Xbox One TV Functionality Not Ready For Everyone At Launch

Team Xbox’s Albert Penello has acknowledged and explained the Xbox One lacking the full TV functionality initially promised. In a separate interview, Phil Spencer explains they do have plans to get more TV programming for the console.

Microsoft made big promises on TV and entertainment on the Xbox One during its reveal press conference. The company had signed a major deal with the NFL, and also revealed that they have a Halo TV series in the works, to be executive produced by Steven Spielberg.

Other entertainment related features include integrating Skype, the promise of new TV apps, and multi-OS functionality allowing you to switch between playing games and watching content seamlessly.

However, when the console launches, the system’s TV features will only be available in the US and Japan (when it launches there). Furthermore, users will need to have compatible TV tuners or set top boxes that have HDMI output, to connect to the Xbox One’s HDMI in port.

Penello explains that it is a valid criticism, but it would simply be untenable to have it ready for all regions all at once. Microsoft will talk to cable providers per region so that they can eventually provide the functionality to all supported markets. Ultimately, however, Penello argues launch buyers won’t necessarily be interested in these features, and full TV functionality will eventually be ready when its actual target market – families and casual users – get around to buying the console.

Spencer affirms Microsoft’s belief that entertainment will be a major focus for the Xbox One, and they are particularly interested in getting more sports content for the console. This certainly would explain the arrangements they have made with EA and their sports games, but will their strategy pay off? We’ll have to wait a little longer until the features are there to find out.