Windows 8 Set for Xbox Live Integration

Mike Delman, Microsoft VP of Global Marketing for Interactive Entertainment Business, recently revealed to the Seattle Times that Xbox Live will soon be integrated with Windows 8, making it available to users via PC for the first time.

The Xbox Live offering for PCs falls in line with Microsoft's new plan to begin live television, expected to make its way to Xbox 360 consoles this fall.

"Live has been successful on the Windows Phone and Live will be built into the PC. It will be the service where you get your entertainment," said Delman. (Source: latimes.com)

Billions of Entertainment Hours Logged Each Week

The fact that Microsoft is blurring the lines between gaming and television through their Xbox 360 console is already a significant milestone for the company, and Microsoft has since been committed to enticing "some of the world's latest TV operators to bring live television to Xbox Live."

Currently, Xbox Live users are logging 2.1 billion "entertainment hours" each week, proving that the console is more than just a gaming platform.

New Service to offer Platform Unity

Still, many question what Xbox Live will look like through a PC interface.

As Delman disclosed, "There will be a lot of similarities in design and service philosophy. People want to be able to navigate through multiple devices in a certain ecosystem very seamlessly, so we're committed to that."

The new Windows 8 layout has received some early praise for easily integrating with the Windows Phone 7 template, as has the new Xbox Live interface, giving Microsoft a semblance of unity across its various platforms. (Source: yahoo.com)

Zune Fails, Xbox Live Flourishes

Analysts also believe that the move is smart because Microsoft continues to promote the positive aspects of the Xbox Live while covertly phasing out their failed Microsoft Zune digital media services.

The Xbox 360 still carries a favorable namesake and Microsoft is committed to making it their "pervasive media service" across all devices.

Xbox Live members make up roughly 35 million users worldwide. That number is expected to increase significantly with the forthcoming Windows 8 integration.