Xbox TV Troubles, Kinect for Windows in February

Anyone thinking that they would be granted the gift of Xbox TV this past holiday season was out of luck. The rumored television service for Xbox 360 still hasn't appeared, and now sources claim that it's not coming anytime soon.

Those looking to get Kinect for Windows, however, are in luck -- Microsoft is pushing for a February release date!

The full details and line-up for Xbox TV were very impressive, and there was genuine hope that the service would come to fruition with thundering results. A number of partners were on board, including Verizon and Comcast. But despite Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announcing that Xbox TV would arrive during the 2011 holiday season, it was never delivered. It now appears that Xbox TV may be a hopeless cause, based on what one unnamed senior media executive has to say about Microsoft's plans.

Xbox TV had everything going for it: partners, voice control interaction, even its own page on the new Xbox 360 dashboard. So where did things go wrong? Apparently, Microsoft was a little too anxious and didn't look closely enough at the costs involved.

"They built Microsoft TV, they demoed it for us, they asked for rate cards but then said 'ooh ah, that's expensive.' It doesn't mean they won't be back in another iteration. We'll have to wait and see"

Xbox 360 owners should not give up all hope. At this year's Consumer Electronics Show, Microsoft and News Corp announced a partnership that will bring apps for Fox Broadcast, Fox News, IGN, and the Wall Street Journal to Xbox Live Gold subscribers.

On a more positive note, those looking forward to the release of the Kinect for Windows will not have long to wait. Steve Ballmer announced during Microsoft's CES Keynote that Kinect for Windows should be available February 1, 2012, and will cost $249.99.

Microsoft's Major Nelson has pointed out that Kinect will only work with PCs running the SDK, and neither Nelson nor Ballmer have confirmed compatibility with Windows 8. Development kits were sent out this past Summer, so expect interesting things to come soon, since studios have had time to tinker with the tech.

Ranters, does this snag in Microsoft's Xbox TV plans come as a surprise? Were you looking forward to the next-gen television service? Will you be getting Kinect for Windows?

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Source: Reuters, Joystiq

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