Microsoft announced the “Woodstock” XBox Music platform delivery strategy today at the keynote press conference before the beginning of E3, the Electronic Entertainment Expo, the annual video game conference and show.

Xbox Music will offer more than 30 million songs on Xbox 360s, Windows 8 PCs, tablets and phones. I find the 30 million number more than coincidental due to the fact that “The Intelligent Music Platform – The Echo Nest” metabase distibutes nearly 30 million songs with 340 apps right now. It makes total sense that Microsoft would integrate XBox Music and XBox Smart Glass with The Echo Nest back end. (If that is in fact what they did for I have no actual confirmation from Microsoft they are using The Echo Nest Rosetta Stone, but then again why wouldn’t they???).

I perceive XBox Music as Microsoft’s Semantic Web music throw down to Apple iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, Pandora, etc. etc.  My understanding is that Apple and Android device owners can all play in the XBox Music Web distributed network.

The XBox Music program announcement further enhances Microsoft’s mission to solidify a leadership platform role with gamers. The XBox console serves as an intelligent entertainment hub in Microsoft’s Windows 8 entertainment strategy.

Getting an XBox system for the new entertainment center in the living room is a fait accompli.

Xbox SmartGlass is an application for Windows 8, Windows Phone, and other portable devices that connects phones, PCs and tablets with your Xbox 360 console to make your entertainment smarter, more interactive and more fun. The intelligence of Xbox SmartGlass makes your entertainment more engaging, Web surfing more effortless, and playing games more immersive by delivering companion content and control to enhance your TV experience.

I am eager to see how Apple responds to Microsoft’s XBox announcement with Mountain Lion, Apple TV, iTunes, iDevices etc.