Microsoft developing Xbox Live compatible apps for iOS & Android

Up until late 2011, Microsoft has kept its library of exclusive apps that were compatible with the Xbox 360′s Xbox LIVE! to its Windows Phone 7 platform. Then this past December, Microsoft decided to open the flood gates just a smidgen by releasing the Xbox Live app and Kinectimals to the iOS platform to the mobile industry’s surprise. It isn’t surprising to hear both apps have done very well for Microsoft, which is exactly why they plan to develop more Xbox Live compatible apps for iOS & Android.
The news comes by way of a Microsoft spokesperson who had the following to say regarding Microsoft’s decision to develop for other mobile platforms:

While the Xbox Live experiences and games always work best on the Windows platform, we understand that some Xbox fans may be using other types of devices. To satisfy that need, we are working to extend a few of our Xbox experiences and titles to other platforms.

Microsoft has given no release date window of when iOS & Android users can expect Xbox Live compatible apps to be made available, but iOS & Android gamers should be happy to hear they won’t have to shell out for a Windows Phone device in order to get all of the benefits of the Xbox Live platform.
I’m certainly curious to learn more about this and to see how far the Xbox Live integration will go for the iOS & Android apps. Will Xbox Live users be able to see what I’m playing if I’m online? Will I be able to unlock achievements for games on iOS & Android? Will the Xbox Live Marketplace be integrated into the Xbox Live app so I can purchase Xbox Live compatible apps and bypass the App Store? SO…MANY…QUESTIONS! I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what Microsoft has up its sleeve at this year’s E3.