If browsing through the Metro-styled UI of Xbox Live apps on iPhone and iPad feels like an odd experience, the idea of Microsoft launching Xbox Live-equipped games on iOS and Android is even more off the wall.

But Business Insider reports that's exactly the move being lined up, quoting an anonymous developer and Xbox "client" as stating there is "no way" Microsoft will ignore either platform moving forward.

Xbox Live is pitched by Microsoft as a key exclusive feature for Windows Phone, but – as spotted by LiveSide – the Xbox Live Mobile team has recently been advertising for software developers, listing that "Experience of Windows Phone, iOS, or Android development is a big plus".

Live and kicking

"As a software development engineer on the team, you will have the opportunity to help define and design the experiences for the project, you will get to work with a team of energetic and talented developers, and you will have the luxury to work with all sorts of mobile devices to create the official Xbox Live mobile experiences," reads the ad.

Obviously, such speculation seems like getting 2 + 2 = 5, given that Microsoft might just want experienced developers.

Alternatively, it could be thinking about bringing its existing Xbox Live companion app - already available for iOS - to Android.  

As things stand, iOS users of the Xbox Live app can currently only message friends, watch videos or alter their avatar.

When pushed on the possibility of an Android app by Pocket Gamer back in December, Microsoft said it didn't have anything to announce and that "Xbox Live experiences will always work best on Windows Phone".

Losing your advantage

Indeed, Microsoft currently bills Windows Phone as the only way to access the 'true Xbox Live experience' on the go, making any decision to branch out and nullify the platform's main advantage a bizarre one.

It should also be noted, Business Insider claims the motivation behind the move is a desire not to hand the "live gaming market on iOS and Android to rivals like Sony's PlayStation's PSN", despite the fact PSN is currently not available for either platform.

[source: Business Insider]