"We are designing a Pegasos Game console for MMOG that should have other qualities[...]"

Is it a JOKE ?

Well, I must be dreaming... Actually I hope I'll wake up soon...

Anything else to add...

XXXXX G4

The Xxxx G4 is a next generation game console complemented by unique computing features that make it the ultimate digital home entertainment device. The basic unit is composed of an OPA based Pegasos enabled by OpenFirmware and MorphOS (1.5) or Linux (2.6). The Pegasos also features the latest ATI graphics card and 3D engine (9200 or AIO option). The performance of the Xxxx G4 as a game console is as fully featured as any in the market with built in Internet protocols and DHCP features for instant broadband internet set-up and access (leverages Genesi patents). The Xxxx G4 is designed to support the most advanced mass multi-player online game (MMOG) and open the door to a new level of play and interaction.

The Xxxx G4 is also a fully featured computer that can be advantageously used with readily available standard PC peripheral devices, including wired/wireless keyboards and mice, game controllers (SNES, PC joystick, PSX joypad, etc.), printers, and USB driven devices, such as web cams, digital cameras, and memory sticks. Other features include:

1. Integrated SD/CF/Memory Stick media slots
2. Wireless capability as standard to support and/or Bluetooth (or IRDA) networking
3. Realtime media streaming from home LAN as a TV/HDTV playback device (JPEG, MOV, DIVX etc.)
4. Internal SIM card module and external smart card reader/writer feature
5. CDRW/DVR+/-R options
6. TiVo/Replay options

The Xxxx G4 would include component video out via DVI so unit can go analog or digital via change of a cable or direct to DVI for televisions with DVI now.

The Xxxx G4 comes with the built in Family MorphOS SuperBundle package and bundled with hundreds of old Amiga and Atari games and applications (GBA proves that people still want old games). The Xxxxx G4 also supports voice and video over IP, which can be used in conjunction with MMOG play.

What a waste of time and money. We already got the xbox + modchip which makes an excellent multimedia-console with support for streaming and other modern technologies.

You claim this will be a "next generation" game console. You call G4 "next generation"? Look at the XBOX2 and PS3 specifications.

I think people want to buy a console to play new games. Why would the big game companies support a platform that makes pirating even more easy than on the xbox?

Quote:

Does "designing a Game Console" mean new hardware, or will it be a Peg2 motherboard in a "console case"?

The only really unique feature I can think of right now that none of the others currently have would be VR. Expensive and complicated, but it would bring a whole new dimension to gaming!

Hi muckboy...this is for a big company.

Did you read SIM card? Did you read smart cards?



Why do you think ring tones can sell for $2-3 for a ten second sound byte (and pull in $5 billion+ in sales in 2003) and you have to pull teeth to sell a whole song for .99 on the internet?

Seen this:

http://www.connect.com/

The world is moving ahead. If we want to be part of it we just can't follow along, we need to be out front.

R&B

TMHG, do you mean Virtual Reality so that with a headset you would actually be submerged (so to speak) into ADULT SWIM?!?!

Yikes!



Could be?!

R&B

Here are a few random thoughts:

a) users will need to be able to use the various input mechanisms interchangably. He might have a keyboard, mouse or joystick. The user should be able to access everything he needs with all of these mechanisms. If the was sitting on the couch playing a game using a joystick/pad, then he shouldn't have to get up fetch his keyboard or mouse in order to select another operation. ;) The user shouldn't have to lug the keyboard, mouse and joypad around the room all of the time. :)

b) Would be a good idea to include support for HDTVs and regular TV's along with VGA monitors. Users should be able to quickly increase and reduce the type depending on how far they are from TV, or possibly able to set the fonts and screen characteristics depending on what they plug their console to. (If the user wants to lug the console to another room because someone is hogging the HDTV, they could bring it to another set or a monitor without having to constantly tweak their settings. [Maybe they can easily swap to a previously saved display settings.]

c) Use Networks to your advantage: Try and set up so that multiplayer games could be played either with users on the same box or online. (I don't know if you can do something with a specialized VNC server/viewer and lowlevel.library for existing games, and have specialized network-gaming libraries that allows coders to be able to "sync games" between consoles and players with minimal coding effort. ;))

d) Set up online communities where users can register, buy/sell/earn credits. (Credits can be dumped back into real cash if possible.) Credits could be used for: purchasing games, music, videos, software. Credits could be traded with other members, won in certain games or contests. If credits could be incorporated into games (ie: a MMORPG where credits could be used in in-game shops, earned by completing quests), then taking out of that and into a virtual arcade where the user can spend "quarters" to test a few games out. If they like it enough or spend enough "credits" then they purchased the game. ;) You can have redemption games, gambling games, video rentals, etc.

e) If this is marketted as a game console... Try and get some innovative new games. It doesn't have to be 100% original: Nintendo's Animal Crossing is close to a SIMs knock-off yet, it has a feel all to its own and different play mechanics. I can only imagine how this could would play networked. You can look at Pikimin as another take to real-time strategy games. There is something to be said about retro-gaming but I doubt that it'll make your platform. If you can license some retro-gaming bundles and try and get updates and remakes of some well-known retro games then it's great. However, you also need to come up with something that is at least on par with the current generation of game systems.

Some good ideas here!

Some small things to consider: we could offer a machine at a reduced cost, but with the facilities to do more.

For instance, Microsoft and Sony sell machines capable of playing DVDs, but you have to buy a special remote control/dongle (specially formatted memory card) to activate it. This means they don't weigh down the console with DVD consortium licenses for people who will never use the functionality.

Imagine that the remote control comes with the console, like the CD32 pad - but to activate the DVD player functionality you simply buy a media card, just like for your digital camera, and buy the appropriate online update to get the DVD software.

Updates to the DVD software (contained on the card) could be made online, since they're writable media.

You could bundle a hard disk with the system too - which would enable PVR functionality. But imagine just using the hard disk to download games, patches or new levels to start with. Buy a new smart card or media card, and suddenly it becomes a PVR.

Another bit of software, and it becomes a home MP3 jukebox. The system can obviously play audio and do stuff but it would not have the licensed technology embedded inside that would cost users money :)

With two ethernet ports like the Pegasos - you could connect one to a dedicated cable modem and one to the home LAN for interactivity with your other appliances. Or perhaps just rely on the wireless for that.

You could always get a fairly standard radio wireless controller and/or remote. Nintendo actually has an official controller that is radio wireless. Forget IrDA - it's highly directional, limited range and has been tried before. With the Nintendo Wavebird you can play games in another room. It'd be hard to play Mario Kart "blindfolded", but then again why make people sit 6 inches from the TV?

Bluetooth could be it. Buy a MS or Logitech mouse
and keyboard for perfect Doom III gaming :D Also interact with your phone, and utilise the same technology for the headset.

With PowerPC and an ATI graphics chipset.. well, it would be on par with the big 3's current and future offerings.

How about standard USB controllers too? I don't mean XBox's dodgy pseudo-USB :)

How about being a fairly fully functional PC if you wanted the option? I don't mean Windows, but at the very least it could run MorphOS or a special desktop Linux. All an option for the user with the need.

.. the possibilities are endless, really.. keep suggesting :)

Mini-ITX version of the Pegasos would be better. Strip off all those useless legacy ports (PS2, Serial and P.P.)

People don't want bulky anymore. Small and compact sells. It's why I want an MicroA1 Lite.

We need proper I18N for MorphOS too.

Hey BBRV you Edited one of your Posts.

--YOU ARE RIGHT DONAR AND WE JUST DID IT AGAIN! OK?! --

Or am i just going insane over configuring my
Pegasos II???

By the way really a nice machine and faaast

"The Pegasos also features the latest ATI graphics card and 3D engine (9200 or AIO option)."

IIRC there are a lot of cards after the 9200... And by the time xxxx G4 (!) gets released, there will be even more... I hope this is just an idea...

talking about old games: release some remastered Amiga classics (Shadow of the Beast, Gods,...) and you'll have (another) one buyer ;)

Maybe my idea of remastered old Amiga classics could be re-evaluated now ? ;) (see mail I sent 6 months-1 year ago about that...)

Regards,
Leo.

to be quite honest unless genesi is not telling us something and they have a few very good connections, i think this is a bad idea that will not make a lot of money......i hope it works out though

I think this is a great idea! But do remember, this is exactly what Commodore did back in the days. Acctually they did it twice - and failed. (Even though the CD32 got some more attention than the CD-TV)
But they was on to something. Maybe a little before it's time. You might wonder if it can be done again. Espessially since Sony Playstation and Microsoft XBox have grown quite large since they "overtook" Nintendo and Segas role in this market.
But i like the idea.

As I said in my other reply.... before "designing" a new ficitional new machine try to enhance the old functionality/software support... f.e. tpc/ip; better developer software; better hardware support (grafic, network...)

Actually Jonny the idea is to use the Pegasos as the prototype platform. Here is an updated version...

XXXXX G4

The Xxxxx G4 is a next generation game console complemented by unique computing features that make it the ultimate digital home entertainment device. The basic *development* unit is composed of an OPA based Pegasos enabled by OpenFirmware and MorphOS (1.5) or Linux (2.6). The Pegasos also features the latest ATI graphics card and 3D engine. The performance of the Xxxxx G4 as a game console is as fully featured as any in the market with built in Internet protocols and DHCP features for instant broadband internet set-up and access (leverages Genesi patents). The Xxxxx G4 is designed to support the most advanced mass multi-player online game (MMOG) and open the door to a new level of play and interaction.

The Xxxxx G4 is also a fully featured computer that can be advantageously used with readily available standard PC peripheral devices, including wired/wireless keyboards and mice, game controllers (SNES, PC joystick, PSX joypad, etc.), printers, and USB driven devices, such as web cams, digital cameras, and memory sticks. Other features include:

1. Integrated SD/CF/Memory Stick/whatever media slots
2. Wireless to support WLAN, Bluetooth, IRDA
3. Realtime media streaming from home LAN as a TV/HDTV playback device (JPEG, MOV, DIVX, etc.)
4. Internal SIM card module, external smart card reader/writer feature and secure data tunnel to allow micropayment and PPV/Play applications (proprietary development working now)
5. CDRW/DVR+/-R options
6. TiVo/Replay options
7. Home server option to supply seamless connection to other home devices via WLAN (one of these devices could be a wireless tablet that could be used as alternate desktop for whatever -- a portable laptop without a keyboard and could be touchscreen or handwriting-recognition pen driven).
8. Powerline modem option (to control lights, coffee maker, etc.)
9. Virtual Reality/Shutter Glasses plug in option (done in the systems graphic library)
10. An In-Car system option (navigation, TV in available areas, etc.)

The Xxxxx G4 would include component video out via DVI so unit can go analog or digital via change of a cable or direct to DVI for televisions with DVI now.

The Xxxxx G4 comes with the built in Family MorphOS SuperBundle package and bundled with hundreds of old Amiga and Atari games and applications (GBA proves that people still want old games). The Xxxxx G4 also supports voice and video over IP, which can be used in conjunction with MMOG play.

In order to compete with the big players out there you would need some (many!) good games. The HW might not be the best, but after all it's software that sells it. But honestly I don't think you've got a possibility, here and now.

OTOH, I recall your plans for a digital television STB. Now, if you can merge both projects (a DTV receiver/decoder and a game console), you could have some points, because you could market them at a price that doesn't necessarily have to face the likes of Sony PS2 or MS xBox. In Italy there are some STBs sold at around 400 euro... At that price you could sell an interesting Pegasos based machine (of course you should redesign it to be cheaper). Now, if you throw in a DVD reader (and the ability to read/play DivX on CDs as well...), the possibility to download your photos from your digicam via the USB port, some kind of internet connectivity... well, you could have a seller. At least if you market it as a Digital Television receiver with quite a lot more - then you could sell to grown-ups (I mean, the parents in a family might be interested as it could satisfy multiple purposes).

But of course, if you want to market it as a game console, first of all you need quality games... so I'm back to my original thought.

Kind regards,
Andrea

@bbrv,

what possessed you to make a game console?

...a customer!

R&B

P.S. Get the "hell" out of here!


Not you -- just the other part! Forget the tour -- have fun alive!

Stop dreaming too early...

I sincerely prefer MorphOS since is better optimized than Linux, since is only PowerPC... And better control over the OS by Genesi and integrate exclusive things. I think that Firewire could be very nice, imagine people that don't know about computers can plug their Cameras and see the image on TV, edit (motion studio?) convert to divx/xvid/mpeg2 and write on DVD...

But MorphOS needs be heavily fixed and improved, since need a lot of thins, more applications too...

I think that could be very good make the monster when qbox or how is named are implemented completely on MorphOS...

Another good thing could be a upgrade system, featuring new things on the machine, this things are maked by sonyericsson on their cell phones (that I not like it at all but this is another story...), are upgraded by internet, or you can send a letter and every 1 or 2 months you will receive a CD that only needs be inserted thanks to an automated upgrading system...

Another thing required could be a better own browser, improve voyager and make a browser as mozilla in compatibility and very fast...

VGA output? why not? Since is easy add it and not suppose apreciated costs/... Andgames and the system can use both resolutions, similar to dreamcast but better, can use 1280x1024 resolutions or greater on your monitor/HDTV tv...

Ending...MorphOS will be the better of for this, but needs to be a lot fixed and improved (QBOX, Firewire, drivers for DVB and others...); And a lot of apps as a Voyager with compatibility similar to Firefox (from Mozilla.org, you know, actually a lot of people that use Internet Explorer are using now Firefox). Thanks to this geek users and STB users will be beneficiated... And another great thing could be that you can install freeware apps by a portal... MorphOS prepared apps for be easily installed on STB... And that can be a product easy but with "advanced mode" and can act as a normal MorphOS if you like, but this need some meditating...

Sorry for my chaotic write, but I'm writing on a dreamcast, I was no sleeped and no time for make it better...

PS: for this advanced STB project, see/hear that normal people thinks, people that don't know how use a computer or not too much...

STB, the next generation of computers for people that not like know about computers? Could be...

Yep, I'm all for this! To do just a games console and compete with PS & XBOX, would be suicide, and to do just a PVR, or Setop-Box with just Email, Browsing etc, again would be nuts; but, to have a Set-Top Box in your lounge that can do all of these- well, now we're talking!
I personally have MP3s, DivXs, etc that I wouldn't mind playing in the family room, but to do so, I would have to lug my desktop computer, and plug all the cables in each time I want to do so. And having a computer permanently stationed there is not an option- it's too big and ugly, and most people don't have the room to store one in their family room either. You can use Laptops, but how many of them have TV/video out, and how many people have Laptops with high-end video cards in- they're not cheap!
Another example- my friends had an old mate around, which he hadn't seen for awhile, instead of photo albums, we just jumped on the net, and he went to his personal website, with all his family photos on, and we looked at them (including videos of them) on the Projector- great!
What we're looking at here, is this console can be the beginnings of a home automation center- ie: all media being controlled through one system, and one remote (maybe keyboard & mouse too). So MP3s of your CDs stored on your hard drive, recent recorded programs all on HDD, some movies- all of these easily accessible from one point- no having to go and change disks etc.
Obviously, older movies etc will be archived onto CD/DVDs (or maybe on a Server somewhere else in the house). I seriously doubt PS and Xbox will be moving too much in this direction- and you may have to change CDs, reboot etc to do some of this not all multitasking at once!
And Yes, bbrv, making this system available as an cheap, easy to install in-car system is just what people are looking for too (I know I am :)!

I think it should come as a base unit, with upgrades available. So maybe coming standard with CDRW/DVD or DVD player, with upgrade to DVDRW for PVR. We should see if we can make a box that runs most things without HDD, and just run off CD/DVD and memory sticks, with an HDD option if people want an easier to use machine with more features.

Microsoft says that Xbox 2 will not have HDD!! They says that will have a propietary system of cards, similar to flash?

HDD is still a cheaper and bigger store method, others can't compete with it, then this thing should have HDD ;)

For that the new monster can compete, must be a revulionary thing, never seemed a thing like this, competitive price... A milagre! Why? This isn't by Sony, Phillips, Panasonic... Then must be a revolutionary product for can compete with very knowed names...

now you are making this sould like MythTV.

MythTV

ya my first actual link!

i never did see that url buton above the posting box. we should have a port of myth tv. the guy who makes it needs a new job after loosing his old one. genesi could hire him. his program does A TON of the things you want this system to do. i think it might not be a bad idea

I think it would be cool, if the console was handheld...
Option to connect it to television would also be cool...

Hmm.. If it were handheld and had wireless communication for online-play ....