Microsoft Set Top Box

I'm not convinced by the arguments yet but this article, makes an interesting read nontheless. Could it be that Microsoft plans a gaming set top box? The key patent contains the following claims:

1. A system for integrating media on a gaming console, comprising:a first subsystem for displaying a dashboard having a plurality of media selections, wherein said dashboard is native to a gaming console and wherein at least one of said media selections is a television selection; and a second subsystem for providing users with the option of switching back and forth between said television selection and other media selections in said plurality of media selections.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein said television selection is branded with a logo of a service provider providing content to said gaming console.

3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a third subsystem for providing users with the option of selecting starting of said gaming console as a set-top box.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a third subsystem for providing users with the option of selecting remote starting of said gaming console as a set-top using a gaming controller.

The patent goes on to clima DVR features. So are we are looking at a set top with DVR based on the xbox 360 console?

Notice the magic wand trademark they have too. I previously blogged about such a device which when used is very compelling and fun.