LOVEFiLM and Microsoft aim to conquer living rooms with Xbox TV update
Microsoft’s latest update to its Xbox console, Metro, is being heralded as a shift in emphasis from the software firm from straightforward gaming toward a home media centre, with LOVEFiLM is teaming up with Xbox from tomorrow to stream movies and TV over the internet.
Xbox LIVE members will be able to download and watch thousands of films through the streaming service.
The new update allows users to locate video and music files far more simply than before and enables Windows Phone owners to control their systems remotely from their mobile.
Utilising the tile format familiar to Windows 8 users the interface is fully Kinect enabled, allowing navigation via swiping your hands or call up specific apps simply by speaking their name.
New Bing functionality also allows more streamlined searching for specific titles by focussing exclusively on media content.
A partnership with Verizon in the US will grant owners access to 25 HD channels with a further batch available from Comcast.
Metro puts Microsoft on a collision course with Google TV and Apple TV which are both touting similar fare.
Simon Calver, CEO of Amazon's LOVEFiLM, said: "It is an exciting day for LOVEFiLM customers and an auspicious day for the TV entertainment industry as a whole. Launching LOVEFiLM Instant on Xbox 360 and Kinect means bringing the service to a million more living rooms - a huge achievement.
LOVEFiLM members in the UK can access our content in another exciting, innovative way and all for one straightforward price. The simplicity of our pricing and the ease with which customers can use LOVEFiLM Instant should make us the first choice for those customers who want fantastic entertainment at great value for money, anytime, anywhere."
Stephen McGill, director of Xbox & Entertainment for Microsoft UK, added: "It's very exciting to see the launch of Amazon's LOVEFiLM on Xbox LIVE. Xbox owners will be eager to get started, using their Kinect-enabled consoles to interact with LOVEFiLM's extensive catalogue of movies in ways that will only be available on Xbox 360."