XBOX Live’s “Connected Device” Strategy Should Include Other Mobile Platforms
The integration of Xbox LIVE and the Xbox features for Windows Phone has become an increasingly important selling point for Microsoft. However, in a recently released Software Development Engineer Job information by Microsoft for the field of mobile entertainment, the software giant may be readying to broaden its approach beyond its own mobile OS.
Microsoft recently released recruitment information that asks for iOS, Android and Windows Phone experience, which appears to be a clear implication that the Xbox LIVE experience will soon be brought to iOS and Android smart phone.
The job description also said, “…we work closely with console software team and Xbox LIVE services team to bring the latest and greatest gaming and entertainment experience to mobile platforms including Windows Phone, iOS and other mobile platforms.”
Microsoft already expanding apps to rival OS’s
For some time now Microsoft’s been releasing some of its applications on the Apple App Store and Android Market, as is the case of SkyDrive or Xbox LIVE on iOS. There are others such as Lync, Kinectimals, OneNote or Halo Waypoint. But if Microsoft chooses Xbox LIVE games and other apps for iOS and Android platform, then it would be a unique selling point for the Microsoft ecosystem, even if that means looking beyond its own devices.
Microsoft’s big plans for a mobile ecosystem
The future of Xbox Live for Mobile is directly involved with the mobile space, and it seems that the expansion on other mobile platforms is what is planned for the future, even if they enter into direct competition with Windows Phone.
Microsoft is primarily a software development company and it seems that the firm wants to reach the maximum number of users with Xbox LIVE, not only to increase games sales but also try to attract more players to its Xbox console. It’s a strategy already employed by Sony, which also has a strong mobile presence particularly on the Android platform, and Sega, which has extended a string of titles to iOS and Android in recent months.
Nevertheless, Microsoft needs to leverage their resources for a cross-platform strategy in order to sell more Windows Phone devices in coming years. The recently leaked mobile roadmap shows Microsoft’s behind-the-scenes interest in its mobile platform as well as the rest of its connected devices line-up, which clearly demonstrate they want some cross platform growth to sustain their motives within the mobile market.
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