Microsoft puts SkyDrive app on Xbox 360

A new SkyDrive app for Microsoft's Xbox 360 allows users to upload content to Microsoft's cloud storage service from PCs and mobile devices, and then view it on the game console.

The application allows users to view images, videos and documents on the TV that is connected to the Xbox, Microsoft said in a blog post on Tuesday.

SkyDrive is Microsoft's cloud-based storage service, and it competes with Dropbox, Google's Drive and Apple's iCloud, and a number of other applications and services in an increasingly competitive area.

The SkyDrive app for Xbox 360 also increases the integration between the console and other devices based on Microsoft's operating systems. For example, photos taken with a Windows Phone-based smartphone can pop up on the user's TV automatically, Microsoft said.

The app is compatible with Kinect voice controls and gestures as well as the remote and game controller. The users interface consists of folders for sorting the content and it has four menu options: photos and videos, all files, shared and settings.

A video demonstrating the app shows a user opening it by saying SkyDrive, and another person sharing a folder of images using a smartphone and also taking a picture that shows up on the TV.

In addition to the Xbox and Windows Phone-based smartphones, SkyDrive also works on Windows desktops and tablets, including ones based on Windows RT.

The storage service is also compatible with non-Microsoft products such as Apple's iPhones and iPads, as well as smartphones based on Android.

The app is live in New Zealand as of this morning.