I agree that having your services everywhere is good business, however it is good for the services themselves.
What I mean by that is that if Microsoft continues to release applications like this the two possible outcomes will be this:
? More people will use the services and become tied with the platform.
? It will provide an easier transition for those that want to go to another OS from Windows Phone and not lose any of the apps.
In barely any cases I can see the growth of Windows Phone because of cross platform services, it may ultimately lead to the downfall of Windows Phone.
Here is a review on the MSN News app on the Play Store which may put into perspective what I am trying to say:
View attachment 90900
By the way that was the most "helpful" review of the app, meaning that people up voted it and share similar thoughts to him.
What I am trying to say is that Microsoft creating better versions of its apps on other platforms may very well lead to the death of it's own platform.