The roadmap for the Xbox 720 isn’t just full of details on how users are going to interact with their content, but also how developers will have a much better environment to do their thing. It’s no secret that Microsoft is pushing Windows 8 as a way to connect content across all devices with the OS in the same way Apple connects anything with iOS and OSX to one another. The Xbox 720 will fit nicely into that ecosystem using what is referred to as a “unified Windows 8 foundation <that> makes it easier to build integrated applications across Xbox, PC, and Windows Phone.” This is great news for game developers that want to find ways to include phones and tablets using Windows 8 to a game similar to how Xbox Smartglass works.
Microsoft is also working to create tools that will “make it easier to create captivating cross medium and cross screen scenarios.” They are also planning on providing real time consumer analytics to help developers see what is popular and what just isn’t working so that effort is always put in the best areas for everyone.
These details may not seem to pertain to many consumers but they do. This means that the developers that approach the Xbox 720 will not only be in a position to make excellent products that will be versatile across devices but will be encouraged to do so by a revamped (and presumably better) payment system.
