Microsoft has announced a slew of deals that will put TV content from 50 content providers in more than 20 countries onto its Xbox console. Subjected to geographic restrictions, these will be available to the existing 35 million users of the service. The BBC, Channel 4, Lovefilm (UK), Telefónica (Spain), Mediaset (Italy) and ZDF (Germany) join North American partners that include Bravo, Comcast, HBO Go, Verizon FiOS and Syfy in an updated version of the Xbox Live, which will launch before Christmas. Linear and on demand services from BSkyB (Sky) and Canal+ have been available for several years. In Sky’s case, subscribers can use the Xbox to access its content on a ‘bonus basis’. Non-DTH customers can subscribe directly through Xbox 360.