Ahead of Windows 8 Roaming / Connected Accounts Microsoft Intros Xbox LIVE Cloud Storage

Windows 8 will connect users with the Cloud like no other release before it, and this week Microsoft unveiled an apparently unrelated feature for some of its customers, that I consider somewhat of a preview of what Windows 7’s successor will bring to the table.

At E3, the Redmond company announced that Xbox 360 console owners will be able to start enjoying Cloud Storage for the Xbox LIVE accounts.

Larry Hryb, the Director of Programming for the Microsoft Xbox Live explained that Cloud Storage would cover Game Saves and LIVE Profile for gamers using the software giant’s consoles.

What does this mean? Well, Hryb did an excellent job of explaining it:

“Here at Xbox LIVE we listen to your feedback. We are making it easier for you to sign into your Xbox LIVE account from any console at any time to access your game saves and full profile, including items such as Microsoft Points to make purchases, Achievements and friends,” he stated.

“Cloud storage will allow you to enjoy the same great Xbox LIVE gaming experience even when you’re not in your own living room by giving you the option to store your “game saves” securely in the Xbox LIVE cloud instead of on a portable memory unit or your console’s hard drive.

“Gone are the days of “gamertag recovery.” Now all you need to do is sign in, no matter where you are!” Hryb added.

To me this all sounds extremely interesting, especially considering Microsoft’s plans around Roaming Profiles and Connected Accounts in Windows 8 – plans that the company has yet to confirm officially, so they need to be taken with a grain of salt.

However, the basic concept is the same for Xbox LIVE and Windows 8 accounts. Namely, users will get to leverage the Cloud in order to ensure that aspects of their accounts, as well as settings, and additional content, travel with them wherever they go.

As far as Windows 8 is concerned, customers will be able to set up Connected Accounts, which will leverage Windows Live Hotmail addresses for signup.

It’s via such Connected Accounts that Windows 8 users will be able to enjoy roaming personalization: details, accessibility settings, language settings, application settings, Windows settings and credentials.