Microsoft is now looking for ways to cash in on the massive amount of hours spent playing on its Xbox Live network.
Microsoft recently confirmed its Xbox 360 customers spend one billion hours logged into the Xbox Live network each month. Usage statistics are important for companies looking to make their way into streaming content and offering various services to gamers.
There are around 25 million current Xbox Live subscribers, with an average of 40 hours of use for each subscriber. Users are now spending more time watching TV episodes and movies through Netflix and other streaming services away from traditional cable -- a whopping 157% increase year-over-year -- and the use of custom gamer widgets also continues to increase.
Microsoft has worked to expand the world wide reach of Xbox Live, with nine new countries expected to join the 26 already available. Meanwhile, additional content partners will be introduced. ESPN is expected to be available to Xbox 360 users in the near future.
The Microsoft Kinect add-on is expected for launch on Nov. 4, but some early adopters said they're having issues with access to Xbox Live. Other Xbox 360 owners have admitted little interest in purchasing a Kinect unit until they see a wider variety of games released for the pricey add-on.
There is a very competitive race to bring streaming content into the living room, with Microsoft competing with Sony, Nintendo, and other manufacturers. Both the PlayStation 3 and Wii game consoles offer Netflix, and additional features will be shared in the coming months.
The Wii has sold 75 million units worldwide since its launch in late 2006, which is significantly more than the Xbox 360's 44 million and PS3's 40 million sales figures. Even with the large sales gap, the Xbox 360 and PS3 are closing the gap.
Sony said its global PS3 sales goal will be reached in 2010, while Microsoft also makes strong improvements.
