Hulu Plus Coming to Xbox in 2011

Want free stuff for doing what you always do on Xbox LIVE? Microsoft has just introduced their Rewards program for Xbox Live users in both the UK and US. Simply sign up and do what you already do anyway and you’ll be given Microsoft Points to use toward purchasing movies, music, games, avatar stuff and many other items I’ll not drone on about.
Major Nelson notes on his blog:

Keeping with the theme of revamping and updating that Microsoft has been busy doing over the last year, Major Nelson’s blog has reported that Microsoft will be taking down their Xbox.com site and upgrading it to add support for nine new regions and more features.
Major Nelson has included a link to some preview pictures of the upcoming changes. You can view the picture by visiting here.
According to Major Nelson, new features include:

Being an Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE subscriber and Windows 7 Media Center user I pay alot of attention to anything involving Microsoft and TV solutions. Sure, Microsoft has tried and failed miserably in the past with offerings like MSN TV, but they’ve got this excellent and underappreciated product in Media Center in Windows 7 and finally the media box to deliver it (Xbox 360), so where is the Microsoft IPTV service we’ve been hearing rumors about for so long?Recently, Tom Warren of Winrumors.com uncovered a job posting talking about the next-gen edition of ESPN sports TV via the Xbox.

If you are a student and are in the market or are going to be soon in the market for a new PC, you may want to jot this down. Microsoft has posted on the Windows Experience Blog that students who buy a new Windows 7 PC for at least $699 and up will receive an Xbox 360 Slim 4GB console for free. The deal starts May 22nd and is only offered for a limited time through September 3rd or while supplies last. Unfortunately, for those overseas, the deal is available only in the US. Here is the official word:

You may have already heard or read about the exclusive story that ZDNet’s Stephen Champman posted this morning regarding the next version of Xbox gaming console from Microsoft. In a confidential image from a designer which is said to be working with Microsoft’s Interactive Entertainment Business division, the image lists at the top, the words:Microsoft Xbox: Confidential / Collaboration with Microsoft’s IEB Design group investigating future user experiences and hardware for 2015. *Work samples only permissible in person.* (March 2011)

An unnamed source has leaked to Reuters that Microsoft is currently in early discussions to bring TV subscription services to the living room via the Xbox 360 gaming console. While talks have been regarding adding more channels like ESPN3, which is currently on the console, Microsoft has also purportedly discussed bringing a “Virtual Cable Operator” system to the table, which would essentially make Microsoft the service provider through your internet connection.
It sounds like many different options are being mulled over per Reuters:

Microsoft is increasing the price for the Xbox LIVE gold plan’s subscription service, starting November 1st.

Microsoft has just released its Xbox Live app for Apple’s iPhones and iPads, shortly following its release of the Windows Phone 7 version and its announcement of rolling out the new Xbox Live Dashboard today. Although not as extensive as the Windows Phone 7 app in being able to fully control an Xbox 360 console using the app, this iOS version does allow you to access plenty of Xbox Live features.