If rumors are to be believed Microsoft is trying to strike deals with Comcast and Verizon to use the Xbox 360 as a cable box. Digiday is reporting via anonymous sources that deals between Microsoft and Comcast and Verizon are "imminent."
Microsoft unveiled the idea of Live TV, using the Xbox 360 to provide television content, at E3 in June but offered very few details about the service. One of the largest unanswered questions was whether Microsoft would try to compete with cable companies by distributing content themselves.
Digiday is reporting, via anonymous sources, that Microsoft is opting to work with cable companies instead of fight against them. The blog is claiming that Microsoft is trying to strike a deal with both Comcast and Verizon Fios to use the 360 as a cable box. If things work out it would mean Xbox 360 owners could subscribe to Comcast or Verizon Fios packages directly through their console without having to deal with an additional set top box.
Another major benefit of using the Xbox 360 as a cable box is the fact that it is already likely to be web-connected. This could mean better programming guides, interactive content, and even targeted advertising. If Microsoft is smart they could incorporate the gesture and voice control the Kinect add on offers to bolster the experience.
Sources are telling Digiday that the deals could happen in as short a period of time as one month. That could mean a launch of Live TV with Comcast and Verizon as partners by the end of the year. Digiday's sources are also saying Microsoft is looking to partner up with TV manufacturers, like Samsung, to integrate their console into TVs. The concept is to put some sort of stripped down gaming hub inside of Samsung's internet connected TVs.
Comcast and Verizon aren't responding to requests for comments but Microsoft told Digiday,
"As we announced at E3, we are committed to bringing TV entertainment to Xbox around the world through partnerships with industry leading operator and content partners. We look forward to sharing more partner news in the near future, but we have nothing to announce at this time."
Would you be willing to use your Xbox 360 as a set top box? Personally I'd rather avoid having my 360 on any more than necessary considering the failure rate of the device. My set top box is almost constantly on while we are in our house and I don't think the 360 could stand up to that kind of all day abuse.
