Watch your back, Tivo.
As the gaming world eagerly awaits the next generation of Xbox and PlayStation consoles, rumors regarding both devices continue to trickle from the rumor mill. The latest regarding the Xbox 720 is that the console will come with an integrated DVR.
A patent recently awarded to Microsoft in hints that the new console could have the ability to record video. The abstract of the patent describes an 'integrated gaming and media experience' that includes 'recording of content on a gaming console.' What's more, the filing goes on to describe a DVR application running alongside a TV client component that allows users to record media content on the console, even while playing games.
"The DVR application also integrates itself with the console menu," the abstract explains. "Once integrated, users can record media content while playing games. Alternatively, users can record content when the gaming console is turned off. The recorded content can include television programming, gaming experience (whether local or online), music, DVDs, and so on. When in the recording state, users can also switch between various other media modes, whether gaming, television, and so on."
Of course, there's no guarantee that this feature will end up in the next Xbox, as we all know, a patent is not an automatic indication of an upcoming product. Still, this feature isn't exactly outside of the realm of possibility, either. We'll keep you posted on any developments.
It is an automatic indication of future trolling.
DVRs have been out for a while. Simply combining two existing technologies into one box should not give one a patent.
It is an automatic indication of future trolling.
DVRs have been out for a while. Simply combining two existing technologies into one box should not give one a patent.
I love it when people say "here"... as if we all know where "here" is for you. Hey, Why don't you come to my house for a party this weekend? I live just over there.
Step 1: Go online
Step 2: Order XBOX 720
I always figured this would happen. Those playing with Media Center since the 2004 / 2005 days know that there have been a lot of kinks to work out with the hardware and software. But many of those have been worked out now. There are still some rough edges, but the tuners work with cable cards, the EPGs work, DOTA works, etc.
My predictions:
1) A future XBOX will come either cable-ready (has tuner card), or cable-capable (via expansion module)
2) When that happens, MSFT will begin to degrade the current Media Center experience, either by charging for EPG (via XBOX live - style accts), or by neglecting the unpaid version.
3) Future development on Media Center will change direction as well. The XBOX-based tuners will be the core of future systems, and MC-equipped PCs will be media browsers, potentially with remote-tuner control (ala HomeRun or similar network-based tuning).
4) XBOX will be integrated closely with WHS 2011+ for server-based media content storage and sharing
Why?
Because supporting and troubleshooting millions of tuner-enabled PCs with thousands of divergent hardware configs is a PITA. Because trying to straddle the fence of making content owners (who don't want anything stored at all ever), content distributors (who only want content shown on their terms... with lots of forced-view advertising) and content viewers happy is an impossible task. With just one config and one set of features, MSFT can give itself the illusion of taking back control of the system and its features (sageTV notwithstanding).
If Bill Gates' original vision was a PC on every desktop, then MSFTs vision for XBOX must be a console for every TV. The features they are banking on to expand the market from gamers to the rest of the population are Kinect (for living room based control without a game controller: high WAF), DVR (to replace an existing device and reduce clutter and complexity in the process: high WAF), and features that MSFT serves up via XBOX Live, which will presumably include Skype, FB (very high WAF), and browsing. Suddenly, there is very little reason to ever use a laptop in the living room (very high WAF), and the XBOX becomes the primary point of interaction between people and consumer electronics.
spookyman, i know you have several thumbs down (and I prolly will to) but I still lol'd.
Seriously, though, I have 360 but NEVER had it RRoD.
This would really be a brilliant idea. I know the 360 can be used with some special mice and most USB keyboards, but to actually make is so the Xbox 720 would work with most keyboards/mice like Windows would be sweet!
If Microsoft is smart enough to do this, a LOT more PC gamer's will start using console too!
P. Stephen Lamont
CEO
Iviewit Technologies, Inc.
DVR on 720 = me cherry picking kill shots to record and sending them to the victims
Well I have had 2 Xbox 360's that had the RRoD. Hopefully Microsoft learned from their mistake from it and decided to use a better heat sink in the new 720.
if i dont have to pay, and i can hook my pc/ps3 up to it, and record through it, and pull the video off the 360 and move it to the pc... i would pay extra for that...