Microsoft has launched its digital TV Tuner for the Xbox One gaming console in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The peripheral lets users watch free-to-air HD TV directly from their Xbox One, while offering several other enticing features.
The Digital TV Tuner grabs signals from a coaxial cable and beams it to the Xbox One via the USB connection. It does sound old fashioned, but the tuner adds several features to spice things up.
For instance, it features OneGuide that enables users to favorite channels and navigate TV listings (available in both full screen and mini guide) using the controller or Kinect voice.
Perhaps the best thing about its coupling with the gaming console is that you can simultaneously watch TV and play games in Snap mode. Or alternatively, you can run other apps with TV on one side of the screen. Furthermore, users will get the ability to pause and fast-forward Live TV. You can also pause the live stream to play a game, and then fast-forward the footage. Using TV listings in OneGuide, user will also be able to check the on demand content using video apps.
The SmartGlass feature enables you to beam TV content over your home network to your tablet or phone. This will also enable you to instantly access OneGuide listings and tune channels on the TV.
The peripheral costs £24.99 in the United Kingdom, and could either be available for the same price or for £29.99 at other places.
Further reading: Digital TV Tuner, Microsoft, Xbox One
