Microsoft has always flirted with TV. Now, word has leaked out that the software giant will introduce a Windows-powered TV box at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES).
The box will cost $200, and will compete directly with similar devices offered by Apple and Google. The new device will feature a version of Windows Embedded fine tuned for televisions.
Many industry analysts are predicting that a convergence of TV, Internet, computing and gaming is in the making. Thus far, efforts by Apple and Google have failed to be fully embraced. But Microsoft offers some interesting opportunities. Microsoft could incorporate such hot elements as streaming content (movies, TV shows) and Internet activities (email, social interactions, browsing) with gaming (Xbox). Such a move could take on not only Apple and Google, but TiVo and other DVR providers.
The key will be what sorts of partners Microsoft can bring on board. Google TV has, largely, failed due to network TV blocking their content. Apple has had the same problem. Users simply don’t want TV shows from one or two networks, but from all of them.