Microsoft opens Windows…for the next generation Xbox. Bloomberg Boot Camp, a report on today's technology. With the Xbox 360 arriving later this month…..Microsoft is hoping to give families…even those that aren't big game players….a reason to buy one. It has updated the 2005 Media Center Edition of Windows XP…so that the Xbox 360 will connect to it ….and act as a Media Center extender. Windows product manager Tracy Overby….

"Update roll up 2 does a couple of things. One of the most compelling is that it makes Xbox 360 an extender for Media Center. All the great digital entertainment you have on your Media Center, your videos, your photos, recorded TV… all of that content, including the service and content providers in online spotlight can be sent to any room in your home."

It can be used to watch live TV as well…

"And the great thing about Xbox 360 is it's the most high fidelity extender experience that we've had to date. Specifically, people will be able to send high definition content stored on their Media Center to any room in the house through the Xbox 360."

The system uses 802.11a wireless networking….not the typical B or G connections that are most common. And there's still no resolution to the blocking of premium content from HBO from being streamed around the house through an extender. Bloomberg Boot Camp, I'm Fred Fishkin.