Just yesterday, Sony revealed all of the video streaming apps that will launch with the PlayStation 4 next week. The list includes major brands such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Amazon Instant.
Today, Microsoft has countered with its own list of streaming video apps that will be coming to the Xbox One. Microsoft wasn’t explicit in saying that the announced apps will be available at launch. Instead, the company declared them the “first wave” of apps coming between launch day of November 22 and spring 2014.
Given Microsoft’s early positioning of the Xbox One as an all-around entertainment device, it isn’t surprising that the Xbox One will have more video streaming apps than the PlayStation 4. In fact, the quote accompanying today’s app announcement shows that Microsoft is still very dedicated to making the Xbox one an “all-in-one” living room solution:
“We set out to make Xbox One the all-in-one games and entertainment hub for your home. The one system that offers the best games next to the best entertainment experiences and apps,” said Marc Whitten, Xbox chief product officer. “Along with offering a stellar app portfolio from around the world, Xbox One takes the next step by offering them in a way that is seamless and easy to use.”
Like the PlayStation 4, the Xbox One in the U.S. will have all the major video streaming services day-one, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant, VUDU, Crackle, and Redbox Instant. Where the PS4 has the NBA and NHL, the Xbox will have an NFL streaming app, ESPN, and Univision Deportes.
In addition to those services, the Xbox One will have a variety of niche streaming apps. CWTV, FOX NOW, FVNOW, Machinima, MUZU TV, Target Ticket, TED, Verizon FiOS, and Twitch will all have their own apps on the new console. HBO GO was also listed, but is labeled as “coming soon,” implying that it may miss this “first wave” of apps.
Also, in case watching TV is too boring, Microsoft has expanded its gaming achievements to the realm of video. Xbox One owners can now “achieve badges or rewards for the media they consume.”
Other countries where the Xbox One will launch before next summer also have their own list of available apps. The UK, for example, will have options such as 4oD, blinkbox, and Demand 5. The full list for each country can be seen on Microsoft’s announcement page.