MICROSOFT: Xbox to double entertainment range

Microsoft revealed further expansions to its entertainment offering, including sports coverage and a new music service.

During its E3 press conference, the company pledged to double the number of entertainment providers with content on Xbox Live. 35 new partnerships will be announced this week, including Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, and Machinima.

The sports portfolio was highlighted, with NBA and NHL live coverage coming to Xbox Live later this year. Microsoft is also advancing its ESPN partnership, with the US broadcaster delivering live coverage 24 hours a day through Xbox – all in HD.

To make this new content easier to find, Microsoft is adding new features to the Bing voice search using Kinect, allowing users to search by genre or for specific titles.

The voice search will also be launched in 12 new countries later this year.

Finally, Microsoft announced Xbox Music – a new music service that gives consumers access to over 30m tracks. These will be accessible through Xbox Live and Windows PCs, as well as any smartphones with Windows Phone 7 and tablets.