new Microsoft interface for its Xbox game console in the US : Microsoft is rolling out a new interface for its Xbox game console in the US - one that allows users to navigate through music, films, TV shows and games with the wave of a hand or the sound of their voice.
The interface, first demonstrated by chief executive Steve Ballmer in September, is set up similarly to Microsoft's upcoming Windows 8 operating system with a series of large panes showing content options.
Xbox owners with the Kinect motion controller can swipe through screens by waving their hand in the air. It also responds to direct voice commands, and incorporates Microsoft's search engine, Bing. Windows phone users can control what to watch or hear by tapping on their portable devices.
The interface will be available to Xbox users connected to the internet via a download on Tuesday.
In a demonstration for Associated Press, a Microsoft employee demonstrated how saying, clearly, "Xbox. Bing. Iron Man." brought up a selection of films, TV shows, games and soundtracks related to the title. Saying "Xbox. Show. Movies," brought up places to rent or buy the film.
Separate subscriptions are required for services like Netflix, and much of the content also requires being a gold member of Xbox Live, a connected internet service that costs 60 US dollars (£38) a year.
Microsoft expects to have pay TV channel partners, including those supplied by Verizon FiOS. There will be no broadcast partners, so fans of the ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox networks will continue to rely on standard set-top boxes or digital rabbit ear antennas for that content.
Ross Honey, general manager of Xbox Live entertainment and advertising, said around 40 content partners were expected for the platform. Available apps from those partners will roll out gradually. Other partners include the BBC, Hulu Plus, Disney's online ESPN3 service, Ultimate Fighting Championship, YouTube and cable giant Comcast's Xfinity on-demand subscription service.
Many of the offerings require separate pay TV subscriptions or one-time payments. Mr Honey said that many deals with content providers are still in the works.
"As with any new technology that comes with the entertainment industry, it takes time," he said. "What we have here is a start."
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