Xbox and Apple
This story was fascinating although not surprising.
The nifty clips of video games supporting Microsoft’s new Xbox 360 console are running on Apple machines, Microsoft confirmed on Friday.
“We purchased a number of Apple G5’s because very specific hardware components of the G5 allow developers to emulate some of the technology behind future Xbox products and services,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement. “This is an interim development tool that will be replaced with a more powerful and comprehensive solution later.”
Hint: the more powerful and comprehensive solution is not Wintel.
wel that makes a lot of sense. When the designed the first Xbox they were really just building a MAC for games. Think about it; proprietary software, programs, hardware, and OS. Sounds like an apple to me. Plus, the new Xbox will be using IBM processors, oldly enough so do the G5 and they are not too dissimilar.
Hey Steve,
Yes, the Xbox is using the next generation IBM Power chips. And, to your point, the gaming platforms like to exploit a “closed-box” model to ensure lock-in.
Perhaps, one day, Microsoft might even begin to make some money on the platform once they have established their monopoly.
😉