How did I know this was a Selnor thread before I opened it?
Why would cable companies hand over profits to MS? It doesn't advantage them. So cable companies aren't going to pay MS anything. Selling Xb one to non-gamers as their cable box only provides ongoing revenue for MS if they put the cable subs behind the XBL gold paywall. But what non-gamer is going to pay extra for their TV content?
No, TV content being directly channeled through Xb one only works for gamers, who are already paying for XBL Gold and hence do not consider Gold an added cost on top of their cable service.
Cable companies want their apps on as many internet devices as possible, so they won't do exclusivity deals with Xb one, except for other consoles. They will still want to see their apps on tablets, phones, laptops and PCs.
Xb one can't actually be a cable set top box, because it lacks the cable port. It only has HDMI in. Are any cable companies piping their content in into houses using HDMI cables? I don't think so. Therefore Xb one can only be a web streaming delivery box, and there's certainly not much unique about that. I don't see the value proposition for anyone who isn't already inclined to get Xb one for gaming.
“The fundamental cause of the trouble is that in the modern world the stupid are cocksure while the intelligent are full of doubt.” - Bertrand Russell
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace."
Jimi Hendrix
