In an attempt to further evolve the Xbox One as not just a gaming system, but rather a media hub, Microsoft has just released an adapter that will allow some users to access Live TV right from their home consoles.
The staff of the Xbox Wire just released information regarding the new hardware for the next-gen, stating that it was a highly requested device among their UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain consumer bases. The gadget will be available in October (ranging from ₤24.99- 29.99 depending on your region) and looks to provide an alternative to over-the-air programing provided by satellite and cable providers overseas. No word yet if a similar product will be offered in the US to compete with the likes of Time Warner and Dish/Direct.
If you’re a European gamer and would like more details regarding what to expect from Microsoft’s latest broadcast venture, simply read below:
- Watch HD TV on Xbox One: With the Xbox One Digital TV Tuner, you can watch free-to-air DVB-T, DVB-T2 and DVB-C television channels without changing TV inputs. You can receive game invitations and notifications while watching TV and even watch TV while you wait for a multiplayer match to start.
- TV Viewing in Snap Mode: You can watch TV using the Snap mode, watching TV on the side and leaving the main screen for games, Skype, or other applications.
- Pause Live TV: Pause your favorite show when you get up to take a break.
- TV Listings in the OneGuide: TV listings will be available in the OneGuide. From anywhere, say “Xbox show guide, what’s on BBC One?” to quickly navigate directly to that channel’s listings*.
- Favorite Channels in the OneGuide: Create your own personal Favorites in the OneGuide so you can easily choose what you want to watch.
- Channel Tuning by Voice: The OneGuide allows you to call out your favorite TV channel by name and start watching it instantly*.
- The OneGuide on Xbox SmartGlass: Now you have access to the full OneGuide on the new Xbox SmartGlass app with the ability to tune channels on your TV.
- TV On Demand: TV listings in the OneGuide will indicate which shows are available on demand from video apps.