XGP FAQ @
http://kopan.apmsetup.net:8080/kglc/board/...oard_all&no=167
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Preface:
Back in Aug 13th few days ago, during the XGP design voting contests came many informations that would give answers to what we've been pondering for a while. All the infos were spoken in public so we'll comprise them into a FAQ. Some of the infos were not pubically spoken but sorta came out in a conversation.
Hope this will answer some questions about XGP for those who take interest in it.
As you read this article, I want you to be aware that some of the informations are a 'possibility' and some others are 'definite'. We will make clear of it as we write this, but just be noted that XGP is still under developement and specs can change at any given time.
*Specs, and a video. Skipping translation*
XGP Q&A
Q1: Is this design the final?
A1: The designs on vote, namely type A and B are not a final design. We're not giving it a go with either design but we're trying to find what could be improved on the current designs we have.
Q2: Rotatable screen seems like a good idea but it also seems that it might have some durability problem. (During the video above shows the screen breaking and dropping after rotating 60 degrees) Is there any other reference you seek?
A2: Rotatable screen concepts are abundunt on cellphones and PDA market. (Photo below) The LCD itself has been in mass production and been on sales, so there's no worries about LCD quality.
But the connector neck is still a prototype so we will give some serious consideration & improvement on the neck.
*picture of Sharp PDA Zaurus. XGP will use the very same LCD Sharp PDA uses*
Q3: what are the keypads for?
A3: They are for chatting purpose. People will be able to chat with XGP via wireless LAN.
Q4: Keypads seem to be in a difficult position for hands to reach for casual chat. Are there any plan for this problem interface-wise?
A4: Alot of participants who were with us gave many ideas regarding this issue. Keypad designs are not final and for our final shipping product it might come with touch pad instead of key pads.
Q5: Chatting via wireless LAN, is it P2P direct connection?
A5: Nope. The server will be run and managed by Gamepark and we will relay those datas.
Q6: Does that mean you'll be able to surf web with XGP?
A6: For now we are planning on web surfing via wireless router. We are also possitively thinking about wireless internet via Nespot AP, but they won't be free.
Q7: What's the battery on XGP?
A7: Internal Lithium-Ion 1800mA. We went Li-Ion because of double-A weight issues we had with GP32 as well as portability issues.
But for extended hours of play, we're considering an external battery option, but with XGP design as it is now, external option is very difficult so there may be changes regarding this issue.
Q8: What is a GPOS?
A8: GPOS is an OS for previous gen of XGP, GP32. We've made some improvment on GPOS and will be the main OS for XGP as well. GPOS will be installed on ROM as a program.
Q9: what are your third-party plans? How many third parties have you gained so far?
A9: We can't say for sure but we have one for definite, and the number will increase. Our plans right now are to have at least more third parties than we had with GP32, and release games on XGP.
Q10: XGP's spec seems alot similar to GPANG mobile or other GXG supported mobile phones. How well will XGP perform?
A10: There are alot of similarities between those formentioned hardwares, but XGP is made for game and XGP has a powerful 3D chipset. It will use Open GL-ES ver 1.x as announced, and we're working to support ver 2.x as well.
Our internal test suggests that XGP runs Quake 3(three) pretty fine right now, and we're setting our goals to run Unreal 2 engine on XGP.
Q11: Any plans for external storages other than the SD card? USB host option suggests the possibility.
A11: XGP has a PMP function and depending on users might need some large storage space. We understand this issue and we are considering support for external hard-drive. If this does happen, they might come out as addons (Much like an extra memory for N64, where there's a slot made ready for addon)
Q12: What are the pricing policy for XGP and games?
A12: We're still at prototype stage so we can't really say. Even the specs aren't written in stone yet. Pad/ button design, casing design may change manufacturing cost. What we can say is that we're not making it any expensiver than other machines in competition. To be precise, it will not cost more than PSP value pack. (It suggests possibility for USD300 and around)
As for games, they will cost similar to PSP games. It will also depend on the game quality, so we'll make deals with our third parties on this issue.
Q13: Is there anything else you wish to add?
A13: People who participated in our contest seems to prefer type B design but with buttons on the type A. Our offline contest was for this valuable information on user preference. We will take the result heavily into our consideration and will make final design with user input in mind. For those who does not like the current design, we want you to wait and see our final product.
And so far, XGP supports DMB. XGP can function as TV with DMB service. but because of changing government policies with DMB, we cannot be sure on main channel services within this year. Therefore we are still deciding on whether if we are to use sattelite channels or landline channels.
Although we were originally planning to release XGP late this year, everything seems to be too tight for early release, so we're aiming for Q1 of 2006. We will let you know if dates are set.
And finally, we want to thank everyone who's taking interest in XGP.
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Done. I hadn't had any sleep for 36 hours so my translation may be a bit rocky.
Bare with me.
Cheers.