New research estimates that four out of five UK households will have broadband by 2010- increased uptake of IPTV also expected.
The Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii each feature online functionality, albeit rather different offerings. For the Xbox 360 (Xbox Live, Xbox Live Arcade, Marketplace and an upcoming IPTV service) and PlayStation 3 (PlayStation Network, PlayStation Store and PS3 Home) online functionality is seen as a vital feather in each system's respective bow.
New research published by the Centre for Telecoms Research Ltd estimates that by 2010 four out of five UK households will have broadband, with increased awareness of services available encouraging consumers to move to faster speed services.
Both Sony and Microsoft will hope to attract new users for their respective consoles through the online services offered. Microsoft is expected to roll out its Xbox 360 Video Marketplace in the UK later this year and also has plans to launch an IPTV service through the console. The new research expects the increased broadband connection speed to increase uptake of IPTV services.
Last week Sony announced its big step into the online world with PS3 Home. It also looks set to follow Microsoft with TV, movies and music all likely to become available to purchase through the PlayStation 3 console.
