VUDU Rentals Come To Microsoft's Xbox 360 Console

The Walmart-owned VUDU movie rental service is making big strides in the home entertainment realm, as they've just launched on Xbox 360. That's a super major platform to launch on, no doubt. Xbox LIVE customers can now shop VUDU's library using new, interactive features such as voice search, voice control and Kinect gesture commands to rent or own the latest Hollywood hits, TV shows, cinema classics and independent gems in standard or high definition. To encourage customers to try VUDU on Xbox, VUDU is offering a $4.99 credit toward their first rental or purchase. Also, through today only (11:30 p.m. PST) at Walmart.com, customers can get free shipping to home on Microsoft Xbox 360 consoles, games and accessories and still receive in time for Christmas.

Kinect for Xbox 360 offers customers the ability to become the controller, using their body and Bing voice search to browse VUDU's expansive catalog, and their voice to play, pause, fast forward or rewind content. Because VUDU is a cloud-based service, content purchased via the Xbox LIVE service is viewable on other VUDU-enabled devices or platforms including game consoles, Internet-connected Blu-ray players and HDTVs, tablets, computers, Walmart.com and more. Also, content purchased on any of these platforms can be viewed on the Xbox LIVE service.


"VUDU on Xbox 360 brings more fun into finding, watching and buying your favorite movies and TV shows," said Edward Lichty, general manager, VUDU. "With the new, interactive features on Xbox 360 to browse VUDU's library, along with special savings like 99-cent VUDU rentals, we hope to make the holidays even more entertaining and affordable for families."

"Our partnership with VUDU marks a significant milestone in our vision to bring you all the TV entertainment you want, shared with the people you care about, made easy," said Pete Thompson, General Manager, Xbox LIVE. "By bringing VUDU to the Xbox LIVE service and adding the magic of Kinect, we are transforming the way consumers experience entertainment forever." While the PS3 has long since been the go-to console for home entertainment, the lack of a Blu-ray drive isn't keeping the Xbox 360 from coming up close behind. One has to wonder how much more life can be squeezed from both, but this sure is a nice gesture at keeping early adopters updated and pleased with their purchase.