Xbox 720 to double-up as a DVR
Record spin
The Xbox 720 rumour mill has picked up again this year after patents surfaced which suggest Microsoft's next console may also operate as a digital video recorder, fusing telly, film and gaming into a single entertainment hub.
Though the patent was filed in 2007, it wasn't approved until 27 December 2011. The US Patent & Trademark Office describes the patent as:
"A digital video recorder (DVR) application running alongside a television client component allows users to record media content on the gaming console. The DVR application also integrates itself with the console menu.
"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."
Looking forward
With the latest Xbox 360 dashboard update, gamers already have access to a host of streaming media through various apps. If the proposal in the patent goes ahead, it could potentially put off content providers, who might be unhappy about their programmes being recorded to a hard drive.
Either way, the concept may boost Microsoft's push for living room domination as it gears up to launch its nextbox 720, which if other rumours are to be believed, could potentially be on show at E3 next year.
PS3 users already have this kind of functionality, thanks to the Play, a plug-in standard definition Freeview tuner module accessory. ®
COMMENTS
Hmm, like the PS3 you mean.
I have been using my PS3 as a DVR for 3 years and very happy I am too..
Patent?
I want to patent inserting a plug into a socket - oh yes I have a lot of money so other people can't to it without paying me.
I wish I was joking.
Use an XBox as a PVR
Not until they make it much quieter!!
I think the PlayTV is only available in Europe and parts of Asia so not everyone is aware of it. But still how is this patent likely to stand up when it's been done already?
10 years too late!
I see a lot of people bringing up the Sony PlayTV, but forgetting the Sony PSX DVR from 2003. It was a fully integrated DVR with a PS2, as well as having some features from the then not-yet-released PS3, including the XMB and forwards comparability with the PSP.
