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Microsoft Considering to Develop a Sony PSP-Like Handheld

By Alexander Grundner | January 26th, 2006 Interest Level: SMOKING HOT


microsoft xbox handheld mock-up

Very interesting news in the rumor mill this morning. BusinessWeek is reporting that top Microsoft execs are taking a serious look at producing their own Sony PSP-like handheld that will offer music, video, and gaming functionality (possibly even leveraging the Xbox brand). I remember reading somewhere, when the PSP first launched, that Microsoft had gadget envy and wished that the first-generation PMCs (Portable Media Center) were designed closer to the slick specs of the PSP. Well, I guess this is their chance to one up Sony and Apple (ref. to the iPod Video); however, Creative is not so thrilled by the talk and states that if Microsoft produces such a device, Microsoft will not only alienate its partners, it risks losing everything Microsoft and its partners have invested into the PMC platform. No doubt he’s right since most device makers can just license Mircosoft’s PlaysForSure technology and easily switch to custom created portable media platform (cough, Creative Zen Vision:M).

Further Coverage:
HEXUS - Handheld to rival PSP and iPod
Slashdot - Microsoft to Enter Handheld Market?
Joystiq - Microsoft working on plans for portable gaming device

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Short URL: http://bit.ly/bJkStv [+]  Filed in: Portable Media Players  
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Alexander Grundner is the Editor & Publisher of eHomeUpgrade. He has been following "Digital Home" developments since 2003. He's also a fan of cross-platform, open development software and industry standards related to media, networking, and the web. You can catch his daily tech musings on Twitter: @agrundner.
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  • David Walker
    I loved my Xbox and my new X360 (yes, bow in envy) is as close as you can currently get to the perfect gaming console. And history shows that MS will jump into a market if they feel they can compete. Afterall, less anyone forget, Windows CE was the operating system at the core of the Sega Dreamcast and the big MS still got into the console fight.




    Can they succeed? They've got the money. They now have a good bit of experience. And they have the "ace in the hole" if they choose to exploit it (which I'm sure they would) - Xbox Live. The integration of Xbox Live on the 360 is what convinces me that MS will win the next console race. If they were to integrate built-in WiFi into a portable game player that could tie into existing Xbox Live accounts, they could create an exciting and cutting edge portable game console that would put the PSP to shame.





    One request of MS if they go this route: Don't use laser based discs. Excruciatingly long load times is what made me sell my PSP.
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