Comments on: Microsoft expands Xbox Live audio and video offerings

The updated Xbox 360 video store--now using the Zune branding--will include instant-on 1080p video downloads, improved Netflix integration, Last.fm access, and more.

[sdf0013]

No mention of Zune HD. And they didn't talk about any additional cross compatibility with licensed content. Ideally, I'd like to buy something once and have it work on all my MS devices (pc, xbox, zune, etc.). But the world is seldom in unison like that.

Can't help but wonder how they're pulling off 1080p content with "instant on" capabilities. Hopefully there's a disclaimer there. As well I hope they didn't cut bitrates to make it fit in current pipes. Hmm.

[dhavleak]

If they cut the bitrates (by compressing aggressively) they might as well have stayed at 720p. It's more likely that the service is "instant-on" if you have the bandwidth but will buffer if you don't.

I wonder if you have a 720p option if that's what you prefer (for instance if you have a TV that can only do 720p, there's no point in downloading at 1080p and then downscaling).

[AaronCT123]

Well, I know that, at the very least, the Zune client for PC keeps track of what's downloaded and if the Xbox store is, indeed, the same backend then whatever you buy on the Xbox 360 should be added to that list and retrievable from the PC. Whether you'll be able to just plug your Zune into your 360 is questionable.

[dhavleak]

The stuff that really floored me -- all the integration (netflix/last.fm/facebook etc.) + Natal (the camera/motion sensing stuff) combined can make for a really awesome experience. Straight out of minority report, I tell you..

[seespottype]

Prediction: history geeks will look back to at the Xbox as the first Macintosh made by Microsoft. Like the Mac, Xbox gives Microsoft complete control over the OS and the hardware. No longer held to the never ending task of supporting third party hardware vendors, Microsoft can focus on a great OS experience.

What's ironic is that Microsoft never wanted to play in the integrated hardware/os market. But the rogue xbox dev group put out a compelling package - I think as non gaming elements get added to Xbox - Microsoft is going to have to see that they have had the answer to all the apple barbs for years now.

The most important step foward is adding a browser to Xbox. Which in turn demands a keyboard. After that, there's no turning back.

[dhavleak]

I was about to reply saying "but nobody wants to browse on their TVs", when I paused for a moment and understood your point -- that whether they use their TVs or not, if the 360 does browsing and other stuff like that well, people will start to see it as a legit replacement for having a computer at home. Excellent point.

[tschools1970]

I have been a Zune user since the begining, I am still using the original. However I am considering a Ipod Touch and maybe even a Apple TV just so I can purchase content just once. Microsoft has got me to my last nerve with this content crap. Why aren't the same TV shows available on Zune marketplace as on the XBox Marketplace? If I can rent a movie on thw XBox why not my Zune? And please get rid of points could we just get strait up dollar amounts.

[Manbot1]

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