In an effort to make the next generation console, Xbox One, a true entertainment hub, Microsoft will be streaming TV and apps.
The additional entertainment choices on Xbox One, is a move on Microsoft's end to offer a true recreational experience to the gamers. "We set out to make Xbox One the all-in-one games and entertainment hub for your home. The one system that offers the best games next to the best entertainment experiences and apps," said Marc Whitten, product officer for Xbox in a statement, on the official blog.
However, the services offered may not be uniform across all the 13 countries the console will release in. The Xbox One buyers may have to wait until spring next year to access all the entertainment options on their gaming console, reports the newowin.
The apps offered on Xbox One for U.S. buyers are similar to those provided on Xbox 360. Also the Xbox One buyers need to be gold subscribers to avail all the 19 apps on the console. For the U.S. buyers the most popular apps (out of 19)on offer are Amazon Instant Video, ESPN, FOX NOW, HBO GO (listed as "coming soon"), Hulu Plus, NetFlix, TED, Verizon FiOS TV and VUDU.
The services enlisted for other regions like Brazil and New Zealand also seem pretty impressive too with options like Sky Online, Vivo Play, Quickflix and Twitch. The Canadian buyers can avail CinemaNow, MUZU TV, The NFL and Sportsnet. Last but not the least, the UK buyers will have access to services like Eurosport and NOW TV on the console.
The Redmond-based tech giant does not want to restrict itself to the services but has further plans to incorporate voice and gesture control on the console in the coming days. Also the Xbox One holders can set their favorites or the most frequently used app in One Guide, a pre-installed electronic program guide on Xbox One. The gamers can also add their favorite photographs and videos from Skydrive to One Guide. Microsoft wants to make the app related searches a seamless experience with a common Bing search button for all queries, according to a recent post ontech 2.
Despite such enormous span of services, Microsoft regrettably misses on a dedicated YouTube app on the console. Also the Xbox One holders will not be happy to learn that this list does not contain any of the Xbox One dedicated services like- Xbox Music, Xbox Fitness Xbox Video, Internet Explorer, SkyDrive, Skype and Upload. Twitter integration is expected to come to Xbox One by next year.