Stream your iPod music with Xbox 360

According to GameShout, the Xbox 360 will allow users to stream music off of their iPods during gameplay. Specifically, the game "Project Gotham Racing 3" invites you to connect your iPod and use the music it has stored as the game's soundtrack.

You may remember that Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President and XNA Chief Architect J Allard recently stated his company's willingness to work with Apple on device compatibility with the Xbox. Right now, the Xbox is able to auto-detect an iPod because standard USB mass storage protocols are enabled on the iPod. The Xbox will allow you to browse playlists or even create new ones. Additionally, users will also be able to view photos stored on the iPod as slideshows via the Xbox.

We'll see how long this functionality lasts. Apple's recently launched "Made for iPod" program seeks to collect royalties from devices made to work with the iPod's dock connector, yet the iPod can connect to the Xbox without using the dock. Also, the Xbox isn't technically a device that has been "authorized" to play music purchased from the iTunes Music Store. I think this is a pretty cool feature of the Xbox. We'll see if Apple shares my opinion.

[Via the iPod Observer]

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According to GameShout, the Xbox 360 will allow users to stream music off of their iPods during gameplay. Specifically, the game...

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Frog

Device compatability? Well, if they allow Macs to connect and stream audio/video just like the Windows Media Center PC's are able to do, then I will believe them!

November 07 2005 at 1:51 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

John Hopper

Yes it can play AACs, I just read that the other day on Engadet or Gizmodo...

November 07 2005 at 1:35 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Michael May

The 360 has USB2 ports, which you can plug your iPod (or most other mp3 players) into using the USB dock connector cable provided with your iPod. It then streams off MP3s of your choice. As far as I know, it can't play AAC, and it definitely can't play M4P (the iTMS format). It would equally work with a USB flash drive or hard drive with songs on. It is basically acting as a glorified amp/speaker system for iPod, but playing it through the TV while games are going on. Nothing anywhere near illegal, or dodgy. Apple will probably say, "Thanks for the free publicity, J"

November 07 2005 at 1:03 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

canyonblue

The "Made for iPod" program is only seeking royalities for the tag itself, you can still make a dock connector product for the iPod *without* being part of the "Made for iPod" program. That means the Xbox 360 is not doing anything illegal. Also the Xbox 360 will not be able to stream any music purchased via the iTunes music store.

November 07 2005 at 11:02 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Kris

Dumb question, but will it matter if your iPod is formatted for Mac vs PC?

November 07 2005 at 10:22 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Well this would just encourage illegal downloading now, wouldn't it?

November 07 2005 at 9:34 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Matt

how does the xbox connect to the iPod w/o using the dock connector? I'm sure in Apple's view if you are using their USB cord connected to the dock connectior on the iPod then you're gonna have to pay the tax...

November 07 2005 at 8:55 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Greg

I remember reading that the Xbox was only interested in syncing with all the non-DRM'd content on the iPod. I think I saw that over at engadget.

November 07 2005 at 8:26 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

peeweejd

if apple kills this function, I'm going to be rather PO'd. I dont have (nor will ever have*) a windows PC in my house. That means I can't use a lot of the functions that the 360 will do with a media center PC. I'm really looking forward to hooking up my ipod to the 360. * nevre is a long time, let's say I will not buy one without strongly protesting and cursing each day after

November 07 2005 at 8:24 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply