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Microsoft sells Mediaroom to Ericsson, pulls focus to Xbox TV
Microsoft's Mediaroom IPTV business now belongs to communication tech company Ericsson, allowing Microsoft to focus its attention fully on the Xbox."With the sale of Mediaroom, Microsoft is dedicating all TV resources to Xbox in a continued mission to make it the premium entertainment service that delivers all the games and entertainment consumers want – whether on a console, phone, PC or tablet," Microsoft Vice President Yusuf Mehdi writes in a blog post.Mehdi writes that Microsoft will partner with a range of content creators, studios, networks, labels and distributors for the next generation of TV, made "more simple, tailored and intelligent." Mediaroom is the tech behind AT&T's U-Verse, Telefonica and Swisscom, among other services, and powers 22 million set top boxes worldwide.
Microsoft agrees to sell Mediaroom to Ericsson, goes all-in on Xbox
A fortnight after rumors surfaced hinting that Ericsson was lobbying to buy Microsoft's Mediaroom IPTV unit, both companies have announced that a deal has been signed. Microsoft VP Yusuf Medhi blogged that as the Xbox has become the heart of Redmond's home entertainment strategy, Mediaroom has become a resource-hogging distraction. The Mountain View-based IPTV outfit powers AT&T's U-Verse as well as similar VOD services from companies like Deutsche Telekom and Telefonica, and will be folded into Ericsson's Business Support Solutions outfit. The deal's expected to close in the second half of the year, with neither company talking about how much the sale cost.
Microsoft reportedly selling its MediaRoom IPTV unit to Ericsson
It's not been a great few years for Ericsson, but the company is looking to cheer itself up by bidding for one of Microsoft's cast-offs. According to Bloomberg's usual cabal of persons familiar with the matter, the beleaguered networking giant is gunning for Redmond's MediaRoom IPTV Unit. As Microsoft's home entertainment ambitions now center around the Xbox, MediaRoom, which powers AT&T's U-Verse, is deemed surplus to requirements. Spokespeople for both companies declined to comment, but we're left wondering whatever happened to Microsoft's grand plans for Project Orapa (sic).
Microsoft posts job listing for Cloud TV engineers, promises 'ambitious new project'
Companies might want to keep covert projects top-secret, but the more mundane aspects of business life often seem to get in the way. Take this Microsoft job listing, for example, which reveals that the company is recruiting engineers to work on a new Cloud TV platform. The Mountain View-based team will work under Redmond's Mediaroom business, which already powers IPTV services like AT&T's U-Verse. Personally, we're hoping it's the genesis of a Steve Ballmer-fronted reality show.
New Mediaroom clients to bring Microsoft's TV platform everywhere this year
The days of being tied to a traditional TV to watch your favorite shows is becoming less and less of a dream -- at least for Mediaroom 2.0 users, like those who subscribe to AT&T U-Verse. It hasn't even been a full year since Xbox 360 owners were first able to launch a U-Verse blade to watch TV, but it has been about nine months when we first heard rumors of Mediaroom clients for Windows Media Center (aka Monaco), Silverlight (aka Taos) and Windows Phone (aka Rome) would see the light of day. A recent post on William Zhang's blog, a Microsoft employee, confirms the rumored code names in addition to giving us reason to believe those using Mediaroom 2.0 software might still realize the three screen dream by the end of 2011 after all.
AT&T U-verse Total Home DVR adds pause/rewind live TV feature on multiroom extenders
Spring is usually the time we see AT&T refresh the features on its U-Verse Total Home DVR and the latest update gives users the ability to pause and rewind live TV no matter which TV they're watching. Previously, this was only available if you were watching on a TV connected to a DVR, but now users can control playback from any room even if the DVR is somewhere else. According to the press release it's only up and running in a couple of cities (Grand Rapids, MI and Mobile, AL) right now, but should roll out everywhere over the next few months. Check after the break for the press release with more details or on the UverseUsers.com forum thread about the Phase 3 rollout.
Xbox 360 IPTV rumors ride again with 'Project Orapa'
Just because Microsoft's Mediaroom IPTV service is finally supported on the Xbox 360 after years and years of expectations (as seen above) doesn't mean the rumor mill stops, with rumors surfacing of a "Project Orapa" that reportedly combines Xbox Live, Kinect and IPTV service all in one. ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley has heard from tipsters that it's related to the previously rumored Ventura multimedia project and will let subscribers to Mediaroom powered IPTV services like U-Verse use Kinect's gesture and voice recognition like ESPN3 already does to control their TV experience while Xbox users would get "more content." We should find out how much of this is reality and how it ties into previous rumors pretty quickly, since it's apparently going to be in testing this month, and available by the upcoming holiday season.
Rumor: Xbox 360 getting new IPTV services this year, codenamed 'Orapa'
According to "some reliable tipster types" speaking with ZDNet, Microsoft may be adding some new features to IPTV on the Xbox 360. The various tipsters specifically named "Orapa" -- a Botswanan city known for its enormous diamond mine -- as the codename for said project. Allegedly, Microsoft has plans to combine Xbox Live and its Mediaroom IPTV service, said to be heading to the Xbox 360 first with Windows/Windows Phone 7/set-top box following. Orapa is said to incorporate "Xbox Live social features (like Avatars and recommendations)," and "Kinect sensing capabilities," as well as another rumored Microsoft project -- a video/music service codenamed "Ventura." And if the rumors are correct, the service could be available by later this year -- ZDNet speculates that we could even see a test preview some time this month, though we're not holding our breath. Sources also indicate a "holiday 2011" launch, so we'll find out if this is all smoke has any fire behind it.
Mediaroom rumors could put Microsoft IPTV on the fast track to success
We're hearing rumors today that Microsoft's already hardworking Mediaroom could be putting in overtime in the near future. According to ZDNet, not only is Microsoft working on a Mediaroom client for Windows Phone (aka Rome), but it's also got a Silverlight-for-Mediaroom project (aka Taos) in the pipeline, with a possible Silverlight-for-Mediaroom STB (aka Santa Fe) also on the way. As if it didn't already have a heavy workload, the platform is also up for a possible tie-in with Windows Media Center (aka Monaco). All this comes on the heels of chatter that the software giant is considering a new Xbox 360 TV service, incorporating Mediaroom, and news of a Silverlight SOC that could be worked into an STB like Santa Fe. All code names and acronyms aside, it looks like Microsoft is gearing up to give Apple and Google some serious internet TV competition, which means Mediaroom's going to have say goodbye to happy hour and hello to some serious all-nighters.
Microsoft takes its patent infringement beef with TiVo to the ITC
The patent fight between Microsoft/AT&T and TiVo has entered a new venue today now that Microsoft filed suit with the International Trade Commission to stop importation of TiVo's DVRs. WinRumors pinged Microsoft about the latest development and predictably found it's still interested in pursuing resolution through some sort of IP licensing deal, so we wouldn't worry too much about any of those Premieres being yanked off of shelves or cable company trucks. We'll have to wait and see what happens next, and also what Verizon may plan to do to resolve its own infringement issues with TiVo, but those interested can check out the filing itself embedded after the break.
Report: AT&T streaming TV finally comes to Xbox in November
Remember three years ago, when IPTV for Xbox 360 was first announced? According to leaked memos obtained by Engadget, Americans with AT&T U-verse service will soon be able to enjoy it: The memo reveals that the wait for the Mediaroom service will finally, finally be over on November 7. That's when, the documents say, an Xbox 360 Dashboard app will become available to allow the console to be used as a U-verse set-top box (provided you already have another AT&T-leased receiver or DVR-equipped box in the house). In addition, Engadget received slides like the one pictured above, specifying that only consoles with hard drives will work for the service.
AT&T U-verse customers can use Xbox 360 as a set-top box starting November 7th
If you'd given up hope of using your 360 to watch AT&T U-Verse after over three years of waiting, we wouldn't think any less of you; but for those still holding on to the dream of one less set-top box under the TV, this latest tip says the wait is all but over. As you can see from the internal memo above, a so-called Wired Release will roll out to AT&T U-Verse customers next Sunday, and it'll bring the long awaited feature with it (though you'll have to wait until November 7th for that particular aspect). This means AT&T U-verse customer's Xbox 360 will have a Dashboard app, and when launched, it'll let it function exactly like any other U-verse set-top. The only major catch is that it can't be the only set-top -- you'll need at least one DVR at another TV in the house to enjoy one of the four HD streams that could be funneled into your home. But hey, at least it's on the way, right? Update: A second anonymous tipster has chimed in with some interesting slides -- looks like your Xbox will need a hard drive! %Gallery-104584% [Thanks, Anonymous]
AT&T technical support tool suggests Xbox 360 will bring IPTV to U-Verse households soon
Originally the fevered dream of Microsoft executives circa CES 2007, the Xbox 360 IPTV box is rapidly becoming a reality, first sneaking into Canadian carrier Telus' Optik TV outlay and now reportedly in development at AT&T. Now, we wouldn't have blamed you for doubting Microsoft when it briefly mentioned U-Verse subscribers would get Mediaroom functionality in their game console later this year, but it's looking more likely now: a tipster just forwarded some legit-looking screenshots of Xbox prompts in AT&T U-Verse's technical support database. Our source claims the Xbox is presently being tested internally with friends and family of AT&T employees, and that it's likely only a couple of months away at this point. Not discussed: whether or not Xbox 360 will provide closed captioning for the "TV impaired." See what IPTV on Xbox might look like in our January eyes-on.
AT&T's U-Verse trumpets second quarter gains, new features while sneaking in more HD streams
Judging by its own report, AT&T is proud to have grown U-Verse to 2.5 million TV customers while adding features like My Multiview, which lets users plug in four channels of their choice to watch at once, and the new Chicago Cubs branded Multiview app that enables local fans to view the main broadcast plus three of any six additional camera angles on one screen. But one of the biggest recent additions wasn't mentioned in these press releases, as it's quietly strengthened one of the weaknesses we've complained about most, increasing from two simultaneous HD streams per household to 3 (or 4, as pictured above by U-VerseUsers forum poster txskeets.) VP Jeff Weber tells us the upgrade covers the overwhelming majority of users, so watching ESPN in one room, Shark Week in another and DVRing iCarly all in high definition should be no problem now. We're still waiting to hear specifics about Xbox 360 and Windows Media Center tie-ins, but we'll make do with this item being checked off of the list for now.
Telus turns Canadian Xbox 360s into IPTV boxes starting today
After years (and years) of waiting it's no surprise to see the Xbox 360 finally sliding into the role of IPTV set-top box, but we couldn't have seen Canada's Telus being the first in North America to offer the option. It only switched customers over to the Microsoft Mediaroom platform (also used by AT&T's U-Verse, where the feature should appear soon) powering its Optik TV package -- currently only available in Alberta and B.C. -- earlier this year, enabling this new multiroom setup. Of course, that means the Xbox 360 can't be the only set-top box in the house -- it just acts as a client to the main DVR for live TV watching, or to schedule and watch previously recorded programming. Subscribers owners can check the main website for access on their current Xbox 360 or grab a free new system by signing up for two years of internet access. Mediaroom 2.0 is expected to bring PCs and mobile devices into the fold at some point as well, but for now check out the Xbox 360 experience in our video demo after the break, as well as a press release with all the details.
AT&T bonds two phone lines to extend U-verse's reach, ensure it is the 98th caller
Like your average teenager, AT&T has recognized the power in using two phone lines to cheaply extend its reach and influence. Pair bonding technology expands U-verse's reach by sending the signal over two copper phone lines at once and was supposed to roll out back in '08. No word what caused the delay, but that it's a cheaper option than putting more "shovels in the ground" should keep costs down and Randall Stephenson happy. According to AT&T, that extra distance (about 1,000 to 2,000 extra feet from neighborhood nodes) will help expand availability to 30 million households by the end of next year, so if you've been waiting for some Total Home DVR / Xbox 360 Mediaroom / mobile U-verse (once the latter two actually launch, of course) action but live a block or two too far outside the radius then things are looking up. The bad news? It won't add bandwidth for the compression issues or lack of additional HD streams Home Theater Review noted, and definitely won't help you score concert tickets during the top 8 at 8.
Surewest adds Online DVR access, Caller ID on TV for IPTV customers in Sacramento
SureWest announced it would migrate its platform to Microsoft Mediaroom late last year starting with its Sacramento customers, and now its added a few more "advanced digital TV" features to go along with the Whole Home DVR and four tuner DVR features (not to mention lightning fast channel change times) launched in January. Now subscribers can log into the website and schedule edit, or delete recordings just like they were at home, while Caller ID on TV resolves that minor annoyance of having to actually see the phone to know who's calling. It's far from the first provider to add such features, but we're figuring Kevin Johnson and Tyreke Evans appreciate the effort. Now SureWest, let's talk about some Windows Media Center and Xbox 360 integration, ok?
Google TV: Who is the competition and what are they saying about it?
The Google TV has landed and is already sending ripples through the marketplace, but what about all the companies already blending internet and TV? Whether they are already planning to work with the new initiative (Rovi), even more firmly staking a claim on their existing technology and vision for the connected TV (Microsoft, Yahoo), sounding like it's an option for the future (Samsung, VIZIO, Boxee) or already working on their own Android on TV projects (People of Lava, MIPS) each one should tell a little bit about where this market is headed in the coming months and years. Read on for their statements -- and a quick breakdown of what each is bringing to the table in case you weren't already running a network cable to your HDTV years ago. Update: Now with reactions from Roku and PlayOn!
Telus switching Canadian IPTV customers over to Microsoft Mediaroom
That $600 million investment appears to be going to good use, as Telus is ready to offer a new version of its Telus TV service to customers powered by Microsoft Mediaroom. No word on which version of Microsoft's IPTV offering they'll be utilizing, but customers in British Columbia and Alberta will be enjoying very U-verseish features like a whole home DVR solution capable of recording up to three shows at once. They'll also enjoy the more than 40 HD channels plus VOD and PPV up to six TVs in each home (no word on how many HDTV streams are available at once, only "multiple.") The switch from the old Minerva platform mirrors the move SureWest made last year, lets hope the long wait means they can jump directly to version 2.0 with Media Center and Xbox support included. [Thanks, Eric]
Microsoft has AT&T's back, sues TiVo for patent infringement
The DVR patent fight just got a little crazier, with Microsoft greasing itself up and jumping into the arena -- seemingly to preserve the honor of AT&T. You'll remember (maybe) that TiVo and AT&T have been having something of a fight over a few different patents primarily related to time shifting. Now Microsoft is suing TiVo, saying that it has stepped on two patents used in AT&T's U-Verse, which you'll recall relies on Microsoft's Mediaroom. Want to hear some of the legal verbiage in question? "A system that displays programmable information and a secure method for buying and delivering video programs." It's vague and all-encompassing, and that's just how we like our patent kerfuffles.
