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Microsoft builds TV subscription service, cancels release due to high licensing costs
Still holding out for a subscription based TV service from Microsoft? It might be time to hang those hopes up to dry, according to Reuters, the big M has scrapped its plans for a television service in reaction to high licensing costs. The service was said to feature voice and motion control for navigation, and would have offered new content and live programming to users for a monthly fee. According to media executives familiar with the matter, Microsoft is now backing away from this model, and is refocusing their efforts on delivering content over the web and on Xbox Live. Hit the source link below for more details.
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.
