VIA Entering Entertainment PC Market

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VIA Entering Entertainment PC Market

[H]ard|OCP has a scoop on a new device from Apex Digital called the "ApeXtreme Personal Gaming Console and DVD Player". Despite the unwieldly (and horrible) name, the device looks to sport a pretty typical PC-Meets-Stereo-Component exterior. Under the hood is VIA's Eden Embedded System Platform which should provide more than enough power for all types of video and audio playback, but is lacking for cutting edge PC gaming.

The ApeXtreme comes with an ethernet port and a modem for connectivity (no built-in wireless yet), and has RCA, DVI, and S-video outputs. The device also comes with a Component Video output, giving it High Definition capability. It also appears to have a 40GB HDD for storage.

Running an embedded version of Windows XP, the device should have a familiar interface for most users. Of interest is the news that the OS will not be "locked down", which definitely means hacks and add-ons will follow from the community not too long after its release. Perhaps one of these will be PVR functionality? Getting a USB WiFi adapter up and running should be very feasible as well.

Estimated pricing will be US $299-$399. More info should be available any day now, as it is expected to be launched at CES.

UPDATE: VIA has a press release about the device, as does S3 (maker of the graphics chipset). The VIA press release mentions a 20GB HDD, but perhaps the $399 version will come with the 40GB one mentioned in the rumors? VIA also has a page detailing the platform behind the device called the Glory Personal Gaming Console Platform. This is essentially the same as the Eden platform, but with the S3 graphics core and fancy audio.

by Paul Sharpe January 8, 2004 in Products

VIA Entering Entertainment PC Market

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