Gates: Blu-ray + Vista = possible

[zombie]

http://www.computerandvideogames.com....php?id=138063

Gates: Blu-ray + Vista = possible
Friday 21-Apr-2006 11:29 AM Blu-ray support still possible, says the big chief. Plus: the importance of community for Xbox 360

Microsoft might be backing HD DVD in the 'HD DVD versus Blu-ray' war, but it still views Sony's favoured Blu-ray next-gen disc format as a viable option - particularly where Windows Vista is concerned.

During a recent visit to Japan, Microsoft's Bill Gates revealed how the company's new operating system could be made compatible with Blu-ray eventually. However, such compatibility would require the developers of the Blu-ray format - which is led by Panasonic and Sony - to share the required information.

"In terms of Blu-ray, that's also coming along", Gates said, adding: "As they finalise their specifications we'll understand how well that's able to connect up to Windows. As yet they haven't shared that".

Advertisement:Meanwhile, the Microsoft boss expressed confidence in Xbox 360's and HD DVD's success during the Japan jaunt, indicating that the Washington, Redmond giant thinks that "products like HD DVD and Xbox 360 are really going to drive consumers to expect that high definition."

And Gates also touched on the importance of community to the success of the next-gen console: "The Xbox came out for the last Christmas season. That's been a very sold-out product and really ushering in this idea of high-definition gaming - realism - but even more importantly, the idea of community".

He continued: "Bringing that social community aspect into this we think is very critical and it will redefine and revolutionise those products, in fact make it attractive not just to young men but to people of all ages." Gates also said, reportedly, that he hoped a new wave of older fans would be enticed onto Xbox 360 by its simple games (presumably Xbox Live Arcade) and online multiplayer system, Xbox Live.

[JTK]

This is probably the closest you'll ever see MS make some kind of a comment along the lines of: "Yeah, we're watching BR and we know we'd be fools to overlook it, so we're leaving the back door open a crack somewhere to cover our asses."

[GTP]

Originally Posted by JTK

This is probably the closest you'll ever see MS make some kind of a comment along the lines of: "Yeah, we're watching BR and we know we'd be fools to overlook it, so we're leaving the back door open a crack somewhere to cover our asses."

They had better...unless there total fools