Microsoft Picks IBM for XBox 2

MacRumors · 08:08 PM

Microsoft and IBM announced today that IBM technology will power "future Xbox products and services". Details are scarce, but according to the press release, "the new Xbox technologies will be based on the latest in IBM's family of state-of-the-art processors."

Microsoft's Xbox currently utilizes an Intel processor, suggesting that the future Xbox may break backward compatibility with the current crop of machines. Unless, of course, Microsoft introduces some sort of emulation layer.

Current Nintendo GameCubes utilize the IBM PowerPC processor, while the next-generation Sony Playstation is also rumored to use IBM-based technology (Cell)

Phil Of Mac · Nov 3, 2003, 12:14 PM

At least Bungie can develop for the right brand of processor now

arn · Nov 3, 2003, 12:18 PM

This is very interesting.

I thought that part of the big development boon for XBox was "it's just another PC" sort of design.

arn

Foxer · Nov 3, 2003, 12:20 PM

Is there an estimated street date for Xbox2? The current is 2 years old, and if they're still trying to decide what processor goes in the next one, that would seem to me that it will be awhile before release.

stoid · Nov 3, 2003, 12:21 PM

Another Windows copying Macs ideas I think. Apple goes to IBM and makes the G5, so Microsoft follows suit, goes to IBM and gets XBox 2.

iGav · Nov 3, 2003, 12:21 PM

abit risky if it's not backward compatible though isn't it.... that's why the PS2 has been such a huge success because earlier investments haven't been made redundant by upgraded hardware.

Either way Xbox2 Vs PS3 is going to be a monster of a battle! Damn do I wish I was in games design and dev. $$$$$$$$

MorganX · Nov 3, 2003, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arn
This is very interesting.

I thought that part of the big development boon for XBox was "it's just another PC" sort of design.

arn

I think that writing to DirectX API's is supposed to make developing for PCs and XBox easier. Allegedly much of it can be ported without modification.

It will be interesting if they go with a PPC CPU. MS has experience with Windows NT on PPC. It really would be interesting if they moved DirectX to PPC.

DreaminDirector · Nov 3, 2003, 12:23 PM

Would the xbox using IBM chips make it easier to port to the mac when games finally come out for the xbox2? Or vise versa?

arn · Nov 3, 2003, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DreaminDirector
Would the xbox using IBM chips make it easier to port to the mac when games finally come out for the xbox2? Or vise versa?

No, not necessarily. It's more about the APIs than the processor.

That being said.... depending on the processor used (if it were a true PowerPC derivative), then emulation would be far more possible than before. But even so, I don't think there are any PC Xbox emulators presently... likely due to legal reasons.

arn

MorganX · Nov 3, 2003, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by stoid
Another Windows copying Macs ideas I think. Apple goes to IBM and makes the G5, so Microsoft follows suit, goes to IBM and gets XBox 2.

::Chuckle:: Without IBM, Microsoft would not be 1/25th of the company it is today. IBM indirectly funded development of Windows for years through the "I can't believe they agreed to it" licensing of DOS.

I must be getting old. Seems like such a long time ago, long enough for people to forget anyway.

Macurious · Nov 3, 2003, 12:27 PM

If I'm not mistaken, there is a hack for the Xbox that lets people run it like you would a PC. You can even install any OS you want and there is even a custom OS for loading ROMs from any game system. Wouldn't it be funny if after this switch it would be possible to run Panther on the XBox?

Doctor Q · Nov 3, 2003, 12:32 PM

How will this affect the ability to run Linux on an Xbox?

By the way, Xbox has a lowercase 'b'.

Phil Of Mac · Nov 3, 2003, 12:33 PM

Anyone remember what happened the last time Microsoft and IBM made a deal with each other?

temptatino · Nov 3, 2003, 12:36 PM

why so many negative ratings for this article? i thought that we all loved IBM now

so the more business it does the better, right?

flyfish29 · Nov 3, 2003, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by iGAV
abit risky if it's not backward compatible though isn't it.... that's why the PS2 has been such a huge success because earlier investments haven't been made redundant by upgraded hardware.

Either way Xbox2 Vs PS3 is going to be a monster of a battle! Damn do I wish I was in games design and dev. $$$$$$$$

On the surface I thoght it was great to be able to play my old games on PS2 and loved that my hardware would work on it as well, but really, are that many people playing their old PS1 games using a PS2? I did for a while, but that was only because there were so few games out on the ps2 initially...I would hope this time they have many more games out on the new platform before it is released...ps3 and Xbox 2 due in 2006 I think.

mrsebastian · Nov 3, 2003, 12:43 PM

that would be pretty cool to run osx on a hacked xbox or ps3. running your favorite os on there would certainly help them become the ultimate entertainment center, especially if they add dvr like some of the rumor mills have mentioned.

Macco · Nov 3, 2003, 12:44 PM

So even Microsoft admits that PPC processors have something to them? Any idea why they would choose to use IBM processors?

flyfish29 · Nov 3, 2003, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Macurious
If I'm not mistaken, there is a hack for the Xbox that lets people run it like you would a PC. You can even install any OS you want and there is even a custom OS for loading ROMs from any game system. Wouldn't it be funny if after this switch it would be possible to run Panther on the XBox?

M$ always has a reason for doing something...and it is very clear now...they don't want anyone to take their machine which cost them $4-500 to make and turn it into a Windows or Linux computer so if they change the chip soneone can...unless they can run unix or OSX. This is the real reason they changed it!

acj · Nov 3, 2003, 12:49 PM

I would think it would be easy to emulate an older technology even if the difference was PPC to X86. They'll have to offer backwords compatability.

macshark · Nov 3, 2003, 12:49 PM

First, I think Nintendo uses the IBM 750 processor in the Game Cube, not the 440.

It would be interesting to see if Microsoft picks the next version of the PPC970 (90nm) or a next gen or modified version of the 750 series. In either case, the processor is likely to have AltiVec capability (if any licensing issues concerning Apple/Motorola are taken care of) which will make AltiVec the de-facto standard vector processing technology for future 3D games. Interestingly, this will also make it much easier for game vendors to port their games to Apple platforms in the future.

One more high volume PowerPCcustomer will pretty much secure the future of the PowerPC architecture as it will generate sufficient profits for IBM to invest into future PowerPC R&D.

Tulse · Nov 3, 2003, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Any idea why they would choose to use IBM processors?

It would be ironic, but I wonder if it might have anything to do with AltiVec support...

mrsebastian · Nov 3, 2003, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by flyfish29
On the surface I thoght it was great to be able to play my old games on PS2 and loved that my hardware would work on it as well, but really, are that many people playing their old PS1 games using a PS2? I did for a while, but that was only because there were so few games out on the ps2 initially...I would hope this time they have many more games out on the new platform before it is released...ps3 and Xbox 2 due in 2006 I think.

i totally agree, the old games fall by the wayside pretty quick. i'd rather be able to hack my xbox2 or ps3 with my favorite os, to run some sort of emulator and play all kinds of old games. how cool would that be?! you could play adventure on atari one minute, then play mario brothers on nintendo, and on and on.

Abstract · Nov 3, 2003, 12:52 PM

Maybe. Or maybe MS sees the potential of IBM's processors in the future. Maybe they think that IBM's future is much brighter than Intel's.

P-Worm · Nov 3, 2003, 12:56 PM

So does this mean that we will see more development for OpenGL and therefore more games for the Mac?

P-Worm

MorganX · Nov 3, 2003, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Macco
So even Microsoft admits that PPC processors have something to them? Any idea why they would choose to use IBM processors?

Cost. Cost is everything in the console business until software sales recover the losses all consoles experience during their early years.

Nov 3, 2003, 12:13 PM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Microsoft Picks IBM for XBox 2 Microsoft and IBM announced today that IBM technology will power "future Xbox products and services". Details are scarce, but according to the press release, "the new Xbox technologies will be based on the latest in IBM's family of state-of-the-art processors." Microsoft's Xbox currently utilizes an Intel processor, suggesting that the future Xbox may break backward compatibility with the current crop of machines. Unless, of course, Microsoft introduces some sort of emulation layer. Current Nintendo GameCubes utilize the IBM PowerPC processor, while the next-generation Sony Playstation is also rumored to use IBM-based technology (Cell) Last edited by arn : Nov 3, 2003 at 08:08 PM.

Nov 3, 2003, 12:20 PM	#4
Foxer macrumors 65816 Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Falls Church, VA	Is there an estimated street date for Xbox2? The current is 2 years old, and if they're still trying to decide what processor goes in the next one, that would seem to me that it will be awhile before release. __________________ Luck is the residue of design. - Branch Rickey 24" iMac - MacBook Air - Apple //c "I'll buy almost anything if it is shiny and made by Apple."

Nov 3, 2003, 12:21 PM	#5
stoid macrumors 68040 Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: So long, and thanks for all the fish!	Another Windows copying Macs ideas I think. Apple goes to IBM and makes the G5, so Microsoft follows suit, goes to IBM and gets XBox 2. __________________ Get Salted!

Nov 3, 2003, 12:21 PM	#6
iGav macrumors 601 Join Date: Mar 2002	abit risky if it's not backward compatible though isn't it.... that's why the PS2 has been such a huge success because earlier investments haven't been made redundant by upgraded hardware. Either way Xbox2 Vs PS3 is going to be a monster of a battle! Damn do I wish I was in games design and dev. $$$$$$$$ __________________ "Flick the Gestapo.... No, I said Flick, the Gestapo!"

Nov 3, 2003, 12:23 PM	#8
DreaminDirector macrumors 6502a Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Emeryville, CA	Would the xbox using IBM chips make it easier to port to the mac when games finally come out for the xbox2? Or vise versa? __________________ "There's always something waiting at the end of the road. If you're not willing to see what it is, you probably shouldn't be out there in the first place."

Nov 3, 2003, 12:14 PM	#2
Phil Of Mac Banned Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Washington State University	At least Bungie can develop for the right brand of processor now

Nov 3, 2003, 12:18 PM	#3
arn macrumors god Join Date: Apr 2001	This is very interesting. I thought that part of the big development boon for XBox was "it's just another PC" sort of design. arn

Nov 3, 2003, 12:27 PM	#11
Macurious macrumors newbie Join Date: Jan 2003	Interesting thought If I'm not mistaken, there is a hack for the Xbox that lets people run it like you would a PC. You can even install any OS you want and there is even a custom OS for loading ROMs from any game system. Wouldn't it be funny if after this switch it would be possible to run Panther on the XBox?

Nov 3, 2003, 12:32 PM	#12
Doctor Q macrumors god Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Los Angeles, Row Q Seat 1	How will this affect the ability to run Linux on an Xbox? By the way, Xbox has a lowercase 'b'. __________________ Oh do pay attention 007. In the wrong hands, this Dual 2.93GHz Quad-Core Nehalem Mac Pro could be very dangerous.

Nov 3, 2003, 12:33 PM	#13
Phil Of Mac Banned Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Washington State University	Anyone remember what happened the last time Microsoft and IBM made a deal with each other?

Nov 3, 2003, 12:36 PM	#14
temptatino macrumors newbie Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: tck - lived in beijing, now in the states	why so many negative ratings for this article? i thought that we all loved IBM now so the more business it does the better, right?

Nov 3, 2003, 12:43 PM	#16
mrsebastian macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: sunny san diego	that would be pretty cool to run osx on a hacked xbox or ps3. running your favorite os on there would certainly help them become the ultimate entertainment center, especially if they add dvr like some of the rumor mills have mentioned. __________________ [ding]

Nov 3, 2003, 12:44 PM	#17
Macco macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2003	So even Microsoft admits that PPC processors have something to them? Any idea why they would choose to use IBM processors? __________________ "Whereas Apple is indeed planning to continue its 'controlled, methodical expansion' through the end of next year, the first half of 2005 will see a switch to a 'haphazard, higgledy-piggledy expansion,' followed by two weeks of a 'mellow, nougat-filled expansion,' then three to five minutes of a 'frenzied, cactus-colored contraction,' and finally a thousand-year era of 'perfect Zen retail balance' and 'free Enlightenment to the first billion customers.' " - As the Apple Turns, regarding Apple Store expansion (8/7/03)

Nov 3, 2003, 12:49 PM	#19
acj macrumors 6502 Join Date: Feb 2003	I would think it would be easy to emulate an older technology even if the difference was PPC to X86. They'll have to offer backwords compatability.

Nov 3, 2003, 12:49 PM	#20
macshark macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2003	First, I think Nintendo uses the IBM 750 processor in the Game Cube, not the 440. It would be interesting to see if Microsoft picks the next version of the PPC970 (90nm) or a next gen or modified version of the 750 series. In either case, the processor is likely to have AltiVec capability (if any licensing issues concerning Apple/Motorola are taken care of) which will make AltiVec the de-facto standard vector processing technology for future 3D games. Interestingly, this will also make it much easier for game vendors to port their games to Apple platforms in the future. One more high volume PowerPCcustomer will pretty much secure the future of the PowerPC architecture as it will generate sufficient profits for IBM to invest into future PowerPC R&D.

Nov 3, 2003, 12:52 PM	#23
Abstract macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: It's classified.	Maybe. Or maybe MS sees the potential of IBM's processors in the future. Maybe they think that IBM's future is much brighter than Intel's. __________________ "Oh, I've always wanted to touch Stanley," signs teacher Fran Zakoor, embracing the kids… ESPN Article, 04/09/2008

Nov 3, 2003, 12:56 PM	#24
P-Worm macrumors 68000 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Salt Lake City, UT	So does this mean that we will see more development for OpenGL and therefore more games for the Mac? P-Worm __________________ Follow my show The Movie Audit as well as watch my other videos on my YouTube Channel!

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