http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/microsoft-works-on-set-top-box-to-stream-video/story-e6frgakx-1226639084051
The Wall Street Journal reports that Microsoft has been developing set-top box designs that would potentially sell for prices much cheaper than the upcoming replacement for its ageing Xbox 360 games console.
The idea is to compete with cheap TV boxes from the likes of Apple and others. The Apple TV device sells here for $109. The gadget would also help build the ecosystem around devices based on the new Windows 8 operating system.
Microsoft executives such as chief executive Steve Ballmer and chief operating officer Kevin Turner have repeatedly said Microsoft is changing itself from a software company into a devices and services outfit and that entertainment services delivered over the internet play a big part in the transformation.
A Microsoft set-top box could help drive subscriptions to its Xbox Live entertainment service.
According to the Wall Street Journal, the company has experimented with a number of set-top box designs, including some that used Microsoft's Kinect motion-control technology which allows interaction through voice and gestures.
Some of the latest smart TVs from the likes of Samsung and LG also have voice and gesture control.
Microsoft will lift the lid on its next Xbox on May 21, and the device is expected to go on sale at the end of the year where it will compete with Sony’s upcoming PlayStation 4 games console.
댓글 없음:
댓글 쓰기