Sky is reportedly considering selling the new Xbox One console alongside Sky TV subscriptions.
According to inside sources, Sky is in talks with Microsoft on deals which would see Sky customers able to opt for an Xbox One instead of getting a Sky+ HD box.
It’s thought that you’ll be able to record shows directly to the Xbox One’s hard drive, meaning you’d need just one home entertainment devices for games, TV and on-demand content.
Satellite operator SES has recently been showing off its new SAT>IP system. In a nutshell, this means that the Xbox One wouldn’t even need a satellite tuner to act as a Sky+ HD box, meaning it’s a distinct possibility.
Gaming site MCV, which broke the story, speculates that we could hear official confirmation at E3 this Monday.
The next-gen games console from Microsoft, announced last month, has some impressive TV credentials alongside an upgraded Kinect and eye-melting graphics. At the launch event, the Xbox One was demoed working in tandem with Comcast cable TV in the US.
Sky has enjoyed a good relationship with Microsoft, quickly launching Sky Go (formerly the Sky Player) on Xbox 360.
The satellite broadcaster said after the the Xbox One reveal: “We enjoy a long track-record of innovating with Microsoft on the Xbox platform and will explore any future opportunities offered by Xbox One.”
We’ve yet to hear back from Sky spokespeople about this deal. If the rumours about E3 are true, it should only be a matter of days before we know for sure.
Update: Sadly, it’s not to be. Sky has come straight out and denied that this is happening. A spokesperson said:
“We have no plans to sell Xbox hardware as part of a Sky subscription. We have a longstanding partnership with Microsoft by which we distribute our content via Sky Go and Now TV on Xbox. We look forward to continuing to work with them as part of our commitment to giving our customers more ways to watch Sky programming in addition to their Sky+ HD box.”
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