Raj Agrawal

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Is The Rumored Xbox 360 Integration With Windows 8 A Good Idea?

February 27, 2012 by Raj Agrawal Leave a Comment

Windows 8 is going to be a very unusual operating system. The main crowd Microsoft seems to be targeting are the ones who fancy touch systems, over the traditional mouse-keyboard layout. And as we know, most computer users the world over prefer the mouse keyboard layout. Then how does Microsoft expect users to switch over to Windows 8, when Windows 7 is still already capable and popular? If the rumors are to be believed, Microsoft might have realized this potential flaw in the strategy, and might be trying to pack a bigger punch by integrating the Xbox 360 into Windows 8. But, is it a good idea?

Xbox 360
Xbox 360 branding

If you’re a PC user, of course it is. There may be many instances where you might have wanted a particular exclusive on your PC, or the game might have been designed with the Consoles in mind, and must have been an abysmal port on the PC, of which there are many. Well, now you can enjoy all those games without having to buy a new Console. If the rumors are true, then there might be no reason for a PC gamer to buy a Microsoft Console, at least until the next Xbox comes out.

One thing really puzzles me; where does Microsoft benefit from all of this? It’s not like Microsoft suddenly woke up with an earth shattering epiphany to give back something to the society. That never happens. Epiphanies are the result of gradual behavioral change, and nothing Microsoft has done recently has been suggestive of the same. They obviously might be trying to lure people into switching over from Windows 7 by using the Xbox integration as a marketing tool. Even then, wouldn’t it be kicking yourself in the foot? The PS2 still sells a respectable amount of units worldwide, and there’s no reason not to believe that the Xbox 360 will keep selling even after the Xbox 720 arrives.

The only logical reason I can think of is the royalties that Microsoft will earn from each game sold – they’ll be pure profit. This money won’t go into making systems at a loss, which was the case with the Xbox 360. Here, people are basically getting a Console and a PC for the price of a PC. Many people who download pirated versions of Windows might be tempted to prefer an original copy, since Microsoft will obviously employ some sort of protection to ensure that pirates will not be able to use the Console. Still, leaving an entire brand as redundant doesn’t seem like a pragmatic decision, whatever the benefits might seem.

All this leads me to believe that this rumor will not see the light of reality. There may be some sort of compromise though, like many of the 360 games coming to the PC. But, I don’t see Microsoft giving away a free Xbox 360 with every copy of Windows 8 it sells.

Filed Under: Gameology Tagged With: microsoft, windows, xbox

New Technologies Expected In 2010

December 31, 2009 by Raj Agrawal 8 Comments

UPCOMING TECHNOLOGY – Our civilisation is entering a new phase of time, year 2010, just two years closer to 2012. Ok, stupid jokes aside. The year 2010 coming along with many technological advancements and plans for a more techie future. From USB 3.0, 3-D television sets to the upcoming Xbox console, all are expected to be witnessed in the year 2010. I am personally looking forward to the 3-D television. When this becomes a part of our everyday lives, it will surely change the way of home entertainment.

3d tv without glasses
An illustration of 3-D TV, without the need to wear glasses

I have assembled a list of the upcoming techs in 2010 from various sources. Check them out:

  • 3-D television expected to come to homes in 2010
  • 8 Mobile Technologies to Watch in 2010
  • Wireless 4G, Closer Than Expected
  • New Xbox, Wii Hardware Expected in 2010
  • Wireless HD Expected By CES 2010
  • Top 10 green cars
  • USB 3.0, ExpressCard 2.0 Products Expected in 2010

So which of these upcoming techs are your favorite? What are you expecting?

Have Happy And A Peaceful New Year !

Filed Under: Technology Tagged With: wireless, xbox