The 100-eyed Giant has a host of digital media products planned
The Seattle Times have donned their panama hats to investigate claims that Microsoft are in the process of developing a handheld device. In searching for the truth, they've opened up a whole treasure chest of goodies that not only includes the media player we've already been speculating on, dubbed the 'iPod killer', but a whole range of Xbox branded digital media products.
According to the source, the internal project is nicknamed Argo and is headed by J.Allard, one of the founding fathers of Xbox.The website reveals that 'a complete line of Xbox-branded digital-media products, including a device that plays media, a software media player and an online media service' are currently being developed.
Not only will the Argo product line compete with the Ipod but columist, Brier Dudley, also believes that it will "compete with game players from Sony and Nintendo [the PSP and DS which] have long had wi-fi and work as media players, Internet terminals and communication devices." He also believes, through his insider knowledge, that the Argo range will debut by the end of the year.
Although the writer hasn't confirmed how Argo will compete with the PSP and DS, he does mention that Allard may use the Argo range to showcase another of his projects, the XNA development toolkit, which helps game studios manage the growing complexities of their game content builds. The Microsoft XNA first build was released at GDC 2006 in March, so developers have had a few months to explore the package and should now have sent back some feedback on the software.
Although a number of sites are reporting that the project name, Argo, is taken from the ship that Jason and the Argonauts sailed on in Greek Mythology, I think it's more like likely to have hailed from the mythological giant named Argus, which translates as 'all eyes'. He had 100 eyes and 'his epithet means all-seeing, reflecting that he was a very effective watchman.' Microsoft are definately a giant in their field and almost certainly have their industry spies watching the opposition with close scrutiny, and indeed watching us. Microsoft already have the power to control our Internet experiences if they wish, they truly are a real-life 'Big Brother'. Anyhow, where were we? Ah yes, check out this piece of concept art from Engadget, which may or may not show one of the portable products Microsoft are planning.
This new range of products could be hitting stores just at the right time to boost end of year profits. Microsoft have currently declined to comment on the speculation.
News Source : Seattle Times
Picture Source : Engadget
