Hardware, games and music name of the game for Microsoft

Stan Beer
Thursday, 24 August 2006 18:44

Opinion and Analysis

You know Microsoft is getting serious about making the games and hardware business a key part of its business growth strategy going forward when you start seeing things like web cams and Xbox 360 branded steering wheels on the Microsoft stand at games expos around the world.

At the moment, Microsoft is showing off its wares at the 2007 Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany. On display are a racing wheel for Xbox 360 that lets you feel vibrations of the road, with promises of a wireless version in November. Also on show is the Xbox Live Vision web camera and chat headset for keeping gamers in touch online.

Put that together with a new low priced HD DVD plug in player for Xbox 360, plus the new Zune rival for the the iPod, and Microsoft has a pretty impressive range of new consumer entertainment knick-knacks lined up for store shelves in time for the holiday shopping season.

Of course there will be plenty of competition for the money in the entertainment gadget loving consumer wallets. Both Sony and Nintendo have new consoles coming out in time for the holidays. Apple has not announced anything yet but it is a company that knows how to keep things under wraps and could still surprise. Perhaps an iPhone?