The fact seems odd the Xbox 360 is the only current generation gaming console that does not feature a Web browser, though Microsoft is the only firm among gaming console manufacturers that develops a full-featured desktop browser. But the company is going to change the fact by debuting Internet Explorer 9 on Xbox 360.

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As reported by The Verge, Microsoft is working on a modified version of Internet Explorer 9 that will be made available on Xbox 360 in near future. Offering a new way of surfing Internet on Xbox, Microsoft has integrated Kinect gestures and voice controls into the functionality of Internet Explorer 9. At the moment, Xbox 360 only features Bing Video Search for streaming media content. The Verge also added that the Kinect support will not be compulsory.

The one important thing to notice in the report is that Microsoft is trying to increase the market share of Internet Explorer by various means. In the last five years, rival web browsers like Chrome and Firefox has captured the market share from Internet Explorer. According to an estimate, 66 million people across the world have Xbox 360 in their living rooms. Releasing IE on Xbox means Web Browser market dominance for Microsoft. Reportedly, Microsoft is also blocking browser choice in Windows RT to stop rival browser-makers like Google, Mozilla and Opera from pushing their browsers to Windows 8 on ARM devices.

Microsoft is also offering 4GB Xbox 360 and Kinect bundle for $99, but consumers have to sign up for 2-year Xbox Live Gold membership costing $15 per month.

Folks at the tech site didn't mention any release date for the Internet Explorer to arrive on Xbox.  Also the report is awaiting official confirmation from Microsoft. However, we are counting on Microsoft's upcoming E3 2012 show in Los Angeles.

(reported by Johnny Wills, edited by Dave Clark)

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