Xbox 360’s focus on Joe Gamer hits right note

Gamesblog: The hype over the release of the Microsoft Xbox 360 has been vibrating through US games-related blogs and sites, news reports and MTV specials for weeks. This week it culminated in blow-by-blow coverage of the release geekery on Tuesday at a huge 24-hour-plus party in the Mojave Desert.

Microsoft Live

These new online services aren't as new as they seem.

Microsoft to launch £1.4m virtual library

Software company Microsoft is planning to transform 100,000 books from the British Library into an electronic format in order to open a virtual library. By Jon di Paolo.

Microsoft boosts stake in internet telephony

Microsoft will today announce plans to move further into the voice market through the acquisition of a Zurich-based software firm, enabling it to offer premium services to business customers. By David Teather.

Xbox v PS3: the next-generation video game battle

For a decade Sony's PlayStation has been the undisputed champion of the world's £30bn video games market. But now Microsoft, the megalithic software company founded by Bill Gates, is attempting to dethrone its Japanese rival.

Box clever

Jack Schofield: With the Xbox 360, Microsoft is trying to redefine the games console business in its favour. But it could end up redefining business software development as well.

Credit where it’s due

Microsoft's InfoCard could integrate the internet's many different identity systems, resulting in a safer surfing experience for all. By Mary Branscombe.

Gaming news

Microsoft chose to unveil its next generation console on television ahead of this week's E3 games expo in LA.

Push email gets pulled

Microsoft's latest mobile phone operating system should be the springboard for a new generation of smartphones, but "push" email fans have to wait, reports Ken Young.

Talk of the town

As Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo all unveiled their new games consoles over the past week, our bloggers and readers swapped the latest news and views