Xbox Video heading to Windows Phone, Microsoft hints

Microsoft looks set to flood its blowers with Xbox-scented video, making it possible to access movies and TV shows from your Windows Phone.

In a letter posted on the Major Nelson blog, Xbox Live bigwig Marc Whitten has outlined the new services hitting Microsoft's shiny black games box, including a section dubbed 'Xbox on Windows 8 and Windows Phone'.

Three services are detailed, including Xbox Video, which Microsoft says "provides you access to the video marketplace, making it easy to browse and search for TV episodes and movies".

Microsoft rattles on, "You can see your videos in your personal collection and even cue the TV show or movie up on your Xbox 360."

While that sounds rather concrete, I wouldn't take this as solid confirmation that Xbox Video will arrive on Windows Phone, as Microsoft's missive could mean that the video service in particular is headed to Windows 8 only. The particular shows and movies available are certain to be restricted by region too. I've been in touch with Microsoft, and I'll let you know if I hear anything more substantial.

Bringing movies and telly to Windows Phone would make loads of sense though. Weirdly, right now you can't buy or rent video from your Microsoft mobile, putting the platform at a disadvantage compared with the likes of the iPad and iPhone, which offer loads of downloadable video via the iTunes app.

As the Xbox has become one of the most compelling gadgets out there for TV, music and movies, it would make sense for Microsoft to squeeze as much of that goodness onto its other platforms as possible.

Microsoft's making an effort to spread the Xbox over as many gadgets as possible, just check out its recently unveiled SmartGlass app, which lets you control your console via your phone or tablet.

Stay tuned. In the meantime, if you're desperate to watch video from your Windows Phone, you'd do well to check out the Netflix app.

What do you think Microsoft should be doing to fight the likes of Apple and Google? Let me know in the comments or on our Facebook wall.