Microsoft Dismisses 3D as a "Future Technology"

[VanityGirl]

Your all forgetting that from Sony's standpoint it all makes sense.
They do sell TVs.

They are well aware that most cannot afford the price tag involved, but that there are what marketers call: "Early Adopters" for just about any service and/or product. These are the people who are willing to fork out big wads of cash to have the latest gadgets and doo-hickeys.

I of course, am not an early adopter, but I'm pretty sure Sony has their bases covered on this.

Sorry if you don't sell TVs, Microsoft. I can see how this wouldn't hold any real appeal to you as of yet. You can go back to your usual "ripping off the idea" in a few years when it is more profitable for you to do so.

EDIT: Besides do you really think Sony is doing this to promote the PS3? You'd be mistaken. The PS3 is a tool to sell the 3D TVs. It's not so much about gaming at the moment, than it is "keeping up with the Jones'".

Hollywood is certainly pushing 3D lately. Sony is offering a system to play those movies at home.

True, but I think Microsoft is also thinking about the average person. I know Sony wants to sell ALL their products, but it just wouldn't work for most gamers. Can you name anyone you know who has a 3D TV? I honestly can't.
The reason is because since 3D TVs are a new technology, they TV's are stupidly expensive. It's not just the TV you have to buy either. You have to buy glasses to go with the TV, which are fairly expensive as well.

But I personally hope they don't start making everything in 3D... So many 3D movies have like an arrow pop out at you or somethin stupid, the 3D isn't really imersive. Avatar was, but then again, they spent $200mill on it.

 

[VanityGirl]

Go back to what I highlighted in bold.

You're right, I don't know anyone with a $5000 3D TV. But that doesn't mean there isn't a market for it (Avatar has shown that the public is easily swayed by shiny new things, even if they aren't particularly good.) There are precendents. At one time HD TVs were prohibitively expensive. So were DVD players and VCRs before them.

The market that this currently targets is not "Joe (Jane) Q. Average", but the "Richie Rich" among us. What better way to make your also affluent neighbor jealous than to own the latest gadget. It's stupid, I know, but it happens a lot. This whole idea was actually studied in my Advertising class along with other ideas, like "planned obsolescence". (Yes, I am an Advertiser/ Graphic Designer)

I can see why the average consumer would not yet be excited for this tech, hell, I'm not so enthused either. I don't even own an HD TV yet (my wife and I are hoping to be able to get one by Christmas - maybe).

EDIT: Bolded another line.

True, and Sony is usually the company to bring new technology to the table. However, you know as well as I do that the Early Adaptors are a small market.
The reason I love Sony is because they usually put their new technologies are a lower price. Think about it, when BluRay came out, the PS3 was the cheapest BluRay player.

I also understand the "keeping up with the Jone's" mentality. The problem I'm forseeing is that many people I've talked to think that 3D TV's are a gimmicky joke. My dad, a HUGE techno geek, often jokes about getting a 3D TV. My dad loves new technology, but he feels as if 3D TV is a gimmick and not worht the time of day. It takes a LOT for my dad to dismiss something like that. He was all over HD TV's when they came out.

If 3D TV/gaming can take off, then I'm sure Microsoft will swallow their words, but until then I'll have to say they're right.

 

[Rect Pola]

An interesting point. But really, where else is video games going to go? This generation has taken us in spitting distance of making it as pretty as we can AND now we're hitting the wall in how you control a game too.

3D, i.e. how we PERCEIVE a game, is the next step. From there, we run into what 3DS is starting (no glasses) ultimately becoming mainstream and the only place to go from there is towards holodecks.