Microsoft app to converge Xbox and Windows Phone

A new app to be released on Windows Phone will grant users Xbox access via their Microsoft mobile.

Known as the ‘Xbox Companion for Windows Phone’, the free app will connect to the Xbox via Wi-Fi and allow owners to browse content catalogues, buy media, as well as view profile data and friend statuses.

Customers can search the catalogue for movies, TV shows, music, games and apps using the Windows phone. The app also doubles as a controller that can launch a movie, TV show and game on Xbox, as well as “initiate media purchases”.

The app comes part of two wider Microsoft strategies; to pass the appeal of Xbox Live onto its phone range, and to further reposition the Xbox as a wider entertainment device.

Xbox Companion is set for release on Tuesday December 6th. It is not known if it can be used outside of Wi-Fi, or if the Xbox needs to remain powered on to work.

Based on new initiatives made by Microsoft this year, the company appears keen to deepen its ties between phone and console.

A recently released Kinectimals app, developed by UK studio Frontier, allows the Xbox’s Kinect camera to read data displayed on a Windows Phone.