Big update to Xbox Live

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.