內文摘要（Sonic）：Microsoft與Samsung合作，將以Samsung眾多的HDTV（包括TFT-LCD、PDP、DLP）做為Xbox下一代主機的高畫質與音效展示平台。
觀點：Microsoft 對於數位家庭生活的主要產品已經陸續就定位，目前的以PC為基礎的Windows Media Center 2005、即將於5月12日宣佈的Xbox 360、隨Xbox 360而來的新一代Xbox Live!、2006年即將推出的Longhorn作業系統等，都將在2006年之後影響產業的變化。
5月12日，Microsoft 會在MTV頻道正式宣佈Xbox 360。目前已知Xbox 360支援HDTV、新一代的DVD光碟規格、無線連接手把、USB 2.0的網路攝影機（未確認）、具備透過Xbox Live!與其他玩家在線上進行寶物的微交易功能、並能與Microsoft的作業系統進行MSN的連動。據聞，Xbox支援硬碟，並可向後相容Xbox 的遊戲。未來，你家中可能會有一支「Microsoft」牌的搖控器。
Xbox 360極有可能也以低於製造成本的售價推出，這預告了台灣硬體廠商未來的代工機會。Xbox 360積極拉攏一批日本的精英遊戲開發商，將對於Sony的PS3帶來不小的壓力。
Samsung Electronics and Microsoft Announce Revolutionary HDTV Alliance on Next-Generation Xbox Video Game Console
Video game console and digital television manufacturers team up to usher in new era for high-definition gaming.
NEW YORK -- April 28, 2005 -- Samsung Electronics, a global HDTV leader, and Microsoft Corp., a leading force in the software and video game industries, today announced an alliance to elevate gaming to the next level through high-definition technology. Microsoft has chosen Samsung as the exclusive HDTV worldwide marketing partner for the next-generation Xbox® high-definition (HD) gaming platform. The announcement was made today during the Home Entertainment Expo at the New York Hilton.
The next-generation Xbox and Samsung HDTV combination is designed to deliver the most advanced and realistic high-definition experience to gamers worldwide. To promote the HD Era, the companies plan to place over 25,000 Samsung high-definition televisions in Microsoft® Xbox retail kiosk locations across the globe.
"Gaming has become a primary force for innovation in the entertainment and technology industries. Samsung has selected Microsoft Xbox as the best next-generation game console and a key driver in the global HDTV revolution," said Peter Weedfald, Senior Vice President Consumer Electronics & North America Corporate Marketing, Samsung Electronics, Inc. "Samsung is proud to expand the Microsoft relationship and stand with them at the forefront of the HD gaming century."
"Samsung is a natural partner to showcase the richness of the next-generation Xbox," said Peter Moore, Corporate Vice President of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing for Xbox at Microsoft. "Samsung HDTVs will provide Xbox enthusiasts with the truest high-definition gaming experience available."
The alliance is the culmination of a global process begun by Microsoft in October 2004 to find the most advanced and formidable visual display company to join with the new-generation Xbox video game console. A wide variety of visual display screen sizes and technology platforms from Samsung Electronics (LCD, Plasma, Micro Display -- DLP and Slim Fit HDTV CRT's) combined with the incredible new Xbox console will give gamers unprecedented realism and intensity in their gameplay. The new 23" Samsung LCD TV (LNR238W) to be paired at retail with the new Xbox console offers a super-fast 12 millisecond pixel switching speed, which will enable intense action while overcoming any motion artifacts. In addition, the Fixed Pixel Device eliminates scan lines, further ensuring gameplay is smooth and flicker-free. Picture quality combines with advanced audio technology to create the perfect gaming experience. Samsung's HDTV built-in speakers emulate the most realistic surround sound using SRS Tru-surround XT so the action feels even closer. Game enthusiasts will no doubt appreciate the sharper details, deeper contrast and rich sound that are standard on a Samsung HDTV.
The global marketing and promotional alliance between Microsoft and Samsung Electronics will drive the HDTV gaming platform as the greatest emotional experience available for gamers around the world. The alliance will include cinema, POS, television, print, on-line and various other media efforts.
Samsung Electronics and Microsoft enjoy a long-standing relationship as strategic and tactical business partners. Microsoft Xbox currently incorporates Samsung technology, and Samsung will continue to be a tech driver for the next-generation Xbox video game console. Microsoft's first high-definition game will incorporate Samsung-branded products as well as instances of Samsung's logo as part of the overall HD gaming experience. This will mark the first time Microsoft incorporates a consumer electronics technology partner with the Xbox console and games.
The companies are involved in other collaborative technology efforts as well. Samsung Smartphones run on the Windows Mobile (TM) platform; Windows Media® Audio and Windows Media Digital Rights Management 10 (Windows Media DRM 10) are integrated with Samsung digital audio players; Samsung's new Portable Media Centers feature Windows Media Audio and Video and DRM 10; and the Microsoft Windows® platform is used across Samsung's global family of notebooks and personal computers.
As a part of their continued relationship, Microsoft and Samsung Electronics are uniting in a nationwide (USA) cause-marketing program entitled "Samsung's Hope For Education." Now in its second year, the program will deliver more than $2 million in much needed technology and software products, including Encarta® Reference Library 2005, to elementary, middle and high schools across America through an on-line essay contest. For more information on how to enter, please visit: www.HopeForEducation.com.
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