Rumor: Xbox Live Headed to Windows Mobile Phones

If you don't have any trouble reading deep into Microsoft job postings, it would appear that the Redmond-based company is preparing to bring its extremely popular Xbox Live online gaming network to Windows Mobile phones.

The postings in question were for a principal program manager and for a software test engineer. The former was filled on December 23, 2009, but that doesn't really matter -- for the wider interests of techies, the devil is in the details. The job ads made several blatant references to Windows Mobile and the possibility of some level of integration with Xbox Live, currently found only via Microsoft's video game console, the Xbox 360. (Source: cnet.com)

"Live Enabled" Phones Coming Soon?

"We need a Principal Program Manager who can help drive the platform and bring Xbox LIVE enabled games to Windows Mobile," the job ad noted. "This person will focus specifically on what makes gaming experiences 'Live Enabled' through aspects such as avatar integration, social interactions, and multi-screen experiences."

All of these features are prominent on Xbox Live, including avatars and social interactions (Live chat and more recently, Facebook and Twitter). The new element offered by cellphone integration may be "multi-screen experiences," perhaps similar to the Nintendo DS.

As for the job posting for a software tester, the description went something like this:

"Do you think mobile gaming and always connected Internet has the potential to change the way people play games? If so then the Mobile Entertainment is where you need to be," adding, "You will report to the Gaming Test Lead in the Windows Mobile Entertainment team and have the opportunity to make a critical impact the next release of Windows Mobile." (Source: informationweek.com)

The second job description isn't quite so obviously related to Xbox Live functionality, but it certainly doesn't rule it out, either.

Apple iPhone's Success Proves Value of Apps

It's important to remember that this is a sensible move for Microsoft. After all, Apple has made a place for itself in the smartphone market on the back of its 100,000-strong list of apps, including plenty of games like Wolfenstein and Doom. Getting players together for games or social networking apps could further extend and improve this kind of experience.