14 DAY TRIAL // It has been long rumored that Redmond-based Microsoft plans on making its mobile phone operating system more gaming friendly, and the latest findings among the company’s job listings are meant to confirm exactly that. It seems that Windows Mobile will receive some Xbox LIVE love in the future, and its users will be able to enjoy more gaming capabilities one their devices.
A Principal Program Manager-LIVE Engagement job listing on Microsoft's Website points towards a close relationship between Windows Mobile and Xbox LIVE in the future. “We need a Principle Program Manager who can help drive the platform and bring Xbox LIVE enabled games to Windows Mobile. This person will focus specifically on what makes gaming experiences 'LIVE Enabled' through aspects such as avatar integration, social interactions, and multi-screen experiences,” is what the announcement states.
A recently discovered conversation between Microsoft employees that work on Windows Mobile 7 and third party developers has also unveiled the fact that we're to see a better graphics support with the future iteration of the platform. The landing of Xbox LIVE games on it are also supported by this state of facts, as well as by yet another job listing on Microsoft's site: “Do you think mobile gaming and always connected internet has the potential to change the way people play games? If so then the Mobile Entertainment is where you need to be.”
Finally, there are also hints at future Windows Mobile 7 development actions coming from a Korean “cellular phone manufacturer, who has made a large commitment to Windows Mobile,” and which is said to be none other than LG Electronics. Microsoft is looking for a Senior Software Development Engineer, which “will be in a unique position to evaluate and provide feedback on the Windows Mobile platform that will lead to higher device stability and quality. Close collaboration with internal terms and external OEM partners will be essential for success in this role.”
Microsoft was said before to plan a deeper involvement in the development of Windows Mobile and of handsets running under the platform, and it seems that things are finally starting to connect. “As part of the fast growing Mobile Device Strategy and Commercialization (MDSC) division in Windows Mobile, we are working on the coolest Windows Phones on the planet,” is what the third job ad states, suggesting that those Windows Mobile 7 chassis details that emerged earlier this year should soon start to pay off. Hopefully, Microsoft will manage to deliver a future flavor of the platform that will erase all of the bad impressions the previous ones left.