Video consumption via Xbox LIVE sees 140% increase from 2010 to 2011

Microsoft's addition of global live and on-demand TV shows, movies, and sports ont he Xbox 360 is not without warrant.  According to Major Nelson, "The hours of video consumed globally on Xbox LIVE increased 140% from 2010 to 2011."

This increase can likely be attributed to the addition of many new apps available to Xbox LIVE users including YouTube, ESPN, Hulu Plus, and many more.  With Xbox LIVE boasting an already impressive lineup of video streaming apps, Microsoft has plans to add Fox News Channel to Xbox 360.  This would make popular shows like "Family Guy", "House," "New GIrl", and "Glee," available to many Xbox 360 users.

The Xbox 360 dashboard underwent a major overhaul in December giving users a sleeker, more streamlined look on the console.  It also brought with it Kinect integration with voice or gesture-based navigation and a slew of new apps that have reportedly resulted in "more than 60% of U.S. Xbox LIVE Gold members using entertainment apps on Xbox LIVE – for an average of an hour a day each."

This is all part of Microsoft's plan to turn the Xbox 360 console into a central entertainment hub where users can find games, music, television, and movies all on their Xbox 360.