Microsoft Expands Xbox 360 Entertainment Content with 40 New Providers

In continuing to make the Xbox 360 more of an entertainment device than only a gaming one, Microsoft has announced a slew of new partnerships that will deliver a lot more content to owners of the console all around the world. Unfortunately, not everyone will have access to all of the content unveiled, because not surprisingly, licensing gets in the way.

Those residing in the US will be gaining the bulk of the content, with TV “channels” including Bravo, EPIX, HBO GO, Syfy and TMZ, along with select Web services like Crackle, “The Today Show”, YouTube, UFC and others.

Of the 40 different providers available, some countries might only see one – Russia and Portugal are good examples. Canada and Australia see a good handful of content as well, though as always, all the “good” stuff isn’t part of that.

At this point, it’s difficult to understand how all of these services are going to interact with the Xbox, but Microsoft has confirmed that some of it will require an active subscription to Xbox Live Gold (to be expected).