Now, Apple (AAPL) looks to capitalize on the connection between gaming and social networking, as it introduced the new Game Center software into iTunes. Game Center allows for multi-player gaming over an iPhone or an iPod touch, and as of this writing, there are 29 games available where you can challenge friends. Those games include the ridiculously popular Farmville, Flight Control and the enduring Pac-Man.
There will certainly be more games available for shared playing as developers start to incorporate the tools that Apple's upgraded iOS 4.1 have made possible. Of course, it's early in Game Center's lifespan, and one influential game reviewer offers a mixed review.
-- "The stylistic choices Apple has made with regard to the appearance of Games Center ... looks like a cheap online poker application."-- "The setup's ... reassuringly Apple-like in its simplicity."The iPod was not the fist digital music player and the iPhone was not the first smartphone, but Apple is the leader in both categories, so expect Game Center to become a solid and popular product.
Google is the new Microsoft
Microsoft (MSFT) and Apple took opposite approaches to personal computing. The Microsoft operating platform became and remains the overwhelmingly dominant system. Android is everywhere with products made by everyone. It trails Nokia's struggling Symbian system and is ahead of the mobile OS platforms from Research in Motion, Apple and Microsoft.
We'll have to wait even longer to see how Game Center compares to Windows Phone 7's Xbox Live gaming experience, which ties into Microsoft's well established Xbox Live service on the 360. It will support multiplayer games, leader boards, messaging and more.
Apple have recently hinted at an upcoming service aimed at the gamers among their customers, called “Game Center” which will host a variety of games and similar services, for the iPod Touch and iPhone 4/3GS.
In the Game Center, you’ll find various social networking features aimed at connecting you with your gamer friends, like friends lists and multiplayer functionality.