HomeWinBuzzer NewsMicrosoft Removes Xbox One TV Antenna Connection Feature

Microsoft Removes Xbox One TV Antenna Connection Feature

An Xbox One feature that allows users to stream TV content through a USB TV tuner has been removed by Microsoft.

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When launched the , the company pitched the console as a living room box entertainment device. As gamers reacted angrily, Microsoft was forced to make the Xbox One a more game-focused device. Today, the company is shuttering one of the features that expanded the entertainment features of the console.

Microsoft is removing the feature that allowed users to stream over-the-air TV from a USB antenna to the Xbox app on iOS and Android. Microsoft sent the following message to Reddit user icecreamman37 confirming the removal:

“You may have streamed TV content using a USB TV tuner from your Xbox console to the Xbox app. In 30 days, the Xbox app on iOS and Android will no longer support this functionality. You will still be able to watch TV content on your Xbox One console and via streaming to the Xbox app on .”

If you are unfamiliar with the feature, is was released in 2015. It allows users to receive over-the-air antenna TV signals. It is worth noting the feature was also available for Windows 10 on PC. Microsoft seemed to be serious about this tool as it shipped a Digital TV Tuner in Europe.

Changing Console

Clearly not enough users adopted the ability on Xbox One. This is one of those situations where we always lament a decrease in functionality, but this is admittedly a feature that won't be missed.

This also represents Microsoft moving further away from its media features of the Xbox One. Arguably the biggest casualty during the push back towards a gaming focus has been . Originally forced upon users as a bundle with the console, Kinect was eventually sold separately.

In 2017, Microsoft announced it was ceasing production of Kinect, ending an experiment that promised much but failed to expand beyond that promise.

Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about all things tech for more than five years. He is following Microsoft closely to bring you the latest news about Windows, Office, Azure, Skype, HoloLens and all the rest of their products.

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