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Xbox Live update launches with LoveFilm, iPlayer in 2012

The fun-packed Xbox Live update is nearly here, with LoveFilm and 4oD in the first wave, and the BBC's iPlayer coming next year.

Richard Trenholm Former Movie and TV Senior Editor
Richard Trenholm was CNET's film and TV editor, covering the big screen, small screen and streaming. A member of the Film Critic's Circle, he's covered technology and culture from London's tech scene to Europe's refugee camps to the Sundance film festival.
Expertise Films, TV, Movies, Television, Technology
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Richard Trenholm
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The fun-packed Xbox Live update is nearly here, so here's the details of the movie and TV apps that come with it. LoveFilm and 4oD are in the first wave this month, with the BBC's iPlayer coming next year.

The update to the dashboard of the Microsoft Xbox games console arrives tomorrow, with a swathe of apps giving you access to on-demand music, movies and more, as well as the usual gaming goodies. While iPlayer isn't on board yet, it will be added to the service in 2012.

Apps will be searchable via Bing and controlled both by your voice and your flailing arms, thanks to the Kinect motion-control gaming system.

Telly channels offering access to their online catch-up and on-demand services include Channels 4 and 5, with 4oD and Demand 5 apps launching later this month. ITV is expected to bring its ITV Player service to the party next year.

Blinkbox, Vevo and YouTube also hit the Xbox in December.

Apps launching in the US include sports channels ESPN, streaming services Hulu and Netflix. Netflix will launch in the UK next year, but there's no word yet on whether it'll come to the Xbox when it does.

Meanwhile, Sky customers can watch their satellite sports, news and movie channels on their Xbox -- in Germany. Sky Go, which lets you watch Sky channels on your phone, tablet, games console or laptop, is launching on the Xbox for our teutonic chums this month. Sky Go is already available on the Xbox in the UK.

Microsoft has also built a companion app for Windows Phone that allows you to use your phone as a TV remote, as well as searching and finding more information on what you're watching or listening to.

The Xbox Live update goes, er, live tomorrow. What services would you like to see on your Xbox? Tell us in the comments or on our Facebook page.