Microsoft will bring portable media player Zune’s catalogue of TV and film content to Xbox Live internationally this autumn.
While the company hasn’t announced plans to introduce Zune hardware in Europe, it says the brand will become “the premium partner” in the Xbox Live Video Marketplace. Xbox Live users will be able to stream to rent or download to own TV and film content, representing the first time the Zune service has been available in Europe.
“The Zune experience is growing beyond a music player in the US. Zune’s international expansion starts with video on Xbox Live; eventually we’ll offer the full digital entertainment experience spanning screens, devices, platforms and geographies,” said Chris Stephenson, general manager of consumer marketing for Microsoft’s TV, video and music business.
In addition, Microsoft said it will release the next generation of Zune hardware, Zune HD, in the US only this autumn. The device will feature a built-in HD radio receiver, HD video output capabilities, an OLED touch screen, Wi-Fi and an internet browser.