Microsoft signs Xbox video deal with Vivendi

Vivendi-owned pay-TV network, Canal Plus, is partnering with Microsoft to distribute its content on the Xbox 360 in France. Over 1m French users will be able to watch on-demand films, drama and football games from the French network.

Both companies plan to extend their partnership, to include further Canal Plus content and to expand across several other Microsoft platforms. Microsoft announced a similar deal with BSkyB in the UK a month ago, in a bid to turn its console into a home multimedia hub.