Microsoft Closer to Xbox TV Service
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It’s no secret that Microsoft has intentions to make the Xbox 360 a more robust home entertainment device, and the rumors have been that they intend to do that by getting more video content. According to Bloomberg, Redmond is in talks with Comcast and Verizon to get pay TV content on the console. New streaming offerings could be announced as early as next week.
It was back at E3 that Microsoft talked up TV services, but other than an ESPN tie-in, little has come of it. In addition to working with cable operators, deals are being worked out with channels like HBO and Bravo. This could come together to make Microsoft a real competitor in digital video streaming.
This couldn’t be a better time to do it either. Netflix is still dealing with the PR nightmare kicked off by the announcement that the company would be splitting in two. Do you think Microsoft's console gives them the necessary leverage to compete?
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Holly Golightly
September 29, 2011 at 9:52pm
So basically Microsoft wants to convert their console into a set top box. I already have my computer connected to my TV so, why not consider putting this TV offering to the PC as well? Maybe we will have this happen since Xbox Live will be in Windows 8? I am not really sure. Still, I want it most definitely. Microsoft, please have TCM and AdultSwim as the channels soon to be offered on Xbox Live. I do not want to buy a console, I want this to be available on the Xbox Live part of Windows 8. If you do this, I will remaind forever loyal.
jnwoll
September 30, 2011 at 7:03am
You're onto something. Our Microsoft rep where I work has made mention that Win8 could possibly integrate with the next Xbox, but will likely run 360 discs. I can't help but think that Microsoft wants/needs to evolve in this manner. A full gaming console entertainment device with the ability to tie into the PC and stream throughout the house, etc, is only a matter of time and I think Microsoft is/will lead the pack in that.
raint567
October 01, 2011 at 12:16am
A System that works like a console (360) and with the click of a button turns into a pc, one can only dream. Still it can be possible, but can the price be cheap like the 360? $200 for the 4GB 360 with wifi, thats fair. A custom pc built to run Black ops now that can be expensive, about what $400-$600?
Holly Golightly
October 01, 2011 at 1:28pm
4GB is not enough. I can get a 1TB hard drive for a quarter of the price Xbox is asking for. A decent gaming PC costs as much as a PlayStation 3 console... BUT, it can do more.
raint567
September 29, 2011 at 9:36pm
I agree with Germanogre, the internet providers need to stop being greedy and give us what our money is worth. In my area I have Time Warner 20mbps with no caps and I pay $42. The bad news is that if theres people using the internet in my neighborhood then the internet speed gets drain. So what I am saying is that you pay more than I do for less than what I get. As for the Streaming I think it's a good idea now that we are in the technology era.
Personally I feel like TV is absolute, because we like to have control and TV does not give us that option. I don’t watch TV I rely on hulu for shows. I want to watch a show when I am in the mood to watch something and I don’t want to watch what TV has on at that time. I know there is DVR, but the dish companies tend to charge an extra fee.
Well hopefully Microsoft will bring something like hulu, but better with shows not expiring. And of course at a fair price....
germanogre
September 29, 2011 at 9:18pm
Streaming TV? On top of streaming movies from Netflix and d/l games from Steam, I might as well hand AT&T my wallet to cover Cap overages.
I paid $55 for 6Gb/s last month. Unfortunately, AT&T and Comca$t are the only true high-speed providers in my area. Comcast has frequent outages here, and won't give any reason for them.
I feel sorry for those stuck at 30 GB/month or less. It's getting ridiculous...
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