Microsoft has ensured that Xbox One, when it launches at the end of 2013 in the US market, will allow users to directly plug their cable boxes into the console to stream TV channels and shows. However, the company is not neglecting its Xbox 360 users; it is adding some new TV options for that console as well.
Microsoft has just signed a deal with Times Warner Cable (TWC) to bring users up to 300 TV channels. A Times Warner Cable app, which should launch later in the year, will offer subscribers the option to stream TV directly through the TV. As with most other 360 features, users will need an Xbox Live Gold membership to subscribe. Apart from that, subscribers will also need Time Warner Cable credentials. Once users get both, they can access any channel that has been paid for through TWC.
The number of channels being offered seems expansive, with AMC, BBC World News, Bravo, Cartoon Network, CNN, Comedy Central, Food Network and HGTV featuring on the list. A plus-point, according to the company, is the integrated use of voice via Kinect for Xbox 360, which will let users vocally control the pause, play and stop features while watching any show. The TWC TV app can be directly downloaded from the Xbox Live Marketplace.
Microsoft has signed a deal with Times Warner Cable for the Xbox 360
The Verge reported that the TWC-Microsoft deal is not the first the company has made with cable TV providers. In the past, associations with Verizon were seen, which brought FiOS TV to the console in 2011. Other channels like ESPN and HBO were also made available for cable subscribers on the console.
The deal does mark the entry of a major US cable provider, though. According to Blair Westlake, corporate Vice President, Media & Entertainment, “TWC TV is a significant addition to Xbox 360, bringing our customers their favorite entertainment in one place—enhanced TV experience, games, movies, music, sports and entertainment apps.”
While this service may not be available in India, owing to TWC being a US-based cable channel, it does open up avenues for local Indian channels to also come onboard, if Microsoft is willing.


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