Examiner

Information about Windows Phone 8 leaked out on Thursday that also confirmed some of the details for the successor to the Xbox 360 and Windows 8.

Pocketnow was the first to leak details on the next Windows Phone based on a video from Windows Phone manager Joe Belfiore intended for Microsoft partners at Nokia. Microsoft insider Paul Thurrott, who's had many a Windows scoop, confirmed many of the details from Pocketnow and added a little more information to the well.

In the video, Belfore discusses many of the hardware and application features coming to Microsoft's smartphones but, more interestingly for the gaming community, he also talked a little about the next Xbox and Windows 8 as well. Windows 8 will get an app similar to the Xbox Companion App currently on the Windows Phone. The app lets you browse for movies, TV shows, music, games and apps for your Xbox 360. 

A new cloud service (or possibly an expanded Skydrive service) will allow content such as movies, music and phots to be shared across the next Xbox, Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. Supposedly, this will be done through new client software and not Zune. Xbox LIVE games across all three platforms will be there as well but not much information was provided on the level of compatibility or integration that is planned. Phone information such as missed calls and data usage can be shared with a synched PC but it is unknown if that type of information would be shared with the Xbox as well.

http://www.examiner.com/console-gaming-in-national/next-xbox-will-share-content-across-windows-8-and-windows-phone-8

I think MS will look into unifying all their platforms. It will really be interresting to see how MS will integrate Windows 8 to all their platforms. I hope that buying an arcade game on Xbox will allow me to play it on my Win8 tablet without having to pay for the same game again.

You mean I don't have to buy an MS portable console and still be able to check my achievements on the go?

I dont know if this would work out but having to buy an arcade game on your xbox and being able to play it on your win 8 tablet is just pure awesomeness.

You already have cross platform with you Phone, PC and Xbox for movies and shows.

So I can check and see my Xbox Live friends from my phone - send them a message or a play later beacon. I didn't think I would care about it at all, but it's actually kind neat feature.

Previous rumors suggested that the nextbox would use Windows 9. I knew there was something fishy about that.

sounds great.

that is something Sony is putting not enough effort in. Glad MS sees the gigantic potential in it. Use the PS Vita, PS3, Vaio, Sony cellphone as one strong product family.

Windows 8, Windows phone 8, Xbox Live can become so freaking huge. I want to skype with people on a PC, Windows phone and Xbox Live at the same time. This must be the next big thing and a gigantic plus for a media hub in the living room.