Given how relentlessly US-centric the original Xbox One launch was, we never had particularly high expectations for what would be offered for Australians. Over the weekend, Microsoft detailed the TV apps that will be available when the console launches on November 22. Only two of Australia’s free-to-air networks are on board so far.
These are the networks/online channels/streaming services that will be supported when the Xbox One comes out. Note this is purely about catch-up apps: no word yet on when the ‘TV Live’ options will get to Australia, if ever. Those marked with an asterisk are also available in New Zealand:
- Crackle
- Machinima*
- MUZU TV*
- Network Ten’s tenplay
- Quickflix*
- SBS On Demand
- TED*
- Twitch*
Obviously, the biggest omission is the ABC’s excellent iView service. We’re a little surprised that neither Seven or Nine are on board yet. Apps to view those catch-up services may well appear eventually, but right now buying an Xbox One for TV catchup seems a fairly pointless exercise, reinforcing our general view that buying immediately on launch doesn’t necessarily make a whole lot of sense.
First Wave of TV & Entertainment Apps Coming to Xbox One Unveiled [Xbox Wire]
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