The next iteration of Microsoft's Xbox may be a real game-changer for consumers' living rooms.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office granted the software giant a patent on December 27 for an "integrated gaming and media experience," in which content could be recorded on a gaming console.

Here's the essence of patent No. 8,083,593 according to the USPTO abstract: 

Microsoft has always wanted a beachhead in living rooms around the world, and the patent is the latest evidence that the company is moving toward the goal of getting consumers to fire up their Xbox whenever they flip on their TVs, not just when they want to play a game.

Microsoft brought the first hint of live TV to its Xbox consoles last month with an updated look to its Xbox Live service. In addition to introducing the Metro-style look to Xbox, it lets customers of Verizon's Fios cable television service choose from 26 different live TV channels--Comedy Central, HBO, and Nickelodeon. A handful of other partners are offering live programming through Xbox as well.