Microsoft: The future of TV and entertainment isn’t about Windows

Ron

In a blog post, Microsoft has outlined its vision towards the future of TV and entertainment in the living room. Microsoft states that the company sees the Xbox 360, Kinect, and Bing as the big three that will transform entertainment related technology in the living room, and not Windows.

“Integration of products and services like Xbox, Kinect and Bing is at the heart of our strategy. Bing is also a strategic asset that makes many other Microsoft products better and more attractive to our customers. Thanks to Bing, Kinect and our voice recognition technology, we envision a future where the words “Hey, where’s the remote?” are as outdated as eight-track tapes and rotary telephones,” stated Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President for Corporate Communications.

Microsoft made no mention of Windows Media Center or Windows Media Connector in its discussion regarding entertainment technology. Recently, we learned that Microsoft was removing Windows Media Center from Windows 8.

Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s VP of Corporate Communications, noted not that long ago that 40% of all Xbox related activities are not gaming related. If 40% of Xbox users are not gaming, what are they doing? This can range from watching movies on the Zune Store, using the built-in DVD player, checking Facebook, or sending other Xbox users messages. “The vision for Xbox is straightforward: All of the entertainment you want. With the people you care about. Made easy. That is why you’ve seen us invest in partnerships with ESPN, Netflix and Hulu. That is why we’ve baked social directly into the experience with Xbox LIVE – connecting gamers, friends and families across the globe. That is why you’ll see Xbox marketed more as an entertainment brand this year,” said Frank Shaw.

You can read the entire blog entry here.