by dave on February 1st, 2010 /
Category: News
PocketNow is reporting that the next version of Microsoft’s XNA Game Studio will support Windows Mobile 7. The XNA Game Studio is Microsoft’s gaming developer’s kit for X-Box and Vista, which suggests that we’re going to see some tight integration between X-Box games and future Windows Phones. That’s pretty sweet – what do you think we’ll see?
Personally, I think this only makes sense and is part of Microsoft’s master plan to merge the desktop, mobile and gaming world, using its huge market share in each area to create a super-massive consumer-oriented company that could properly compete in the new merged-media world.
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by dave on October 26th, 2009 /
Category: News
MobileTechWorld put up a post that hints at the future of gaming on Windows Mobile 7 and how that might merge with the X-Box world.
Two job postings are out from Microsoft that are of interest to those of us who would like to see a more concerted and coordinated effort from Microsoft across its platforms:
The first is a “Developer Account Manager“, whose job it will be to:
…to own and drive the relationship with our top mobile entertainment development partners. You will work closely with our…Windows Mobile and Xbox LIVE platform teams…
This makes it sound like this particular account manager position looks like they will be working on both Windows Mobile and X-Box Live games… does that mean there will be releases that run on both platforms?
The second is less exciting on the convergence front, but cool nonetheless: a 3rd party account manager who will act as the “day-to-day contact for publishers” and will be responsible for landing exclusive games for Windows Mobile.
Both of these postings bode well for Microsoft’s secret attempt to have cross-platform integration between their X-Box, Zune and Windows Phone services and platforms.
by dave on October 26th, 2009 /
Category: News
x360me has posted about Mobile GamerTag version 2. This cool little app lets you show off your X-Box GamerCard on your Windows Phone. GamerTag has been updated with a new UI, designed to match the new Windows Mobile 6.5 UI, and works on VGA and WVGA (they say QVGA is coming soon for low-end devices).
A full lost of Mobile GamerTag 2.0 features:
- New user interface (Changed the buttons to match windows 6.5 UI).
- Works on VGA and WVGA (QVGA to come soon).
- Added a “Friends” tab which is configured through the “Settings” tab.
- Users can check for program updates through the “Settings” tab.
- Appreciations can be shown through the donation button in the “Settings” tab.
- High Resolution Icon/PNG Image for the new Windows Mobile 6.5 Start Menu.
- Friends can be individually updated by clicking on the Friends’ Avatar image (Saves some internet bandwidth).
You can download a copy of GamerTag 2.0 for free from x360me by clicking here.
by dave on October 15th, 2009 /
Category: News
In a recent interview with CNet, Steve Ballmer seems to confirm that we’ll see Zune HD software coming to Windows Phones:
What is Zune HD? Zune HD is a couple things. Number one, Zune HD is a music player with a nice music service. By the way, the same software will be available on Windows Phones and Windows PCs. You have that today on the PC, you’ll see that in our phone environment as well.
This is huge clue to the future of Microsoft’s service offerings. It has been rumored for a while, or perhaps heavily suggested by pundits and critics alike (including this one), that Microsoft should be pushing for mega-integration among their various platforms, and I think we’re starting to see that happen.
Marketplace and Zune service start to merge as there is less distinction between the Zune and Windows Phone architecture (see the Pink chassis). Zune services coming to X-Box, Zune service on Windows Mobile… all part of a long-term strategy to pull their constituents together…
by dave on October 2nd, 2009 /
Category: News
Hot on the heels of the Microsoft Courier tablet pc video comes this second round of Microsoft tablet pc pics, this time on one called Codex. Perhaps destined to be Courier v.1, the Codex looks like it is designed to work like a traditional filofax or organizer, but with Windows 7 powering everything between the leather covers.
The Microsoft Codex features two 4.6″ touchscreens that can be positioned in any number of ways. Like the Microsoft Courier, it relies heavily on InkSeine, which is looking like a the byproduct of Microsoft OneNote and Journal and a lot of steroids.
more…
