October 31, 2007

Xbox 360 IPTV Delayed Until 2008?

Back at the Consumer Electronics show in January, Microsoft said they would have XBox 360 IPTV functionality in the hands of consumers by the end of 2007. It's looking that may not happen. Originally anticipated to be included with the upcoming fall 360 update, IPTV is the one feature that Microsoft has just announced would not be included with the update. The 360 IPTV will be delivered via a special version of Microsoft's Mediaroom software which will be available to service providers by year end. After that, it's really up to the service providers when the IPTV service will be available to consumers.

Rumors have been flying lately after an Xbox 360 console being serviced somehow revealed some of the the features of the IPTV including onscreen chat while viewing live TV, recorded television, and on-demand movies. Microsoft has stated that the leak is unrelated to the fall update.

All in all, the 360 TV service is obviously in the works and looks to be coming soon. By the end of 2007, probably not. Check out screenshots of the leak below.

Via The New York Times