Microsoft has halted plans to add a TV DVR feature to the Xbox One console.
The feature, announced at Gamescom last August, would have enabled patrons to record free-to-air TV shows with help from a dedicated Xbox TV tuner and the OneGuide EPG within the console.
Microsoft says plans to integrate the feature are officially “on hold” as it seeks to integrate “new higher fan-requested gaming experiences across Xbox One and Windows 10.”
Related: Xbox One Digital TV Tuner review
While most boxes restrict playback to the device itself, the Xbox DVR would have enabled over-the-air TV recordings to be streamed to Windows 10 devices and the SmartGlass app for iOS and Android.
Console owners would have also had the luxury of scheduling recordings via the apps as well as the ability to save recordings to an external hard-drive.
The dumping of the project is a further sign that Microsoft is abandoning the plans to make the Xbox One the all-in-one living room media device we were originally pitched.
Read also: E3 3016: What we want to see
Now the focus seems to be on gamers and, given the company looks set to unleash a streaming box that would allow Remote Play in another room, we’re likely to see the trend continue at E2 2016 next week
In the full statement, Microsoft said (via The Verge): “After careful consideration, we’ve decided to put development of DVR for Over-the-Air TV on hold to focus our attention on launching new, higher fan-requested gaming experiences across Xbox One and Windows 10. We’re always listening to fan feedback and we look forward to bringing more requested experiences on Xbox One, Windows 10 and Xbox Live this year.”
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
