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Originally Posted by shawty
So would not selling them it? Im not trying to say which would be the best for them or anything, its just its not as easy saying well Microsoft can have it if they want it, they might not even want it.
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Very true, but if memory serves, Sony and Microsoft have been in the same position before. When MS launched both the Xbox and Xbox 360, Sony would have been in a similar position to refuse licences to DVD technology. They didn't.
It's also entirely possible that from time to time, both the Xbox and Xbox 360 have included Sony parts in their manufacture.
We don't know if Microsoft will get the rights to include BD drives either in the XBox 360 or in external caddies, and we don't know if they'll even apply for them. One thing I have learned (over the last 15 years or so) is that Microsoft tend to "hedge their bets" and are capable of changing direction extremely quickly if their strategy fails*. In fact, Microsoft have been known to move considerably faster than much smaller companies. Something which is nearly impossible with large companies. The fact that Microsoft staff have said that BD is a possibility backs this up, even though Microsoft have not said it officially.
*One example of this: In 1993/94, Microsoft said that the Internet had no future. They announced that within a year or so, we would all be using MSN, and browsing using "MSN Explorer" (an AOL-like program). 4-6months later, they had the first version of Internet Explorer out, a major website launched (Microsoft.com) and had pretty much wound up development on MSN. I know they have an MSN now, but it bears little resemblence to their plans.
---------- Post added at 22:56 ---------- Previous post was at 22:47 ----------
As for whether Sony will licence the tech if asked to, I'd say they would. DVD suceeded partly because it was one standard. A user could buy a player from any manufacturer, and a disc from any manufacturer and barring certain early problems (The Matrix with it's then new branching option springs to mind), they could be fairly certain the disc and their player would work together.
DVD achieved excellent sales very quickly (it was bettering VHS within 2 years). HD-DVD and Blu Ray have had a slower takeup, and I personally think the main reason is that the two formats being available has caused confusion, and put Joe Soap off buying for now. I personally believe BD will really take off now, but I don't believe Sony (or the BDA) can afford to lose the several million potential customers who already own 360s, and may or may not want PS3s (or any other box) under their TVs.