Digital Home Thoughts: Xbox Is Nexus of Entertainment Strategy

"When the Xbox 360 debuts in North America Nov. 22, it will still mainly aim to please so-called hardcore gamers _ primarily young men who spend hours each week tethered to a videogame console. Analysts say that's smart since the console doesn't offer enough other capabilities for those not addicted to gaming. "First and foremost, Xbox 360 is a game machine, and so is anybody going to go out and buy an Xbox 360 if they're not a gamer because it's got multimedia capability? No," said Van Baker, a research vice president with Gartner Inc. But over time, the company is hoping that other features will draw in more family members. These include the ability to listen to music _ even tracks from rival Apple Computer Inc.'s iPod _ look at family photos, watch DVDs and play electronic puzzle and card games. Analysts also expect Microsoft to improve on features in its paid Xbox Live online gaming service that let users chat and interact with other subscribers. Advanced users will even be able to to link the Xbox 360 with a PC running the entertainment-centric Windows XP Media Center Edition as part of Microsoft's grander vision to provide a sophisticated digital entertainment hub."



Microsoft is really putting itself several steps ahead of Sony in round two of the console gaming battle. They're first to launch by at least six months, they have Xbox Live, and they have a comprehensive multimedia experience built-in. As this article points out, that won't sell Xbox 360s by itself, but it certainly broadens the appeal of the device. I think you'll find mothers and fathers using the 360 just as much as the kids once they discover it's multimedia potential. Many people find the idea of using a computer as a multimedia hub (music player, DVD player, photo viewer) fairly intimidating. The ease of use that the 360 brings to the living room will win millions of consumers over.