Support NeoGAF

[Barnimal]

I cant help but think of this being a possibility with this type of media being so cheap. MS could easily sell xbox branded cards cheap in 256, 512 and 1 gig increments, all fuctionality of the xbox is retained and it would literally cost pennies to add a card reader or something like that to that hardware vs 20-30 for a unprofitable harddrive.

 

[Cimarron]

It would be a stroke of genius... but would M$ actually be smart enough to do it?

 

[DaCocoBrova]

In a perfect world...

I'd also like to see M$ ditch Plantronics and sign on Logitech to handle the design/manufacturing process.

 

[Do The Mario]

But i need more then 1 gig for my custom soundtracks!!!!!

 

[SteveMeister]

Why would MS go with a standardized memory card format when it can create a revenue stream by going with a proprietary system?

 

[Nerevar]

Why would MS go with a standardized memory card format when it can create a revenue stream by going with a proprietary system?

IAWTP

I don't think it would be smart of them at all. They should go the route they went with the controllers on xbox - slightly modified standard to generate their own revenue stream.

 

[BILL CLINTON]

well, I forget the company, but some flash memory/media company announced they were doing something with xbox 2, but never announced specifically what..

MS would be smart to put a small amount of flash ram or some sort of memory in the device, just for saves and necessary information off the bat (like sega saturn) and then sell various sizes of flash ram sticks that could be inserted into the console..

i actually like this idea better as than there would be a potential way to move your info/saves to another xenon if yours breaks, to a friends xenon or even to xbox 3 if its BC.

 

[open_mouth_]

They're gonna take a page out of Sony's book and go with memory cards this time around... though this time, the sizes are going to be huge... Probably 512 megs for default (saves, music, small downloads, etc.), then upwards of a few gigs for bigger files. It'll bring in additional revenue and lower the overall cost of the system, while *still* ensuring that there's some sort of "Hard Disk" system in there, albeit one in which customers have to pay extra for.

Every PS2 owner has to have a memory card (essentially) and the same will hold true for every Xenon owner, imo. And, this port could house that portable ipod clone that was rumored... Download music through Live to your mpod

 

[Barnimal]

Why would MS go with a standardized memory card format when it can create a revenue stream by going with a proprietary system?

A harddrive is one big standardized mem card. flash/SD media will keep the pirates away too.

 

[neptunes]

Deadmeat(and a couple lothers) at beyond3d were speculating whether MS would use these new DiskOnKey flash type cards develop by M-systems. IIRC microsoft has interest (shares maybe?) within M-Systems Incorporated. Even the Gizmondo uses their media as the official media format.

www.m-systems.com

 

[Ghost]

How many times do i need to post/say this?

http://www.m-systems.com/content/corporate/press/prinfo.asp?id=615

M-Systems Enters Into Agreement with Microsoft to Develop Removable Flash Memory Units

M-Systems Flash Disk Pioneers Ltd. (Nasdaq: FLSH), the developer of the Smart DiskOnKey® platform, has entered into a technology development agreement with Microsoft Corporation. Under the agreement, M-Systems will develop customized memory units for future Xbox® products and services.

"Although Microsoft is not obligated to purchase any memory units under the agreement, we believe that this agreement could represent a significant opportunity for M-Systems," said Dov Moran, president and CEO of M-Systems.

About M-Systems' Smart DiskOnKey Platform
The Smart DiskOnKey platform is comprised of solutions offering M-Systems' customers the option to choose from M-Systems' existing product lines or to design their own form factor while still using M-Systems' internal architecture. The DiskOnKey product line offers fast data transfer speeds combined with reliability and ease-of-use. M-Systems' Smart DiskOnKey platform offers the flexibility to extend the use of the device beyond simple data storage to meet other requirements, such as functioning as a secure access device or as a smart card. M-Systems' proprietary flash management software, True Flash File System (TrueFFS), is an integral component of the Smart DiskOnKey platform.

About Xbox
Xbox (http://www.xbox.com/) is Microsoft's future-generation video game system that delivers the most powerful games experiences ever. Xbox empowers game artists by giving them the technology to fulfill their creative visions as never before, creating games that blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Xbox is now available in the continents of North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. Microsoft offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.

About M-Systems
M-Systems (Nasdaq: FLSH) is a leader and innovator of flash-based data storage products known as flash disks. M-Systems' flash disks provide the functionality of a mechanical hard drive in a silicon chip. M-Systems' products are based on its patented TrueFFS® technology and target applications in a vast array of markets, including connected devices, mobile and telecom. M-Systems' products include the DiskOnChip®, DiskOnKey® and Fast Flash Disk (FFD™) product families. For more information, please contact M-Systems at www.m-systems.com.

-end-

Its not speculation when they signed the deal on Feb 25th 2004


http://www.m-systems.com/content/Products/DiskOnKey.asp <--Specs of the Disconkey memory

 

[neptunes]

hmmm, l guess it's no long speculation then