What the hell? Slashdot games linked to a story about Apex Digital the cheap DVD maker and a company called Via is making a new game system called ApeXtreme Personal Gaming Console and DVD Player .
It looks like this thing is going to go for $300 to $400, is based on Windows XP Embedded, a Via S3 video chip, Windows Media Player files, WMA, MP3 and it's 40-Gig hard drive will be open to be used as a network personal media player. Currently there is no hard information but it looks like it is going to be unveiled later on this week at the CES show.
As far as Apex Digital goes I have been pretty impressed with the multimedia capabilities of their financially prudent DVD players but I am skeptical about the future prospects of yet another game system. In a crowded market with no announced games.
I mean this thing has to go up against the Xbox, Playstation2, Phantom, PSX, Gamecube now and in the future the Xbox Xenon, PS3 and the Nintendo N5.
It is defiantly a long shot but it's multimedia options might make it a cult system with gadget nerds. This story looks legit but strange.
Wasn't this supposed to be an A[ex/Alienware joint effort? I also heard (and saw pictures) that it was called somthing like DISCover but I might be getting confused.
-DCrookZ out
I think this is the Discover. the pictures I saw earlier looked different than the one above (see http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,1089866,00.asp ). After looking at their website, it looks like this may be the final design for the console (see http://www.discoverconsole.com/default.htm ). Supposedly, this thing lets you drop in a PC game CD, and after a brief installation script runs, you can play the game on your PC.
oops. My links were bad. Take off the ")." at the end and they should work
You know what would be really cool? If this machine had a VGA hookup so you could link it to a monitor if you wanted....or even **gasp** a projector! Why display super vga or even xga games with ultra detailed texturing on a tv? It doesn't make sense at all. I hope it has an hdtv hookup because HD 480p or 1080i are the only formats that can take advantage of such lurid detail. The only reason why I have not bought a console gaming system is the assy lack of resolution that a regular TV provides. I am spoiled by my PC screen res. Xbox does allow for HD hookup but it usually just makes the res look worse on most games, there are a couple that look descent though from what I understand.
If this thing has an HD hookup I might consider buying it because I can play games that I already have. COOL! Does anyone know if it has HD?
Well it appears that it DOES! I will more than likely be buying one because I can play games on a 55 inch bigscreen with 5.1 surround through Bose speakers!!!! It is truly a great idea! I just wonder if it will work as stated.
Pete, I have been following the specs for it for a few months now, and they have stayed pretty consistent. the only new revelation I have seen is all of the outputs supported (HD hookups - whoo hoo!). I'm totally with you on the big screen gaming. That was my whole reason for wanting to build a home theater PC, but this keeps me from having to worry about setup issues, overscan form the video card, etc. This gives me hope for a (relatively) hassle-free setup for PC gaming on the big screen. YES!
The *Ape* Xtreme?
Ook Ook?
They need to start coming up with some better names for these things (although the most appropriate in recent times was probably the non-existent "phantom").
DISCover is like Tivo: Tivo licenses their Intellectuall Property (IP) to both Sony and Philips. When someone buys a Tivo, you don't ask if it's a Sony or a Philips. They a=ave a patent on the "Drop-and-Play" technology that "consolizes" PC games. It plays standard PC games, so itstarts out with thousands of titile...much differrent from any competing console.
As for the VGA out, Apex relates "VGA" to "PC." Not going to happen. Component Video and DVI=Home Theater.
Yes but I heard their 3d chip is massively under performing what it should be. I read that it will not be powerful enough to deliver.
Specs/components don't seem to be final yet. I think Apex will make sure the first one kicks butt. No point bringing out some lame POS that gets hammered on the forums.