Verizon Communications' (NYSE: VZ) FiOS TV will launch an app on Microsoft's (Nasdaq: MSFT) Xbox One gaming console that is set to make its retail debut Nov. 22. The app is one of 19 entertainment apps set to launch on the Xbox One between Nov. 22 and spring 2014 but is the only pay-TV provider app announced so far.
Besides FiOS TV, there are several TV Everywhere apps and apps from programmers such as HBO Go, FXNOW, Fox Now and ESPN that are planned in the first phase of Xbox One apps. Other entertainment apps include Hulu Plus, Amazon (Nasdaq: AMZN) Instant Video, Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX) and the NFL on Xbox One. Microsoft has said it plans to announce more apps for the platform weekly.
Microsoft's Xbox One will launch in 13 markets on Nov. 22. The new console enables HDMI pass-through and features an electronic program guide, called OneGuide, that allows users to create personal favorites so they can quickly and easily choose what they want to watch. In addition, users can add their personal photos and videos from the SkyDrive app to their OneGuide favorites.
Last week Verizon unveiled some results from its FiOS gamer/connected entertainment index that surveyed more than 500 gaming and gadget lovers. Not surprisingly, the survey found that gamers increasingly look at fast speed as being critical over other tech specs.
For more:
- see this Verizon release
- see this Microsoft release
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