I don't think PlayStation or any other gaming platform is keeping up with Xbox in this respect. Am I correct?
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Microsoft, NTT To Put Xbox On Broadband.
March 29, 2001 03:27 PM
mworld.com
Microsoft, NTT To Put Xbox On Broadband REDMOND, WASHINGTON, Mar 29, 2001 (Newsbytes via COMTEX) -- Microsoft Corp. [NASDAQ:MSFT] and NTT Communications Corp. [NYSE:NTT] said today they have clinched an alliance to establish a dedicated high-speed broadband online gaming service in Japan for use with the Microsoft Xbox video game system.
The companies said the new service is expected to launch in 2002, and will offer gamers in Japan a new medium to experience connected gaming, which their statement said they hope will evolve from a novelty into a necessity.
Microsoft co-founder and Chairman Bill Gates is slated to deliver the keynote address at the Tokyo Games Show on Friday.
Under the agreement, NTT Com will provide Microsoft with access to its Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) broadband network.
Microsoft said its Xbox Division in Japan will co-manage the buildout of the online gaming service. The division will also provide support for game developers creating online-enabled Xbox games.
"With broadband entering a new phase, as evidenced by the rapid proliferation of ADSL, we consider 2001 to be the inaugural year for broadband services," said Masanobu Suzuki, NTT president and CEO. "NTT Com has been striving to expand its IP-based broadband communications infrastructure. I truly believe that the Xbox service will contribute greatly to the proliferation of broadband services among Japanese households."
Microsoft said Xbox is the only video game system designed from the onset as a platform for online gaming. The device''s Ethernet port and hard disk drive allows game developers the ability to create new online-enabled games that connect players to other gamers.
The companies also said they will collaborate to explore the future use of enhanced fiber-optic connections, with speeds up to 100 Mbit, to create more compelling online video game experiences. |
