Microsoft acquires VideoSurf to enhance Xbox Live

Microsoft has announced the acquisition of video technology company VideoSurf.

The Xbox 360 platform holder confirmed that its new partner's assets will be used to enhance its Xbox Live service.

"This holiday we will launch voice search across our entertainment partners on Xbox LIVE," said Microsoft's director of Xbox Live Alex Garden.

"Over time, as we integrate VideoSurf's technology into our system, we are excited about the potential to have content tagged in real time to increase the speed and relevance of the search results."

VideoSurf was founded in 2006 to offer "back-end computer vision technology" that detects frames inside videos to make it easier to discover content. Microsoft is expected to start integrating these features with its Xbox 360 Dashboard update next month.

"Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Division is at the leading edge of connected entertainment," said Lior Delgo, CEO and co-founder of VideoSurf.

"We are incredibly excited to be working together on our mutual passion for creating amazing consumer experiences and reinventing how consumers search, discover and enjoy content on their televisions."

Microsoft will roll out its Dashboard update on December 6.

> BBC, LoveFilm, 4oD, VEVO, Blinkbox and more coming to Xbox 360

Watch a preview video for the Xbox 360 dashboard's new entertainment services below: