Microsoft bringing Xbox Live to Windows Mobile

Microsoft appears poised to begin integrating Xbox Live gaming with its Windows Mobile operating system, ramping up its efforts to expand its Live Anywhere initiative across a variety of platforms and devices. MobileTechWorld reports that a pair of Microsoft job postings hint strongly at the software giant's plans: One now-filled position seeking a Principal Program Manager for Live Engagement called for a qualified applicant to "help drive the platform and bring Xbox Live enabled games to Windows Mobile. This person will focus specifically on what makes gaming experiences Live Enabled through aspects such as avatar integration, social interactions and multi-screen experiences."

Another posting, this one advertising for a Software Test Engineer, asks "Are you a gamer? Do you want to work on the fun stuff? 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... We are looking for a Software Development Engineer in Test who knows what it means to develop high quality software in a challenging, complex eco-system. As an SDET on our team you will have the opportunity to work in a team of very talented engineers that solve difficult problems every day. The focus area of this team is our full end-to-end gaming experience, and it's our team's challenge to ensure the highest level of quality and fun in all aspects of that experience."

Live Anywhere enables gamers to maintain their identities and contacts across platforms like Xbox and Windows PC. As The Telegraph notes, Zune Social--an online service for owners of Microsoft's Zune portable media players--presently syncs with Live Anywhere, enabling users to combine their Zune IDs with the Xbox Live gamertag IDs. Windows Mobile has not been linked with other parts of the system, however.

For more on the Microsoft job postings:
- read this MobileTechWorld article

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