continues growing, helping IBM's microelectronics business return to profitability and contribute to IBM's overall IT leadership.

If you want to know more, please don't hesitate to contact me,

 

[Qroach]

This article doesn't tell us anything new...

 

[fbg1]

That's why I called it a "tidbit". Figured it was at least worth adding to the record, though.

 

[zurich]

So this is definitely a licensing deal and not an outright chip purchase situation?

 

[cthellis42]

I imagine there is plenty of chip-fabbing going on. Why would Microsoft license IBM IP to have anyone BUT IBM do the fabbing? Hence they'll be buying the chips. (Who knows what the ultimate payment form would resmble, though?)

 

[Jabjabs]

Maybe all those games that got delayed to next year will come out on the X-Box 2 and the devs are right now working on redoing the code and overworking all the textures.

If only it where true

 

[epicstruggle]

XBox 2 will use Cell



j/k

who knows, but you might be right!!!! The Inq thinks that IBM was choosen because it might be able to provide one of 3 types of processors
-G5/PPC variant
-AMD64
-Cell Processor

It sure makes things interesting.

later,
epic

 

[Vince]

who knows, but you might be right!!!! The Inq thinks that IBM was choosen because it might be able to provide one of 3 types of processors
-G5/PPC variant
-AMD64
-Cell Processor

It sure makes things interesting.

Yes, but The Inquirer and Register are two of the most pathetic attempts at being a reputable media source this side of the National Inquirer and Bigfoot.

Just a few months ago, the Inquirer stated:

It seems Nvidia may well be right and the PlayStation 3 – complete with cells and the like will not produce any return on invesment at all.
The Toshiba-Sony cell tech will now cost an absolute fortune – as Nvidia predicted, and if we see it by 2005, we will all, at the INQ, fall over in surprise....

But, it seems Sony has decided to call what was to be the Playstation 3 the Playstation 4, according to the same article.

So, it goes from 2007 launch, with the very thought of a 2005 launch "fall" inducing - to use in an XBox2 in 2004/2005. Hell, they basically made that entire article up if you look at what their source [eg. Design Chain][ actually said. &lt;shakes head>

In the words of Dave Matthews, "Save me..." Save me from the pain of internet rumors and retarded logic.

 

[epicstruggle]

I do understand how bad the inq can get. However they are not saying that MS is going with one of the three choices, but instead suggest that MS might have picked IBM because IBM might be able to license either a cell processor or the amd64 processor design.

I dont see where the problem is with the inq putting out an opinion about what processor IBM might provide MS with.

later,
epic