Microsoft's XBox One in South Africa launches; not able to access MultiChoice's DStv electronic programme guide (EPG).

Microsoft's new XBox One console launched in South Africa is not able to give users access to MultiChoice's DStv electronic programme guide (EPG) when connected to a DStv decoder in the way that other country's digital terrestrial and pay-TV operators' EPG's are integrated and accesible through the new XBox One.

A Microsoft SA spokesperson told TV with Thinus that XBox One users are able to plug their DStv decoder into the HDMI pass-through of the XBox One, although it won't allow them to control their DStv decoder from their XBox One.

"This will not allow control of the DStv decoder. It will simply feed through the video signal from DStv".

"With calling out 'XBox, watch TV' DStv will then play. Navigating the guide and TV channels on DStv will still require a DStv remote," I'm told.

"We are in discussions with DStv to bring services to the platform but have no news to disclose at this point in time".

In America and the United Kingdom Microsoft's new XBox One works well and is fully integrated with the EPG's of free-to-air as well as pay-TV providers.

UPDATE 15:24 - Microsoft South Africa adds that "Microsoft is constantly exploring opportunities with various strategic partners. When any of these opportunities result in new services or products, we'll make the necessary announcements".

BREAKING. Halo becoming a TV series from Steven Spielberg produced for Microsoft's XBox.

The hugely successful Halo video game is becoming a live-action TV series executive produced by Steven Spielberg specifically for Microsoft's XBox.

The announcement of Halo The Television Series and the video game franchise being turned into a TV science fiction action drama was just made by Microsoft during the launch and unveiling of Microsoft's new XBox One console taking place in America and the United Kingdom at the same time.

Halo will be produced by Steven Spielberg and game maker 343 Studios. The project comes from Nancy Tellem, who runs XBox Entertainment Studios which will now bring the futuristic world of Master Chief to life.

Steven Spielberg says that he is "excited to be involved with the heroes, worlds, and wonders that Halo will take us to." 

"For me, the Halo universe is an amazing opportunity for the intersection of mythmaking and technology."

BREAKING. Microsoft unveils XBox One as its new console; XBox One aiming to be the new entertainment hub for the living room.

Microsoft has unveiled its new XBox One console which the company is positioning as a device to be the new entertainment hub for the living room.

With the new XBox One announcement comes the announcement that Microsoft and Steven Spielberg are teaming up to make Halo The Television Series based on the highly successful Halo videogame franchise.

The XBox One is the latest in line since the XBox was introduced in 2001, followed by the XBox 360 in 2005 with 57,8 million sold since.

"For the first time you and your TV are going to have a relationship," says Microsoft.

The new XBox One has a larger 500GB hard drive, faster processing speed, comes with a live TV tuner, DVD and Blu-Ray player, can do Skype video conference calls and stream videogames through the internet from a cloud.

The XBox One, unveiled after months of speculation, is intended by Microsoft to be an "all in one system" for television, videogames and entertainment in a user's living space.