Important context for anyone reading the headline: they're talking about a Microsoft first party handheld, not collaborations like the Xbox ROG Ally that just got announced.
Important context for anyone reading the headline: they're talking about a Microsoft first party handheld, not collaborations like the Xbox ROG Ally that just got announced.
I'm mixed on this. The reason Valve supports their own hardware SKUs for so long is that they're making gangbusters in the back end off software. Third-party collaborators like ASUS's incentive,...
I'm mixed on this.
The reason Valve supports their own hardware SKUs for so long is that they're making gangbusters in the back end off software.
Third-party collaborators like ASUS's incentive, meanwhile is that unless they're getting a cut, is to sell you another device as soon as they can. This was a problem with early Samsung phones until Google started paying Samsung a lot of money (cutting them in on Android profits essentially). This will result in a more fractured market that's more difficult to target. A problem an Xbox-made handheld wouldn't have.
Well that didn't last long I want to say that I would like to see some competition in the handheld space similar to the steam deck, but who am I kidding? I would have never paid a premium for a...
I want to say that I would like to see some competition in the handheld space similar to the steam deck, but who am I kidding? I would have never paid a premium for a Microsoft product. I would have actually more likely bought another steam deck for my wife to spite Microsoft.
Yeah, I kinda expected as much. Armchair analyst here, who isn't all that great at articulating my thoughts. The handheld market is crowded, and it's mostly appealing to gamers, so it won't push...
Yeah, I kinda expected as much. Armchair analyst here, who isn't all that great at articulating my thoughts. The handheld market is crowded, and it's mostly appealing to gamers, so it won't push the windows store as much as they'd like.
With the win 10 EoL looming, they want to sell you a new windows license, and ideally, the new PC that goes with it. That's where we're headed. An XBox that's also a desktop, with a special Windows install, like Windows S, that's mostly locked down accept for their blessed app store (Windows Store). Think about how much money you spend online, that Microsoft doesn't get a cut of. Adobe, Netflix, Spotify, Steam, Epic, etc etc. They want a cut, and they're working to reestablish the windows store as at the center of the windows software ecosystem. Anyone notice the uptick of Windows Store keys in Amazon Prime Gaming giveaways? The changes to developer experience//reduced friction to developing for Microsoft?
It'll probably be a loss leader on hardware too, as a short term investment in customer acquisition.
Well that was quick, they were mostly talking about shelving the device last week. I guess Microsoft at this point simply wants to be a licensor than a manufacturer.
Well that was quick, they were mostly talking about shelving the device last week. I guess Microsoft at this point simply wants to be a licensor than a manufacturer.
Important context for anyone reading the headline: they're talking about a Microsoft first party handheld, not collaborations like the Xbox ROG Ally that just got announced.
I'm mixed on this.
The reason Valve supports their own hardware SKUs for so long is that they're making gangbusters in the back end off software.
Third-party collaborators like ASUS's incentive, meanwhile is that unless they're getting a cut, is to sell you another device as soon as they can. This was a problem with early Samsung phones until Google started paying Samsung a lot of money (cutting them in on Android profits essentially). This will result in a more fractured market that's more difficult to target. A problem an Xbox-made handheld wouldn't have.
Well that didn't last long
I want to say that I would like to see some competition in the handheld space similar to the steam deck, but who am I kidding? I would have never paid a premium for a Microsoft product. I would have actually more likely bought another steam deck for my wife to spite Microsoft.
Yeah, I kinda expected as much. Armchair analyst here, who isn't all that great at articulating my thoughts. The handheld market is crowded, and it's mostly appealing to gamers, so it won't push the windows store as much as they'd like.
With the win 10 EoL looming, they want to sell you a new windows license, and ideally, the new PC that goes with it. That's where we're headed. An XBox that's also a desktop, with a special Windows install, like Windows S, that's mostly locked down accept for their blessed app store (Windows Store). Think about how much money you spend online, that Microsoft doesn't get a cut of. Adobe, Netflix, Spotify, Steam, Epic, etc etc. They want a cut, and they're working to reestablish the windows store as at the center of the windows software ecosystem. Anyone notice the uptick of Windows Store keys in Amazon Prime Gaming giveaways? The changes to developer experience//reduced friction to developing for Microsoft?
It'll probably be a loss leader on hardware too, as a short term investment in customer acquisition.
Edit: adjustment for clarity
The world of Cory Doctorow's
BigLittle Brother is coming to pass. Complete with some kids going to Gitmo.He called it Little Brother. He knows authors who use subtlty in their works, and they're all cowards.
That'll teach me to stop relying on my memory before bed.
Well that was quick, they were mostly talking about shelving the device last week. I guess Microsoft at this point simply wants to be a licensor than a manufacturer.
Late to the party, just like with the Windows phone and the Zune. What is it about Microsoft and handhelds?