Windows Phone to Get IPTV Through Xbox Live Diamond?
June 3, 2011 No Comments
E3 is closing in on us real fast and Microsoft usually has really big XBOX related announcements set up for the event. There is a huge rumor going around that Microsoft will be introducing a new Xbox Live plan called Xbox Live Diamond. The rumor also adds that Diamond will include a cable like IPTV service that will allow you to stream tv shows on your Xbox for a monthly fee.
“Microsoft has been in talks with media companies to produce the TV service for its Xbox console. Microsoft is proposing a “virtual cable operator” which will be delivered over the Internet and charged with a monthly fee. The softwaremaker has also suggested that cable companies could use the Xbox as a device to authenticate existing cable subscribers to watch shows and interact with their Xbox LIVE friends. Microsoft offers a similar service in the UK where Sky customers can use their Xbox LIVE avatars during sporting events. Xbox LIVE Diamond subscribers will likely be charged a premium subscription cost (think monthly) which includes access to the Xbox LIVE Gold features and streaming TV. The streaming TV service will include content from U.S. operators but our source was unsure whether it would be available internationally.” – WinRumors
[smartads]
I already enjoy watching ESPN, Netflix and HULU on my 360 and this type of additional service will probably get me to finally cancel my expensive cable account.
“The vision for Xbox is straightforward: All of the entertainment you want. With the people you care about. Made easy. That is why you’ve seen us invest in partnerships with ESPN, Netflix and Hulu. That is why we’ve baked social directly into the experience with Xbox LIVE – connecting gamers, friends and families across the globe. That is why you’ll see Xbox marketed more as an entertainment brand this year. And that is why we’re investing so much in Natural User Interface technologies (speech, touch, gestures) to make the entertainment experience that much easier—and more fun. With Kinect, we’ve made NUI real for millions of people, and we’ve only begun to scratch the surface of what’s possible.” – ZDnet
Now some are saying that this service can and will be implemented on Windows Phone down the line. Imagine having TV integrated and streaming on your Windows Phone directly from Xbox. Hopefully this rumor is true but only time will tell. I also wonder how much it would be and what kind of channels and shows would be available.
Xbox Live is setting itself up as Microsoft’s entertainment platform – it’s not just about gaming anymore and it is looking like Windows Phone will be going along for the ride.
News