Microsoft has demonstrated how the forthcoming Windows 8 will communicate with the Xbox platform, in its first showing of how the company aims to bring "everything you know and love on Xbox 360 and Xbox Live to Windows."

Program manager Avi Ben-Menahem took to the stage at Build 2011 yesterday and talked up features such as cross platform functionality, cloud saving, achievements and multiplayer abilities.

Yep, Windows PCs, WinPho and Xbox 360 users will all be able to play against each other. Now we're talking.

The company has revealed plans to offer developers the chance to work on Xbox Live for Windows 8 as early as next week, free of charge.

For further details, have a ganders at the keynote from the Build conference. ®

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