Posted Dec 16, 2007 at 02:56PM by Gino D. Listed in: Gadgets, Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Tags: Microsoft, Sony, Intel, IBM, motion-sensing
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Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 - Image 1


Intel might have missed out on the current gen consoles, thus giving IBM the opportunity to shine by providing their processor technology to Sony (Cell microprocessor, anyone?), Nintendo, and Microsoft. No doubt, IBM has proven itself to be more than capable of moving mountains - or at least map interstellar space with the help of eight PS3 units.

But will this faze Intel? Nope. Not by a long shot.

Intel has now approached video games console makers and presented their microchips that could be incorporated into future consoles. Which isn't all that bad, considering that Intel's chips could execute 1 trillion (that's 1,000,000,000,000; a million millions) calculations per second.

Justin Rattner, chief tech officer of Intel imagines a future without analog sticks and buttons, with the help of their chips in processing cameras to track body movement as a form of interacting with the video game.

We imagine some future generation of [Nintendo's] Wii won't have hand controllers. You just set up the cameras around the room and wave your hand like you're playing tennis.


This might lead you to think that Rattner sees the future of video games going up the path of motion-sensing (Will Wright might agree with him on that). We're not sure; Rattner didn't say otherwise in any case. But if you check the results of a survey just recently, motion-sensing has gotten the popularity vote against high def.

Do note that Rattner just gave an example, and doesn't necessarily mean that that's the only type of future he foresees. Regardless, there's still an obstacle they have to face. Right now, they have a question in mind. Is all this push for next-next-next-next-gen performance worth it?

Is this whole infatuation with performance something that has moved beyond what the vast majority of users really care about? Are there really a set of applications that require ten, a hundred, a thousand times the performance we have today? And if we have it at an attractive price point, will it drive high volumes? It's still to be determined. There are still people who question whether the volume markets are there for all this performance.




[Via BusinessWeek] Permalink  |   Email this  |   Linking Blogs   |   Digg It!

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12 Comments


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   by Stealth! - 2007-12-16
 » Who knows

I can definitely see them and sega getting into some good stuff next gen if it happens, 5 next gen systems competing sounds cool.


   Re: Karuto - 2007-12-16
 » Yes!

This makes most sense, since Sega used Intel's processor in their latest arcade board, the Sega Lindbergh (it was used to create and port Virtua Fighter 5). It would definitely be a team of titans, especially with how much market power Intel has and how insanely deep their pockets are.

   Re: Karuto - 2007-12-16
 » Oops...

I mistook your word in meaning that Intel would provide its technology to Sega for their next console. I seriously doubt they will go that far, since Sony and Microsoft were both companies that have a wealth of different technologies. Intel has never really ventured into its own brand of electronics before, so the leap would obviously be too great (you won't be seeing an nVidia or ATI console anytime soon, but you will see their workings inside of them for years to come).

So with that...

Likelihood of an Intel console? 0%
Likelihood of a Sega console with Intel technology? I'd say around 25%.

   Re: Payka - 2007-12-16
 » Dude

Sega is not making another console. They are in way too bad of a position and they would lose millions of dollars. Not to mention they're probably still thinking about what happened with their last couple of consoles.

   Re: Billie - 2007-12-17
 » ?

I'm curious, where is all this Sega console stuff comming from??

   Re: Eclipze_ - 2007-12-17
 » I think

Apple should make one, or team up with sony.
An enemy of an enemy is a friend.
   by CHUCKINGROCKSATSPACESHIPS - 2007-12-16
 » I Say Go For It Intel!

Give Microsoft and Sony a run for their money. I think Intel has a lot of promise if they can make a console appeal to the everyday gamer at a great price with leading edge technology. Lord knows they have the talent and know how only if they take it seriously and get good input on what and how to make it appealing.


   Re: Karuto - 2007-12-16
 » But...

They have no experience in game development outside of using their technology. They'd either have to hire a staff or have to completely rely on third-party. If Nintendo did that, they'd have started off really hurting by now.

And @ Payka -- I'm well aware, but if you believe it in a hypothetical situation, it just makes sense.

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   Re: Gino D. (QJ. NET Staff) - 2007-12-17
 » just a clarification

the news here is that Intel approached the console makers, wanting to lend their chips to them.

they're not eying to create their own console. but still, that's something worth wishing for too. and in that, i agree with you, chucking. i think Intel could create its own mighty games console. but considering what karuto also said, Intel would be hard pressed in the game dev't forte.
   by ~~ - 2007-12-17
 » ~~

"Justin Rattner, chief tech officer of Intel imagines a future without analog sticks and buttons, with the help of their chips in processing cameras to track body movement as a form of interacting with the video game."


Wouldn't this make the crappiest gameconsole ever... Please do move on with those gimmicky things...


   Re: Karuto - 2007-12-17
 » Hmm?

Virtual Reality simulation isn't gimmicky -- it's where everyone sees gaming going in the future. I would love to play games like in .hack, where you're able to truly immerse yourself in the experience completely. It's actually thanks to Nintendo that the industry is starting to change from the regular gamepad-to-console setup. I mean, sure, a lot of people won't share the same sentiments as I, but overall, the gaming industry needs that kick in the rear in order to bring about real evolution in this entertainment medium.

   Re: ackeejag - 2007-12-17
 » well

the idea seems nice but sounds like nothing more than an advanced eye toy. ill stick to controllers until we can get full virtual reality that is completely immersing. its not good until it causes a coma in its players [.hack]
but seriously, there are some things that just cant be done without a controller and 3rd party devs continue to show that they are not ready for such a feet, note the wii. it will be a while but its not impossible.


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