Microsoft hails its ‘killer weapon’ in battle with PS3 and Wii

Live is streets ahead of rivals’ services following social media additions, says company

Microsoft has claimed that it is “continually keeping ahead” of its rivals’ online services with additions to Xbox Live.

The firm this week added social media services such as Twitter, Facebook and music portal Last.FM to Live – as well as HD movie streaming service Zune.

However, Facebook arrived on PS3 on Wednesday, as Nintendo launched its own version of the BBC iPlayer on Wii.

“We were the first to really understand the power that an online, live service has and bring it to life for millions of gamers – and now we’re the ones evolving it beyond gaming,” UK Xbox boss Neil Thompson told MCV.

“There are lots of clever companies out there doing interesting things on their platforms, but it’s our job to keep ahead of them, and constantly innovate. We’re keeping that pace going and will continue to do so.

 

“Xbox Live is flying at the moment – in the UK especially. Live is a killer weapon for us in terms of our line-up.

“When we first got into the console business, we understood that the elements that were going to define success in this business were really software and services. We knew that the hardware component was important, but really wasn’t the vital thing.”

The Zune service is a particularly intriguing addition to Xbox 360 – introducing a premium video experience with instant-on HD and surround sound.

Microsoft told MCV that the service was a way to build awareness of the Zune brand – but was not an indicator that it had plans to introduce Zune hardware to the UK.

“Zune is a pivotal element to our whole entertainment offering and a brand we’re going to keep building on,” added Thompson.

Interesting comments from Microsoft. all of the features that Xbox live have are impressive especially cross game chat.

How were they the first to use facebook? Facebook has always been usable from the ps3 browser

Firstly, killer weapon is a bit of an exaggeration
second, stop bragging about facebook. No-one uses facebook from their console. If you must brag, brag about the actual features of Live, it's not as if there aren't any to talk about

An even more killer weapon is a browser, which allows you to access all those services.

Anyone who has been burned by the RROD will not appreciate that comment.

They are basically admitting they knew they were putting shoddy hardware on the market and don't see reliability as "vital".

Nintendo have said the same thing actually. So theres no real connection between the two concepts.

The difference is Wii's specs are obviously inferior while 360 actually has good specs. It's just unreliable.

Wow, are people reading a different article from me? When did he say they were the first to have Facebook?

He is saying that Live is a big deal for XBox and these new features in the latest update are a good addition to the service. Nothing more, nothing less.

If the interviewee had not said killer-weapon, this interview would have been read by no one.

Live >> PSN >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Wii Network

If PSN adds cross-game chat, improves their browser, and a few other tweaks, the difference between PSN and LIVE won't be significant.