Microsoft Mulling Offering Xbox Software to Outside Firms
According to the AP, Microsoft (NASD: MSFT) is considering licensing out their XBOX software to other companies. No hard details, but obviously PC makers comem to mind:
Gates hasn't offered specifics about the kind of software or which companies would be involved. He also hasn't said whether the arrangement will involve manufacturers making products other than game machines, such as digital consumer electronics gadgets that combine PC functions with home appliances.
The arrangements being considered are similar to those that Microsoft has employed in the past by working with other companies, including Japanese electronics makers, to install its Windows operating system in personal computers, Okabe said.
Microsoft is already positioning the XBOX as more than just a game player, and instead as a multimedia entertainment console. Getting that platform on a variety of boxes and gadgets would be a wise idea in the bid to knock off Sony's (NYSE: SNE) playstation. Furthermore, given Sony's atrocious history of making their technologies open (BETA, MiniDisc, etc.) you know they wouldn't copy this move.
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