My Xbox Live for iPhone

A few days ago Microsoft introduced some very interesting iOS applications. I have wanted to test a Windows Phone for a while and I thought this was the perfect opportunity for me to check it out, without having to spend the money on a new phone.  Since I am an Xbox Live user I decided the first app I wanted to try was "My Xbox Live" for iPhone.

My Xbox Live gives you the opportunity to access your Xbox Live account on the go. The app is divided into three main sections or hubs : Spotlight, Social and Games. The app has a very polished and simplistic look as it tries to replicate Microsoft's very stylish Metro user interface.

Each hub provides a whole lot of information in a very simplistic way. Metro feels very natural (even on the iPhone) and makes information very easy to find. In the Spotlight (Home)  hub a series of videos introduce new games , expansion packs and some tutorials for the new Xbox (console) interface.

Swipe to the left and the Social section is displayed. Here you are greeted with an animated version of your avatar, which I think is really cool. Your avatar even reacts to your touch ! You also get a very nice and complete set of tools with which you can update your avatar's style and features or choose a new avatar altogether. It is so much easier to use to what you get on your Xbox, that you might not even use it there anymore.Also included in this section, there is a list of all  your friends, their status, how long ago they were online and the last game or app (i.e. Netflix) they last used. Finally, you can also review your messages and compose new ones (up to 250 characters) and of course, you get access to the new notifications system called "Beacons".

The final section, Games, is one of my personal favorites. Its main purpose is to keep track of the achievements you already have and the ones you are yet to complete. I have to say, since I installed the app I am now aware of what I need to do in order to get my next achievement. A color icon is displayed for completed achievements and a greyed-out icon for non-completed achievements.This definitely added a whole lot of value to my gaming experience and even got me to play old titles just so I don't see the greyed-out icons next to the achievements I didn't know how to complete before.

I really like what Microsoft did with this application. It provides a lot of information that hardcore gamers like myself really appreciate, but it also keeps it real simple for casual gamers that want to keep in touch with their friends. I have used non-official apps that promised the same features before and I was ok since there was no official version. Now that My Xbox Live is available, I am definitely not going back. With such a beautiful interface and polished style, I have to say Microsoft got my curiosity started and made realize that maybe getting a Windows Phone with its superb Metro user interface, is going to be my next phone. Believe me, for an iOS user that's very hard to accept.

Please let me know your thoughts, comments and suggestions for next reviews.
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CI