The interwebs are all a-twitter over what happened at E3 today: Microsoft introduced a new X-Box 360.
And with this introduction (pictures of which can be seen at Engadget) what I have always thought of Microsoft seems to have become true: It takes them 3 tries to get it right.
Let’s look at some examples, shall we?
Windows: Windows didn’t come into it’s own until Windows 3. Before that time, the Windows program was horrible! But when Windows 3 (technically 3.1) came out, Windows became the powerhouse that it is now. Windows would repeat that same process with XP, Vista and 7. XP was okay, but not 100%. Vista came along and looked better, but wasn’t that great. 7 is perfect in almost every way.
Zune: When the 30GB Zune came out (almost 4 years ago now!), the only thing it had going for it over an iPod was the FM radio. I like the radio as an emergency news back-up. Then came the second generation Zunes. They looked better, and operated better, but it still wasn’t 100%. Then came the Zune HD’s. Spot on perfect!
Now the X-Box: The first system was large, ugly, and prone to breaking. The 360 looked better, operated a bit better once the Red Ring Of Death issue was taken care of (although there are still some cases of it happening), but it still wasn’t 100%. Now this new X-Box 360: Looks absolutely perfect!
I might even have to go buy one!
It is almost as if Microsoft has a red-herring script that they follow for everything:
- Get the product out there, no matter what it looks like or how it works.
- Redesign the product to make it look a little better.
- Come out with the TRUE product they wanted to create the first time around, that everyone will love.
Somehow, Microsoft manages to make this work.
Could you see Apple coming out with a chunky, clunky videogame system as their first product? HELL NO! Of course, if Apple were to come out with a gaming system, it would look absolutely amazing, but run like shit and only be able to play games approved personally by Steve Jobs. You would be lucky to be able to get Tetris for it!
But there seems to be a little bit of method to Microsoft’s madness. By introducing the item that may not be quite what everyone wants, the name is out there and people start to talk about it. They may not buy it, but they know it. Then, when they come out with the second generation, and increase the features, those who bought the original think the new model is the best thing since sliced bread and there is even more talk about it. Then, when it is time to roll out the third iteration, Microsoft wows everyone and everyone is talking about it.
You really have to admire the way they do things sometimes.
