Microsoft in talks with Comcast, Verizon on Xbox TV?
If deals are struck, they would allow Xbox users to watch programming from Comcast and Verizon Fios on the game console, according to a new report.
Microsoft is in talks with the world's largest cable provider, Comcast, to bolster its upcoming live TV service on the Xbox 360, according to a new report.
The blog Digiday, citing anonymous sources, reported today that Microsoft is nearing a deal with Comcast that would allow Xbox 360 owners to sign up for the cable provider's service, and watch its programming from the game console. Digiday says that Microsoft is also in talks with Verizon Fios to form a similar deal with that company.
Microsoft unveiled its live television service at the E3 gaming expo in June. Although the company provided few details on the service at the time, Microsoft said that it would "partner with TV providers" for its offering. The software giant promised that local channels, news, sports, and all the other content available from television providers would come to the game console.
Related stories:
• Xbox gets live TV, more ways to use Kinect
• E3 2011: Live TV coming to Xbox this fall
Microsoft is expected to make its live TV service available this fall.
Microsoft's decision to rely on Comcast and Verizon Fios rather than try to go it alone in the television space has much more to do with simplicity than anything else, Digiday reported. The blog's sources said that Microsoft simply doesn't want to "pick a fight with cable."
That said, the companies have not come to an agreement just yet. Digiday's sources did say, however, that separate deals could be struck between Microsoft and Comcast and Verizon in the coming month.
Microsoft, Comcast, and Verizon did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment on Digiday's report.