Quote:
Originally Posted by ajwalker
Why doesn't the Zune run Windows Mobile? Even if it was a slightly modified version? 
Why isn't the XBox 360 running embedded Windows XP? or Vista? With a custom shell, it would be invisible to the end user. Wouldn't putting in a fast processor and dedicated, high-end graphics chip essentially do the same thing as the current model? |
So I wasn't being completely clear. I
do believe Xbox runs some form of an embedded Windows OS. However, it's almost as if it is
too embedded/separated, in my opinion. I'd much rather see it as a standardized platform for all of Microsoft's set-top efforts, and compatible with the standard Windows environment where reasonable/possible, and opened to allow third-party innovation.
I understand Microsoft's principle in that regard: they're competing in a different market (the gaming market), and so want to set up their console similar to the efforts by Nintendo, Sony, et. al. But I think this is an area where Microsoft could differentiate and carve up a niche even more effectively if they play their cards right, which they haven't done so far.
Now, the Zune is
truly a fragmentation. I would
love a platform like OS X Touch, with a
great media player experience plus expansion possible as a PDA. However, WM has a terrible media playback experience, while the Zune has a great media playback experience but a terrible PDA experience. Sigh. Microsoft could have sewn this market up years ago, but they never bothered to.
--janak