Now it is official: Microsoft plans live TV service for Xbox Live. But not for months, and so far not with any major TV networks or cable companies on board.
Microsoft is taking the next step in converting its game console into a TV device. But because Microsoft made its splashy announcement at this week’s E3 event with only Google’s YouTube aboard, it has prompted debate over whether or not Microsoft will have trouble landing major U.S. cable and TV content providers.
Microsoft catching up with users who have already been using Wii, Xbox 360 and Play Station 3 to watch TV shows and movies using software from Playon, a paid service charging $4.99 a month, $39.99 a year or a one-time fee of $79.99 to access entertainment on Netflix, Hulu, YouTube. YouTube subscribers also can watch shows on Xbox Live.
Some have wondered why Microsoft has been so slow to get going with a live offering. The service won’t be ready until late 2012, and Microsoft has no landed any major broadcast partners. The blog Zatz Funny! pronounced Microsoft’s announcement a letdown:
After years of trying to get into the TV game, Microsoft’s latest foray involves live TV as an Xbox app. Sounds great, except the service is only scheduled to launch in the U.S. “by the end of 2012,” and no major broadcast partners have been announced yet.
Microsoft is following a script already written by Google. But Vision 2 Mobile says there could be problems with that approach. Google has found it difficult to work with major networks and other content providers who fear their content might be pirated or that it would lose advertising revenue to other sites.
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