Yet Another NEWS Report on Unnanounced Products

Not to say that it's not INTERESTING, but is it the job of The Seattle Times to be writing about unnamed sources "close to the project." Just about everyone knows someone who knows someone who "works in games" or "works for Microsoft." I keep reading these unconfirmed reports of an Xbox/iPod-Killing/Dragon-Slaying/Dish-Washing/Grout-Cleaning/Cat-Bathing digital media product line-up from Microsoft, and I keep wondering, why is this game news?

GameDaily BIZ: Report: Microsoft's 'iPod Killer' Will Play Games

"What's being developed is actually a complete line of Xbox-branded digital-media products, including a device that plays media, a software media player and an online media service," he says.
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Although Microsoft's plan has been to get Argo on the market by this Christmas, Dudley suggests that "it may be a struggle to get it all done by the end of 2006. The project isn't completed yet, the holidays are approaching fast and the team is under intense pressure to get everything absolutely right."

Naturally, none of this has been confirmed by Microsoft, so it would be wise to take it with a grain of salt for now. It certainly is interesting if true, however. Is there room in the market for yet another portable games console? Is it wise for Microsoft to take on Apple, Sony and Nintendo at the same time?