Time Warner Cable takes live TV to Xbox 360

Driven by a never-ending proliferation of viewing options and services, the battle for video has never been hotter, but aggregating the numerous video-content streams under a single service portal and authenticated login is a challenge for cable TV providers. Comcast Xfinity and Verizon FiOS currently stream select programming through Xbox 360, the game console that’s just as often used as a home-media gateway, and now Time Warner Cable (TWC) has inked the biggest deal of its kind to deliver 300 channels of live television via Microsoft’s popular device.

Blair Westlake, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s Media & Entertainment Group, underlined the importance of a single media portal in TWC’s news release, saying, “TWC TV is a significant addition to Xbox 360, bringing our customers their favorite entertainment in one place—enhanced TV experience, games, movies, music, sports, and entertainment apps.”

Vodafone and Verizon on verge of breakup

Following persistent speculation, Vodafone has confirmed that it is indeed engaged in talks to sell off its 45 percent stake in Verizon Wireless to Verizon. The deal is estimated to be worth as much as $130 billion.

The two global service providers have had a rocky relationship for years—this isn’t the first time they’ve considered breaking up. Vodafone responded to news reports of the impending divorce on August 29 with a terse statement on its website: “Vodafone notes the recent press speculation and confirms that it is in discussions with Verizon Communications Inc. regarding the possible disposal of Vodafone’s US group whose principal asset is its 45% interest in Verizon Wireless. There is no certainty that an agreement will be reached.”

Next question for the rumor mill: will Vodafone sell to ... AT&T? In a surprising twist of Red and Blue, pundits are pointing to none other than AT&T as the front runner for a buyout if Vodafone goes up for auction. On August 30 telecom analyst James Barford told Bloomberg, “Were somebody to buy Vodafone, AT&T would be the primary candidate.”

The CSP has been eyeing expansion into Europe for some time, and insiders say it’s already taken a close look at both Telefónica and EE.

AT&T preps contract-free Aio Wireless for nationwide launch

In uncertain economic times long-term contracts can feel like financial handcuffs, which is why the success of MNOs like MetroPCS and Cricket has driven tier 1 service providers to adopt no-contract strategies of their own. T-Mobile, for instance, sells contract-free service under its own brand name, while Verizon and Sprint are pitching Verizon Wireless Prepaid and Sprint as You Go, respectively.

On the heels of AT&T Wireless, the company’s latest cellular brand, Aio Wireless, is set to launch nationwide later this month; the value-priced service is already available in Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Chicago. Aio Wireless offers its customers contract-free, unlimited 4G LTE service packages for a much lower price than AT&T Wireless, and is attempting to attract new customers by offering a free month of service after two paid months.