Microsoft's Xbox One plans involve creating the ultimate entertainment hub that will be the center of the living room experience. And, nothing proved this point more than the Xbox One's ability to stream through a user's cable box through an HDMI cable.
However, not forgetting the Xbox 360, Microsoft announced recently a deal with Time Warner Cable that brings 300 live TV channels provided by the cable company to its current-gen console later this summer.
Only available in the United States, users wanting to watch live TV on their Xbox 360s must have an Xbox Live Gold membership and subscription to Time Warner Cable.
Channels ready at launch include AMC, BBC World News, Bravo, Cartoon Network, CNN, Food Network. A similar deal with Verizon FiOS is already offered to Xbox 360 owners that also features compatibility with Kinect.
According to Microsoft's Corporate Vice President of Media and Entertainment Blair Westlake, this deal is a landmark achievement.
"TWC TV is a significant addition to Xbox 360, brining out customers their favorite entertainment in one place-enhance TV experience, games, movies, music, sports and entertainment apps," said Westlake. "Our partnership with TWC enhances all that is available on Xbox 360 today, which we will continue to expand. We're thrilled to offer TWC TV to U.S. Xbox Live members and Time Warner Cable subscribers."
Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video for Time Warner Mike Angus says the feeling was mutual in linking with Microsoft.
"We look forward to introducing TWC TV to Xbox 360 and providing customers with this new viewing experience within the home," said Angus. "We are very excited about Microsoft's vision for entertainment and the vast possibilities Xbox offers."
When released this holiday season, Microsoft's Xbox One will have programing that seamless blends into gaming. One of the biggest announcements was Ubisoft's "interactive" TV shows through Nickelodeon based on the Rabbids series along with Remedy's Quantum Break.
Microsoft hopes to have gamers become apart of the story along with evolving current live television through making exclusive deals with the likes of the NFL through better integration of fantasy football.
