Xbox and PowerPC Speculation

MacRumors · Nov 3, 2003, 07:59 PM

eeTimes provides from more details about the upcoming PowerPC chip that was announced to power the upcoming Xbox revision.

One analyst, Rick Doherty, provides speculation that "IBM is likely to modify its most advanced 'G5' PowerPC silicon.... reducing the cache and cutting power consumption". The Xbox 2 is predicted to be announced at the International Consumer Electronics Show in January 2004, with shipments in 2004/2005.

According to eWeek, the relative ease of converting an Xbox into a cheap/low-end PC may be part of the decision to switch from Intel.

ratspg · Nov 3, 2003, 08:01 PM

i never liked xbox? but maybe xbox "two" will be way better or something? great power, but games= no power.

tazznb · Nov 3, 2003, 08:04 PM

"According to eWeek, the relative ease of converting an Xbox into a cheap/low-end PC may be part of the decision to switch from Intel."

I was always told it was a "blessing" to have this trait in being able to build your own.

alset · Nov 3, 2003, 08:04 PM

I wonder if this may lead to rumors of M$ developing Windows for PPC? If nothing else, I'll be happy to see IBM make some money from this.

Dan

edit: I wonder if OS X hacks will come along, similar to the Linux on XBox hacks?

MaurOS X · Nov 3, 2003, 08:05 PM

If the Xbox converts in a PC, what would be the operative system? It could not be Windows, nor Mac OS X...

On the other side, the processor war could have another chapter...

tazznb · Nov 3, 2003, 08:06 PM

It may make it easier to port games to Apple's platform, plus show that the powerpc chip is actually good for gaming, too.

johnnyjibbs · Nov 3, 2003, 08:09 PM

Xbox 2 in 2004/2005? Bit early isn't it?

Cue another thread about OS X for Xbox/Windows for Macs rumours again...!

Macco · Nov 3, 2003, 08:09 PM

Why is it such a bad thing that people are able to use the Xbox as a PC? Is it because people were running Linux, not Windows on it? Linux has already been ported to the PPC platform, so it couldn't be too difficult for people to adapt it in the same way to the next Xbox.

danielgrenell · Nov 3, 2003, 08:12 PM

so could the xbox2 be made into a low end mac?

iLilana · Nov 3, 2003, 08:15 PM

I should say it again...

Powerbook G5 · Nov 3, 2003, 08:18 PM

How about a dual G5 Xbox...

cryptochrome · Nov 3, 2003, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Macco
Why is it such a bad thing that people are able to use the Xbox as a PC?

Generally game console manufacturers (Sony, MS, Nintendo) LOSE money on the console, but make up for it in the licensing fees they collect for the games. So if someone is converting the console into a cheap PC and not buying games, they're actually losing money. AFAIK.

Sun Baked · Nov 3, 2003, 08:32 PM

Watch it'll probably be a version of the G3 with a custom memory controller -- and a ATI graphics chip.

Porting the current APIs to the PPC and using the current x86 endianess should keep people (either PC or Mac) from using the box as a poormans computer.

Wonder if it'll have PPC to x86 emulation...

JoeRadar · Nov 3, 2003, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Macco
Why is it such a bad thing that people are able to use the Xbox as a PC?

I was under the impression that MS was losing money on each XBox system sold, but they hoped to make it up selling games. If you are running Linux, you are not buying XBox games.

So lets all hurt MS and buy lots of XBoxes but not buy any games.

greenstork · Nov 3, 2003, 08:57 PM

Given that Xbox v1 can be hacked to be a run-of-the-mill PC, there is every reason to believe that the IBM version can be hacked to run OS X.

Think about it, OS X actually running on a Microsoft product. Now I imagine Bill Gates will have smoke coming out of his ears when he hears this.

Granted it won't be as much of a costly hack for Microsoft given the relatively small percentage of the population that uses x86 architecture vs PPC. Even Steve-O will be a little peeved if people start buying $200 computers with a G5 capable of running OS X. But running OS X on a M$ product, Mac users have to appreciate the sweet irony of this.

JoeRadar · Nov 3, 2003, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by danielgrenell
so could the xbox2 be made into a low end mac?

Maybe this is a secret plan by MS to hurt iMac and PowerMac sales.

JoeRadar · Nov 3, 2003, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MaurOS X
If the Xbox converts in a PC, what would be the operative system? It could not be Windows, nor Mac OS X...

Windows NT used to run on PPC. No reason MS couldn't get the current Windows-derived OS for XBox on a PowerPC.

JoeRadar · Nov 3, 2003, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by johnnyjibbs
Xbox 2 in 2004/2005? Bit early isn't it?

Depends in part on when Sony plans to release PS3 (not the current PS2-derived PSX). MS will want to be ahead or very close the the Sony release.

I think (not sure) XBox is just about 2 years old, so a 3 year turn on hardware might be reasonable. If they want to make the Xmas season, however, they are going to have to announce soon.

Do you think XBox 2 will be an all-in-one capability -- Tivo, DVD player and recorder, media station for pictures and songs, ...? If so, MS may want to capture the emerging PVR/DVD-recorder market.

sethypoo · Nov 3, 2003, 09:25 PM

Will someone explain to me why you can't put OS X on an XBox?

Sun Baked · Nov 3, 2003, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sethypoo
Will someone explain to me why you can't put OS X on an XBox?

If they keep with the current endianess of the x86, then they would most likely mutilate any attempt to run OS X on the machine.

That and they'd probably may make a machine that doesn't conform to the PowerPC Platform spec -- like the current Linux PPCs.

And the bootROM would need to be rewritten along with the supplying a ROM file (or whatever OS Xs current name is for it) patch for the Xbox.

Gyroscope · Nov 3, 2003, 09:44 PM

They are saying over @ slashdot that this may indeed be an stripped down version of G5 (PPC 970).

Now wouldn't that be cool.

Analog Kid · Nov 3, 2003, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Macrumors
According to eWeek, the relative ease of converting an Xbox into a cheap/low-end PC may be part of the decision to switch from Intel.

This just goes to show how little MS understands Linux... Changing processors isn't gong to stop people from buying Xboxes as linux nodes.

People port Linux *because of* the challenge. There'll be an Xbox2 port of Linux available before the unit even ships...

At first I thought they might be worried about people running Windows on the thing, but then realized they could easily prevent installing on Xbox hardware, or deny support for certain components. Must be a Linux problem.

The only way MS can win this if if they ship the units at cost so they don't lose money for each box, then just stop fighting it.

Sol · Nov 3, 2003, 10:05 PM

Wow, IBM has really made a name for itself in the games console business. Having said that, something stinks about this announcement. Why would Microsoft go into the trouble of porting Direct X to the PPC platform? Their experience is with the x86 CPUs and considering that the X-Box was the most powerful next-gen console it is all the more confusing that Intel would be abandoned like this.

I would not be surprised if Microsoft worked with IBM for several months then promptly dropped the PPC in favour of an Intel CPU. They would do this and use the knowledge gained to benefit the development of the X-Box's follow-up.

If Microsoft sticks with the PPC for their future console, I wonder if we will ever see Direct X or even Windows for Apple hardware. It may sound far fetched but Microsoft must consider the possibility that OS X will one day run on x86 hardware.

Ruthless · Nov 3, 2003, 11:15 PM

Okay, major issuses here. I don't know about anyone else, but I am getting really tired of apple trying to branch out. This may sound selfish, but who's not happy with apple the way it is now. First itunes, then rumors about ichat, now rumors about a MICROSOFT product using an APPLE chip. This is lame. The main reason for my ranting and complaining is that the more people apple attracts the cheaper the computers will get forcing apple to make them less quality and also uppin the numbers of jerks writing viruses, more pop-ups,adware and other things windows users have to deal with. Serioulsy though steve jobs ain't poor so y not show some respect and keep apple to the pople who use computers for the right reason.
THANKS,
replys apprecitaed,
Ruthless

dongmin · Nov 3, 2003, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by johnnyjibbs
Xbox 2 in 2004/2005? Bit early isn't it?

Wasn't the Xbox released 2 years ago. 2005 would make it 3-4 years. Doesn't seem so short.

Quote:

One analyst, Rick Doherty, provides speculation that "IBM is likely to modify its most advanced 'G5' PowerPC silicon.... reducing the cache and cutting power consumption".

This analyst is probably just talking out of his ass, but do you guys think there's any chance this cut-down 970 will make its way into the PowerBooks and iMacs?

Nov 3, 2003, 07:59 PM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	Xbox and PowerPC Speculation eeTimes provides from more details about the upcoming PowerPC chip that was announced to power the upcoming Xbox revision. One analyst, Rick Doherty, provides speculation that "IBM is likely to modify its most advanced 'G5' PowerPC silicon.... reducing the cache and cutting power consumption". The Xbox 2 is predicted to be announced at the International Consumer Electronics Show in January 2004, with shipments in 2004/2005. According to eWeek, the relative ease of converting an Xbox into a cheap/low-end PC may be part of the decision to switch from Intel.

Nov 3, 2003, 08:01 PM	#2
ratspg macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA	yes i never liked xbox? but maybe xbox "two" will be way better or something? great power, but games= no power.

Nov 3, 2003, 08:04 PM	#3
tazznb macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Jersey	Well, DUH! "According to eWeek, the relative ease of converting an Xbox into a cheap/low-end PC may be part of the decision to switch from Intel." I was always told it was a "blessing" to have this trait in being able to build your own. __________________ Tazzy

Nov 3, 2003, 08:04 PM	#4
alset macrumors 65816 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: East Bay, CA	I wonder if this may lead to rumors of M$ developing Windows for PPC? If nothing else, I'll be happy to see IBM make some money from this. Dan edit: I wonder if OS X hacks will come along, similar to the Linux on XBox hacks? __________________ alsetmusic.com standing on the shoulders of giants....

Nov 3, 2003, 08:05 PM	#5
MaurOS X macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Bogotá, Colombia	It would benefit Apple? If the Xbox converts in a PC, what would be the operative system? It could not be Windows, nor Mac OS X... On the other side, the processor war could have another chapter... __________________ ___________ MaurOS X IT Journalist Colombia

Nov 3, 2003, 08:06 PM	#6
tazznb macrumors regular Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Jersey	Could have a silver lining... It may make it easier to port games to Apple's platform, plus show that the powerpc chip is actually good for gaming, too. __________________ Tazzy

Nov 3, 2003, 08:09 PM	#7
johnnyjibbs macrumors 68030 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: London, UK	Xbox 2 in 2004/2005? Bit early isn't it? Cue another thread about OS X for Xbox/Windows for Macs rumours again...! __________________ johngriffithsapps.com - Get It Done! \| Grocery Checkout 15" MBP, iPhone 3G, 12" PB, iPod 4G, iPod shuffle

Nov 3, 2003, 08:09 PM	#8
Macco macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2003	Why is it such a bad thing that people are able to use the Xbox as a PC? Is it because people were running Linux, not Windows on it? Linux has already been ported to the PPC platform, so it couldn't be too difficult for people to adapt it in the same way to the next Xbox. __________________ "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, 08:12 PM	#9
danielgrenell macrumors member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Bronx, NY	so could the xbox2 be made into a low end mac? __________________ i'm in the money

Nov 3, 2003, 08:15 PM	#10
iLilana Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: Do you know what a 'Ponoka' is?	WAY F'n Cool! I should say it again...

Nov 3, 2003, 08:18 PM	#11
Powerbook G5 macrumors 68040 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: St Augustine, FL	How about a dual G5 Xbox... __________________ iMac, therefore, iAm.

Nov 3, 2003, 08:32 PM	#13
Sun Baked macrumors 603 Join Date: May 2002	Watch it'll probably be a version of the G3 with a custom memory controller -- and a ATI graphics chip. Porting the current APIs to the PPC and using the current x86 endianess should keep people (either PC or Mac) from using the box as a poormans computer. Wonder if it'll have PPC to x86 emulation... __________________ May you be plagued by images of Richard Simmons flouncing through you brain, and squat thrusting his way though all waking thoughts.

Nov 3, 2003, 08:57 PM	#15
greenstork macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Seattle,WA	Sweet irony Given that Xbox v1 can be hacked to be a run-of-the-mill PC, there is every reason to believe that the IBM version can be hacked to run OS X. Think about it, OS X actually running on a Microsoft product. Now I imagine Bill Gates will have smoke coming out of his ears when he hears this. Granted it won't be as much of a costly hack for Microsoft given the relatively small percentage of the population that uses x86 architecture vs PPC. Even Steve-O will be a little peeved if people start buying $200 computers with a G5 capable of running OS X. But running OS X on a M$ product, Mac users have to appreciate the sweet irony of this. __________________ "The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do."

Nov 3, 2003, 09:25 PM	#19
sethypoo macrumors 68000 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA, USA	Will someone explain to me why you can't put OS X on an XBox? __________________ Weeeeeee!

Nov 3, 2003, 09:44 PM	#21
Gyroscope macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2002	They are saying over @ slashdot that this may indeed be an stripped down version of G5 (PPC 970). Now wouldn't that be cool.

Nov 3, 2003, 10:05 PM	#23
Sol macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Australia	Something stinks about PPC for Microsoft Wow, IBM has really made a name for itself in the games console business. Having said that, something stinks about this announcement. Why would Microsoft go into the trouble of porting Direct X to the PPC platform? Their experience is with the x86 CPUs and considering that the X-Box was the most powerful next-gen console it is all the more confusing that Intel would be abandoned like this. I would not be surprised if Microsoft worked with IBM for several months then promptly dropped the PPC in favour of an Intel CPU. They would do this and use the knowledge gained to benefit the development of the X-Box's follow-up. If Microsoft sticks with the PPC for their future console, I wonder if we will ever see Direct X or even Windows for Apple hardware. It may sound far fetched but Microsoft must consider the possibility that OS X will one day run on x86 hardware. __________________ DOWN WITH BIG BROTHER

Nov 3, 2003, 11:15 PM	#24
Ruthless macrumors newbie Join Date: Oct 2003	This is Insane Okay, major issuses here. I don't know about anyone else, but I am getting really tired of apple trying to branch out. This may sound selfish, but who's not happy with apple the way it is now. First itunes, then rumors about ichat, now rumors about a MICROSOFT product using an APPLE chip. This is lame. The main reason for my ranting and complaining is that the more people apple attracts the cheaper the computers will get forcing apple to make them less quality and also uppin the numbers of jerks writing viruses, more pop-ups,adware and other things windows users have to deal with. Serioulsy though steve jobs ain't poor so y not show some respect and keep apple to the pople who use computers for the right reason. THANKS, replys apprecitaed, Ruthless

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