While Xbox Live is usually though of as a service that connects the Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, and Windows Phones, Microsoft has also been working to entrench its popular service into iOS and Android devices.
Now, “sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans” tell The Verge that Microsoft is working on a platform that will extend Xbox Live functionality to iOS and Android games. A recent Microsoft job posting revealed some of these plans.
“We will create a modern framework that is open-source, lightweight, extensible and scalable across various platforms including Windows Store, Windows Phone, iOS, and Android,” reads the job listing.
SmartGlass, first made available in 2011, is a companion app that allows gamers to use their iOS device as a remote control and keyboard for their Xbox system. It also acts as a companion app that allows users to track their achievements and to browse content available for their consoles.
Microsoft is reportedly looking to expand on the connection, and make it easier for iOS and Android developers to incorporate Microsoft’s framework into games on any device, no matter what platform they use.
The job listings found by The Verge, since removed, indicated Microsoft is looking to put together a team that will create an “open-source, lightweight, extensible and scalable” framework that can work on multiple platforms.
Microsoft could position Xbox Live as a competitor to Apple’s Game Center, and Google’s Play Games service as an alternative to allow players to track their achievements, their friends, and even possibly game cross-platform.
This could be interesting, we’ll keep an eye on things and share any news we find out.
