Critical.
Authoritative.
Strategic.
Subscribe to CIO Magazine »

Microsoft's Xbox TV service may be near

There is speculation that Microsoft will announce a TV subscription service for Xbox 360 at E3

Streaming TV may soon be coming to an Xbox near you.

There is speculation that Microsoft is preparing to announce its long-awaited TV subscription service for its Xbox 360 video game console on Monday at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the annual video game conference and show at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Winrumors is reporting, based on anonymous sources, that Microsoft is in last-minute talks to secure the necessary agreements in time. The TV service is expected to be called Xbox LIVE Diamond and function as a "virtual cable operator." Microsoft could withhold an announcement if the ink hasn't dried in time.

Winrumors also is reporting that Microsoft may partner with cable companies to use the Xbox 360 to allow existing cable subscribers to watch shows and interact with their Xbox LIVE friends. The feature is available for Sky Sports subscribers in the U.K., who can scope out football rows with their Xbox avatars sitting in the front row.

The streaming TV business already has a crowded field of players, including Internet powerhouse Google, whose first attempt at Google TV didn't do so hot.

That means Microsoft may be taking a risk, though it could be successful if it turns the Xbox into a multimedia set-top box and maintains strong relationships with the cable companies.

Join the CIO Australia group on LinkedIn. The group is open to CIOs, IT Directors, COOs, CTOs and senior IT managers.

More about: Electronic Entertainment Expo, Google, Microsoft, Xbox
References show all

Comments

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
Users posting comments agree to the CIO comments policy.
Login or register to link comments to your user profile, or you may also post a comment without being logged in.
Related Coverage
Related Whitepapers
Latest Stories
Community Comments
Tags: Game platforms, games, gaming, Google, Microsoft, tv, Xbox
Latest Blog Posts
Whitepapers
  • The State of Data Security
    Recognize how your data can become vulnerable, including the latest issues stemming from unprotected data on mobile devices and social media sites. Understand the compliance issues involved, and identify data protection strategies you can use to keep your company’s information both safe and compliant.
    Learn more »
  • How progressive companies are using social technologies
    Social networks and collaborative technologies are now commonplace in many workplaces. Having first been used “on the quiet” by highly-networked employees, in increasing numbers they are now being proactively used by businesses keen to connect more effectively with their internal and external audiences. Web collaboration is now viewed as critical to company success and as having multiple benefits and applications to the business. Read on.
    Learn more »
  • Case Study: Keeping information on the move: Clearswift protects Maman, the logistics experts
    Time is money. Every minute a consignment is held up in transit costs money and causes problems. Web and email are mission critical business tools that enable Maman, and their customers, to efficiently collaborate with partners across the globe. Spam, and other web based threats can result in delays that ultimately lead to missed deadlines - keeping the lines of communication open is therefore a key priority for Maman. Read on.
    Learn more »
All whitepapers
rhs_login_lockGet exclusive access to Invitation only events CIO, reports & analysis.
Recent comments