Xbox 360 vs. Playstation 3

Coolidge, more Xbox 360 meanderings. Next post or so, June games list ...

1. The Xbox 360 vs PlaySation 3
   
2. Xbox 360 controls are RF wireless (not optical)
   
3. Xbox 360 UI
   

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NEWS:
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1. The Xbox 360 vs PlaySation 3
   
   
   
   • OK, so I haven't done my comparison of the Xbox 360 vs PS3 vs Revolution (which isn't going to have concrete details until after the 360 ships), and I may still get to it.
     
   • In the meanwhile, check out a couple of articles that show -- despite paper specs to the contrary -- Microsoft may not be so far behind Sony:
     
     
     
     • Inside the Xbox 360, part I: procedural synthesis and dynamic worlds
       
     • Xbox 360 & Playstation 3 Performance Comparison. This one's kind of funny, because it "shows" that in three of the 4 areas "critical" in a game console, the 360 outperforms the PS3.
       
     
     
   • Of course, Sony has two really cool features purportedly part of the PS3 (yeah, I said it) -- BlueTooth and dual HD output. The BlueTooth, which will allegedly allow (somebody stop me) 7 wireless controllers to attach to the console. Dual HD means you could power 2 separate HD displays, according to Sony, with bridged or unique content. If implemented right, this could mean you could have 7 people on one PS3 on two TVs, simplifying LAN parties and LAN vendors. If they deliver on what they say, of course. Come on, they're Sony for crying out loud ("Emotion Engine"? What?)
     
   • OK, but power is only part of it (there I go again). Sony showed no online strategy at E3, while Microsoft exploded theirs. And the aquisition/partnerships/exclusives MS is building -- Rare/Limelight networks/Gears of War -- We'll see ...
     
   
   
2. Xbox 360 controls are RF wireless (not optical)
   
   
   
   • Cool, so I picked so misinfo a few weeks ago, and passed it on: The idea that the Xbox 360 wireless controllers were IR. I was wrong. I'm sorry Microsoft. Since you've never made a mistake or passed on misinformation, I can only hope you can conceptualize how you might forgive ... uh ... waitaminute ...
     
   • Anyway, RTX Telecom is developing the wireless pads and connections, which will be proprietary jobbies. They also give you "unmatched wireless gaming experience with the same speed and reliability as with a wired connection to the console while giving the players full mobility without the need of cables."
     
   • But, they're not BlueTooth, like the PS3, which allows for a whole host of peripherals and opportunities with a mature, published standard. Sigh.
     
   
   
3. Xbox 360 UI
   
   
   
   • Turns out global interactive marketing mavens AKQA were the folks collaborating with Microsoft to create the new Xbox 360 UI. I'm actually impressed with the form and function of the new UI, and you can check out some picts at TeamXbox.com, and see the service side of the future of gaming.