Xbox LIVE Could Get Comcast, Verizon TV Next Week

Microsoft has reportedly been in talks with almost two dozen content providers to source music, sports, movies, and TV shows for expanding its Xbox LIVE streaming service. Early last week, there were reports that the company was considering partnerships with Comcast and Verizon to bring traditional cable TV to the Xbox 360 console, and now a source has revealed that the service could start as soon as next week.

The Xbox 360 console is being promoted as a central entertainment hub where you can easily switch between playing games and watching DVDs or pay-TV. Microsoft will also be adding its Bing search engine and enhancing Kinect integration so that users can easily search for shows on the web or browse through content using voice commands.

Time Warner Inc., HBO cable channel, Sony Pictures Entertainment's Crackle streaming service, NBC Universal's Bravo, and Syfy are among other content providers expected to sign deals with Microsoft for Xbox LIVE streaming. Although no dates are confirmed, Microsoft has revealed previously that many of the changes planned for the Xbox and Kinect should arrive by this holiday season.

[via Bloomberg]