Microsoft "Argo" Takes On Handhelds ??? News
Chris Leyton
10/07/2006
The Seattle Times makes a suggestion that the much talked about handheld device will focus on games...
Rumours of a Microsoft portable entertainment device to rival the Apple iPod have circulated for some time, culminating in last week's reports regarding a wireless device and support from the music industry.
Despite recent claims that the device would be solely geared towards taking on the iPod, The Seattle Times has today suggested the device will also focus on the games market.
Currently under the project name of "Argo", the device is allegedly under the guidance of the Xbox group, with the uncharacteristically quiet J Allard currently leading the charge.
As previous reports have alluded to, the "Argo" will feature strong Wi-Fi features allowing it to easily connect with home and public networks along with other users. Although no specific details relating to the device's videogame capabilities are made, The Seattle Times suggests that the XNA framework will leverage developer support alongside the PC and Xbox 360.
When something has been hitting the rumour-mill as much as the "Argo" there tends to be some degree of truth, yet surprisingly the Argo should be on sale before the end of the year, despite the project not yet being finalised. Whether or not even Microsoft will be able to focus on the forthcoming entrance of Sony and Nintendo, along with another format, remains a question that will test even the breadth and depth of Microsoft - not to mention the continued delays that plague Windows Vista and the latest iteration of Office!
Exactly how much emphasis is being put on the device's videogame potential remains a contentious issue for now; however, if the rumours are true we wouldn't be too surprised to find the Argo making an appearance, before its Christmas release, at X'06 in Barcelona later in the year.