Microsoft has acquired California-based video discovery technology company VideoSurf to augment its Xbox entertainment platform.
Under the acquistion, Microsoft will integrate VideoSurf ‘s back-end computer vision technology across its entertainment platform to augment the Xbox 360 ecosystem and evolve search and discovery of entertainment content on Xbox LIVE.
With this acquisition, video partners can take the advantage of advanced features such as voice search enabled by Kinect for Xbox 360.
With Kinect, users can search and discover content across multiple entertainment providers within Xbox LIVE and then interact with and enjoy content using voice search powered by Bing on the Xbox 360.
Microsoft will bring nearly 40 TV and entertainment providers to Xbox LIVE, including Bravo, Comcast, HBO GO, Verizon FiOS and Syfy in the U.S.; BBC in the U.K.; Telefónica in Spain; Rogers On Demand in Canada; Televisa in Mexico; ZDF in Germany; and Mediaset in Italy.
Microsoft Interactive Entertainment Business Xbox LIVE director Alex Garden said VideoSurf’s content analytics technology will enhance the search and discovery of entertainment content across Microsoft’s platform.
"This holiday we will launch voice search across our entertainment partners on Xbox LIVE. Over time, as we integrate VideoSurf’s technology into our system, we are excited about the potential to have content tagged in real time to increase the speed and relevance of the search results," said Garden.
VideoSurf CEO and co-founder Lior Delgo said Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Division is at the leading edge of connected entertainment.
"We are incredibly excited to be working together on our mutual passion for creating amazing consumer experiences and reinventing how consumers search, discover and enjoy content on their televisions," said Delgo.
