Microsoft is reportedly planning to unveil a pair of “Xbox TV” devices next month at E3. One device will be similar to a Chromecast and require an Xbox One to stream content to it. It would allow Xbox One owners to use their console, including playing games, on a second TV without having to move the console. The second, and more interesting device, is more inline to be a competitor to the Amazon Fire TV and other similar streaming devices. While it too will have the ability to stream Xbox One games from a main console, it will also be able to install universal apps and basic games from the Microsoft store.
Since the Xbox One console has apps for most of the major streaming services, it’s safe to assume an “Xbox TV” device will as well. The Xbox One does have an Amazon Video app. While the app does not allow you to purchase content directly, you can stream Prime content and Amazon Video content that has been purchased elsewhere. An “Xbox TV” device that is compatible with the existing Amazon Video app for the Xbox One would be the third option for consumers looking for a streaming box with an official Amazon Video app. The other two being Fire TV and Roku devices.
@AFTVnews
AFTVnews
A couple years back there was a rumor about Microsoft working on an XBOX LIVE DIAMOND TV streaming service similar to PlayStation Vue and a diskless XBOX 360 that could download and play 360 games, stream video, surf the web, etc, and sell for $99.
Right now there are a couple dozen Intel-based MicroPCs in both stick and STB form factor that run Win10. Either approach would fit this rumor but given the timing (360 production ended last month) odds are it will be something closer to the latter; a microsized media center Windows box.
Depending on how open the box is, it might even be able to run Kodi for Windows. ;)
Good for MS. No one wants there smartphones, so they don’t give up with a TV set top box that no one will want. Or maybe after all their other failures of trying to break into markets that started years before they noticed, they will actually succeed with this.
Why don’t they simply produce an interface for W10 designed for using as a media center which can be used with a remote rather than air mouse? HTC PC is great except for the desktop interface.