Microsoft may become the first to offer a subscription service
While
many thought that Apple's iPad would steal the stage at this year's
Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft had different
plans.
It is rumored that Hulu,
the online database for hit TV shows and movies, will be added as a
service for Xbox Live users. The idea is that Hulu will be added to
the Xbox 360 dashboard, much like the current Netflix
application.
The iPad was long expected to be the chosen
device to initiate
the paid subscription version of Hulu. However, many now believe
that Microsoft will be the first in that race. Sources are
still unaware of how users will pay for the subscription; it may
involve purchasing Hulu monthly passes for blocks of time and/or with
Microsoft Points. Also, Hulu for the Xbox is expected to
potentially get its own streamlined interface, differentiating it
from the wide variety of shows and movies found online.
Questions
have been raised as to whether or not users will actually pay for the
subscription, when instead they can access Hulu from their
computer. One possible solution would be for Microsoft to give free
subscriptions to Xbox Live Gold Members.
Microsoft is also set
to unveil Project
Natal at E3 as well. The motion-sensing Natal
camera was said to be sold in accordance with the Xbox. This
suggests Microsoft is trying to target a different group of users --
such as families and casual gamers -- instead of the hard core
soldiers of Call of Duty.
E3 is set to kick off June 15, 2010
and run until the 17 of June. Microsoft's Media Briefing is scheduled
for June 14 at 10:00 AM PT.
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