Microsoft Easing Up, Wants Xbox Live on Android and iOS
Microsoft seems to be easing up on its closed-ecosystem mentality as new details about extending Xbox Live functionality to the Android and iOS mobile operating systems have surfaced.
Xbox Live, an extension of Microsoft's gaming arm, is used for game matchmaking, as well as keeping track of achievements and staying connected with friends.
A recent job posting that has since been taken down, however, reveals that Microsoft is interested in promoting more Xbox Live functionality on more platforms, namely Google's Android and Apple's iOS. Together, Android and iOS combined for 95 percent of the 2013 smartphone market, and almost 99 percent of the 2013 tablet market.
"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.
Microsoft has not commented on the matter, although it's safe to assume that the functionality of Xbox Live should remain similar across all platforms.
This isn't the first sign that Microsoft is beginning to open up its doors and push for more integration between different operating systems. It was recently revealed that Indian mobile operator Karbonn Mobile will be releasing a smartphone that will be able to dual boot Windows Phone and Android.
"Microsoft has eased the regulations and is opening up its platform for other players. We signed the agreement two days ago and will launch a range of Windows phones in about three months," Karbonn Mobile chairman Sudhir Hasija told The Times of India.
Despite the fact that Microsoft purchased Nokia's mobile division during the second half of 2013, and the fact that Nokia has been exclusively focusing on Windows Phone smartphones for the past couple years, Nokia has also jumped on the Android bandwagon with the recent release of the Nokia X, a smartphone that runs Google's Android operating system.
Nokia is typically known for its Lumia series of smartphones that run Windows Phone exclusively in a partnership with Microsoft that dates back to 2011. It is important to note that until the deal between Microsoft and Nokia's mobile division is complete, the two operate as separate companies. The deal is expected to be finalized before the second half of 2014 hits, and it will be interesting to see how Microsoft reacts to Nokia releasing an Android phone then.
Microsoft is also beginning to share one of its most prized assets: the Microsoft Office Suite. A favorite among business users, Microsoft Office 365 will see more exposure as developers can now develop Office programs for Android.
"This week, we're announcing the availability of the Android SDK for Office 365 and Windows 8 Libraries, which allows for easier and more streamlined development using the above-mentioned Office 365 APIs, including Files, Lists, Mail and Calendars," Microsoft wrote on its Office blog March 3.
There's even talk about Microsoft allowing Android apps to run on Windows platforms, although the Redwood-based tech giant has yet to comment on the matter.