Will the Xbox Series X support live TV features and OneGuide?
Will the Xbox Series X support live TV features and OneGuide?
Live TV goes byebye
Unfortunately, with the Xbox Series X, Microsoft is removing many of the live TV features the previous Xbox One consoles had, gunning instead for a system that revolves around gaming almost in its entirety.
The Xbox Series X will continue to support on-demand apps like Netflix and Disney+, and media center apps like Kodi and Plex. However, the HDMI-in port is gone, alongside the IR blaster, meaning that you'll no longer be able to view live cable TV or control it through the OneGuide app, which will also very likely be removed as well. Microsoft has explained that this is in part to save costs, but also because usage of these features was comparatively low.
Also, Microsoft is removing the optical audio socket for similar reasons. Those of you who have audio systems connected to your Xbox One in this manner will need to instead plug it directly into the TV if you're able to do so.
It's a shame that the Xbox Series X is losing some of these features. Still, the lack of updates and interest over the years effectively painted the writing on the wall for what was coming, especially with more and more of us ditching live TV for on-demand apps and services.
An instant Xbox Series X upgrade
If you want to secure your Xbox Series X right now, you can only do so via an Xbox All Access contract, which spreads the cost of an Xbox One X and Xbox Series X across several months, with 0 percent APR.
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Jez Corden is the Executive Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter (X) and Threads, and listen to his XB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!