Microsoft and British Telecom have announced a partnership which will allow UK Xbox 360 owners to download gaming and entertainment content to their consoles via the BT Vision service.
Anyone who is a broadband customer with BT will be able to enjoy a selection of high definition content delivered directly to the Xbox 360.
The service will be available from mid-2008. It's not surprising that the partnership has evolved. BT Vision already uses Microsoft's Mediaroom Internet Protocol TV platform.
BT Vision customers with an Xbox 360 will gain the option of accessing BT Vision from either the Xbox 360 or a set-top-box, with the service available to existing and future Xbox 360 owners.
The Xbox LIVE online social network will be integrated 'seamlessly' into the experience, allowing such possibilities as chatting online with other Xbox users while watching a TV programme.
Dan Marks, BT Vision CEO, said, “We are pleased to partner with Microsoft to deliver a truly compelling connected entertainment experience to our customers. For the first time consumers in the UK will be able to experience the advantages of an advanced TV service together with the benefits of next generation gaming. Our aim is to provide BT Vision on multiple platforms – giving customers greater convenience, control and flexibility over what they watch, when they watch and how they watch TV. It also means that we are able to potentially expand our BT Vision customer base by tapping into the popularity of Xbox 360.”
This should be good news for everyone, as BT has hinted at high definition content being offered via BT Vision since the service began. Hopefully, high definition programming will roll out from the summer for all of BT's customers.
We'll keep you posted.
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