Xbox as IPTV
So, not only was the 'definitely going to happen says the Interweb' Newton controller not shown at the recent E3, the Xbox 360's anticipated IPTV functionality was also garish in its non-appearance.
The IPTV service was supposed to appear in the UK - in cahoots with BT Vision - 'in the middle of 2008'. We've not seen it yet. However, we have seen the detail underlying exactly how it is supposed to work.
This comes, as ever, courtesy of our friends over at the US Patent Office. The basic description is, "An integrated gaming and media experience is disclosed, including television viewing on a gaming console.
"A client component is installed via a bootstrap process that uses authentication information to accomplish this task.
"Once installed, it integrates itself into a typical gaming display.
"Various console hardware details are used to enable communication between the client component and downstream servers providing the content. Once up and running, the client component allows users to watch television as if they were interacting with a set-top box. Users may switch between various applications on the gaming console, including but not limited to game titles, DVR, VOD, DVD programs, and so on."
The patent was initially filed in 2005 with a list of inventors as long as your arm. The accompanying images include a menu screen that uses the fictitious Contoso TV company that was used to illustrate the service by Bill Gates earlier in the year.
Basically, it does what it says on the (set-top) box and turns your Xbox 360 into a set-top box.
See the USPO for full details.
The IPTV service was supposed to appear in the UK - in cahoots with BT Vision - 'in the middle of 2008'. We've not seen it yet. However, we have seen the detail underlying exactly how it is supposed to work.
This comes, as ever, courtesy of our friends over at the US Patent Office. The basic description is, "An integrated gaming and media experience is disclosed, including television viewing on a gaming console.
"A client component is installed via a bootstrap process that uses authentication information to accomplish this task.
"Once installed, it integrates itself into a typical gaming display.
"Various console hardware details are used to enable communication between the client component and downstream servers providing the content. Once up and running, the client component allows users to watch television as if they were interacting with a set-top box. Users may switch between various applications on the gaming console, including but not limited to game titles, DVR, VOD, DVD programs, and so on."
The patent was initially filed in 2005 with a list of inventors as long as your arm. The accompanying images include a menu screen that uses the fictitious Contoso TV company that was used to illustrate the service by Bill Gates earlier in the year.
Basically, it does what it says on the (set-top) box and turns your Xbox 360 into a set-top box.
See the USPO for full details.
Companies:
Microsoft
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