No one's jaw hit the floor when Microsoft demoed Xbox LIVE running on its new Windows Phone 7 platform earlier this week, but what about a similar connection to Sony's PlayStation Network?
Oh the possibilities, if we take Microsoft senior product manager Michael Chang's comments to TechRadar.com seriously.
"If you look at our history in mobiles, we have never blocked anything off this platform because we compete in the same space, at least not in the phone space," Chang told TechRadar.com, suggesting the company has always had an open-door policy for apps from competitors in other areas.
"While I won't cite a specific scenario, I think our concept of openness with partners and our mobile ecosystem often includes our competitors, such as allowing Exchange on other devices."
Sounds simple enough, but the devil's in the political details. Would Sony really consider placing its brand in the lion's den?
There's also the question of Sony's investment in the broader mobile app market, away from the PSP, since we've yet to see any Sony-backed apps for other mobile platforms like Apple's iPhone. Sure, you've got your third-party PS3 media controller apps, a PlayStation forum interface tool, an unofficial PlayStation emulator, and NetBlender's BD Touch, but a PlayStation Network or Store interface?
Nothing yet, and I wouldn't hold my breath waiting.
Sony needs a reason to be on Windows Phone 7, and I'm not coming up with one. Sure, Microsoft could court Sony here, but again, they'd need a reason to--a reason with the PS2's sales clout. With US PS3 sales still treading water at just over half Microsoft's US Xbox 360 install base, I can't think of one.
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