Remember the Linux Xbox project ? This project aims to make a Linux distro that runs on the Xbox. When installed the user should be able to run the Xbox like a small computer that e.g. can be used to play DVDs or MP3 files. This is attractive because the Xbox costs a lot less then a normal PC with the same specifications.
Now the Xbox project has send an open letter to Microsoft to ask if Microsoft wants to help them in their developements. They are requesting their software to be signed by Microsoft so it will run on a Xbox, which only runs software that has been digitally signed OK by Microsoft.
Because of Microsoft's deliberate design choices in terms of restricting the software that may run on an unmodified xbox to 'Microsoft approved only', coming to ask Microsoft, and presumably paying Microsoft, is currently the only way we can get our port of the GNU/Linux OS to interoperate with an unmodified box. Unkind people might characterize this as a second deliberate monopoly created by Microsoft even as they were being found guilty of creating an illegal monopoly in Operating Systems software |
Of course Microsoft will not cooperate with their request, they sell the Xbox below its real price because they make their profits on the games. It's therefor likely that this letter is only meant to solve legal issues that might pop up in the future. You can read the entire letter here.
Source: Xbox-Linux
