Now this is spooky. Microsoft has confirmed that in December 2007 it will release a download for the Xbox 360 that controls the console’s usage on a per-day or per-week basis. The Microsoft Family Timer (yes, it’s really called that: the end is truly nigh, folks) will display a warning message when the time limit is near, and will then automatically shut down the Xbox when it is passed.

While we can see what they’re trying to do, doesn’t it kind of depend on parents being able to download and install things to an Xbox? And more importantly, on their kids not being able to uninstall it? Seems a little far-fetched to us…

(Image: from DrDemento's flickr stream)