Microsoft are gearing up to a big E3 unveil on Monday and it might have something to do with IPTV and Xbox Live according to to VP Frank Shaw.
VP Frank Shaw cryptically stated in a blog post today that "put simply" Microsoft Xbox 360 is "Xbox = Entertainment” and is core to their entertainment strategy.
He then went on to suggest that you could be seeing Natural User Interface technology and multimedia baked straight into the Xbox platform as it stands.
So you expect to see Kinect controls alongside an all encompassing media hub able to stream content and allow users to purchase content throught Xbox 360.
It all sounds rather 21st centrury, but paid services only seem to have a certain amount of traction on consoles – we'd much prefer to see more option like BBC iPlayer and 4oD for users who aren’t steaped in riches.
At the moment Sony's PS3 is the only console to offer a decent chunk of free TV services. The PS3 features iPlayer, ITV on Demand and Channel 4's 4OD all for free.
VP Frank Shaw said in the blog post today "We are turning up the heat on a whole new era of home entertainment".
"The vision for Xbox is straightforward: All of the entertainment you want. With the people you care about. Made easy. That is why you've seen us invest in partnerships with ESPN, Netflix and Hulu. That is why we've baked social directly into the experience with Xbox LIVE - connecting gamers, friends and families across the globe. That is why you'll see Xbox marketed more as an entertainment brand this year.
"And that is why we're investing so much in Natural User Interface technologies (speech, touch, gestures) to make the entertainment experience that much easier--and more fun. With Kinect, we've made NUI real for millions of people, and we've only begun to scratch the surface of what's possible." Frank Shaw, Corporate VP of Corporate Comms, Microsoft said.
The platform will allow Microsoft to deliver TV-based entertainment and gaming services to its Xbox Live, Windows and Windows Phone users.
Analysts are expecting Microsoft to announce a Kinect development kit along with new games and a new feature that combines Xbox Avatars with Kinect.
Microsoft is holding a 90-minute Xbox ‘event’ at this year’s E3 gameapalooza in Los Angeles starting on Monday and we’re guessing the word ‘entertainment’ might get a healthy workout real soon.