Gates reveals new TV features for Xbox 360

Cory Bergman January 7th, 2007

In his annual opening keynote at CES (video), Microsoft founder Bill Gates demo’d new Vista features, revealed Windows Home Server (which allows users to access their home-stored content online, away from home) and took the wraps off new technology that would expand Xbox 360’s role as the center of the home media experience. The new IPTV on Xbox will double as a DVR, allowing gamers to play while TV shows record in the background — or watch TV shows will chatting with Xbox Live friends. Content-wise, Microsoft has inked deals (WSJ sub. req.) with Nickelodeon, Showtime and Starz. As for how gamers will get their hands on these capabilities, the IPTV on Xbox 360 service “will be offered by providers that are deploying TV services based on the Microsoft TV IPTV Edition software platform.” More in the press release. Update: Watch a video demonstration of the new Xbox TV features.