Microsoft’s Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates on Tuesday announced that his company will release a new, cross-platform service that will enable gamers to interact regardless of whether they’re playing on cell phones, Xbox 360 consoles or computers running Microsoft’s upcoming Vista operating system, the Associated Press reports via Yahoo News.Microsoft did not offer any specific pricing details, but it will offer the “Live Anywhere” service along with Vista, which has a scheduled consumer release date of early 2007, according to the AP.Gates told a news conference, “It means that you have one online community. This platform can really unleash developers to do amazing things,” according to the AP.Live Anywhere would allows users of Microsoft’s current Xbox Live service to interact with millions of individuals across the world who play games via their PCs or mobile phones, the AP reports. Microsoft’s Bill Gates During a demonstration of the new service, a gamer playing on the Xbox 360 console employed Live Anywhere to invite another PC-gaming friend to join in the fun, according to the AP. Once that friend accepted the invitation, the two were connected for a unique video game experience, the AP reports.The Redmond, Wash.-based software behemoth has already sold some 3.2 million Xbox 360 units to date, half of which are used on the Web, according to the AP. The company also announced a number of additional new offerings along with the Live Anywhere service. This fall, it will offer up a high-definition DVD player, as well as an Xbox Live Vision video camera, and wireless headphones and steering wheel controllers, the AP reports.This article is posted on our Microsoft Informer page. For more news on the Redmond, Wash.-based powerhouse, keep checking in.Check out our CIO News Alerts and Tech Informer pages for more updated news coverage. Related content BrandPost Are tech layoffs inevitable, or can your company avoid them? Despite tech industry layoffs, one ITSM company remains committed to growth and expansion of internal teams. The company’s successful endeavor is largely credited to one difference between TOPdesk and other tech organizations. By TOPdesk Mar 30, 2023 6 mins IT Leadership Analysis CIOs must evolve to stave off existential threat to their role With LOB leaders learning tech faster than CIOs gain business-savvy, IT leaders must strengthen advisory skills, build relationships, and embrace strategic transformation before losing out to business counterparts. By Yashvendra Singh Mar 30, 2023 10 mins Roles Opinion 5 ways AI will transform CRM Recent announcements by Microsoft and Salesforce on how they’re ramping up integration of AI tools into their software offerings mark the start of a revolution in the CRM marketplace. By Martin De Saulles Mar 30, 2023 4 mins Channel Sales CRM Systems Artificial Intelligence Interview From CIO to CX SVP, Cisco’s Jacqueline Guichelaar takes a road less travelled By David Binning Mar 29, 2023 7 mins Careers IT Leadership Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe