Verizon Fios has been added to the list of TV providers that will support the Xbox 360’s impending launch of live TV service.
Originally announced at E3 in June, the addition of live TV content to the console is a landmark move in the growing trend of offering more than gaming content to today’s consoles.
Microsoft first teased the idea during E3 when it allowed gamers to watch live coverage from Spike TV on the console. With its new content partners, Microsoft will offer some, but not all, channels, making the Xbox 360 somewhat of a virtual cable box. But only if users are existing customers of supporting cable providers. That list includes Comcast and AT&T, and now Verizon.
“Joining forces with Microsoft and Xbox, we are breaking the boundaries between TV and gaming, and furthering the borderless lifestyle Verizon customers enjoy with our new offers and services. We are putting the controls in our customers’ hands, and giving them the ability to watch TV on another dynamic device that they can control with voice and gesture commands,” said Verizon VP Eric Bruno in a statement.
In addition, Microsoft has partnered up with other TV content providers like Time Warner and NBC Universal, allowing it to offer shows from other networks like HBO and Syfy.
The new service will be available as part of the Xbox 360’s major firmware update scheduled for December 6.
