Xbox 360 to get Blu-ray drive

[The Recruiter]

So today's not-surprise is that the Xbox 360 may finally be getting the external Blu-ray option it deserves. Referencing a joint venture between Samsung Electronics and Toshiba Corp., X-bit labs writes today that Toshiba-Samsung "has been contracted to manufacture external Blu-ray disc drives" for the Xbox 360. Rumored cost range: $100-$150.

Microsoft not surprisingly chose HD DVD when deciding an optical-based high-definition format. Even though the Sony PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 are competing against one another, Microsoft could be losing out on a tidy sum of money because it refuses to offer a Blu-ray drive, while customers are being drawn to the PlayStation 3.

The only hiccup is Microsoft doesn't appear pleased to have to support BD-Java, especially because Sony hasn't warmed up to Microsoft's HDi format.

[Ninja-X]

It would make sense if Microsoft tried to release the Blu-ray drive prior to the holiday season, in an attempt to steal away possible PlayStation 3 buyers.