I knew somene would say that.
Not if they keep the processor information secrete and only allow companies access to their compilar tools under a non-disclosure licence.
How is this possible?
Unless they (MS) are commisioning IBM or Motorola or whoever to create a
completely new processor for them, there will have to be engineering documents for other OEM's available. The CPU would be a bloody expensive block of silicon without those!
Now I don't know, or particulaly care, about consoles enough to know if this core will be a completely new design or not but it would be economic stupidity if it is.
EDIT: I just read the thread
It seems it will be based on IBM 'Power', I doubt it will be significantly different in fabrication or instruction sets to the current Power (5 is it?). Again, unless MS are throwing huge wedge at IBM there will be no need to extensively modify the already kick-arse processor. I'm aware consoles are loss-leaders but I doubt even Microsoft would see the need to shell out for a clean sheet design CPU, solely to confubjulate any obcessive NetBSD porters
PS. If i'm talking crap tell me, you're the EEng dude