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Twitter, HBO Go And More New Apps Coming To Xbox This Year

Microsoft announced 45 new entertainment apps are coming to Xbox One and Xbox 360 by the end of the year.
Posted at 9:24 PM, Jun 04, 2014

​Xbox users, you’ll soon be able to set your phone down when you're watching primetime.

Because those hashtags will show up on your TV in real time. (ViaMicrosoft)

"You can see the conversation that's happening on Twitter though the stream."

You’re looking at a preview of the Twitter app announced Wednesday for Xbox One. (ViaMicrosoft)

Console owners will also see a new “trending” section that changes depending on what TV show is earning the most 140-character attention. (Via Microsoft)

Twitter is just one of the apps coming to Xbox One and Xbox 360 by the end of the year. Microsoft announced 45 new entertainment apps Wednesday, including Vine, HBO Go, Comedy Central and Major League Gaming.

Polygon reports,"This brings the Xbox's catalogue to more than 225 apps worldwide."

And maybe more importantly for the company, this serves to further its goal with the Xbox One.

"Our vision ... has been to offer gamers the ability to play blockbuster games and seamlessly switch to the TV shows, movies, and apps they love." (Via Microsoft)

Xbox has tried this before, according to Ars Technica, which reports Twitter had an app back in 2009. But it was pulled after only a few gamers actually used it.

That said, this attempt looks more practical. Mashable talks us through a scenario that’s definitely going to play out.

"Consider how epic it would be to watch Game of Thrones on HBO Go while following along with Twitter  — without even removing your eyes from the TV to look at your phone or tablet."

Though Microsoft can’t promise that experience this season, Twitter and the other apps are scheduled to launch by the end of the holidays.

Until then, enjoy Netflix and Hulu. PC Mag reports Xbox One just received an update that unlocked the streaming apps, which were previously only available to Xbox Live Gold members.