Microsoft is today launching a new Xbox Live mobile SDK to iOS and Android to allow developers to bring Xbox Live functionality to mobile platforms. The Verge reports that features such as achievements, Gamescore, hero stats, friend lists, clubs, and a few family settings will be available on both iOS and Android.
Microsoft is considering taking Xbox Live cross-platform and allowing developers to integrate the service in iOS and Android games, according to a report from The Verge. The report cites a job listing from the company’s website seeking an engineer to work on “a modern framework that is open-source, lightweight, extensible and scalable across various platforms,” including iOS and Android. The report also cites its own sources reportedly familiar Microsoft’s plans to take Xbox Live cross-platform.
“New Devices and Gaming” is looking for passionate and experienced developers to join us. Your contribution will have direct impact on how we win back our game developers from our competitors. As a member of the newly formed team, you will have the rare opportunity to influence our planning and design from the beginning. We will create a modern framework that is open source, light-weight, extensible and scalable across various platforms including Windows Store, Windows Phone, iOS and Android. Working on the gaming technologies, you will collaborate with both internal partner teams across the company and external ecosystem partners to enable end-to-end gaming scenarios.
The idea, according to the report, is that Xbox Live would act as a cross-platform alternative to Apple’s Game Center and similar services, allowing users to earn achievements, manage friends and more through a single service across Xbox and mobile platforms. No details on specific features or when we might expect to see more.
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If you are a a developer and want to cross platform your game play, Amazon today announced that it had made its (not a copy of GameCenter) GameCircle available to iOS developers.
Amazon GameCircle and Whispersync for Games is live on iOS and Android! You can store game data in the AWS Cloud so players don’t lose their game progress, high scores, or achievements when switching between devices. We know programming for multiple platforms is standard practice for many developers—iOS support has been a frequent feature request—so we’re excited to make GameCircle available on a whole new class of devices. GameCircle and Whispersync are free for you and your players. Plus, when you integrate GameCircle achievements, you automatically get access to Achievement Reports as well. These reports help you get a better understanding of how players interact with your game so you can make sure they’re having a great experience.
Download the SDK from the Mobile App Distribution Portal, where you’ll also find full documentation.
Xbox LIVE version 1.6: There are more than a few notable updates today, starting with the Xbox LIVE app that just received iPad support for the controller features rolled out to iPhone users in June. Among the new features for iPad: the app will now allow you to “connect, control and discover content” on your Xbox 360 console through a quickplay list of content, and it provides controls for play, pause, fast forward, and rewind.
Nike+ Running version 4.0.2: Nike is constantly adding new features to its iOS apps, and the Nike+ Running app was updated today with the following enhancements:
– Sharing has changed. Your run gets posted to your timeline, so even though you won’t see it on your newsfeed, your friends will see it in theirs.
– Quick start. Just hold down the Run button and you’re off with the new Quick Start feature.
– Pro Tip: Rotate your phone to landscape when looking at your run summary to view your mile splits.
– We are continually working to give you the best possible running experience. This update includes performance stability and GPS improvements. We appreciate your feedback.
Spotify version 0.5.3: Also updated today was the Spotify iOS app, which received a new context menu in search for iPad users, as well as stability improvements and a number of fixes to common issues.
As always, we will continue to update this list as more updates roll out today…
Robin Burrowes, the person in charge of Xbox Live marketing in the EMEA region, left Microsoft for Apple and is now charged with heading the App Store marketing initiatives for iTunes Europe. Burrowes led Xbox Live marketing for seven years and were responsible for product, business and marketing management as well as planning, strategy and leadership of Xbox Live across regions, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to joining Apple, the executive was involved with Microsoft’s MSN online operation as events/B2B marketing manager, British retail chain HMV (promotions manager) and Tennent Caledonian Breweries (brand marketing manager).
Burrowes graduated from University of Strathclyde in 1991. Apple fashionably would not comment on its new hire. Hiring yet another games veteran indicates Apple’s desire to expand on iTunes gaming initiatives in Europe. Apple’s business in the region and around the world is booming on strong iPhone sales. Interestingly, a recent job listing on Microsoft’s website for a software development engineer possibly hinted at Xbox Live games for iOS devices. A spokesperson for the Windows maker told Forbes they are “working to extend a few of our Xbox experiences and titles to other platforms.”
