Microsoft Launches Xbox Video Service on the Web

Microsoft on Wednesday launched its Xbox Video store on the Web ahead of its expected release on Windows Phone.

The streaming media service, which is also available on Windows 8.1 PCs and the Xbox One, offers a library of more than 30,000 movies and TV episodes for rent or purchase. The Web version is available at XboxVideo.com.

"With your collection in the cloud, it goes with you wherever you go," Microsoft said in a statement emailed to PCMag. "Movies and TV shows purchased on Xbox Video can be enjoyed on XboxVideo.com, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Windows 8.1 PCs and tablets. Xbox Video makes it easy to watch what you love wherever you are."

One big downside to the Web version is that it does not currently support HD quality playback, which is available on the Xbox One and Windows 8.1 app. Purchases from the store will play in SD quality on the Web and the upcoming smartphone app.

According to Microsoft, Xbox Video is the "second largest transactional video service in the world." It is available now in 21 markets, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K., and the U.S.

"Stay tuned for more updates to Xbox Video coming soon, including an upcoming release for Windows Phone," Microsoft said. The company did not specify exactly when it plans to release the Windows Phone version.

:story: PC Magazine