Rumour: Microsoft to unveil Xbox Live TV on Thursday

by Steven Mostyn - Oct 5 2011, 12:45

Following recent Xbox 360 whispers regarding content discussions between Microsoft and a number of leading broadcasters, the latest rush of rumour suggests the American software giant could this week launch Xbox Live TV.

The creation of an on-demand service for the Xbox 360 is something we’ve been expecting ever since Microsoft first outlined plans to do so back in June of this year—however, it’s been all quiet on the console front since then.

Now, however, respected news outlet Bloomberg claims the Redmond-based titan will formally announce its Xbox Live TV platform before the close of business tomorrow.

Although Microsoft is remaining tightlipped at this juncture, the Bloomberg report also posits that leading U.S. content providers Comcast and Verizon Communications will be two of the platform’s mainstay supporters.

It is believed that close to two-dozen other providers and broadcasters are engaged in ongoing talks with Microsoft with a view to bringing a wealth of music, sports, movies and television shows to Xbox Live users.

Some of those currently mulling over the prospect of throwing their weight behind Xbox Live TV include HBO (Time Warner), Crackle (Sony Pictures), Bravo and SyFy (both NBC) and Lovefilm (Amazon). 

The new on-demand platform, which will join the likes of Netflix, Hulu and U-verse on Xbox 360, is expected to arrive alongside the console’s upcoming Q3 dashboard update.

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