Games industry insiders have suggested that Microsoft may be considering allowing third-party firms to develop hardware using its Xbox 360 technology.
The devices rumoured include a set-top box and a Blu-ray player with built-in Xbox 360 technology, but leading games analyst Michael Pachter believes such a move is doubtful.
Speaking to GamesIndustry, Pachter said: "To add 360 functionality to another consumer electronics device, such as a Blu-ray player, the manufacturer would incur relatively significant additional cost. That would place the hybrid device at a disadvantage.
"It doesn't sound likely to me, as the 360 is hardly as ubiquitous as, say, the DVD drive."
Industry rumours emerged last week ahead of the E3 show, suggesting Microsoft would open its Xbox 360 technology to third-party manufacturers in a bid to reach the mainstream Japanese market.
h**p://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/a106553/blu-ray-with-built-in-xbox-360-rumoured.html
The devices rumoured include a set-top box and a Blu-ray player with built-in Xbox 360 technology, but leading games analyst Michael Pachter believes such a move is doubtful.
Speaking to GamesIndustry, Pachter said: "To add 360 functionality to another consumer electronics device, such as a Blu-ray player, the manufacturer would incur relatively significant additional cost. That would place the hybrid device at a disadvantage.
"It doesn't sound likely to me, as the 360 is hardly as ubiquitous as, say, the DVD drive."
Industry rumours emerged last week ahead of the E3 show, suggesting Microsoft would open its Xbox 360 technology to third-party manufacturers in a bid to reach the mainstream Japanese market.
h**p://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/a106553/blu-ray-with-built-in-xbox-360-rumoured.html
