Xbox to Aid E-Health?

The Xbox 360, Microsoft's powerful video game console, may soon be good for more than just virtual basketball games and war simulations. Company researchers currently are looking to adapt the device to various health care needs, including the transfer and display of electronic medical records.

The Xbox may be used to feed information onto displays in patient rooms, researchers said during a health care technology forum held last week in Beijing. Microsoft also is looking at automating the display of sensitive information based on conditions such as who is in the room. A sensor would tell the device to filter the records as people enter, and the onscreen display would change accordingly.

In addition to streamlining healthcare delivery, the Xbox would serve its original purpose: entertainment for patients and visitors. The company plans to release its Project Natal system, which allows users to control the device with gestures, later this year.