Go Beyond the Game With Windows Live Spaces and Xbox

UK- 7 Sept 2006 - Windows Live Spaces and Xbox® have teamed up to provide gamers with the ultimate online gaming and social networking service around X06, the Xbox brand experience for the games and entertainment industry.

The partnership will allow gamers all over Europe to experience Xbox Live, the world's premiere, fully connected gaming service, absolutely free for over a week, 20-29 Sept 2006. With more than 3 million members worldwide, Xbox Live allows gamers to play games, chat and listen to music with their friends, and download exclusive content.

But the game does not end there. Gamers can create unique Xbox-themed Windows Live Spaces on the web at http://spaces.live.com/signup.aspx?mkt=en-uk&partner=xbox to show off their profile, build a reputation and check out opponents using specially developed Windows Live gadgets, which display their Xbox Live gamer card and details of their recent games.

Beyond sharing their gaming alter egos, gamers can also use a weblog to share stories, hints and tips, or even photos and favourite gaming soundtrack lists with friends and family - or meet new friends and form a gaming clan to compete on Xbox Live. A great example of how to share Xbox experiences through Windows Live Spaces can be found at http://aceybongos.spaces.live.com

About Windows Live Spaces

Windows Live Spaces ( http://spaces.live.com) is a free, easy-to-use, customisable social networking and weblogging service that provides you with a place to connect with your friends, express your individuality, and tell your story using weblogs, photos and more. Windows Live Spaces is available in more than 36 markets in 15 languages around the world, and is deeply integrated with other Windows Live services to provide a seamless communications experience around a common contacts list.

About Xbox Live

Xbox Live is the first and only unified online entertainment network seamlessly integrated throughout the entire console experience, making it easy for people to find the friends, games and entertainment they want from the moment they power on their Xbox 360 system. Xbox Live connects millions of members across 24 countries to enjoy hundreds of multiplayer games, downloadable games via Xbox Live Arcade, free and premium playable game demos, music videos, and movie trailers, as well as new game levels, characters and vehicles for all their favourite retail games. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/en-us/live.

About Xbox 360

Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering the best games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming service, and unique digital entertainment experiences that revolve around gamers. The system was first launched in North America, Europe and Japan in 2005 and then in Australia, Colombia, Hong Kong, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Taiwan in 2006. More information can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/xbox360.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 12,000 people in 60 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in 138 countries and territories.

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty.

Microsoft, Windows Live, Xbox, Xbox Live is registered trademark of Microsoft Corp in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to editors

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The Red Consultancy

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