View Full Version : New MS Patent(MCGS) Details What Could Be In Store For The Next Xbox
If this is implemented in the next xbox, it would be awesome.:shock:
Read on, great read. I hope it hasn't been posted already.
A new Microsoft patent reveals the company’s plans to quite literally take over every conceivable home entertainment device in your home, combining them all into one huge distributed home entertainment network. The patent shows a “console” (presumably an XBox 360 or a next-gen XBox) being the central hub of the network, communicating with dozens of handheld devices. What’s interesting is that Microsoft doesn’t restrict what these devices are, and lists handheld gaming devices, mobile phones, PDAs and PMPs as possibilities.
The “Multi-Component Gaming System” (MCGS) as the patent calls it is completely distributed. Not only can each device share the content from any other device, it can also share the hardware resources of any other attached devices as and when necessary. For example, if your XBox hasn’t enough processing power to display three simultaneous pictures in a picture-in-picture setup, it’ll borrow the graphics rendering power from a handheld gaming device, and let that display the third picture.
Another example is distributed memory - if your XBox is running out of storage space, it’ll simply borrow whatever’s available from the other connected handheld devices. Even more intriguing, different handheld devices can swap what Microsoft calls “Doppler sound effects” for objects in motion, making the user think that an in-game object is really moving just by its sound.
From the patent:
“Non-gaming applications on a gaming component can be controlled by another gaming component in combination. For example, the handheld gaming device can be used to control music playback on the console gaming device.”
“Any device coupled to a gaming component via its input/output ports is available to other gaming components in combination. Examples of coupled devices include monitors, speakers, audio processing equipment, video processing equipment, or a combination thereof.
For example, one of the input/output ports of the console gaming device can be coupled to a large screen display and another of the console gaming device’s input/output ports can be coupled to a home theater audio system. Accordingly, the video and audio of a game being played on the handheld gaming device can be rendered on the large screen display and the home theater system, respectively, via the console gaming device 42.”
If the MCGS is actually built by Microsoft, it’ll be the most sophisticated home entertainment network the world has ever seen, and its ability to share resources such as CPU, graphics processing and memory between devices will rival that of grid computing, which is currently only used in high-end super-computing scenarios.
It’ll also mean the development of dozens of new devices that will be compliant with the MCGS, all of which should be able to share media seamlessly with one another (providing Microsoft don’t hobble the system with painful DRM, like they did with the Zune).
How likely is it that this sort of system will actually be produced? Well, in an interview with TVG, European XBox big-wig Chris Lewis said “at the moment, we are focused on creating connected experiences around music for Zune. You can already plug your Zune device into your Xbox 360 to stream music, pictures and video content. Looking ahead, the vision for connected entertainment provides a number of consumer scenarios and with our heritage in Xbox and Games for Windows, gaming is certainly something we’re considering for the device.”
In other words, it’s going to happen. My guess is Zune 2.0 will combine gaming with video and MP3 playback, all of which can be streamed back and forth between your XBox 360, Zune, HDTV and hi-fi in a limited implementation of the MCGS. This configuration will only require the development of the Zune 2.0, and won’t come with the distributed resource-sharing envisaged for the MCGS (largely because the XBox 360 doesn’t support this). For the full MCGS, you’ll have to wait for the successor to the XBox 360, which should be ready in four years’ time or so.
http://mediamentalism.com/2007/04/20/microsoft-working-on-next-gen-home-entertainment-system/
this is quite old. i remember reading about this a while ago.
Perfect Sin
03-10-2008, 18:58
Besides, wasn't the Xbox 360 suppose to be the "central hub" of home entertainment systems this generation?
I thought the whole premise of the 360 was that it would offer consumers a 360 degree home theater experience that was a must have for your living room.
So would this be an admission by Microsoft that the 360 didn't accomplish this goal at all?
What they need is to create the software and the network and allow device licensing from outside manufacturers. In other words, allow cell phones or other devices to be certified much like Divx Certification. I dont trust MS to produce compelling hardware in that many areas of a home.
And Sony also had rumblings of something similar when the cell was being developed. They said eventually your devices would have cell processors (TV, cell phone, console, PC...) and they would all offload tasks to each other.
I just get the image of Cartman and his trapper keeper.
FantasyStar
03-10-2008, 20:18
I just get the image of Cartman and his trapper keeper.
This is Cartman before the Trapper Keeper takes over.
http://www.southparkfiles.com/art/SP413.gif
This is Cartman after the Trapper Keeper takes over.
http://www.hongpong.com/files/_media_images_413_ep_413_cartmanakira.jpg
Quick! We need Rosie O'Donnell!!!
http://www.newsday.com/media/photo/2007-10/33255578.jpg
Just imagine the next Xbox in those images and you get the point pretty clearly.
KILLERkpd
03-10-2008, 21:07
Both the 360 and PS3 were touted to be the end all be all of media distribution/storage. I use my PS3 for more multi media stuff than my 360.
Strung Out
03-11-2008, 00:55
MS also has a patent for using the human body as a networking/power device. Basically somehow using the body to transfer data/minimal power to devices like watches etc.
Who knows what else they have a patent on... a company like that probably has a room of 50 people, brainstorming everyday, and submitting patents for pretty anything in the realm of possibility.
Either way as long as games are the first priority I'm not to worried about the rest of the features as far as a console goes.
Husker86
03-11-2008, 01:17
Non-gaming applications on a gaming component can be controlled by another gaming component in combination. For example, the handheld gaming device can be used to control music playback on the console gaming device.
I still am baffled that you can patent such broad ideas like this.
Wouldn't Sony now be violating it considering the PSP can control the PS3?
How would this be awesome? This would mroe than likely be a disadvantage instead of a plus.
The article says that it wouldn't be able to connect with a Sony device, well that doesn't matter right? Because we all have microsoft TVs and Toshiba Blu-ray players and Zune MP3 players.
It si a good idea, but they don't have a solid base of devices to go against Sony here. That would be like if Sony made the PS3 not be able to join a network which had a Windows based operating system as the main computer. PHAIL.
Morganator
03-11-2008, 06:17
I don't know. I think this is a horrible idea. Whatever happened to the days where one device had enough power to do everything? I don't like the idea of borrowing processing power from mobile devices. What happens when someone calls you on your cell phone due to an emergency? There's just too much that can go wrong.
Immortal_Daemon
03-11-2008, 06:49
This is Cartman after the Trapper Keeper takes over.
http://www.hongpong.com/files/_media_images_413_ep_413_cartmanakira.jpg
Wow, I haven't seen that episode for a while.....
Is Cartman supposed to look like Tetsuo?
Uss_Defiant
03-12-2008, 17:30
I dont think that this is an admission that the 360 was not an amazing media hub... millions of people can attest to this fact. This is an admission that it will get better in the future. Only a ****ty company would say that they've got the best thing possible and it cant be improved.
Besides, wasn't the Xbox 360 suppose to be the "central hub" of home entertainment systems this generation?
I thought the whole premise of the 360 was that it would offer consumers a 360 degree home theater experience that was a must have for your living room.
So would this be an admission by Microsoft that the 360 didn't accomplish this goal at all?
LOL @ you falling for the marketing hype. In reality, the 360 is a great media hub. But if you'd like it to be an "admission of [failure]" then that's fine. This is an old patent anyway, from like 06 or early 07 if I'm not mistaken. Let's see if it delivers when the next system drops.
overthirtygamernj
03-13-2008, 16:24
Besides, wasn't the Xbox 360 suppose to be the "central hub" of home entertainment systems this generation?
I thought the whole premise of the 360 was that it would offer consumers a 360 degree home theater experience that was a must have for your living room.
So would this be an admission by Microsoft that the 360 didn't accomplish this goal at all?
It is the central hub in my living room. I have my computer connect to it with media sharing so I can watch any movies, videos and listen to any music from my computer through my 360. You can download movies and TV shows on it. Saying they want to enhance compatibility in a future version doesn't in any way admit a failure IMO.
justme911
03-13-2008, 22:22
Not too sure about this, but if they can pull it off...then all the power to them.
i thought that was what the 360 was supposed to do,and MS didnt really keep thier promise and aimed for a more pure gaming console compared to sony,ill belive it when i see it this time :D
Perfect Sin
03-14-2008, 00:08
LOL @ you falling for the marketing hype. In reality, the 360 is a great media hub. But if you'd like it to be an "admission of [failure]" then that's fine. This is an old patent anyway, from like 06 or early 07 if I'm not mistaken. Let's see if it delivers when the next system drops.
I dunno. Kind of just figured that when you build a console without a standard HDD, and have to keep upgrading or buying the new hardware to match todays new market standards, you're not exactly giving the consumer a "360 degree central living room media hub." It sounds more like, "If you want to create a living room media hub, you gotta upgrade or get the better units as MS releases them to the market."
With software it's acceptable, because new functionality can be unlocked through firmware updates without so much as getting off your couch. But wanting to watch your DVDs through HDMI 1.3 or watching movies off your HDD can't be fixed unless you have the proper hardware.
Let me ask you this, which console (out of the box) do you think is better suited towards handling your home theater needs, assuming you wanted to watch and hear everything at it's best possible picture and sound quality? The 360, PS3, or the Wii (if you really think so). And why?
I dunno. Kind of just figured that when you build a console without a standard HDD, and have to keep upgrading or buying the new hardware to match todays new market standards, you're not exactly giving the consumer a "360 degree central living room media hub." It sounds more like, "If you want to create a living room media hub, you gotta upgrade or get the better units as MS releases them to the market."
With software it's acceptable, because new functionality can be unlocked through firmware updates without so much as getting off your couch. But wanting to watch your DVDs through HDMI 1.3 or watching movies off your HDD can't be fixed unless you have the proper hardware.
Let me ask you this, which console (out of the box) do you think is better suited towards handling your home theater needs, assuming you wanted to watch and hear everything at it's best possible picture and sound quality? The 360, PS3, or the Wii (if you really think so). And why?
And with this one innocent post, the trolls will come and turn it into a console war in here...
anyway, my answer is this.
At present I have all three systems. including the wii in your discussion is invalid because it never even offers the pretense of being a media hub, so cross that puppy off the list right now..
The PS3 and XBOX are both connected to my home network. I will tell you right now, out of the box the 360 is far above the PS3 (IMO). Reasons are as follows:
The PS3 is constantly.. and I mean CONSTANTLY dropping connection to the network. (error 8******* whatever can't remember all of them now)
The 360 actually has full movie and tv downloads out of the box
My 360 and PC share the media center flawlessly
There is a long delay in the accessing of files on my PC from the PS3, where as the 360 is much faster
The XMB is nice, and a little more effective in finding media, but large volume directories like music take forever to cache into a browsing state on the PS3. Sometimes it takes so long to load my photo directories that the PS3 disconnects from the network before it is done.
DVD playback is a moot point. I have a 1080i display and 5.1 surround. My upconvert DVD player looks and sounds exactly like BR discs since I cannot get 1080p. So there it is a wash.
So in summation, out of the box in my personal experience, the PS3 is very inferior to the 360 as a media hub.
I think the ps3 makes the better overall media hub. Mostly because of the bluray. I think it also blends in with other electronics much better then the 360, and the interface blends in better.
And with this one innocent post, the trolls will come and turn it into a console war in here...
anyway, my answer is this.
At present I have all three systems. including the wii in your discussion is invalid because it never even offers the pretense of being a media hub, so cross that puppy off the list right now..
The PS3 and XBOX are both connected to my home network. I will tell you right now, out of the box the 360 is far above the PS3 (IMO). Reasons are as follows:
The PS3 is constantly.. and I mean CONSTANTLY dropping connection to the network. (error 8******* whatever can't remember all of them now)
The 360 actually has full movie and tv downloads out of the box
My 360 and PC share the media center flawlessly
There is a long delay in the accessing of files on my PC from the PS3, where as the 360 is much faster
The XMB is nice, and a little more effective in finding media, but large volume directories like music take forever to cache into a browsing state on the PS3. Sometimes it takes so long to load my photo directories that the PS3 disconnects from the network before it is done.
DVD playback is a moot point. I have a 1080i display and 5.1 surround. My upconvert DVD player looks and sounds exactly like BR discs since I cannot get 1080p. So there it is a wash.
So in summation, out of the box in my personal experience, the PS3 is very inferior to the 360 as a media hub.
I wish I could agree with you but I can't.
1. The Ps3 will not drop connection unless signed on with NAT 3.( don't signed when doing this otherwise you have this problem)
2. The Ps3, 360, and PC all work flawlessly if you take some time with the system you will know that.
3. I do not what delay you're talking about I only notice a 1 second delay and that about it.
4. I love the video marketplace since I like to watch movies before I buy it. However, as the tv shows goes I wouldn't buy any of them since MS won't fix the DRM issues which is a big downfall to that section.
360= Best at gaming.
PS3= Best at Media.
If this is implemented in the next xbox, it would be awesome.:shock:
Read on, great read. I hope it hasn't been posted already.
http://mediamentalism.com/2007/04/20/microsoft-working-on-next-gen-home-entertainment-system/
UMM, The PS3 already has this capability. The HDMI 1.3a spec has control built in, so it can control any device that is compliant. The CeLL was also designed to scale in much the same way in terms of sharing resources.
And with this one innocent post, the trolls will come and turn it into a console war in here...
anyway, my answer is this.
At present I have all three systems. including the wii in your discussion is invalid because it never even offers the pretense of being a media hub, so cross that puppy off the list right now..
The PS3 and XBOX are both connected to my home network. I will tell you right now, out of the box the 360 is far above the PS3 (IMO). Reasons are as follows:
The PS3 is constantly.. and I mean CONSTANTLY dropping connection to the network. (error 8******* whatever can't remember all of them now)
The 360 actually has full movie and tv downloads out of the box
My 360 and PC share the media center flawlessly
There is a long delay in the accessing of files on my PC from the PS3, where as the 360 is much faster
The XMB is nice, and a little more effective in finding media, but large volume directories like music take forever to cache into a browsing state on the PS3. Sometimes it takes so long to load my photo directories that the PS3 disconnects from the network before it is done.
DVD playback is a moot point. I have a 1080i display and 5.1 surround. My upconvert DVD player looks and sounds exactly like BR discs since I cannot get 1080p. So there it is a wash.
So in summation, out of the box in my personal experience, the PS3 is very inferior to the 360 as a media hub.
WHAT?!! First of all, there is 0 lag from the PS3 to a PC. It never drops connection, and I have had Tversity and Media Center active at the same time. I think you may need a new router or something. All of my pictures are very large, and I can stream any content on my PC with no interruptions. Even using remote play from my PSP I can access the files on My PC with no issues.
As for your comment about an up-converted DVD looking as good as a BD or HD-DVD....even at 1080i, not unless you spent some serious money on it, or you don't have a native 1080i set. I have done plenty of side by side comparisons, and there are differences for sure. Now a very good up-scaler can do some amazing things with DVD, but they cost a pretty penney. Those 100$ up-convert DVD players are junk.
Oh, and don't you need Vista or a Media Center PC for use with the 360?
Andronicus
03-14-2008, 10:09
this is quite old. i remember reading about this a while ago. like 2000-2001 old from what i can remember, its the smart home stuff