해외에서 큰 인기를 끌고 있는 SNS인 페이스북이 XBL와 연동될 것이라는 소식도 발표했는데, 페이스북 계정이 XBL 게이머태그와 연동되어 페이스북에서 게이머태크의 내용을 공유할 수 있게 된다고 합니다. 뿐만 아니라 유명 마이크로블로깅 서비스인 Twitter, 인터넷 라디오 방송인 Last.fm도 XBL를 통해 이용 가능하게 됩니다.
또한 기존에 제공되던(해외 기준) Netflix 서비스도 상당부분 개선되는 듯 하며, 영국과 아일랜드의 게이머들에게는 영국 프리미어리그 경기의 생방송까지도 스트리밍으로 제공된다고 하는군요.
더욱 자세한 내용이 궁금하신 분들을 위해 마이크로소프트의 공식 보도자료(영문)를 함께 준비했습니다. 비록 현재로서는 북미/유럽/오세아니아 일부 국가에서만 서비스될 예정이지만, 앞으로 우리나라에서도 이용할 수 있었으면 하는 바램입니다.
Today from the E3 stage in Los Angeles, Microsoft announced plans to dramatically improve their HD video offering through a new technology that enables instant on 1080p streaming with 5.1 audio with Zune video on Xbox 360.
This implementation is as close to a "disc in the drive" experience as possible over the Internet. At a high-level, here is how it works:
- Video startup is nearly instantaneous because of the back-end proprietary Microsoft technology developed by Zune that seamlessly transitions between many different bitrates and resolutions of video.
- Video playback will start at a low bitrate for fast download time and then ramp up to a higher bitrate and quality, up to 1080p with 5.1 audio.
- Features such as smooth fast forward and rewind that users have only seen before with local physical media.
- Social: We unveiled Movie Party, a feature where you can go to the movies with your friends whether you are sitting on the same couch or in living rooms across the country. Starting this year, you can share a virtual theater, see your Avatars (a virtual you) on the screen – all while you listen to each other laugh and cry together at the movie through voice chat on Xbox LIVE.
- New Regional Partners: Now, for the first time Xbox LIVE members in the UK and Ireland can watch live or on-demand TV with BSkyB on Xbox. Never miss a moment of your favorite live TV shows, sports, movies and family-friendly entertainment – even share your favorites with up to seven friends in an Xbox LIVE Party.
- Global Expansion: The 1080p streaming HD Zune video experience on Xbox LIVE marketplace is expanding to 10 new regions this year, making movies and TV shows available in 18 total countries including US, Canada, UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Australia, and New Zealand. (Note: content and partners vary by region)
