While everyone is aware that new and better things are coming down the pipe, from every manufacturer and every developer out there, some companies and individuals handle it differently than others. Microsoft has been handling Windows Phone a bit differently than other companies, and it’s definitely a unique take on the way the market works. Let’s be frank – Microsoft has been up-front about what’s coming for Windows Phone, even while they’re busy announcing new things. They’re keeping everyone in the know, and that’s as unique as it is refreshing. But, there are some things we’re still waiting for – things that we’ve been talking about since the launch of Windows Phone.

One of those is the connection between the phone, the Xbox 360, and the PC. Way, way back when Windows Phone was announced, the company was eager to show off the ability to play a game on your phone, transition to the Xbox 360, and then finish it up on your phone when you left the home. The PC was thrown in there for good measure, too. And, truthfully, the idea is probably one of the best out there. It may be just from an entertainment and media perspective, but obviously the implication for a more, broader look is there, and it’s certainly positive.

We’ve seen Microsoft show off Windows Phone and Kinect, and we’ve seen Microsoft show off a lot of other things when it comes to syncing your phone with their other products. Each time they do it, the idea is well received, and we’re left waiting to actually start using it. While we’re probably going to have to wait a bit longer for a few of those things to come along, it looks like we’re getting a bit closer with Xbox Companion. For those of you who don’t know what it is, it’s an application that Microsoft has developed to bridge the gap between your phone and the Xbox 360.

The app isn’t as fully functional as some people might like, but it’s going to get the job done in showing that it’s perfectly possible for Microsoft to connect their device and services, which should go a long way to rolling out the carpet to those other services mentioned above. Specifically, the Xbox Companion application will let you access the Xbox LIVE Marketplace right from the phone, which hopefully means you’ll be able to initialize downloads and what not, without having to actually be on your console. Additionally, you’ll be able to navigate through your console from the phone, as well as control media playback.

Simple, yet it’s just enough to connect Windows Phone to the 360. And this could be one step closer for Microsoft to reach their gold mine. Because that’s exactly what Microsoft is sitting on with Windows Phone, Xbox 360, and Windows 8. The interconnectedness between these services and platforms is essential, and it’s one way that Microsoft can really push forward and make their presence known within the market. The phone market, to be clear. Obviously, Microsoft’s presence in the video game market is well known, and their ongoing immersion in the PC market is obvious. But in the phone market, which is one of the most brutal out there, Windows Phone isn’t necessarily top-tier. Yet.

With the potential of Windows Phone, the seemingly glowing reviews of Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango), and the idea that we can connect (without third-party apps) our PC, Xbox 360 and Windows Phone to do some incredible things is what will propel Microsoft into new ground, and bring in new customers.  I think the only real question here is whether or not Microsoft is going to make us wait “forever” to get these features, or if we can expect them any time soon. Sooner is always better, Microsoft.