Adding the type of feature Comcast already features on its X1 guide, Microsoft announced Wednesday that it will integrate Twitter with the OneGuide on its new Xbox One console later this year, enabling new features that will tell users what shows and movies are trending on the social network.
OneGuide, for example, will use the iconic Twitter bird to denote if the show is buzzing and present a trending guide that likewise offers a distilled view of TV shows and movies that people are tweeting about, and including their trending hashtags. The Xbox One's “mini guide” (see image above) will let users call up the Twitter conversation happening around a particular show and allow them to tweet and retweet directly from the guide. This short video offers more details about Microsoft’s Twitter-related plans for the Xbox One.
Comcast lit up a similar feature for the TV listings on the X1 guide earlier this year that tells viewers which shows are trending on Twitter. The MSO is also using set-top data that shows which VOD titles are trending in categories such as movies, kids and sports.
Microsoft said Twitter is one of 45 new entertainment apps that will be added to the Xbox One and Xbox 360 in time for the 2014 holiday season. With those additions, the app cataloge for the gaming platforms mwill will increase by 25%, extending that total to more 225 apps worldwide, Microsoft said.
The full list is here, but apps on tap for the Xbox One include Comedy Central, Crunchroll, Gol TV, HBO GO, Starz Play, Encore Play, MoviePlex Play, Epix, Syfy Now, Major League Gaming, Vine and VH1. Showtime Anytime, FXNOW, WATCH ABC, WATCH Disney Channel, WATCH Disney Junior, and WATCH Disney XD are among those slated for the Xbox 360.
