It was almost four years ago the Microsoft touted their Live Anywhere concept at E3 2006. The idea was simple, you'd have access to your friends lists, achievements, messages and other Live related activities on your mobile phone or other device. Since then it has all but disappeared...until now.
Today Microsoft unveiled Windows Phone Series 7, the next software OS to power mobile phones. Borrowing heavily from the interface of the ZuneHD, Microsoft has created something that numerous tech sites are raving about in terms of functionality and UI design.
Along with strong social networking integration with sites like Twitter and Facebook, as well as photo management, videos and music comes the Gaming section. Here's what's planned:
The games hub will provide many popular Xbox LIVE gaming and community features found on the Xbox 360 today, including the ability to:
· Collect Achievements and build your Gamerscore
· View Xbox LIVE leaderboards
· See your Xbox LIVE Avatar
· Access Spotlight feeds, including the latest tips and tricks, game news, updates and more
· Add Xbox LIVE friends to your friends list while out on the go
· Turn-based (asynchronous) multiplayer gaming
It's odd to see messaging missing, but the promise of gaming functionality is interesting.
So while there's nothing concrete on cooperative options, the this does open up plenty of potential for finding other co-op gamers. Turn based gaming options could be interesting as well in terms of co-op gaming.
Right now Windows Phone Series 7 is set to come out this fall on a variety of networks with a variety of hardware manufacturers on board. Give the full presentation a watch and let us know what you think.