Rumor: Xbox might get cable programs

Xbox Live has been a successful avenue for Microsoft over these years. Its online multiplayer framework is one of the reasons many people choose the Xbox 360 over other consoles and being the first to offer Netflix and social networks didn’t hurt it either.

Now, Microsoft is aiming at another feature to add to Xbox Live: Cable TV programs.

According to The New York Times, Microsoft has been in talks with Disney about incorporating some kind of subscription-based channel offering programming from ESPN into the Xbox Live service. This is far from a done deal but the partnership could allow Microsoft to broadcast ESPN shows and also include some kind of interactive games.

This would indicate that cable networks are seriously thinking about jumping on the console bandwagon. After all, there are tens of millions of possible subscribers – counting Xbox and PS3 owners, who already have the hardware connected in their living rooms – so that would be a lucrative business for everyone involved.

Microsoft has been trying for many years to turn the Xbox 360 into an entertainment hub so a move like this would definitely put them on the right track. I doubt it could take the place of a cable box any time soon but I imagine some cool interactive stuff that could be achieved with the Xbox.

Although all this sounds great, at this moment it’s just speculation so we’ll just have to wait and find out how and when this is implemented. Whatever the case, this is just another example of how video games are quickly gaining ground and becoming the top form of entertainment today.

Read [NY Times] Also read [PC World]