XBOX: ESPN ties 360 deal

Microsoft has announced a new deal with TV sports network ESPN which will offer on-demand sports games on Xbox 360.

The service is completely free to Xbox Live gold members and will allow Kinect users to watch, replay and record live HD matches via voice recognition.

The new Xbox Live area was announced by ESPN’s Josh Elliot and Trey Wingo at Microsoft’s E3 press conference. The pair demonstrated the new service by speaking to the new Xbox 360 Kinect device in order to control viewing options.

Josh Elliot said: ESPN is being redefined on Xbox.

Fans will be able to access ESPN scores, highlights and statistics without even leaving the game you’re watching.”

Sports include baseball, football, basketball and baseball. Over 3,500 events will be available to view in the first year with more to follow.