Microsoft planning TV subscription service for Xbox

[Emil]

Microsoft has engaged in talks with cable networks and media companies to bring a subscription television service to the Xbox 360 game console, according to "two people familiar with the plans" cited by Reuters. The reported discussions include more than the big broadcast networks; like the ESPN service already available on Xbox Live, there could be content from premium providers such as HBO and Showtime.

The software giant has proposed a range of possibilities in these early talks including creating a "virtual cable operator" delivered over the Internet for which users pay a monthly fee. This would allow consumers to "cut the cord" on their existing cable company or use Microsoft's console to authenticate existing cable subscribers to watch shows with "enhanced interactivity."

The Xbox 360 can already be used in some markets as a secondary cable box, through AT&T's U-verse in the US and via Telus in Canada. Currently, on-demand TV and movies are limited on the Xbox 360 to Netflix and Microsoft's own Zune service, though Hulu content is coming. Pricing for this new Microsoft TV service has yet to be determined, but one thing is certain: it needs to rival Apple's and Google's offerings.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/41340-microsoft-planning-tv-subscription-service-for-xbox.html

 

[madboyv1]

Considering the 360s massive userbase compared to AppleTV and GoogleTV, if this is even remotely successful It'll easily rival the two, especially if they allow Zune/Win7Phone integration to some extent.

 

[Tekkaraiden]

Sounds interesting, hopefully if they do go ahead with this they will offer service beyond the US.

 

[Guest]

I hope this works out and they have great content. I would love to "cut the cable" completely, if it weren't for my wife I would have done this long ago. I watch maybe 3-5 channels on cable .

 

[Xero07]

Wow the related stories go all the way back to the zune hd release.

On topic, I kinda like this idea if its pricing is competitive to cable and satellite networks.

 

[edison5do]

Xero07 said:
Wow the related stories go all the way back to the zune hd release.

On topic, I kinda like this idea if its pricing is competitive to cable and satellite networks.

just like you It will be good to have TV servise over the internet with a good price, even if that mean buy 2 X360 (1 tv, 1 Gaming) jeje that way my family would not be saying,,... pliease put the movie in the middle of my game..... -) but as im on PC now...with kinet on the way. ok I´ll pass.

 

[Guest]

360 already delivers IPTV. If you have have AT&T Uverse you can use your 360 as a set top box for a one time fee of $99. In the UK you can use Sky player