UPDATE: More pictures, including shots of Lovefilm on the new Xbox dashboard, and Bing search via Kinect
Microsoft has just announced a big ol’ bunch of TV channels and on-demand services coming to the Xbox 360 in the UK. Lots of players are coming to the console including YouTube, Lovefilm and a couple of the terrestrial broadcasters. And guess what? Even the BBC is confirmed as a partner.
Due out before Christmas, an Xbox 360 dashboard update will deliver several new services, including 4oD on-demand programming and channel Five. Lovefilm, previously only available on the PS3, now brings its subscription model to the Xbox, while Blinkbox provides more a la carte rentals than currently on offer via Zune.
These services join Sky’s on-demand Xbox 360 offering, available since 2009, but most interesting is this partnership with BBC. We’re still digging for details (Microsoft says there’s more to come on that front) but it likely means its coveted iPlayer catch up service is coming to Xbox 360. Previously the stumbling block was Microsoft’s monthly subscription pricing for Xbox LIVE Gold and much of this content; the BBC is obliged to offer its content free of charge to licence fee payers.
Also of note is integration with Kinect via Bing voice search. Microsoft is being cagey on which apps you’ll be able to search for films and programmes through just by asking, but we have confirmed with Microsoft that Lovefilm will offer this hands-free feature – Lovefilm for its part declined to comment.
This IPTV influx puts the Xbox 360 back on level pegging with the Sony PS3, which has added Lovefilm streaming, 4oD and ITV Player in the last year, although ITV Player, available on the Sony PS3, is conspicuous by its absence. BBC iPlayer for PS3 was recently revamped with a new UI and HD streaming options.
Excited? Which console doubles up best as a media centre? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
