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Microsoft launches CPU-GPU combined Xbox 360 SoC

Software giant Microsoft has announced the release for the new SoC (System-on-chip) processor of the new Xbox 360 250GB Slim Kinect-ready model.

Microsoft has designed the processor particularly to counter the market threats from AMD’s next generation Bulldozer and Bobcat processor technology.

The processor has been manufactured with the IBM/GlobalFoundries 45nm process and is the first production desktop-class processor which will combine CPU, GPU, memory, and I/O logic onto a single silicon and can be a tough competitor for AMD’s Fusion and Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors.

Officials at Microsoft announced that the combination has been made to allow better power efficiency. The processors are expected to be cheap as manufacturing will be inexpensive due to fewer chips. The heat management has also been enhanced and the sizes of the motherboard and the power supply unit have been drastically reduced.

AstroZombie14702d ago

That sounds like a price cut in the wings for the future.

showtimefolks4702d ago

around the same time maybe a few weeks before wii-u launches for both ps3 and xbox360 with move and kinect included in the system for a new low price would be smart

4702d ago
SonyPS3604702d ago

So supposedly this guy is "yaSonyfan" but owned 15 xbox 360s.

I smell bullshit.

Stryfeno24702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

After 4 RRODs, you still kept coming back? I think I have a bridge to sell you. Interested?

evrfighter14702d ago

wait am i reading this right?

to counter bulldozer and sandy bridge???

and how in the hell do they plan on countering those with just a die shrinkage and a lower tdp?

ProjectVulcan4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

Hardly big news TBH, not only that, this was known nearly a YEAR ago- http://www.techradar.com/ne... Shrinking components and fitting all the chips onto one amalgamated die isn't new. The later slim PS2 models did exactly the same, with a combined CPU and GPU.

"first production desktop-class processor.....tough competitor for AMD’s Fusion and Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors"

This is nonsense. The article somehow writes this up as a rival solution to x86 based chips for home computers? Its a custom console part. Nothing whatsoever to do with x86 desktop computers or their processors.

I also question that the number of transistors being only 370m. The GPU alone will be 330m, before you throw in the CPU and bus designs. The article is inaccurate and ancient, to say the least.

How does this junk get approved?

bozebo4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

""first production desktop-class processor.....tough competitor for AMD’s Fusion and Intel’s Sandy Bridge processors"

This is nonsense. The article somehow writes this up as a rival solution to x86 based chips for home computers? Its a custom console part. Nothing whatsoever to do with x86 desktop computers or their processors. "

yeah, this ^

+ bubble for well said

I was going to say the same thing. They are in totally different markets. There is no way in hell that AMD and Intel's hardware is competing with the 360's internals.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4702d ago
gamingdroid4702d ago

Price cut has been possible a long time now. MS just don't have the competitive pressure to do so when at the current price it's sales are having record growth.

I hope the new combined processor makes into the Gears of War console!

fr0sty4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

They've been selling dead last worldwide for months now. PS3 had been on top until last week when Wii finally got a boost that put it ahead for the week. But MS is still sitting in third. They definitely have the market pressure to keep trying to reduce price and increase demand.

This combined chip will definitely allow them to reduce their costs. In fact, it'll probably give them an advantage to cut lower than PS3 could, which could prove to be an issue for Sony in the future because as far as I know there were no plans in the Cell/RSX roadmap to integrate the 2 onto a single piece of silicon.

r1sh124702d ago

Even though MS have been last in sales for months they are still selling quite well in their most favoured markets.
The only time they will price cut will be when Sony decide to.
Its a simple waiting game to outdo sony which makes sense.

EarthLover4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

@frosty

What? You do know PS3 is STILL in last place right, and do you have any proof what so ever that the 360 is selling dead last world wide?

All we know for sure is that PS3 is getting raped in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and UK. We dont know what the sales are in EU because they dont have the organizational capabilities to actually count the sales apparently.

The NPD territory sales advantage 360 has more than offsets any sales advantage PS3 has in EU, IF there even is one.

IdleLeeSiuLung4702d ago

@EarthLover

Not only that, but the gap has now widened between MS and Sony.

"Going by latest sales figures, the Xbox 360 is five million ahead of the PlayStation 3, which as of last month had sold 50 million consoles globally."

http://www.eurogamer.net/ar...

Also: "Xbox 360 Top Selling Console 10 out of the last 11 months"
http://www.slashgear.com/xb...

2v14702d ago

on the US what about the world?.

spektical4702d ago

@Earth

what are you smoking. ps3 is raping the 360 everywere except the US.

and the gap is shrinking a lot. Won't be long till 360 is in last place WITH a year head start.

JellyJelly4702d ago

@spektical - Care to back that up with some form of source?

ct034702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

<<and the gap is shrinking a lot.>>

You haven't looked at Sony's and Microsoft's financial reports?
They sold exactly the same in quarter 4/2010. However, in quarter 1/2011 Microsoft sold 600,000 units more. So the gap increased.

Here's the graph for the worldwide gap based on official financial reports:
http://www.abload.de/img/ga...

evrfighter14702d ago

and the worldwide argument the ps3 fanboys had been clinging to for dear life the past 6 months has just gone right out the window.

TVippy4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

MS was doing it from the beginning with slim models.
And BTW, absolutely ignorant article. And again... on the MAIN page. What on Earth!?

+ Show (7) more repliesLast reply 4702d ago
Blacksand14702d ago

It sound like Microsoft try to see if this work before they bring out the 720. A few months ago it was a articles saying 720 mite be a gaming-computer all in one.

50Terabytespersec4702d ago

Warning! Sound like more RROD!! lmao.

Anytime this incompetent hardware company and hardware or software tinkering occurs/ changes occur you get a lot of BS.
(Vista,Windows mobile,Xbox360,ME,etc.etc.

SonyPS3604702d ago

Like when they fixed the RROD completely years ago.

Funny how that's all you're able to bring up though, year old problems that have since been fixed.

graemed-ps34702d ago

@sony 360
yup rrod has been fixed.
but rdod hasnt!

starchild4702d ago

Give me a break. RDOD isn't common at all. It might even be less common than YLOD.

No electronic device is 100% failure-proof, but RROD has not been a widespread problem for years. It is now a miniscule problem similar to what you would expect from any electronic device.

Redgehammer4702d ago

I thought this was old news, or is this an improvement over what they talked about when they initially released the Slim?

ATiElite4702d ago

this is OLD NEWS.

this is what currently is in the Xbox 360 slim.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4702d ago
Foxgod4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

Impressive, they took the 360 its hardware to max efficiency.
Small, cool and cheap to produce.

Sounds promising for the next xbox, they learned a lot on making efficient hardware with the 360.

They took the system from unreliable, to as reliable as a system can possibly become.

kneon4702d ago

Don't be surprised if the Xbox.next has discrete cpu and gpu for the first couple of years. They may not be able to combine them on a single chip until later in the life cycle of the product. Same goes for the PS3.

GunShotEddy4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

It doubles every two years. It's called "Moore's Law". "Moore's law describes a long-term trend in the history of computing hardware. The number of transistors that can be placed inexpensively on an integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years."

edit: directed @ Angry TypingGuy

kneon4702d ago

I'm well aware of moore's law, I'm old enough to have witnessed it's entire history.

But current GPUs run pretty hot and the next gen console CPUs will also be pushing the limits. If they weren't then they could have made them faster.

gamingdroid4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

It's actually closer to 18-months or so (don't blindly trust wikipedia) than two years.

That said, the issue was never transistor size. It was the technical difficulties of combining the components CPU/GPU i.e integrating them and ensure correct operation.

Rhythmattic4702d ago

Moore's law.. I get it, but still dont believe it...

Theoretical power via multi core CPU's do the concept justice, But where is my 100Ghz single die cpu ?

Moore is less , as far as i'm concerned..

viper1012224702d ago

Moores law cannot be considered valid in today's world of computing due to the sheer heat produced by the transistors in modern CPUs. This is why you cant have your 1000 GHz CPUs (which is around what it should be at now)

This is why multi core CPUs have been introduced in order to combat the problem of overheating.

Interesting fact: if CPUs had kept to Moores law then in a few years time our processors would probably reach the temperature of the surface of the sun

Rhythmattic4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

viper101222

Absolutely.

In music applications for example, if I use a plug - in Real time, its polyphony and quality is determined by the speed of a single core.... Off line, in play back, a differnet story.. The multithread code shares across the CPU's...

As we know, a single cpu , clocked @ 4 .5Ghz is better than a Dual 2.66 for gaming..

moore's law is no more.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4702d ago
AngryTypingGuy4702d ago

Isn't it amazing how quickly technology advances?

fryday4702d ago

Analysts are expecting an ARM Chip for the next Xbox

LilDeja934702d ago ShowReplies(2)
DragonKnight4702d ago

Woah, what?

"They took the system from unreliable, to as reliable as a system can possibly become."

That's actually incorrect. For about, oh, 3 reasons.

1. RROD can still happen because MS' basic console design and materials are flawed.

2. Disregarding RROD, there's still that E37 or whatever that happens, as well as the X-Clamps that scratch up discs.

3. Disregarding both of those, the most reliable a system can possibly become is having a 0% error ratio. Meaning there's is absolutely nothing wrong with the tech or materials in the console. And that sure as hell ain't the 360.

Just saying man, 360 still carries the fear of crapping out more than the other two consoles.

Armyntt4702d ago

Im goin to disagree in that you say 3 reasons without stating how those facts are quanitifiable and true.
1. What in the design and materials are flawed specifically?
2.The E37 is not as big as the RROD and in fact i dont know a person that its happen to. Not saying it doesnt happen but its not such a huge problem imo.
3. Your third point gives no reasoning to your conclusion. What tech that M$ uses is unreliable? DVD's? The chip design? What materials? You have to support your conclusions.

Now im not saying what your saying is incorect but you need something to backup what your saying.

greatjimbo784702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

"as well as the X-Clamps that scratch up discs."
Wait, what? Care to clarify that point?

EarthLover4702d ago

Well I'll go ahead and say he's incorrect.

"Disregarding RROD, there's still that E37 or whatever that happens, as well as the X-Clamps that scratch up discs."

E37 or whatever? X-clamps that scratch disks???

Dude the X-clamps are what caused the RROD not scratch the disks, you have no idea wht you are talking about, yet you shoot your mouth off ripping MS, typical Sony fanboy, why does any one listen to you people any more, you have been wrong about everything this generation.

DragonKnight4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

I retract my X-Clamp statement, I actually confused it with a problem the disc drive has. But anyway, RROD was chiefly caused by poor soldering which melted in the heat that the 360 produces and the chipset would then dislodge and move around, in addition to the x-clamp problem. The 360s still uses the exact same design, it just runs cooler thanks to the cooler chips. X-Clamps are still there, the soldering is still the same (lead based solder, which is quite soft), a free-floating disc drive which is the actual cause of the disc scratches. These are all still present in the current 360 design. The only difference is the chips.

"you shoot your mouth off ripping MS, typical Sony fanboy, why does any one listen to you people any more, you have been wrong about everything this generation."

LOL, someone is a butthurt MS fanboy. Wrong about everything this generation eh? Care to provide some examples for me to shoot down? This isn't about fanboyism. I responded to the incorrect statement that the 360 is the most reliable a console can ever get. I made no mention of anything but the 360's shortcomings, and you got all upset because I hurt the feelings of your plastic box. Grow up.

greatjimbo784702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

"the soldering is still the same (lead based solder, which is quite soft)". Again you're wrong. It was using Lead-free solder that caused the problem. Using lead based solder in manufactured goods, is banned in the EU I believe?

SonyPS3604702d ago

Statistically all new models of the 360 has the smallest failure rate now.

If you're gonna talk like you know the facts, at least present actual facts and not just talk out of your ass, basing everything on stupid fanboy opinion.

DragonKnight4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

@greatjimbo: Although lead based solder has been a standard for decades, it is NOT the strongest available electronics solder, and is in fact quite soft when compared to alternatives. Lead based solder was banned in the U.S. for plumbing applications only.

@Sony360: Smallest failure rate compared to what? Itself? Like older 360 models or all 3 consoles? Because if that's what you're talking about then that's certainly NOT true. And again, what fanboyism? Where did I insult MS? This is a typical defense mechanism of people who don't want to accept the truth that the 360 was and always has been poorly built.

If you don't believe me, then refute the following.

Does the 360 have x-clamps? Yes or No?
Does the 360 have a free-floating hard drive? Yes or No?
Does the 360 use bumpers that scratch the disc surface? Yes or No?
Does the 360 use a low melting point, lead-free based solder? Yes or No?

A yes to these answers indicates subpar materials and/or design choices. But seeing as how you believe yourself to be so knowledgeable, then you can accurately refute these questions yes?

**EDIT** Changed the solder question. Not trying to run away from anything here. This isn't about fanboyism or anything of the sort. Some of you are far too defensive. I was simply answering the incorrect statement that the 360 is at the pinnacle of reliability.

graemed-ps34702d ago

@DragonKnight
That was a well thought out and level headed comment, dont know why every ones attacking you.

Aarix4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

1. Were not disregarding the rrod but it's not much of a problem especially compared to the ylod.

2. X-clamps? You also have the option to not have the disc spin at all. So...no scratching for it.

3. No piece of hardware has a 0% failure rate. That's impossible. But for the processing power we have today. Were doing a good job of keeping it within reason.

Now go troll somewhere else.

greatjimbo784702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

"**EDIT** Changed the solder question. Not trying to run away from anything here. This isn't about fanboyism or anything of the sort. Some of you are far too defensive. I was simply answering the incorrect statement that the 360 is at the pinnacle of reliability."

You can't do that and be taken seriously. Please just give up. It's embarrassing for you and for us to watch. Simple fact is, you were wrong. You then continued to argue your point, until it dawned on you that you were wrong.

This was followed by one of the most stupid back tracks I've ever seen. And all of this on top of your "X-Clamps that scratch up discs." gaffe.
One thing you have done is brought the lulz and for that, I thank you.

DragonKnight4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

@Aarix: "1. Were not disregarding the rrod but it's not much of a problem especially compared to the ylod. And now their reducing the failure rate."

Here's the thing many of you fail to understand about the alleged YLOD. YLOD on the PS3 is not a specific problem. YLOD on the PS3 is just an indicator that any number of problems has occurred. RROD is a very specific problem. Next, YLOD is not nearly as prevalent as RROD ever was and it never will be. Third, what do you base the assumption that YLOD is so widespread on? You should have used the PS3's known blu-ray diode problem, then you'd have had a leg to stand on.

"2. X-clamps? You also have the option to not have the disc spin at all. So...no scratching for it."

In order to do that, you first need to place the disc inside the console and install the disc on the harddrive, exposing it to the possibility of being scratched. Can't install the game without getting the disc to spin at least once. Also, my mistake was that it's the bumpers, not the X-Clamps.

"3. No piece of hardware has a 0% failure rate. That's impossible. But for the processing power we have today. Were doing a good job of keeping it within reason."

We're? Do you work for MS or something?

greatjimbo: I changed the wording of the question about the soldering because I made a typo, but knowing how typical fanboys such as yourself love to bring up that there are edits to a post, I decided to share that I made an edit in an attempt to show that I'm not hiding anything. I also freely admitted my mistake about the X-Clamps. Point remains that no refutation of my questions has been made, and you're attacking me simply because you don't want to accept the truth. The 360 is a poorly designed console. And the 360s literally only changed the chipset to a cooler type. How is that a better design if two parts of the major RROD problem was not changed?

greatjimbo784702d ago

You and I both know it wasn't a typo. You used it here, "(lead based solder, which is quite soft)" and then again in your response until you edited it.

You were wrong, fact! You realised you were wrong about the solder and edited it from you post. Something you couldn't do to your previous post, so the evidence is there for all to see. You didn't just change the wording, you changed the entire type of solder. Because you realised you were incorrect and that's fine, people can be wrong. But you've contiuned to attack and frankly, any other points you made can't be taken seriously.

Please, don't call me a "fanboy". You came into a thread and tried to troll and failed, twice! So instead of trying to dig yourself out of the grave, you dug yourself in further. You can't seriously countinue to go down this road can you? Just admit you were wrong about the type of solder and we can move on.

DragonKnight4702d ago

I have never evaded being wrong about anything, you're just looking to label me an anti-MS fanboy, when in fact you're the fanboy. You fail to acknowledge the truth about the 360, and rather than address the questions I've asked, you choose to attack and label me instead. But whatever, do what you will. Can't change the fact that the 360 is poorly built anymore than I can change the fact you'll never admit to it. This was never about trolling, or fanboyism. I responded to an incorrect statement, and was in turn bombarded with massive hate as though I had just raped someone dear to your heart.

And since I'm now out of bubbles, I can't continue anything here, if there was even a point in continuing. I fully admitted to editing the soldering question. And rather than actually answering the question you, in typical fanboy style, chose to dwell on the edit rather than the question. Had you actually wanted to end this, you'd have answered the question and it'd probably be done by now. But nooooooo, no one is allowed to question the reliability of the almighty 360. It's a console built out of adamantium with insides so cool they are the temperature of liquid helium. /s

Hyperbomb694702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

I dont think Ive ever seen so many MS fanboys on this site before... one person simply states the facts and they all get all butthurt about their system as if they just made fun of their children or something... pathetic! Face it fanboys! It aint 2007 anymore, you got no games and no reliabilty. go have fun with your Sesame Street GOTY Kinect title....

disagrees = your fanboy tears!

greatjimbo784702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

Oh DragonKnight. You still don't get it do you? Two of your so called questions were factually wrong. How can I answer your questions, if the information used to ask them is wrong?

You based one of your questions around the soldering used but got the type of solder wrong. You realised this(Google is wonderful is it not)and edited it to lead-free.
You see, your mistake is a pretty big one to consider when answering your question. In fact, it arguable leaves the whole question worthless.

But no, you can't see that and decide to call anyone who corrects you a MS fanboy. I can admit you had some valid points. But I can't debate with someone who I can't take seriously.

Take some time out and learn how to stealth troll properly. Also, don't try to play the victim. It doesn't suit you.

gamingdroid4702d ago

LOL! DragonKnight again....

+ Show (13) more repliesLast reply 4702d ago
bozebo4702d ago

er, its only possible because they are aiming at old gen performance. The 720 will follow the traditional approach of cpu and gpu in different chips.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 4702d ago
MGRogue20174702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

wtf... I'm confused.. Isn't this already available? You know.. That new "slim" redesigned model?

DeadlyFire4702d ago

Redesign slim 2nd or 3rd generation is all. Easier to produce cheaper to sell = more profit. That is all.

MGRogue20174702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

k, cool.. I don't know how many times Microsoft are going to keep bringing out new revisions of the 360.. kinda pointless, really. The "slim" redesigned model that came out a long while back is fine as it is to be honest.

Xbox 360 is old tech now, They should really concentrate on bringing out a new console.

Foxgod4702d ago

I am pretty sure they are focusing on a new console.
But that doesnt mean they might as well try to stay ahead of the competition for the remainder of this gen.
Otherwise they might end up dead in the water.

kneon4702d ago

@enkeixpress

Why is it pointless? Less power, less heat, lower cost, higher reliability. Those seem like some pretty good points to me.

gamingdroid4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

because each revision brings down the cost.

If you produce 10-15 million consoles a year, even a $2 reduction results in $20-30 million savings. How is that pointless?

Of course the consumer (side-)benefit are lower power consumption, less heat, more reliable and potentially lower price!

Regarding new console... there is no pressure on MS to do so! Unfortunately, as I want a new console cycle now and Nintendo is sketchy in terms of my wants i.e. great controller, robust online and other forms of entertainment (not just games like movie streaming and etc).

No Way4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

Sony and Nintendo do the same thing, as Microsoft, as well..
It's not a new console or a new 'sku,' so to speak, just a revision.
It's not pointless, to them, as it makes it cheaper to produce and sell.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4702d ago
B1663r4702d ago

Yeah, this is old news... This is from a year ago when they originally reworked the processor for the slim.

Burning_Finger4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

Sounds like a Cell processor..

@Sin151

The Cell processor can also act as a GPU and rendered Graphics on its on. This is what Microsoft are pushing right now. A processor and GPU on the same chip.

http://lanl.gov/orgs/hpc/ro...

I think u are the one that needs homework and research.

JsonHenry4702d ago

Not even close to the same.

IAmCornHolio4702d ago

Actually, the Xbox, PS3, wii, and now the WiiU cpu's are all made at the same IBM facility...

The only thing different about the different CPUs is the microcode that goes into the different chips.

It is one of the reasons Sony has received so much crap for their decision on the Cell, because they have this exotic chip design, and have realized no real benefit from using it.

4702d ago Replies(5)
Foxgod4702d ago

Who the heck even agreed with him?
The whole setup of having all cores and the GPU on a single chip, is the complete opposite of how a ps3 works.

joeorc4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

ok for people that just do not get it. DR. Dr. Hofstee you know one of the major designers of the d@mn chip in the PS3.

already showed how the PS3 works an has shown for a few years what the chip is.

before you guy's slam (Burning_Finger) what he posted is correct. If you have not noticed the CELL is a Hybrid Core CPU/GPU on a single die already..that's one of the key point's of the Cell, it's a graphic, an physic's accelerator!

if you have not noticed, the Arm core design for Multiple cores on chip along with GPU cores are designed along the same lines..SOC's the Cell processor is a SOC.

d@mn people read what he posted!

@sin151

"You are a troll and a moron, Cell the structure works on a 6 core CPU, with the GPU entire separate.. SoC work by combining the two which they can then lower the GPU speeds because there is no transfer to the CPU leading to dramatic increases in speeds, do your fucking homework junior. "

no it's one PPE
PLUS 8 SPE'S

1 SPE DISABLED FOR "MESHED ERA REDUNDANCY"
1 SPE USED ALONG WITH THE PPE for PS3's OS
an 6 SPE'S that are free for developers to use.

the SPE's can be used for graphic an physic's acceleration such as for example:

From an interview with David Kirk of NVidia at WatchImpress:

David Kirk: SPE and RSX can work together. SPE can preprocess graphics data in the main memory or postprocess rendering results sent from RSX.

David Kirk: Let SPEs do vertex-processing then let RSX render it.

David Kirk: SPE and GPU work together, which allows physics simulation to interact with graphics.

It's not just the RSX that drives the graphical quality, then - the Cell can also really be used to improve the graphics.

joeorc4702d ago

why because

Its something I know what it is.

for instance CPU's can do graphic's but What makes a GPU a GPU what determines the classfication of what is or is not a GPU?

would a chip that can do 36 billion shader opp's/sec be classed as a GPU?

because the Cell by itself can

at one time in the GPU market that was the heyday are those PCi or AGP cards Any less OF BEING a GPU since the day they were manuf. an put out for the consumer to buy?

the Cell processor

"For example we showed the demo that renders London City, it's not rendered in the GPU but the CELL does lighting and texture processing then outputs it to the frame buffer. Even without GPU, only CELL can create good enough 3D graphics."

that's without the RSX.

4702d ago
divideby04702d ago

burning.... you are correct..

in fact the PS3 did not have a GPU back when it was being designed

just look at the lack of credible remarks in this thread

SOC has been in the works for years, and its not MS, its the hardware companys.

at the end of the day its still 45nm and since 22 technology is shipping later this year, just shows you this is not a big deal.. yes less heat, yes cost reduction...

Peaceful_Jelly4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

OMG, the misinformation in this thread of comments is incredible. 0__0

The Cell doesn't even uses cores and while it can do GPU stuff thanks to the SPE's it doesn't mean that the CPU is a GPGPU or a CPU/GPU combined. The CELL still needs a GPU because it has too few stream processors. What MS is doing is making the CPU and GPU to be in a single chip to reduce cost and power usage, nothing more. There's nothing out of this world about that and that's why I was surprised when I saw the comment count (almost 100) and the high Heat-Degree for this article.

And then I see you people talking all this nonsense and I'm like: what the hell is going on?

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 4702d ago
Falaut4702d ago (Edited 4702d ago )

I really like SoC design. I think AMD is going to kill it with Fusion. So this is really neat. But doesn't SoC in its truest sense include memory as well?

Show all comments (145)
270°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv721d 2h ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle13h ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic188111h ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio10h ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning775h ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga13h ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

shinoff218312h ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga11h ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan7h ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit2m ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus236h ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv725h ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2m ago
purple10116h ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos15h ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-5h ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac14h ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad14h ago(Edited 14h ago)

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple10114h ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos13h ago(Edited 13h ago)

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic12h ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead5h ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 5h ago
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300°

Microsoft Seemingly Closes Bethesda France

As part of its plans to cut 1,900 jobs, Microsoft has reportedly shut down operations at Bethesda France, letting go roughly 15 people

Read Full Story >>
insider-gaming.com
Hereandthere1d 23h ago

Microsoft should have left them stay 3rd party

GamerRN1d 20h ago

If they are let go, they can be whatever they want. They ARE 3rd party now... 🤦

Barlos1d 18h ago

Yeah, they're also jobless.

GamerRN1d 11h ago

They can form a company if they want, they are just as jobless as if "Microsoft had left them as 3rd party".

peppeaccardo1d 13h ago

"MIcrosoft leaves Bethesda do what they know how to do best" ... close! Oh the irony ....
(Citation from a week old article)

ChasterMies1d 9h ago

I think Microsoft and other game publishers are letting people go because they think ai will replace them. Doesn’t matter how much profit they make. They were always going to be let go.

PassNextquestion1d 22h ago (Edited 1d 22h ago )

Bethesda France was made up of roughly 15 people... they couldn't of being doing much

Bethesda France mainly did publishing and marketing within the region

blacktiger1d 20h ago

that's a shame for you to say that, i'm sure Elite loves hearing what you just said.

Mr Logic1d 6h ago

What a stupid thing to say. The elites give 0 fucks what we say on an obscure website in the comments section.

Crows901d 6h ago

You can always reach out and give them jobs at your company man. Don't wait

blacktiger3h ago

You own nothing snd be happy. I'm sure you heard that

Profchaos1d 22h ago (Edited 1d 22h ago )

Bethesda France focused on publishing and marketing in the region. And 15 people lost their jobs as part of the closure.

I wonder if this is part of Microsoft's strategy to abandoned physical media or possibly gamepass advertising makes their roles redundant you don't need to market a game as hard when the majority of players get the game as part of a sub which already promoted upcoming games

Tacoboto1d 22h ago

It's France too, there's a high likelihood only 1-2 people on the team even had an Xbox.

Profchaos1d 22h ago

Possibly guven all the leaks we know the Xbox brand is really struggling in the region.

Yi-Long1d 19h ago

Well, if your consoles and games are barely found in any stores any more, of course you're gonna struggle finding consumers ...

XiNatsuDragnel1d 21h ago

Tbh Microsoft I think Bethesda being 3rd party same with Activision would probably more competitive than thus scenario imo

Profchaos1d 19h ago (Edited 1d 19h ago )

I think it would have been better for all parties really especially gamers

TheColbertinator1d 20h ago

The recently purchased Activision French offices might take over all the licensing and marketing for Microsoft in France from now on.

Show all comments (23)
280°

Xbox's Preservation Step Sets A Much-Needed Example, Especially For Nintendo

Hanzla from eXputer inquires: "If Xbox can care about preserving its games and legacy, what exactly is wrong with Nintendo, trying to kill game preservation single-handedly?"

purple10113d ago

Ahh yes the good old game preservation of saving all your games to a removable hhd on the Xbox 360, taking it round your mates house, setting up multiple tvs to
Be met with “save data corrupted, please re download”

Or how about removing 360 games
From the store
, download them now or else, and, better hope to god that save data doesn’t corrupt, or it’s lost for ever

Nice one ☝️

Zeref12d ago

It's better than what Nintendo and Playstation is doing. It might not be perfect but at least they are TRYING. Unlike the others.

DarXyde12d ago

Trying? Take off the blinders for a moment, mate.

1. A failure to preserve games is just that: a failure to preserve games. Don't try to sugarcoat it: NO ONE is doing it properly. Better than awful is nothing to write home about.

2. At the time of this comment, isn't it the case that you need an internet connection to play Xbox games even if you buy physical discs that are hardly in circulation anymore? I don't have a Series X and I can't verify, but I think that is correct. I'm fairly certain you can at least play PS5 games at version 1.0 (not much of a win really when many games require day one patches). I think Microsoft's all digital, licensing approach is by far more aggressive than anyone else's. They really try to push you to game pass where you lose your entire library by umm.... Skipping a month of payments.

I don't think anyone is doing it right whatsoever. Don't get me started on Nintendo, who goes after anyone looking to preserve their games better than they ever would with extreme litigation.

Don't be a simp for any of these companies. Get it together.

PhillyDonJawn12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

@DarX never speak on Xbox again. You lost all credibility with your internet connection comment. Smh you have 0 clue and misinformed yet speaking on something you don't no squat about.

Einhander197212d ago

What has Sony done exactly? You guys keep deflecting to Sony but I am not actually seeing any results, and ai am certain nothing that you can come up with even comes close to what Microsoft has done and what they have tried and failed to do, like tie all your disks to your account on xbone.

Microsoft removed their whole indie section when they moved to the xbone because they were going to only allow games on the service that came from a publisher, id@xbox started after xbone launched and it only exists because Sony embraced indie and Microsoft was forced to cancel their plans and reverse course.

And every single game that was part of games for windows live including disk games (I have gta 4 on disk that won't work) so hundreds of games that use that DRM no longer work unless the company themselves patched it out which of course very few did.

MrBaskerville12d ago

Not trying. Tried. they killed of the backcomp program years ago. They set something up again, but sounds like it's more of an attempt to save the current library on whatever they are planning next. With luck they save everything and more, but let's see. I could see them killing off parts of the OG xbox and 360 libraries. Can't imagine that they would allow us to play Forza 5-7 in the future.

With that said, I do like what they've done and really wish they could have done more.

shinoff218312d ago

Zeref

So killing off physical media is trying what exactly. Ms don't really give a fk if you think they do your kidding yourself.

Profchaos11d ago

They are not trying this team is established for forward compatability the team is. It interested in preserving Xbox or 360 games.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 11d ago
isarai13d ago

Is that why Hellblade 2 is digital only?

Zeref12d ago

Just because it's digital only doesn't mean you can't preserve it. Just put it on an external and you have the exact same functionality of what a disc does.

MrNinosan12d ago

Guess you're trolling, but if you actually think that's how it works, I'd recommend buying some braincells.

mkis00711d ago (Edited 11d ago )

Volitile vs nonvolitile data. A disc will not corrupt either. A drive can be corrupted.

Einhander197213d ago

This is just a scammy PR move to distract from the fact they are going digital only and trying to push streaming and subscriptions only.

No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft.

Without discs there is no preservation, preservation can't be done by the rights holders it can only be done by the consumers, anything else is a lie.

12d ago Replies(3)
Einhander197212d ago

Anyone remember xblig which Microsoft removed their whole 360 indie section removing hundreds of games from people?

12d ago
12d ago
Zeref12d ago

Do you know you can put your games on an external and preserve them that way? There are no benefits to discs. ZERO. Idk why some of you are still obsessed with them.

DarXyde12d ago

Because games like Persona 5 exist. It's STILL V1.00. On Playstation, that's a win because 1.00 is installed on the disc—no need to download anything.

If a game does not require any updates, it's all on the disc.

Extremely low bar in the modern era, of course. It's not much of a win by any stretch.

But for now, physical media does have a purpose, at least on Playstation.

Einhander197212d ago

That is factually not how game licensing works, try plugging your hard drive into someone else xbox, It's not going to work, and it won't work if the licensing servers ever go down.

Einhander197212d ago

Anyone remember games for windows live.

I have around a dozen games, some on Steam itself that will not work because Microsoft shut off the licensing servers.

BehindTheRows12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

I do. I STILL have games (Gears of War being the big one) I cannot access because Games for Windows LIVE is total garbage and no one has held Microsoft accountable.

Zeref12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership.

Chevalier12d ago

"You don't have an Xbox apparently. Because you can 100 percent plug in your external and play games from it on any Xbox console lol. You just have to be logged in to prove ownership."

Damn how many times do people got to explain your idiocy to you? You can take a copy of Persona 5 like someone used as an example and play that game on ANY console WITHOUT logging in which means I can lend the game to a friend without internet and they can play my game. Can you lend your hard drive to anyone without logging in for them to play? NOPE. That is a huge difference and if you think otherwise then sorry you're an idiot.

Tacoboto12d ago

"No gaming company has pushed harder to remove ownership than Microsoft."

Ubisoft is literally erasing games people bought from their libraries... My PS1-3 discs are useless on modern hardware. Nintendo's re-published and resold almost their entire Wii U library, and the eShop is completely dead with no BC mechanism in the Switch software. Microsoft publishes everything they make today day one on Steam and Xbox/Windows. Sony only brings to PC the titles they think you might want some years later and Nintendo won't even design a functional long-lasting joystick.

You're absolutely trolling and not serious if you think Microsoft today is the worst offender.

shinoff218312d ago

Yay steam

Not everyone fks with computers though. The disc is still the best way as a console player. Period.

Tacoboto11d ago

How do Sony and Nintendo feel about these discs from 2001-2013?

Don't be stupid, you know Xbox is the best at this today.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 11d ago
Hofstaderman12d ago

Nobody wants this. Sales or the lack of it in the case of XBOX is very telling. I wonder how the adorably all digital series X will fare. Adorably dismal perhaps?

crazyCoconuts12d ago

Only time will tell, but for from someone like me suspecting that Xbox is trying to gracefully exit the console market, that "forward compatibility" team is trying to get Xbox games playing on Windows PCs. I mean, it's nice that they're not planning on exiting with a "enjoy your games while the hardware still works" message, so that's nice. They still have a brand to protect via Microsoft so probably feel obligated to have a better exit strategy.

Xeofate12d ago (Edited 12d ago )

That is not their plan, their plan is to transfer users accounts to the cloud.

Phil Spencer himself said as much a few months back, plans could have changed but I think people are reading way too much into one statement where Phil said he would allow Epic on xbox because he wants to be able to sell xbox games directly on other platforms. Aka, instead of selling Sea of Thives through PSN he wants to have an xbox store to sell his games on PlayStation without giving PlayStation any money.

Again, it's extremely unlikely that Phil plans to put PC on xbox and licensing would prevent them from just giving out other publishers games purchased on xbox copies of thier games on PC, Microsoft does not own their games.

crazyCoconuts11d ago

The thing that doesn't align with the cloud strategy is the giving up on exclusives. You'd still need strong exclusives for cloud streaming - it's still a "platform" , just with a lower upfront hardware investment. I feel like they've learned what PS learned with PSNow long ago. We're not ready to stream games and it's only gonna lose them money to try at this point

FinalFantasyFanatic11d ago

I would love that, I'd buy up some of the Xbox games if they could run on PC, like the Rare Replay, Lost Odyssey and Dead or Alive Ultimate, probably a pipe dream though.

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