The thin line between the virtual world and the real world is fast merging and gaming consoles like Xbox could very soon be the entertainment console that could one day save your life. The state authorities of New York are planning to develop a technology that would enable them to broadcast warning transmissions on Xbox consoles.
The idea behind this revolutionary idea it to ensure that, the young generation is privy to whatever is happening around them. Because of the fact that, today’s generation spends more time playing games on consoles such as the Xbox, Sony Playstation 3 etc, and the ability of these machines to be connected to the internet, the Emergency Management Office of New York is planning to plant warning messages directly into the consoles.

The announcement of the is unique plan was made at the Interop technology conference in New York City. The plan is to use the existing networks that have been specifically designed for online multiplayer gaming by Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo and use these networks to issue emergency messages directly into the consoles, along with the regular channels such as radio, television and newspapers by the Emergency Management Office.

The newly devised plan is part of a string of initiatives called the Empire 2.0, taken by the New York administration, to ensure that the citizens are given enough reason to view the government as a transparent, participatory, and collaborative entity.

Via Information Week & SlashDot.