Microsoft updates and renames IPTV platform

June 19, 2007 - Microsoft has updated its IPTV service and renamed it Microsoft Mediaroom, adding a number of new capabilities.

The new platform replaces Microsoft IPTV TV Edition, and adds functions such as music and photo sharing around the home, digital video recording, picture-in-picture capability and digital TV support.  The update is intended to increase Microsoft’s reach in the connected home, enabling a user’s various devices to interact and connecting hardware such as the Xbox 360 gaming console to the Windows Live online service.

Microsoft also introduced the Microsoft Multimedia Application Environment, which supports Web services and applications, allowing service providers to offer advanced features such as dynamic video-on-demand portals, casual games and interactive TV services.  The Mediaroom Application Development toolkit is also included, which enables service providers and third-party developers to create TV-based applications that run on the platform. 

Mediaroom will also enable some applications that access the Internet without a web browser, so the user can stream online video or look at photos uploaded onto the Internet.  The general availability of digital terrestrial TV capability on the platform will also mean that service providers in regions with these services can offer fully integrated, seamless IPTV services.