Speaking at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft chairman and chief software architect Bill Gates stressed that the future of gaming is in the software, with "games that can be played on any of the devices you'll have." That should mean greater integration between the PC, the Xbox 360, and other mobile devices is in the pipe, but actual compatibility — even just between PC and Xbox games — has yet to be addressed. However, with a single cross-platform "gamer tag" or ID, consumers will be able to have instant access with friends through the Xbox Live game network, letting them chat, send e-mail, or share content regardless of whether they're connected via Xbox or PC. Microsoft also announced hardware upgrades for the Xbox 360 including an HD DVD drive for movie playback (shown), but price, date of release, and whether games will be produced on HD DVD are all still in the question-mark column. Other unveilings: an Xbox Live Vision Camera, which will allow for real-time video connectivity; a wireless headset; and a wireless racing steering wheel, which will support tactile force feedback and be bundled with the upcoming Forza Motorsport 2 racing game. Forza was one of 160 titles Microsoft announced that will be available by the 2006 holiday season.
— Peter Suciu