Playing for keeps

Michael Gartenberg | December 09, 2003, 08:04 AM

Actually, it's probably not about what the folks at news.com are reporting at all. Game devices will always need to be first and foremost game devices. Console vendors that attempt to stray too far into the realm of the converged will likely not succeed. Our research points to this over ad over as subscribers to our PCG service know.

While we see interesting experiments in the near future with devices adding functionality, look for the console not evolve into the Uber device but rather to act as a portal to content that is stored elsewhere (such as on PCs) in the home. The rise of broadband, combined with the growth of fast wireless home networks is providing the catalyst and consoles that sit on that network and connect to a TV will be ONE of the keys to getting content around the home. They will not represent a single solution (as most homes have more than one TV they want content on and usually only one console) but rather become one access portal of many that will be found in the home. It's the PC that is rapidly evolving into the personal home server that can dish up content to a variety of devices both over the network locally and synced to devices for mobility. In 2004 look for more solutions that seamlessly ties this stuff together better and allow for flexible access to content where it's stored without the need to move it to a new device.

Game boxes lead race for media 'uberdevice.'
[CNET News.com - Front Door]