We reported earlier this week that Microsoft may well launch a new TV streaming service on the Xbox – well rumours have surfaced today that suggest the new service may well come bundled with an all-new ‘Diamond’ subscription.
The rumours are looking even more likely after sources close to Microsoft has told WinRumours that they are putting the final touches to a new ‘Diamond’ Xbox Live subscription service which said to include online TV streaming.
Microsoft are apparently finalising a demo of the new service ready for Monday’s E3 press event in Los Angeles. "Microsoft is currently in last minute negotiations to secure the necessary agreements in time," they said.
Rumours about an all-new Xbox Live service that includes TV streaming is nothing new as we’ve heard the code name as far back as March.
The code name Orapa ironical is a small village in Botswana, which just so happens be a famous place for Diamond mining. Diamond would also suggest that this service will cost more than the £50 a year you currently pay for a Gold Xbox live subscription.
Interestingly the Xbox already has wealth of TV services on the system already – from ESPN, Hulu, Netflix and even Sky TV – so what can they offer that hasn’t been seen before? Well free-to-air service like iPlayer and Channel 4’s 4OD.
But the thought of having to pay for them when they are free online seems a little odd. Were obviously not getting all the facts. But be sure to stay tune on the site on Monday as we deliver all the news from the Microsoft event.
They might want the console to be a "virtual cable operator" which will be delivered over the Internet and charged with a monthly fee. The software maker has also suggested that cable companies could use the Xbox as a device to authenticate existing cable subscribers to watch shows and interact with their Xbox LIVE friends – but this is already happening with the S
Xbox LIVE Diamond subscribers will likely be charged a premium subscription cost (think monthly) which includes access to the Xbox LIVE Gold features and streaming TV. The streaming TV service will include content from U.S. operators but the source was unsure whether it would be available internationally.