Microsoft wants Xbox Live on Windows phones

Microsoft is still interested in bringing Xbox Live to Microsoft Windows Mobile 7 phones, after the new mobile OS is released in Q3 or Q4 2010.

“We need a Principle Program Manager who can help drive the platform and bring Xbox Live-enabled gables to Windows Mobile,” a recent job posting on the Microsoft web site indicates.  “This person will focus specifically on what makes gaming experiences “LIVE Enabled” through aspects such as avatar integration, social interactions, and multi-screen experiences.”

If true, this is a noble effort by Microsoft to bring new interest to its Windows Mobile 7 OS, but it has to finish the platform and release it first.  To help fill the temporary gap, Microsoft released the Windows Mobile 6.5 OS in October — although it only offers a small preview of what’s to come.

Former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates once promised gamers they’d be able to share content from the Xbox 360 and Windows Mobile-powered phones.  However, the company has struggled in its efforts to convince consumers to use Windows Mobile devices, which delayed a realistic effort to integrate Xbox Live into mobile devices.

I’m interested to see if Xbox Live on mobile phones will help convince phone owners to purchase phones powered by the Windows mobile OS.  I like the idea of having Xbox Live available anywhere, anytime, but I still don’t think it’s going to be enough to alter which phone a consumer chooses.

Windows Mobile was once a leader in the smartphone market, but it has continually struggled while the company began to focus on other business ventures and Windows Mobile innovations became stagnant.  Now, Microsoft must compete with Research In Motion, iPhone, Android, Palm and other companies backing various mobile platforms.