Microsoft Positions Xbox for Digital Entertainment Lifestyle

At this week's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft unveiled its lineup of new games and enhancements for its online service, saying its vision is to expand the definition of video game entertainment by driving the convergence of content and services. Microsoft is also planning to launch an Xbox "Music Mixer" device to enable DVD playback, CD playback, photo viewing, gaming, music storage, online gameplay, enhanced party visualizers and even karaoke on Xbox. The device will debut this holiday in the United States for an estimated retail price of $39.99.


The online enhancements include: Xbox Live Alerts, which issues instant messages such as invitations to play to gamers via MSN Messenger, cell phone, PDA or pager; Xbox Live Web, a website with stats and friends lists; Xbox Live Aware Games; more games that allow players to be logged onto the network even if they are in single player mode; Teams and Competition, which makes it easier for gamers to form teams and hold tournaments online; and Xbox Live Now, a voice chat room for gamers.
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2003/may03/05-12E3OverallPR.asp