XBox 360 and Secure Peripherals

[bapenguin]

Microsoft is going to charge a royalty on 3rd party peripherals (http://www.talkxbox.com/article1343.html) for the XBox 360. The reason for this? ...Because of this program, only authorized third-party accessories will run on the 360. Microsoft will use a security mechanism which will allow only manufacturers paying the royalty to have working products on the console. This security feature was revealed in a contract involving Microsoft and Mad Catz that that states:

'Security Feature' means Microsoft's proprietary protocol used to validate authentic devices on the Xenon platform as implemented in a Xenon Chip or other implementation method designated by Microsoft in writing

Very interesting. Looks like Microsoft is serious about profit this generation. And serious about system security.

[Kamalot]

This is what they have been TRYING to do on Windows for years with 'official signed drivers'. With a console, they have a bit more leverage to be draconian and enforce this kind of restriction.

How is this good for gamers?

[El Gato]

Personally, I think this is a good thing.

I always go for the first-party controllers as I've never seen a third party one that cuts the mustard.

[LilEvilFish]

maybe this is designed to stop people plugging things into the 360 that aren't meant to be plugged in, i dunno.. printers? hehe bad example but yeah, could aid protection in terms of linux installs or stuff.

[Ludoc]

How is this good for gamers?

No more Action Replay so soft modding is that much harder. I'm sure Bungie's experience with modders played a huge role in this decision.

I always go for the first-party controllers as I've never seen a third party one that cuts the mustard.

Just picked up the logitech wireless, and though I'm still etting used to it, it's pretty good. Although I understand where your coming from, if MS made wireless control I would have picked it up no questions asked.

[Vandenh]

I guess this is just to try to make sure that the wireless protocol stays secure so that hackers won't use it to do weird stuff (and when they do MS can take legal action).

There might also be some interesting IP in that protocol (apparently lower latency than blue tooth so MS wants to protect this).

[51|RandoM]

This is Microsoft being Microsoft.

Embrace, extend, proprietize.

The only thing they're attempting to secure is higher margins.

[Paranoia]

Wouldnt this mean higher priced 3rd party peripherals?

[Ernst_Jager]

If this can keep companies from making ultra shitty 3rd part peripherals then I am all for it. To be honest I see nothing wrong with this. Other than it could potentially make modding the 360 a bit harder.

[Savok]

I have a feeling they won't let other console controllers work on Xbox 360 (like a PS3 pad or something) which sucks in theory, but when you consider Nintendo's controller will likely be a turnip you lick in various ways (that is a compliment) and PS3's pad looks to be only useful as a double-ended dildo, it's a non-issue.

Still, plugging weird shit into your console is part of what consoles are all about. But I'm someone will crack the security thing within a week of release.

[Paranoia]

I have a feeling they won't let other console controllers work on Xbox 360 (like a PS3 pad or something)

Now why anyone would want to use that boomerang on X360? I'll bet more PS3 player wants to use X360 controller on their PS3.

[Kefkataran]

but when you consider Nintendo's controller will likely be a turnip you lick in various ways (that is a compliment) and PS3's pad looks to be only useful as a double-ended dildo, it's a non-issue.


Still, plugging weird shit into your console is part of what consoles are all about.

You're being a quotable little bastard today, huh? Those are probably the best sentences I'll read on this site all day. Personally, I'm signed up for my Nintendo-Turnip already.

[bKangy]

I for one welcome our new vegetable overlords.

Yeah, this won't stop any serious modders for long, but it will discourage half-assed peripherals, which is sort of good in my eyes.

[superherotaco]

Wouldn't it only be a matter of time before third parties can fake the microsoft signature? I mean, would MS really have a leg to stand on if they tried to take legal action against these third party devices?

[bean19]

I can't wait for my Official Microsoft controllers to not function because of bungled security!

[falak]

I thought the PS2 already used some form of this technology for 3rd party memory card detection?

[RandomViolence]

I think given their proprietary protocols this makes sense, although the idea of a girl gamer controlling Halo 3 through a double-ended dildo is alluring. Sony's playing to the female market in ways I didn't even realize.

[bean19]

I think given their proprietary protocols this makes sense, although the idea of a girl gamer controlling Halo 3 through a double-ended dildo is alluring. Sony's playing to the female market in ways I didn't even realize.

Guys can use it too. . . with wi-fi, it's not even hard to see the screen while you play.

[Savok]

Now why anyone would want to use that boomerang on X360? I'll bet more PS3 player wants to use X360 controller on their PS3.
My point exactly. PS2 pad was good for the Xbox and GC with some multi-platofrm stuff, especially good for the GC with the GB Player (GC D-pad sucks). Still, it sets a precedent I don't much like.

Sony's playing to the female market in ways I didn't even realize.
Lesbian female market, it's double for a reason. Also once the genius advertising appears every male with a pulse (and some without) is going to want a PS3.

[bean19]

Personally, I think they are just racketeering.

They'll let us buy a less stupid controller later.

[Roc Ingersol]

Wouldn't it only be a matter of time before third parties can fake the microsoft signature? I mean, would MS really have a leg to stand on if they tried to take legal action against these third party devices?
Not in the US. Very nearly the same question has already been litigated in Accolade v Sega. In that case, Accolade re-engineered the security code on the Genesis, so their 'unofficial' cartridges could be used (without having to pay Sega). Reengineering for interoperability was found to be fair use.

This is distinct from Nintendo v Atari (also very similar) in which Atari did essentially the same thing - but used 'purloined' security code rather than reengineer it from scratch.

Unless Microsoft has a patent on signing controller firmware with a certificate (highly doubtful), there's nothing to stop a third party market. Merely, slow it down.

[mister_slim]

The original CNET article (http://news.com.com/Digging+profits+out+of+Xbox/2100-1043_3-5827110.html?tag=nefd.pop) is a little more informative.

I'm not really surprised by this. I think this will hurt MS though. Third party flexibility is pretty important, and this is just going to price some of them out of the market.