Xbox TV

Microsoft is forming interactive television alliances that may find their way to the Xbox. Microsoft is teaming up with Direct TV and Thomson to create an enhanced television system that will integrate digital programming, Internet access, interactive television, and digital video recording. The system will first become available in unit from RCA that includes two satellite tuners, a hard drive for video recording and Microsoft division Web TV's new Ultimate TV service. Though no plans have been announced, it is expected that Microsoft will include interface to the system when it launches the Xbox next year. Microsoft is further developing its alternative platform prospects by announcing the joint development, with Intel, of a roadmap to bring the Bluetooth wireless communication standard to Windows during the first half of 2001.