There have been numerous rumors about the next gen consoles in recent months, but you would have thought that Sony and Microsoft will look at offering more than just a gaming machine next time round. The current gen certainly does offer that now following the many updates they have both received over the years.

According to Kotaku the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office granted a patent to Microsoft, which was for a gaming console and a digital video recorder. The patent is described as a DVR application running alongside a TV client component, which will allow users to record media onto a gaming console.

Also the DVR application will fully integrate with the unit and allow users to record content while playing games, as well as while the unit is switched off. Other notable options in the patent description include the recorded content can include gaming.

There has been rumors of a set-top box have been circling for years, and back in 2007 when the patent was first applied for it was thought Bill Gates would announce something with features such as these at that years CES event. Any such device would allow the user to record content while playing games, and also have features similar to many DVRs available today.

The latest version of the Xbox 360 dashboard turns the console into a streaming hub, with content available from a variety of sources. Some content providers may be uncomfortable if any new gaming console allowed the recording and storage of content, but consumers will surely love the idea.

It has to be remembered though big tech companies such as Microsoft often get granted patents with the ideas never seeing the light of day. Would you like to have a DVR built into a gaming console?

More About: Digital PVR, microsoft, Xbox 720

For more Product-Reviews.net coverage:

• Follow Product Reviews on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to PR
• Download our free apps for iPhone and iPad