Microsoft Announces TV and Movies for Xbox Live

PreacherTom writes "In the latest of several recent upgrades to their online service, Microsoft has announced that their Xbox Live service will begin offering movies and television on demand starting on November 22nd. All subscribers (including those using the free service) will have access to movies from Paramount and Warner Bros. along with TV shows from CBS and MTV. Prices haven't been officially released as of yet, but MS has stated that they are attempting to be competitive with similar services from iTunes and cable companies." There is lots of commentary out there on this one, so Read More to reference the many other sites discussing this story. Besides commentary on the announcement itself, Eurogamer has Sony's snarky commentary on this move by Microsoft.

Comments

Re:Haha

[ProppaT]

How can something be dominating when it has no competition? When the PS3 and Wii are released, then let the speculation begin?

My favorite part of Sony's commentary

[ProppaT]

Sony "would never segregate or shut out any of our consumers from our entertainment experience because they didn't buy the top of the line system."

I think you just did Sony. I sure as heck can't afford your console and, seeing that I've bought multiple PSX and PS2 systems (mainly because your hardware is garbage and dies after a few years of use) which definitely qualifies me as one of your consumers, you've pretty much "shut out" or alienated me. I much prefer MS's approach. Although I prefer Nintendo's the most. Keep it simple, keep it a console, offer something intriguing and new.

Re:Haha

[THESuperShawn]

You make a very good point. However, I can see where they are coming from with their point of view. MS has had Xbox live for some time now on their last two generations (well both) of consoles. While the PS2 had online capabilities, there was no "centralized hub" from Sony in which to offer upgrades, expansion packs- well, anything at all. "Xbox Live" offered a centralized hub for updates at first, but has grown into something much, much more. No matter what your stance is on MS or the console market, you have to admit that MS has done a pretty good job. Hell, GameSpy and IGN basically offered more online content/features for the PS2 than Sony did.

Before I am labeled simply "pro-MS", let me say that I own a PS@ (and had a PS1) and will probably purchase other next-gen consoles as well. I am not a fan of a particular vendor, I am a fan of consoles, gadgets, and games.

I am actually hoping for Sony to launch a centralized portal for their systems. Nintendo (while not a Game Cube fan, I do have a DS) as well. I look forward to more options, (hopefully) competitive pricing structures (to keep prices down), and competition to keep content fresh and attractive.