Microsoft Partners Up With Verizon and Comcast For 'Xbox Live'

By Elton Jones, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Microsoft has officially partnered up with cable TV providers Verizon FiOS and Comcast for its "Xbox Live" program today, which will lead to more content offerings on the system.

Microsoft's upcoming fall update for the "XBox 360's" dashboard is set to include the streaming services and featured content. Verizon FiOS says they promise users "a selection" of television programs and other types of content. Comcast is expected to be offering its Xfinity TV video on-demand content. These new services will offer support for search across whatever video is available, no matter where, as well as support for Kinect voice and motion controls.

Comcast executive vice president and CTO Tony Werner offered his thoughts on the new services on his personal blog: "Today's video game enthusiasts don't fit the traditional stereotype anymore-they are interactive, social and on the cutting-edge of today's digital lifestyle. Bringing our On Demand content to them via the Xbox 360 gives them more ways to experience entertainment in an environment that's familiar to them."

Microsoft communications vice president Frank X. Shaw gave some insight into the new content services: "Now, you'll be able to watch your favorite HBO or Syfy series like Game of Thrones (gimme a dwarf!) or Paranormal Witness, listen to your favorite music (I'm loving the new Coldplay) and view the latest must-see web video on Xbox 360."

Verizon vice president of consumer and mass business product management Eric Bruno is also excited about this new deal. Bruno says that Verizon's content partnership with Microsoft "is an excellent example of how we're working with market leaders to erase old technology borders to expand the FiOS TV experience and taking advantage of unique new features including voice- and gesture-control of live TV entertainment via Kinect."

Microsoft is also planning to make the "Xbox Companion" app compatible with Windows Phone devices. This will allow users to use their smartphone as a remote. The app is currently in its beta phase.

Along with these content providers, many other partners are expected to feature their content on "XBox Live." Bravo, HBO, SyFy, TMZ, VEVO and BBC TV (UK) are just some of the other content providers heading to the video game console.

Today's announcement means these new service providers will now join "XBox 360's" current providers: AT&T U-verse, Netflix, and Hulu Plus.