FollowThe latest we hear from Microsoft is that it is now creating a set-top box that will be used mainly for media playback. There were rumors earlier and now this is more confirmed with many people saying that this software giant was working on this set-top box that was going to give Xbox live users the ability to log in to their accounts and use the apps present there to watch streaming videos. This will help cloning all of the non gaming aspects present in the Xbox 360 to create a product which is a lot cheaper. According to report on WSJ (The Wall Street Journal) this device is going to cost a meager $99 which will make it on the same level as Apple TV. Therefore, it is going to be cheaper than Roku as well. Sources have also said that this device has gone through many tests in order to include an option in it for Kinect-style controls.
A similar device which can be used in the living room which allows for streaming videos through the internet is also supposed to be in the development stages at Amazon. There were rumors a little while ago which were reiterated just a few days ago about this device. Its main focus, according to reports, is to provide instant video as well as prime instant video to viewers. The main difference here is that this device is not going to be using any application for streaming these videos like it is done on other such devices.
Microsoft’s device is supposedly still in development. We can’t confirm anything. For all we know, the entire project might be shelved with the launch of the Xbox 720 from Microsoft. All you can do is keep our fingers crossed and wait and see what happens.
