Media

Microsoft To Turn XBox into Media Device

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Well Microsoft just upgraded Xbox live with a ton of services.

It's got:

  • The usual stuff – Netflix, Hulu, Zune.
  • 26 TV channels from Verizon
  • Comcast's on demand movies.
  • A bunch of other stuff.

I've been a bit cynical that any company can make a Killbox for cable, but Microsoft might just do it – certainly it seems they are trying.

This also gives us an idea of Microsoft's future – it appears they're going for integrated media devices. In many cases this leapfrogs Apple, leveraging their game platform to make an entertainment platform in a way that makes Apple TV look kind of sad. Throw in the huge XBox userbase, and . . . well you get the idea.

Is this Kill Your Cable, the return of Microsoft, etc.? I don't know that, but I do know:

  • This is (and I hate using this phrase) a game-changer. It represents a definite viable Microsoft strategy, a challenge to others, a lot of alliances built by Microsoft, and a smart move. Microsoft is basically back with this (now let's see if anyone notices).
  • This demands a response from Sony, Google, Apple, and possibly Amazon and OnLive. Microsoft is good at making enemies, but they just challenged everyone else in this space with a hell of a delivery. Oh, and they did it during the holiday season. Look for companies to accelerate or modify plans.
  • This is immensely consumer-friendly. It's also delivered as an update which means people get it with (in theory) no fuss, no mess. This means people will get used to such things because it's delivered on an existing device. This is good for Microsoft and changes expectations (remember how the Nook was a stealth tablet?).
  • It changes how people deliver content – note the XBox still lacks a real browser. That locks out a lot of content, so it may lock some people out of delivery methods – and may lock out others depending on what deals Microsoft makes.

Things just got crazypants this holiday season with one update.  What follows is going to affect a lot of companies, and quite likely you and your career plans.

– Steven Savage

Yahoo Shuts Down Four Entertainment Sites

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I completely missed this news.  Not that it surprises me as, well, it's Yahoo and they've been having their problems lately.  I'm not sure it means anything except likely more unemployed people, and makes me wonder how their talks about acquisitons are going – and Microsoft is a possible suitor.

With so many sites on the web I'm not sure Yahoo's offerings will be missed, though people writing in similar entertainment venues might want to be a bit concerned about A) a bit more competition, and B) they may be seen as unnecessary as well.

Also, if a buyout is coming, yahoo may be streamlining themselves . . .

– Steven Savage