Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) leads the digital television revolution all thanks to their popular game console XBox 360. That’s right, Microsoft beats Google and Apple when it comes to the digital home entertainment sector. With a decent variety of digital content offerings, applications, downloadable games, and social media connectivity, it’s easy to see why Microsoft is leading the race.
Xbox Live is a digital entertainment content subscription service that was originally designed to connect serious gamers. Now it offers a wide range of apps including Netflix, Zune Music Pass, Crackle, EPIX, ESPN, YouTube, Zune Movies, TMZ, iHeartRadio, and Last FM. Microsoft is also taking it a step further by adding premium cable apps like Verizon FIOS, HBO Go, and Comcast Xfinity.
James McQuivey, analyst for Forrester, says that Microsoft offers what matters the most like a growing content library and a social atmosphere that allows people to interact with million of XBox users.
Further research from Forrester indicates there are over 66 million Xboxes sold all over the world, and about half of those are connected the Xbox Live. That’s a huge number.
While this news is a good sign for the Microsoft company as a whole, ZDNet’s Sean Portnoy thinks that their luck is about to run out. In a recent article, he stated his thoughts that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) could easily do a clean sweep should they release a television set.
As a fan of Microsoft, I like to hear that they’re successful at something. I think one of their biggest keys to success is that they’re actually working with paid television providers like Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCSA) and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) to add more content choices. This is a smart move that benefits both the cable companies and the customers. The cable companies still earn money while providing services in another avenue and customers access more of their favorite movies and shows.
