Xbox LIVE iOS App Launched

Tweet

Along with a redesigned Xbox dashboard and official Windows Phone 7 mobile app, Microsoft has also launched an official iOS application for Xbox LIVE. The app is expected to provide a little less functionality than its WP7 counterpart, but Xbox LIVE subscribers with an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch will be happy with the new app.

Microsoft has announced the launch of a free iOS application that lets users manage their Xbox LIVE accounts. Xbox LIVE director of programming Larry Hyrb says the app is focused on letting users stay connected with the community even while mobile. “This free app will allow you to stay connected to the Xbox Live community when you are away from your console.”

The iOS app, which works on the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch will let users do the following:

• Read and send messages to contacts within the LIVE network;
• Manage friends list, including the ability to invite new friends;
• Read and edit one’s LIVE profile;
• Change one’s avatar features or items within the avatar closet;
• View and compare achievements and progress with friends.

The free app is available from the App Store and will require iOS 4.3 or higher. But while iOS users can enjoy getting in touch with friends and editing profiles, Windows Phone 7 users get an even better experience with the recently-launched Xbox Companion app for WP7 Mango. The WP7 Xbox Companion app lets users actually control media played on the Xbox 360 console — play, pause, fast forward or rewind — and also search for content right on the Windows Phone. Additionally, the WP7 app gives additional information on the shows and content currently showing or streaming on the Xbox 360.

There’s no word on whether Microsoft also plans to incorporate these features into the iOS app, but it’s likely that the company wants to differentiate its WP7 devices as complementary devices to the Xbox 360 console for a better viewing and gaming experience.