Microsoft is working on a cloud-based TV platform called Cloud TV for Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE.
According to job postings unearthed by Liveside, Microsoft is after Software Engineering Manager to oversee development of “a new Cloud-based TV platform” for the console.
Given that “experience with mobile and browser development” is listed as a preferred job requirement it’s not much of a stretch to imagine that Microsoft wants to launch companion mobile apps for iOS, Android and Windows Phone 8 and other platforms.
Details on exactly what Cloud TV will offer are scarce. It could be a service that Microsoft is launching itself or it could be an off-the-shelf app that broadcasters and content owners could use to launch services quickly and easily on to the Xbox 360. Or it could be both.
We’ve already seen services like Sky Go, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Blinkbox and Lovefilm land on the Xbox 360. But smaller players without as much money to spend on development might benefit from this paint-by-numbers approach.
The job description says that the roles are about “building awesome client applications” suggesting that the focus is less about a Microsoft product and more about enabling third parties. But again, the job is about building apps for “a new Cloud-based TV platform,” suggesting perhaps an overhaul of the TV section of the Xbox dashboard.
It’s too early to call right now but we’ll be keeping an eye out for any Cloud TV-related silver linings over the coming months.
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