As we’ve pointed out before, Microsoft’s Xbox has always been notable for the absence of references to games or play in its name. Let Nintendo say, in effect, “whee!”, let Sony make a station for play, Microsoft pulls out the algebra, using the classic variable notation “x”. As in, x = .. .whatever you wish. That’s because it was always intended as a home entertainment and communications hub once the technology and legal agreements were in place.
That became a little more realized with a big new update to the Xbox Live network. The system now features content from Comcast on Demand and HBO Go, which makes it a lot more like a living room and not so much like the web connection that already offered Netflix, Hulu, Vudu, YouTube, and more. Of course, you have to be a customer of those Comcast or HBO to get those options even though HBO could totally have my money if they offered a la carte HBO. HBO! Listen to me: YOU ARE LEAVING MY MONEY ON THE TABLE. Yeah, I’ve got issues.
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