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> Consoles are computers, just as surely as an iPhone is. I don’t think most people see it that way. Game consoles could be general purpose computers if you ch

by bogwog 4y ago

> Consoles are computers, just as surely as an iPhone is. I don’t think most people see it that way. Game consoles could be general purpose computers if you changed the operating system, but no one (except maybe PS3 customers) buys a game console expecting to use it for general computing. Likewise, the computer in a Tesla is probably powerful enough to run a full desktop operating system, but it’s clearly not what it was designed for, not what anyone bought it for, and not what anyone reasonably expects it to be used for. Smartphones are indisputably general purpose computing devices.

krageon 4y ago
They are general purpose computers, just like phones. It's purely a software limitation.
- shultays 4y ago
  My toaster probably have the same cpu as my phone, but limited by its software. Is it a general purpose computer as well?
  - deleted 4y ago
    [deleted]
  - simondotau 4y ago
    The purpose of a game console is to run software and allow the user to directly interact with that running software, the software itself being the purpose and not cooking or transportation. It's not the CPU that makes something a computer, it's the function. Regardless how the task is achieved, the purpose of my toaster isn't to run software, it's to provide measured doses of radiant heat. It's the same as the grandparent who observed that the purpose of a Tesla is as form of transport, not to be a general purpose computer. (Though I'd argue it's a rather blurry line when using the centre console for entertainment while at a supercharger.)
simondotau 4y ago
I disagree with the implied assertion that playing modern video games is insufficient to class a device as general purpose computing. Video games are no less of a "general purpose" computing task as sending an email or doing your taxes. I further disagree that the rules should vary based on customer expectations. If Apple isn't allowed to argue that most of their customers see their iPhone as a communications appliance and not a general purpose computer, Sony shouldn't be allowed to argue that most of their customers think of their PS5 as an games appliance.

by bogwog 4y ago

krageon 4y ago

They are general purpose computers, just like phones. It's purely a software limitation.

shultays 4y ago
My toaster probably have the same cpu as my phone, but limited by its software. Is it a general purpose computer as well?
- deleted 4y ago
  [deleted]
- simondotau 4y ago
  The purpose of a game console is to run software and allow the user to directly interact with that running software, the software itself being the purpose and not cooking or transportation. It's not the CPU that makes something a computer, it's the function. Regardless how the task is achieved, the purpose of my toaster isn't to run software, it's to provide measured doses of radiant heat. It's the same as the grandparent who observed that the purpose of a Tesla is as form of transport, not to be a general purpose computer. (Though I'd argue it's a rather blurry line when using the centre console for entertainment while at a supercharger.)

simondotau 4y ago

I disagree with the implied assertion that playing modern video games is insufficient to class a device as general purpose computing. Video games are no less of a "general purpose" computing task as sending an email or doing your taxes. I further disagree that the rules should vary based on customer expectations. If Apple isn't allowed to argue that most of their customers see their iPhone as a communications appliance and not a general purpose computer, Sony shouldn't be allowed to argue that most of their customers think of their PS5 as an games appliance.