AT&T launches U-verse service to Xbox 360, Windows 7 mobile phones

As expected, AT&T today announced that Xbox 360 owners who subscribe to the telco's U-verse IPTV service would be able to use the gaming platform as an additional receiver; it's the first service provider to allow Xbox 360 access in the U.S.

Starting Oct. 15, customers using the Xbox 360 as a U-verse receiver can receive chat and game invitations through Xbox Live while watching live TV, and switch seamlessly from game to TV mode without switching video inputs on their TV screen.

AT&T also said that, for the first time with its three new Windows Phone 7 devices, all users nationwide will have access to AT&T U-verse Mobile, an app for downloading and watching hit shows on the go for just $9.99 per month. The app will be included on AT&T's three new Windows Phone 7 devices. It's the first time an AT&T U-verse service will be available nationwide.

"Our IPTV strategy is putting AT&T at the forefront by delivering U-verse content where you want it. And now we're extending the U-verse experience to more AT&T smartphone customers with the upcoming launch of U-verse Mobile on Windows Phone 7 devices," said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.

Customers will need to use one AT&T supplied box in addition to their Xbox, and the Xbox will need an internal HDD--and plenty of space available--for it to work.

AT&T earlier this year said it planned to roll out a plan that would give users the option of using Xbox 360s as STBs for U-verse and, while it is the first use for live TV service in the U.S., our cousins to the north beat AT&T to the punch; in August, Canadian telco Telus, the country's second-largest service provider, announced it would allow customers to use Xbox 360s as STBs with its Optik IPTV service.

AT&T, meanwhile, said new customers can order the $99 Xbox kit at 1-800-ATT-2020 when they subscribe to U-verse, and a U-verse technician will load U-verse software on their Xbox 360 during their service installation.

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