April 9th, 2007
Will Microsoft integrate other Live services with the Xbox?
Microsoft's announcement on April 9 that it will integrate Windows Live Messenger into the Xbox 360 got me thinking about what other Windows Live services might be a natural complement to Microsoft's gaming console/service.
Might the Softies integrate Windows Live Product Search with Xbox Live? Windows Live Alerts?
Microsoft isn't talking, but Directions on Microsoft analyst Matt Rosoff had an interesting take on what might — and might not be — next.
"There's been some integration between Messenger and Xbox Live for several years now," Rosoff said. Once Microsoft delivers its May update, "you'be been able to access Messenger buddylists and send one-way text messages (e.g., game invitations). And two-way voice chat is an integral feature of Xbox Live. This simply adds two-way text chat between PC and Xbox."
Are there more Live integrations in Xbox's future?
"Microsoft positions the Xbox primarily a game console, secondarily as a home entertainment device. (The Xbox) is not intended to be an all-in-one Internet access device, or a replacement for the PC. So I don't think they'll add connectivity to too many Windows Live services," Rosoff said. "For instance, I don't think they'd get enough extra eyeballs to Live Search to make the integration worthwhile. More likely would be connectivity to MSN's content services — for example, making it easy to watch MSN Video on the console."
Any Windows Live services you'd like to see mashed up with Xbox Live?
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