Microsoft does Xbox deal with Canal Plus
* Xbox head says more deals to follow Canal Plus, BSkyB
* Aims to reach 100s of millions including via PC, mobile
* Natal body gesture technology won't need new Xbox
(Adds comments from head of Xbox, background)
LONDON, June 29 (Reuters) - Microsoft (MSFT.O) announced a deal that will allow more than a million French users of its Xbox to watch content from pay-TV company Canal Plus, the latest in a series of such agreements designed to broaden its audience.
The software giant is expanding beyond its core Xbox user base of young, male gamers to position the console as an entertainment hub in the centre of the home, as Sony (6758.T) is doing with its PlayStation and Nintendo (7974.OS) with its Wii.
"Our aspiration is to touch hundreds of millions of consumers around the globe," Don Mattrick, head of Xbox, told Reuters in an interview on Monday.
He said Microsoft would achieve this partly through supporting its Live gaming and media service on PCs and mobiles as well as the Xbox, and through partnerships like the Canal Plus deal and another recently announced with BSkyB (BSY.L).
Microsoft says one-third of those planning to buy an Xbox are female and 42 percent of typical users are parents with children under 18.
Under Monday's agreement, users of Microsoft's Xbox 360 in France will be able to watch films on demand, premium drama and soccer from Vivendi (VIV.PA) unit Canal Plus on their games console, and Mattrick said more such deals would follow.
They will also be able to use Xbox Live technology to engage with friends via their avatars and to chat during games. Xbox Live has a community of 20 million members around the world.
Microsoft and Canal Plus said they would eventually extend the partnership to other Canal Plus products as well as other Microsoft platforms.
As part of its strategy to broaden the Xbox's appeal, Microsoft earlier this month unveiled "Project Natal," which tracks a user's movements via full skeletal mapping instead of through a controller, and recognises voice commands.
Mattrick said Natal would be backwards-compatible, meaning any users who already own an Xbox would be able to use the new technology without having to buy a new console. Continued...
