Microsoft Says Xbox Live iPhone Apps Must Be Free

Between DRM, digital encoding, crackdowns on piracy and every copy protection procedure and technique out there it seems like every company under the sun is doing what they can to make sure nobody gets money for nothing. Unfortunately this can often get in the way of innovation or true entrepreneurship. Microsoft has officially stopped distribution of all Xbox Live-related iPhone apps. Why you ask? Are they worried about Apple getting some business leg-up on them? Not getting paid enough for it? Wanting sole control of Xbox Live integrated apps? Actually it’s a bit more unusual. Microsoft is insisting that all Xbox Live iPhone apps be made available to users free of charge. It’s hard to say what the ultimate goal of this little business strategy is, but you can be sure it’s not coming from some deeply-buried corporate generosity.