The Xbox Video application has already been released on the web; however Windows 8 users will have to wait. Although, it was expected for both of the apps to come out at the same time, Microsoft unveiled the web service from Xbox sooner than the one for the Windows Phone. You can take a look at the app right now, an app that gives you basically the same access to TV Shows and movies as the already existing Zune video service.
The difference is the design and simplicity. With similar design to the Xbox Music web application, you are able to stream direct content to your browser using the MS Silverlight plug-in. If you have already purchased content on the Xbox One or via the Windows 8.1 app you will be able to stream it immediately. With the availability of the Xbox video app on the Xbox, windows phone, windows 8.1 and the web, you will be able to access your video library full of movies and TV series anywhere, anytime.
The whole idea of the web app is not something as innovative as some might think. However, the build, the design and the simplicity of the app are what make it something different. One big minus is that the web version lacks HD support. Microsoft also stated that the mobile app won’t have HD support as well. This might be a marketing strategy, but you will only be able to experience HD video support if you are using the Xbox One or the Windows 8.1 versions of the app.
It is not clear when the mobile version will be released; however you can enjoy the web version right away. Currently, everyone in the digital world wants to create a common core system for your digital content, in order for the customer to be able to enjoy it on all the devices he/she has. However, with Windows currently still being the number 1 used system and as Xbox fan base is looming, we might just say that Microsoft is doing the best job in doing so and has the most potential of completing the task.
The Xbox Video Web App just goes to show that we are living in a world where we don’t need terabytes of information, we just need a system with internet access and we will be able to enjoy all the movies, TV series and music we want.