Xbox 2 SDK released on cool Apple Power Mac G5s

[Cynthetiq]

I thought that the gamers would appreciate this... interesting to see that NT is running on G5s.

Xbox 2 SDK released on cool Apple Power Mac G5s

It comes to pass


By Paul Dutton: Saturday 28 February 2004, 15:59

WE'VE JUST got word that the Software Development Kit (SDK) for Microsoft’s forthcoming Xbox 2 has now been released to Developers.
As we reported earlier, IBM processors are indeed the Xbox 2 development platform of choice.

The big news to us is that the XBOX 2 SDK has been seeded to developers on dual Apple Power Mac G5 systems running a custom Windows NT Kernel.

The Apple Power Mac G5 is based upon two of IBM’s 64-bit Power PC processors and features ATi RADEON 9800 Pro (R350) graphics. However the R350 is believed to be an interim solution and will, in due course, be superseded by the forthcoming ATI R420.

Interestingly the SDK apparently also features an Apple logo on a side bar within the application.

What we don’t yet know is whether the custom Windows NT Kernel for the 64-bit capable IBM Power PC processors is 64-bit or 32-bit.

Though as ATI is so clearly behind with even its iAMD64 device drivers for both Intel and AMD x86-64 platforms, we suspect that it’s 32-bit.

Let us know if you know. µ

link

[Ganguro]

another little Xbox 2 tidbit:

EXCLUSIVE: XBOX 2 NOT BLACK AND WHITE

Inside sources point to removal of buttons for Microsoft's next console on the back of extensive internal research

15:44 Microsoft is set to drop the black and white buttons from the current Xbox pad for the next console's model, according to a highly placed source operating close to Microsoft US.
While the world awaits the first official showing of the console known internally as 'Xenon', expected at the Game Developers Conference in the US next month (see here), it seems Microsoft is already briefing its closest allies as to what set-ups to prepare for.

Our senior development source, speaking anonymously, said: "Microsoft has been talking to us a lot on the subject of Xenon [Xbox 2], and has said its studies show that the black and white buttons are the two least used and hardest to use buttons on the standard Xbox pad, so are therefore unlikely to feature in the Xenon version."

We certainly wouldn't disagree with Microsoft's alleged line of thinking here; in many people's experiences those buttons are quite unwieldy and so wouldn't be the greatest loss in the world. It also shows, moreover, that following the negative criticism the Xbox hardware itself received, along with the first iteration of the controller, Microsoft is being very pro-active to ensure similar mistakes are not repeated for the next model.

We contacted Microsoft UK for comment and a spokesperson issued the stock "this is a rumour and we do not comment on rumours" response.

Don't expect official clarification of this imminently, but do expect an awful lot more on all next-gen systems over the next few months. With early development kits for Xbox 2, PS3 and PSP already in place in key developers across all territories, major announcements are only just around the corner; we'll keep you bang up to date with all developments as they happen.

- Johnny Minkley from computerandvideogames.com

[Lasereth]

Man, I'm getting seriously hyped about the next-gen consoles, even if they are two years off. I wonder if Sony has finished the Cell technology they've been developing for the PS3 for the past 5 years yet. I wanna see what it can do! The XBox 2 and Gamecube 2 are gonna be some awesome machines as well.

-Lasereth

[bltzkriegmcanon]

Is the rumor still flying around that Sony is gonna be late on the launch for PS3?

[Lasereth]

Originally posted by bltzkriegmcanon
Is the rumor still flying around that Sony is gonna be late on the launch?

Yeah, they're planning to release the PS3 a solid year after XBox 2 and Gamecube 2 come out. Some believe the GC2 and XBX2 could come out late 2005, but the PS3 is confirmed for a 2006 release date (probably 3rd quarter).

-Lasereth

[bltzkriegmcanon]

Wonder how that's gonna effect the sales for it. Probably not enough to matter. If the release is anything like it was for the PS2 and all the other consoles, then it'll probably be a Sawbitch Workhorse just to get one within the first month or two. Then Christmas rolls in, and God knows what could happen.

[charlesesl]

Originally posted by Lasereth
Yeah, they're planning to release the PS3 a solid year after XBox 2 and Gamecube 2 come out. Some believe the GC2 and XBX2 could come out late 2005, but the PS3 is confirmed for a 2006 release date (probably 3rd quarter).

-Lasereth

what s gonna be a long time.
not sure if any of us will still be playing games by then.

[Lasereth]

Originally posted by charlesesl
what s gonna be a long time.
not sure if any of us will still be playing games by then.

? I don't get it. What do you mean?

[t3m3st]

please dont tell me they're calling them gamecube 2 and xbox 2

[Mr.Deflok]

X-Box Next is what seems to be what is most commonly used as a title, Nintendo's new console will undoubtedly carry a completely new name.