Amid rumors of Apple subscription TV service, Sling TV comes to Xbox One, adds new channels

The $20-per-month Sling TV service announced on Tuesday that it will add the trio of cable networks to its live core package before the end of March. In all, the basic package will include 20 networks after the new additions.

Sling TV has also debuted on Microsoft's Xbox One game console, allowing users another way to stream the live content to their HDTV. Sling TV is also available on iOS, but it does not have a native Apple TV channel.

Other channels included in the base package include ESPN, TNT, TBS, CNN, AMC Galavision, HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel and more.

The enhancement of Sling TV comes on the heels of a new rumor claiming that Apple plans to launch an online TV service this fall with support from major networks like ABC, CBS, and Fox. Absent from the list of networks said to be supporting Apple's efforts is NBC Universal, owned by cable provider Comcast.

Unlike Sling TV, which offers live streams of major cable networks, Apple's talks are said to also include broadcast network channels, which are also available in the U.S. for free over the air. Apple's plans for the service are also said to include a "skinny" bundle of flagship cable channels, debuting at a price between $30 and $40 per month.

It's unknown whether a new Apple service would launch alongside an updated Apple TV. The device hasn't been upgraded to new hardware in years, but did get a price cut last week to $69.

Apple has also been aggressive in courting HBO for its forthcoming HBO Now service, which will debut exclusively on the company's hardware, including the Apple TV, when it debuts in April for $14.99 per month. HBO Now is seen as a major defining moment for the future of cable and content, as previously users were required to have a cable subscription to view HBO, but the new streaming service will be available freely like Netflix or Hulu.