Browsing the Internet from the Xbox 360 has probably been one of the most requested features since the console's launch in 2005. The PlayStation 3 already offers a browser, though Microsoft will be doing so sans a controller: Internet Explorer will be used with Kinect. Specifically, Internet Explorer 9.

The Verge's sources claim in an exclusive report that Microsoft is testing the latest version of its browser on the console, not Internet Explorer 10 (which is built for Metro in Windows 8 and will likely release late 2012). Currently, the Xbox 360 includes Bing search for the game marketplace. It seems Microsoft will overhaul Bing search and bring a complete browsing experience. "We are told that the browser will let Xbox users surf all parts of the [W]eb straight from the living room," The Verge added.

It has been rumored that Microsoft will show off more media content at E3 2012 for the Xbox 360, rather than games. Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter predicted on GameTrailer's Bonus Round Microsoft will show off content in a bid to own the living room - a new dashboard, apps and Kinect. He also said Microsoft will be pushing Kinect, due to the lack of quality titles for the motion sensing peripheral. The company introduced a $99 Xbox 360 with Kinect on a two-year contract, perhaps part of a Kinect push.

The Verge added Kinect voice and gesture integration will be used heavily when browsing, with search through Bing. Kinect isn't compulsory for browsing, but Internet Explorer is being designed for the technology.

With Windows 8, Microsoft wants to create an integrated ecosystem across devices. Internet Explorer on the Xbox 360 could provide a familiar experience to Windows users, and the Metro interface that was updated in late 2011 on the Xbox 360 is similar to Metro in Windows 8 Sony's browser for the PlayStation 3 launched as controller-only.

No launch date for Internet Explorer integration was revealed. However E3 2012 is less than a month away - running from June 5-7 - so it wouldn't be surprising if Microsoft revealed more details at the event.

(reported by Jonathan Charles, edited by Dave Clark)