If you are interested in using your Xbox 360 as a cable box, you’ll be able to do so in December, provided you’re a Verizon FiOS customer. Verizon has announced that next month the Xbox 360 will integrate with FiOS services and allow users to watch live TV using the console.
Verizon’s press release details that in order to use the Xbox 360 as a cable box, a user must be subscribed to both FiOS TV and FiOS Internet and must be a Xbox Live Gold member. If you meet all of those conditions, you can contact Verizon to get your 360 activated as a cable box. The service will require a free app for the Xbox 360.
Initially only 26 channels will be available through the Xbox 360 and Verizon’s release promises that they will be adding more. In addition the service will support voice and gesture commands via the Kinect sensor to control the TV experience, although exactly which voice and gesture commands are supported haven’t been detailed just yet.
If you aren’t a FiOS customer but have considered switching (provided it’s available in your area) Verizon has a pretty nice offer to entice you to their side. The package includes a triple-play service which includes FiOS TV, FiOS 35/35 Mbps Internet, and Verizon voice service. That package will start at $89.99 a month and will include a 12-month subscription to Xbox LIVE as well as the Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary game. You’ll have until January 21 to jump on that offer.
Do any of you have FiOS and have an interest in using your Xbox as a cable box? Anyone thinking of switching for the offer that Verizon has going? Let us know what you think in the comments.
