Microsoft launching Xbox TV this year

Microsoft has confirmed that it will launch a live TV service on the Xbox in the US this autumn and announced partnerships with YouTube and Microsoft-owned search engine Bing as part of its plan to make the Xbox Live service an entertainment hub. However, Microsoft did not announce any partnerships or further details about the TV service.

Xbox Live vice-president Mark Whitten said that announcements could be expected between now and the planned rollout.

The addition of YouTube and Bing to Xbox Live will enable users to find more content to watch on the internet. Consumers can also use the Kinect voice control system to search for specific content titles by speaking the name into the console.

Microsoft also used the E3 games show in Las Vegas to announce support from EA Sports, EA Games and Ubisoft for its motion-sensor Kinect system, announced last year.