Microsoft has finally launched the Xbox One digital TV tuner here in the UK, as well as in much of Europe.
The plug-in device enables Xbox One owners to make use of the console’s integrated TV capabilities without the need for a cable subscription through Virgin Media or Sky TV.
It’s essentially a snazzy way to watch Freeview TV, but with the benefits of a sharp UI and things like live TV pausing and recording.
The digital TV tuner enables the use of the Xbox One’s OneGuide, which lets you navigate through TV listings using the controller or the increasingly marginalised Kinect voice recognition system.
Also, you can watch TV in Snap mode, which essentially lets watch programs whilst gaming – great for ninja multi-taskers, or for filling in a few minutes in between multiplayer matches. It also allows you to receive and deal with notifications, messages, and game invitations while you’re watching the box.
SmartGlass integration also means that you can stream TV programs to your phone or tablet, which is perfect for watching TV in bed or for when someone in the household is hogging the Xbox One and the TV for gaming purposes.
TV listings in the OneGuide will also indicate when a program is available to watch through an On Demand app.
Microsoft has announced that the Xbox One digital TV tuner is available to buy now direct from the Microsoft Store in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. It costs £24.99 here in the UK, and €29.99 in the rest of Europe.
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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.
