Microsoft has confirmed that Sky Player, the broadcaster's computer-based version of its satellite TV service, will be available on Xbox 360 games consoles from Oct 27.
It means that video game fans will be able to watch movies, sport and other "on demand" programmes through their games console.
Users will also be able to "avatar parties", allowing Xbox 360 owners to chat live with their friends while all watching the same film or football match. Avatars – the cartoonlike representations used by players – will be able to gather in a virtual "loft-style apartment" to cheer on their favourite team.
The Sky Player service will be available to Xbox 360 owners who are not already Sky subscribers. Users will not need a Sky satellite dish or set-top box, although they will need to pay a monthly fee for access to Sky Player. Microsoft and Sky are expected to reveal pricing details next week.
Microsoft is launching a series of initiatives designed at putting its Xbox 360 console at the heart of the home entertainment experience. As well as accessing on-demand TV content, users will soon be able to update their Facebook and Twitter status through their console, and listen to music-streaming service Last.fm.
A beta test of the new "social services" are already under way with a select group of users, and Microsoft has already released an Xbox Live dashboard update that paves the way for the introduction of the new features. Although Microsoft has not confirmed a launch date for these tools, sources close to the company expect them to go live in early November.
“We are always asking ourselves how to make the TV more social,” said John Schappert, a senior vice-president at Microsoft.
“By bringing Facebook, Last.fm and Twitter to the Xbox 360, we’re not only extending the walls of your living room beyond your home to your friends in different corners of the world. We’re creating the definitive social network.”
http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/personal_tech/article6878173.ece
