Microsoft Releases Additional Local Australian Xbox One App Information

Microsoft Australia has released more details on the first wave of entertainment app partners that will be available for Xbox One in Australia. The current line-up includes local content providers, international apps and Microsoft created apps that will launch between November 22 and Autumn 2014.

Locally, Xbox One owners will have access to Network Ten’s tenplay, SBS On Demand and Quickflix. On the global front, owners will gain access to TED, MUZU TV, Twitch, Crackle and Machinima. Xbox One owners will also have access to a range of Microsoft developed apps including, Xbox Video, Xbox Fitness, Xbox Music, Internet Explorer, Skype, SkyDrive and Upload.

“Xbox One is designed to be the centre of the living room experience with gaming, television and entertainment. That’s only possible with great content, and we are thrilled to have such a strong line- up of local and international content available at launch in Australia.” said Jeremy Hinton, Interactive Entertainment Business Lead, Microsoft Australia.

The Network Ten tenplay available for Xbox One has already been made available on web, mobile, tablets and smart TVs, offering Xbox One users the ability to access Ten’s new best-in-class catch-up video platform and unique “live streaming experiences”.

“tenplay has been a hit with consumers since it launched in late September this year and we are delighted to be able to offer Xbox One users the tenplay experience. From November 22, anyone with an Xbox One console will be able to enjoy all their favourite Network Ten shows.”  said Rebekah Horne, Network Ten’s Chief Digital Officer.

“All the entertainment apps coming to Xbox One will be integrated into the OneGuide, a personalised experience to view Xbox One content. With the power of Kinect, people will be able to use the improved Kinect sensor to their television experience with the sound of their voice or gesture commands,” continued Jeremy.

The local SBS On Demand app will also offer its own catch-up viewing service, which will be fully integrated throughout the Xbox One console.

“Xbox One provides SBS with a great new opportunity to provide our audiences with on demand access to all their favourite SBS shows.” said SBS Chief Digital Officer, Marshall Heald. “Coupled with our recently unveiled 2013-2014 programming line-up that features more thought-provoking, powerful and daring commissioned content than ever before SBS continues to demonstrate its leadership as an innovative multi-platform broadcaster.”

Rounding out the local Australian app information is Quickflix, which will offer the latest blockbuster movies and television shows, which are usually fast tracked from the United States directly on the Xbox One.

“The Xbox One is a great audience fit for Quickflix content and love the unique elements of the Xbox One, allowing people to multi task, take Skype calls and snap content while experiencing their favourite movie or TV show,” said Stephen Langsford, CEO, Quickflix.

“The strength of our local entertainment offering shows Microsoft’s dedication to providing Australians with a premium experience at launch, where they will be able to make the most of unique features like HDMI pass through, Skype on the big screen, instant switching through local and international content and all a simple voice command away. These entertainment apps are going to be totally new experiences for Australians when they see how they work with Xbox One,” finished Jeremy.

The Xbox One will launch worldwide, as well as in Australia on November 22.