CestLaVie used our newssubmit to tell us about an article at PC Format. It's about a new project of microsoft. It is some kind of home entertainment device, with the codename HomeStation.
The PC/Xbox hybrid will run a version of Windows to form a home entertainment hub. The device will finally turn the idea of digital convergence into a living room reality. Following in the footsteps of the PC-influenced Xbox, the device is likely to be a non-upgradeable sealed unit, with a system board based on nVIDIA's nForce, boasting GeForce graphics and Dolby Digital sound. HomeStation will come equipped for an array of online and offline activities: a sizeable hard drive, broadband connection and compression technology based on Windows Media Player 8 - included with Windows XP - all point to a video-on-demand role. |
Sources say a Microsoft .NET server will dish out movies, music, messaging, games and TV programming - and with a stonking hard drive, it'll also double up as digital TV recorder (é la TiVo). In addition, it will wirelessly interface with portable devices such as digital cameras, PDAs, MP3 players and telephones using HomeRF or Bluetooth protocols. It may even manage home automation.
You can also play games (PC and Xbox) on it. Of course Microsoft doesn't tell anything about this project, because they don't want to disturb the launch of the X-box console. The launch will depend on the availability of broadband connections. PC Format expect this will be at the end of next year. We'll see...
Source: pcformat
