Gates Meets Japan PM, Hints At Xbox Licensing

During his visit to Japan, Bill Gates discussed technology issues with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

While the chairman and chief software architect for Microsoft probably didn’t teach Mr. Koizumi the cheat for draw-three Solitaire, they likely discussed ongoing and future investment by Microsoft in Japanese technology initiatives.

Mr. Gates told the media that his company would strengthen its partnerships with universities in Japan, and work with them on more joint projects. Microsoft will also work with the Police Agency and help develop more security-related computer solutions.

On the gaming front, Mr. Gates suggested that “the basic software” behind the Xbox might be available for licensing. Though no specifics have been mentioned yet, one has to consider the company’s existing cross-licensing deal with Toshiba.

Toshiba could easily include Xbox technology in its consumer electronics line. A HD-DVD player could have the Xbox software onboard; by connecting an Xbox controller to the player and loading a game, the licensed software could render the game on-screen, just like a dedicated Xbox console.

A move like this would not happen immediately. Microsoft has its newest console, the Xbox 360, debuting in November. That would be around the same time Toshiba will allegedly have HD-DVD players ready for the holiday marketplace. Neither company will want to harm the Xbox 360 release.

David Utter is a staff writer for murdok covering technology and business. Email him here.