Microsoft Melds Xbox with IPTV

REDMOND, Wash. — The world’s largest software maker has announced plans to fuse its Xbox 360 gaming console with its proprietary IPTV software. Microsoft will offer IPTV on Xbox 360 to service providers by the 2007 holiday season.

Microsoft didn’t announce which one of its IPTV partners would offer the device, but analysts predict it will be AT&T due to the company’s stature as the largest TV service provider to use Microsoft’s IPTV Edition software.

“Both Xbox 360 and Microsoft TV IPTV Edition by themselves deliver unique and exciting entertainment experiences today, but IPTV on Xbox 360 is truly a solution that is greater than the sum of its parts and will enable even more exciting experiences to delight consumers, service providers, content providers and game developers alike,” said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division.

The IPTV-enabled console will provide elements of both interactive TV service and video games in a single hardware device. IPTV on Xbox 360 will allow TV viewers to access Xbox Live voice chat and text messaging — all while watching TV. The device is also enabled to allow users to play a game on Xbox Live while recording a show in the background.

Delivering the keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, Bach hinted at the device’s potential social networking capabilities, saying it will “make it easy for people to access and discover their favorite content and share their personal experiences with the communities they are part of.”

Microsoft has sold more than 10.4 million Xbox 360 consoles in 37 countries, Bach said. Besides AT&T in the U.S., other telecom companies in England, Germany, France and Switzerland have developed Microsoft’s IPTV Edition software.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TTS Opens UK Testing Location

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has opened a new U.K. location in Ware, Hertfordshire.

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Sex Work CEO Debuts Upgraded 'GPTease' AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Canvas in-chat editing feature to its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

Show More