French operator Orange and Microsoft have started to make the Orange TV service available on the Xbox 360 game consoles.
Initially, around 30 channels will become available on the device, including TNT, Orange Cinéma Séries and Orange Sport, but this number will be double before the end of next month.
“We expect the number to be around sixty at the end of May, and before the end of the year, we will also offer VOD and catch-up TV,” said Alice Holzman, marketing director France, Orange.
The new connected TV service is available to all subscribers to Orange’s TV service, but Xbox owner also need to buy a Xbox Live Gold subscription, which costs €59.99 annually.
The move is part of Microsoft’s strategy to make connected television services part of their offer. In France, a similar deal with the Canal+ group already brings in streaming and on-demand services to Canal subscribers.
The agreement securing XBox Live carriage between Orange and Microsoft was signed last December.