Microsoft is designing XBOX TV for casual gaming

Rumors are spreading that Microsoft is designing a Set-top box version of XBOX, named as XBOX TV. The Verge has been reported via Microsoft that company plans to introduce a low-cost alternative to its Xbox console, designed to provide access to core entertainment services. 

This new generation Xbox system will be unveiled in 2013, with a release date ahead of the holiday shopping season. It will have core of Windows 8, and again you find the tiles, reminding a branding package of Windows. It will also feature a chipset to enable an "always on" device that boots quickly and resumes to provide near-instant access to TV and entertainment services. The whole hardware specs haven't been disclosed yet.

Microsoft's statement for its Xbox TV plans is:

"Xbox 360 has found new ways to extend the console life cycle by introducing controller-free experiences with Kinect and re-inventing the console with a new dashboard and new entertainment content partnerships. We are always thinking about what is next for our platform and how to continue to defy the life cycle convention."

With these new kind of Gaming-Television system, Microsoft is going to compete Apple and others.

[via: The Verge]

XBOX Music is now official

Microsoft's new music initiative begins in earnest starting Tuesday, October 16th alongside the new Xbox 360 Dashboard update. The Xbox Music service — named as such to emphasize the Xbox's branding as an entertainment brand that goes beyond just gaming is launched today with Xbox 360 and come pre-installed on all Windows 8 (starting October 26th) and Windows Phone 8 devices.

Xbox Music was first announced at an event in June of this year. The service will let users stream more than 30 million tracks worldwide across Microsoft’s ecosystem of Windows 8 mobile devices and PCs, as well as the Xbox. Think of it as Microsoft’s in-house version of Spotify.


The Xbox Music Pass grants Xbox 360 users access to almost 70,000 music videos, more than Vevo, according to Xbox Music General Manager Jerry Johnson.

For Microsoft, Xbox Music represents a kind of do-over in the music market. The service will replace the Zune Marketplace, Microsoft’s online store for music and other entertainment offerings.

Courtesy: Mashable, The Verge