You can argue all you want about which system, the Xbox and the PlayStation 3, has better games. But when it comes to the consoles as set-top boxes that dish out movies, television shows, and other forms of entertainment, there is no question: Microsoft's console is the clear cut winner.
Granted, the PS3 is now the most popular device for Netflix Instant Streaming, plus it has a few exclusive options of its own. But overall, the number of video apps of the 360 outnumbers that which is found on the Sony's machine 50 to 1.
For example, this past weekend alone saw the WWE's own dedicated app, which allowed 360 owners without cable to order and stream Wrestlemania, who clearly took cues from the UFC, whose app is able to do the same. And virtually every marketplace that has a 360 has it own selection of said video apps.
Given how much media consumption has become such a vital cornerstone of the console, the rumors that have been floating around for seemingly ages, which all speaking of the Xbox brand would become the centerpiece of Microsoft's digital hub strategy, have long been accepted as an inevitability.
And according to Destructoid, Microsoft is again recognizing how important steaming media is important to Xbox. It has been reported that all of their TV resources are now being dedicated towards Xbox, following the sale of Mediaroom, which was their IPTV platform:
“With the sale of Mediaroom, Microsoft is dedicating all TV resources to Xbox in a continued mission to make it the premium entertainment service that delivers all the games and entertainment consumers want – whether on a console, phone, PC or tablet. And with 76 million Xbox 360 consoles around the world with 46 million Xbox LIVE members, it is a mission that gets us out of bed in the morning.”
Many have questioned the future of the Xbox brand, and wonder if MS even cares about gamers anymore. Well, given how the existing consoles is being used for activites other than playing games, it’s now somewhat easy to understand why focus has been lost.
This even helps to explain the rather ridiculous statements made by one of their executives. Streaming content absolutely requires a steady, high-speed internet connection, whereas video games do not. Has Microsoft forgotten what their consoles were designed for in the first place? Seems like it.
