Windows 8 to Include Integrated XBOX Live
Microsoft recently let slip that Windows 8 is going to integrate Xbox Live on every computer upon which the OS is loaded. Xbox Live is owned by the tech giant, so it is no surprise that they would do something to further the already pervasive market share for Xbox Live players. The online gaming community has long been enjoying playing multiplayer games via their Xbox gaming consoles, but now, with Xbox Live becoming part of every new computer running Windows 8, Xbox could see an even greater jump in sales and aficionados.
Xbox Live is already integrated with Windows Phone, but this new development could mean that Xbox Live could become the main source of synching all media and games for the entire family of devices running Windows as an OS.
The move is based partly on the times where people who own multiple devices want to be able to seamlessly integrate applications and media between them all without needing to switch programs or devices. Mike Delman, Vice President of Global Marketing for Microsoft said, “…people want to be able to navigate through multiple devices in a certain ecosystem very seamlessly. So we’re committed to that.”
There has been no mention of charges or costs associated with the new OS integration for gaming consoles. Currently, Xbox owners who want to do more than download content must pay a monthly fee for an Xbox Live Gold account in order to play online games with other Xbox owners. In contrast to Sony and the recently revamped, and (hopefully) more secure, PlayStation Network that allows players to engage in online gaming at no charge. Windows 8 is slated to be rolling out sometime in 2012 or 2013 with Windows 8 RTM rumored to make an appearance as early as July 2011.
