Joystiq

Microsoft announces Surface tablet at Los Angeles event

Mike Schramm — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:46:00 EST

The Microsoft Big Announcement Speculation Game can finally come to an end, as the company announced a new tablet device called Microsoft Surface this afternoon during a Los Angeles press event. Microsoft calls it the "companion hardware innovation" for Windows 8, an OS that was designed to work on mobile devices specifically.

The Surface includes a kickstand built in to the device, as well as an optional cover that contains a touch-typing, super thin keyboard and a multitouch trackpad. Because the device runs a full version of Windows 8, it presumably will run any games that work on that OS, but we'll have to wait and see how those games play. We can also presume that the Surface will work right alongside any other Smart Glass features to be announced for the Xbox later on. We'll have more on Surface in the future, so stay tuned.

Continue reading Microsoft announces Surface tablet at Los Angeles event

Microsoft announces Surface tablet at Los Angeles event originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 19:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft states 'Xbox Music' launching in fall is 'inaccurate'

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:25:00 EST

Update: Statement from Microsoft: "Reports that Microsoft is launching a new music service on Xbox this fall are inaccurate. A recent demonstration of upcoming Xbox features showcased what we will deliver later this fall on Xbox, including voice search with Bing on Xbox to locate and access entertainment content on the console. This includes Zune music which has a catalog of more than 11 million tracks."

Business Insider has updated its story to clarify: "What's coming this fall is voice commands through Kinect, and the way to get that music is to say 'Xbox. Music.' So that's the command, not a new name service."

Original: Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer mentioned a service called "Xbox Music" at the company's Worldwide Partner Conference in Los Angeles yesterday, according to Business Insider. Ballmer stated the service would be enabled this fall, contain over 11 million songs and be compatible with Kinect.

With rumors of some Zune Marketplace subscription service coming to the console and the Zune brand having been on shaky ground for a bit, it's possible that Xbox Music is a new name or reimagining of Zune Pass for Xbox 360 -- or it could be like Sony's Qriocity. We've contacted Microsoft for any further details.

Microsoft states 'Xbox Music' launching in fall is 'inaccurate' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch as two women, two WP7 devices, and a Kinect pelt a man with rubber balls

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST

It's not every day that Microsoft shows off its own technology being used for the forces of evil, but it did just that during company head Steve Ballmer's keynote at Mobile World Congress. Engadget was on hand to witness Kinect Adventures' Rally Ball minigame being controlled not just by a Kinect, but also two Windows Phone 7 devices controlling the flow of rubber balls being distributed. It's all fun and games until the gentleman playing is overtaken by a monstrous flood of rubber balls.

Microsoft notes that the demonstration was strictly a "tech demo," but it certainly hints at the possible future of Windows Phone/Xbox integration. It also opens the pandora's box-like door to Kinect/WP7/Surface crossovers, finally. Get a look at synergy in action just after the break.

Continue reading Watch as two women, two WP7 devices, and a Kinect pelt a man with rubber balls

Watch as two women, two WP7 devices, and a Kinect pelt a man with rubber balls originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox Live coming to Nokia phones through Windows Phone partnership

James Ransom-Wiley — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:40:00 EST

Microsoft and Nokia have entered a "broad strategic partnership" under which the phone maker will adopt Windows Phone as its "principal smartphone strategy," the two companies announced today. While Nokia didn't highlight Xbox Live in its roll call of some of the broader terms of the deal, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer -- with a bit of a practiced grin -- did namedrop the cross-platform gaming service in a short video announcement.

"In this partnership with Nokia," Ballmer concisely summed up, "Microsoft brings its Windows Phone software and the brands that mobile consumers want, like Bing, Office and, of course, Xbox Live."

Xbox Live coming to Nokia phones through Windows Phone partnership originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kinect PC compatibility will come at 'the right time,' Ballmer says

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST

Curious to see what Minesweeper, FreeCell and some of your other favorite Windows games would be like if they were controlled using only your ghastly human form? Good news -- when asked by the BBC whether Kinect functionality would soon come to Windows-based computers, CEO Steve Ballmer explained that Microsoft "will support that in a formal way in the right time."

Given the peripheral's sales success and the overflowing passion of the modding community (already using Kinect with PCs), we'd say the right time is "now." We're fine if Microsoft wants to take its sweet time, though -- we're not sure we're ready for our Kinect to watch us while we work, anyways. It can be so judgmental!

Kinect PC compatibility will come at 'the right time,' Ballmer says originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fable Coin Golf, Game Room coming to Windows Phone 7

Christopher Grant — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:45:00 EST

After dropping details on Avatar Kinect and the crazy amount of Kinects sold in its first 60 days on shelves, Microsoft's Steve Ballmer moved onto another recent Microsoft product launch: Windows Phone 7. While the Crackdown and Halo brands already have some presence on the platform, Ballmer took the opportunity to reveal that another major Microsoft Game Studios brand is making the leap to the small screen. Fable Coin Golf brings everything you know and love about Fable to your phone ... specifically, the coin golf part.

Alright, so we didn't see what Fable Coin Golf is exactly, but Ballmer did reveal that all the gold earned in Fable Coin Golf (presumably earned playing golf?) will be sent straight to your Fable 3 character on the Xbox 360, ala Fable Pub Games and Fable 2, for the old-timers in the house. During a montage that followed the reveal, we also spotted the retro-themed Game Room service, specifically arcade classic Centipede. We'll try to dig up more on the service's mobile offering during CES this week. For now, make your best guess as to what precisely Fable Coin Golf is.

Fable Coin Golf, Game Room coming to Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Avatar Kinect bringing Avatar control, facial expressions to Xbox Live Gold members this Spring [Update: Now with video!]

Christopher Grant — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:20:00 EST

As expected, "Avatar Kinect" was unveiled during Microsoft's annual CES keynote. It's "a new way to socialize on Xbox Live" allowing direct Avatar control using Kinect, enabling the obligatory gesture control and adding impressive facial expression support. The service takes the form of "stages" which give users talk show-like sets to interact with their friends. Ever wanted to spend time with friends after the latest episode of your favorite show, assembled in a virtual roundtable, and then post the video to Facebook for friends to see? Yeah, neither have we ...

Ballmer says that Avatar Kinect will be available for Xbox Live Gold members only this Spring and comes with fifteen stages. ~~We're working on getting the video of the demo up - hold tight!~~ [Update: Now with video demonstration and trailer after the break!]

Continue reading Avatar Kinect bringing Avatar control, facial expressions to Xbox Live Gold members this Spring [Update: Now with video!]

Avatar Kinect bringing Avatar control, facial expressions to Xbox Live Gold members this Spring [Update: Now with video!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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J Allard and Robbie Bach officially exit Microsoft

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:15:00 EST

Xbox department head Robbie Bach and "Chief Experience Officer" J Allard (considered by some to be the father of the Xbox) will be ending employment with Microsoft this fall, according to an internal memo sent from company head Steve Ballmer and acquired by TechFlash. Allard will stay on in some form, serving as an "advisor" to Ballmer, though Bach will be outright leaving after nearly 22 years with Microsoft.

"For the past 22 years, Robbie has personified creativity, innovation and drive. With this spirit, he has led a division passionately devoted to making Microsoft successful in interactive entertainment and mobility," Ballmer said of Bach's departure in the company's official release. And Bach expanded on his departure, saying, "I'm at the time in my life where I want to dedicate more time to my family and my nonprofit work, including my work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America."

The shakeup additionally sees current senior VP of Interactive Entertainment Don Mattrick and senior VP of Mobile Communication Andy Lees taking new positions, reporting directly to Ballmer himself, while David Treadwell will now head the core technology group inside the Interactive Entertainment division at Microsoft. Oh, and as you might expect, no mention was made of the Courier in any of this.

[Via Engadget]

J Allard and Robbie Bach officially exit Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 May 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. government asks Steve Ballmer to create budget-balancing game

JC Fletcher — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:15:00 EST

The budget deficit had better run

Erskine Bowles, co-chair of President Obama's fiscal commission, is turning to games to educate the public about the difficulty of reducing the U.S. budget deficit. Specifically, he's turning to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, USA Today reports.

Bowles has reportedly been communicating with Ballmer about creating a video game that allows anyone to attempt to balance the budget. Bob Kerrey, co-chair of 1994's Bipartisan Commission on Entitlement and Tax Reform, spoke of the need to gain the public's understanding: "What you could get is support among the populace for the exceptionally unpopular things you need to do to solve this problem," adding that a budget-balancing game could "go viral ," though it would be hard to imagine anything created by Microsoft and distributed by the U.S. government as "viral."

As bizarre an idea as this seems, Bowles is not the first to try it. in 1989 the National Economic Commission distributed Hard Choices on floppies for $20 a copy (which in itself might have helped). Kerrey's own 1994 commission also released a game with the thrilling title Budget Shadows.

[Thanks, Gerry]

U.S. government asks Steve Ballmer to create budget-balancing game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Slimmed-down Xbox 360 motherboard images leaked

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:24:00 EST

Last week, speculation surrounding a pending announcement of the oft-rumored, slimmed down "Valhalla" model of the Xbox 360 was kicked into high gear, thanks to a Microsoft hiring notice for a motherboard engineer, and Steve Ballmer's reference to "more form factors" for the hardware. Earlier today, a Chinese tech forum purportedly posted a pair of pictures of the newly remodeled motherboard, which has undergone a massive size reduction from the current iteration of Xbox 360 hardware.

A few noteworthy changes in the motherboard (full pictures of which can be found after the jump) are a consolidated GPU/CPU (one of the rumored features of the Valhalla chipset), an extra SATA port, and a much smaller heatsink. Though the design could just be a mock-up from an extraordinarily talented modder, it certainly looks like professional-quality work. We've contacted Microsoft to see if they'll comment on the skinny-fied hardware.

Continue reading Rumor: Slimmed-down Xbox 360 motherboard images leaked

Rumor: Slimmed-down Xbox 360 motherboard images leaked originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft says Project Natal coming 'holiday season 2010'

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:25:00 EST

According to a press release summing up Microsoft's CES 2010 keynote that dropped just before Ballmer took the stage, the company will be releasing Project Natal in "holiday season 2010." We heard earlier today about what year the future controller would be arriving, but now, folks, now we know during which group of months it'll be arriving at retail.

The release explicitly states that the still-codenamed Natal project is "scheduled to be available in holiday season 2010," adding that Natal "is only the most recent example of Microsoft's work creating natural user interfaces." With any luck, by E3 we'll have an actual name and maybe even a specific month for when we'll get to check it out at home! Until then, we'll have to get by with the inspirational video about Natal's origins created for today's release, embedded above.

Microsoft says Project Natal coming 'holiday season 2010' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft 2010 CES press conference, live at Engadget

Christopher Grant — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:45:00 EST

Just like Sony earlier this evening, we're not going to be detailing all of Steve Ballmer's 2010 CES press conference, that's really Engadget's thang. Instead, we'll be bringing more details on all things gaming (think: leaked Xbox Game Room and Project Natal deets, anyone?) right back here. If you want the total experience, including lots of non-gaming stuff, venture forth, dear reader.

Engadget - Live from Steve Ballmer's CES 2010 keynote

Microsoft 2010 CES press conference, live at Engadget originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Watch Microsoft's CES keynote online tonight

Xav de Matos — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST

If your interest in all things Microsoft extends to a barely gaming related keynote address, then we've got some good news. Major Nelson tipped us off that Microsoft will be streaming its 2010 Consumer Electronic Show keynote -- hosted by the zany Steve Ballmer and and Robbie Bach -- tonight at 9:30PM EST. Sadly, tonight's viewing has been sullied by the fact that we pretty much know what we're going to hear in the way of Xbox news. But, like our marathon sessions of Titanic, we won't let our prior knowledge ruin our enjoyment of tonight's big show.

Also, the fine folks at Engadget will be liveblogging the entire event, if you'd prefer to read about all the excitement. Get some popcorn ready, and let's hope for more of this... oh, and this.

Source: Watch Microsoft's CES 2010 keynote live, at 9:30PM

PSA: Watch Microsoft's CES keynote online tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ballmer sorry about confusing Natal 2010 statement

Justin McElroy — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:15:00 EST

It's not every day that the head of a multi-billion dollar corporation apologizes to you, so excuse us if we drink deeply of Steve Ballmer's statement to IGN, in which he apologized for referencing a new 360 console to launch in 2010 last week.

Specifically, he said "I confused the issue with my poorly chosen words. There is no news in my comments. Things are as reported after E3. Sorry." Tell you what, Steve, you give us one of your patented "World's Greatest Back Rubs," and all is forgiven. (Also, we're sure you meant a new Xbox 360 bundle, right?)

Ballmer sorry about confusing Natal 2010 statement originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ballmer references Project Natal launch in 2010 [update]

Christopher Grant — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:59:00 EST

While there's no official release window for Microsoft's motion-sensing camera interface, Project Natal - heck, there's not even an official name of the thing yet! - comments made by Microsoft CEO (and professional stretcher) Steve Ballmer indicate a 2010 launch. TGDaily reports that "Ballmer stated openly during a speech on the recession to those in attendance at the Executives Club in Chicago, a new Xbox 360 will hit the store shelves in 2010."

The report never mentions "Natal" and refers instead to a "console" featuring a built-in camera. An example of a writer not familiar with the beat, or an allusion to a new Xbox-branded console, as rumored? Maybe a little bit of both: a console-level launch for the Natal, as mentioned by Shane Kim? The complete lack of reference to "Project Natal" in the report makes us question the specifics regarding a "new Xbox 360." However, a new Xbox 360 SKU featuring Natal could be one alternative possibility - but forget about all that! What's important is the 2010 comment. Regardless of how Natal is packaged, Microsoft's top dog says you'll be flailing your arms next year.

We've asked Microsoft to clarify Mr. Ballmer's statements or provide a transcript. We'll let you know what they say!

[Update: Unsurprisingly, Microsoft didn't have much to say on the matter. They tell us, "As the Xbox team stated at E3 two weeks ago, we are not even halfway through the current console generation lifecycle and believe Xbox 360 will be the entertainment center in the home for long into the next decade. Project Natal will be an important part of this platform, but we have not confirmed a launch date at this time." So, there you are.]

Ballmer references Project Natal launch in 2010 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ballmer pins focus on Xbox 360 E3 announcements

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:30:00 EST

Reiterating his employer's excitement at June's E3 event, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said to the Dallas Regional Chamber in a speech yesterday, "Pay attention to the stuff we're announcing in the next month on Xbox." While part of his statement may be a subliminal promotion for the currently running "Win a car and a trip to E3" contest Microsoft is sponsoring, we're going all the way out on a limb here and guessing it may have something to do with that motion-sensing business we've been hearing so much about.

In what is now annual tradition, Microsoft will be holding its press conference one day before the opening of E3 and is planning to "completely transform how people think about home entertainment." We'll be sure to wear sunglasses, ya know, just in case.

Ballmer pins focus on Xbox 360 E3 announcements originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 May 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Duh: Economic woes will affect MS revenues, says Ballmer

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:19:00 EST

We're fairly certain even the Pach-Attack himself couldn't have seen this coming. Microsoft CEO Steve "Developers" Ballmer recently told Reuters that the current economic conditions (hint: they're bad) will affect his company's revenues. "Revenues in our industry, and in our company, will be affected by the economic conditions," said Ballmer. Exactly how much of an effect economic problems will have on the Xbox division remains unknown.

Luckily, Microsoft saw this coming and decided to cut the economy off at the pass by dropping a few positions -- about 5,000 or so.

[Via Edge Online]

Duh: Economic woes will affect MS revenues, says Ballmer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft to cut 5,000 jobs by June 2010

Justin McElroy — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: PC, Microsoft Xbox 360, Business

It may not be quite as sweeping as the rumored 15,000 job losses, but Microsoft did reveal today that the company would cut 1,400 positions immediately, with that number increasing to 5,000 by June of 2010. The cuts, expected to save the company $1.5 billion in operating expenses, account for 5.5 percent of its workforce. If you're the sort that likes to see terrible economic events transpire, here's the email chief Steve Ballmer sent to employees today.

There's no word yet on where, specifically, the cuts would come from, but with Microsoft reporting the Xbox division's three percent growth over the previous year, we're hopeful that the games house will make it through unscathed.

Microsoft to cut 5,000 jobs by June 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: 360 a footnote in Microsoft's CES keynote

Randy Nelson — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, CES

It's sounding like the only "megatons" at Microsoft's CES 2009 keynote will be the volume of hors d'oeuvres served beforehand. According to TechCruch, the company will focus primarily on Windows 7, mobile devices and home networking, while Xbox 360 will barely get a mention. Lest we forget that MS used CES 2001 as its venue for the global unveiling of the original Xbox.

The site says that some media outlets have already been told -- under embargo -- that the only mention of 360 during MS head Steve Ballmer's presentation will be that Halo Wars and Halo 3: ODST are (brace yourself) scheduled for release in 2009. Though we already knew that, we suspect there will be those in attendance overhead saying "Halo wha?" and "2009 ... hey, that's now!"

[Via X3F]

Rumor: 360 a footnote in Microsoft's CES keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MS's Ballmer claims 360 is an 'unqualified success'

Dustin Burg — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: News

In an interview with Mercury News, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer was happy to acknowledge the Xbox 360's success and also wanted to make it clear that the recent 360 price cuts had absolutely nothing to do with console sales.

"Xbox is an unqualified success" said Ballmer, adding "the product is selling very well" and that "the Xbox is an absolute home run." And when Mercury News pushed the point a bit further, asking whether or not a 360 price cut was a last ditch effort to spur console sales, Ballmer responded with an emphatic "no" saying "that's the craziest thing I've ever heard anybody say. All consoles start at higher prices. They always come down through the long cycle." Word!

There you have it, an Xbox 360 sales status report from Mr. Microsoft himself. We say, preach on Ballmer and don't let anyone mock you for sporting pink boxing gloves. Ever.

MS's Ballmer claims 360 is an 'unqualified success' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft's Steve Ballmer talks Blu-ray support

Scott Jon Siegel — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, Peripherals, Business

At Microsoft's Mix 08 Internet Conference in Las Vegas, company CEO Steve "Monkey Boy" Ballmer took a moment during his hour-long session to address Microsoft's official stance on Blu-ray, following the death of HD-DVD.

According to Ballmer, Microsoft plans to support Blu-ray in "ways that make sense." The company is already working on Windows device drivers, and with Sony in talks with Microsoft about the possibility of building a Blu-ray add-on for the 360, it's only a matter of time before Ballmer's dancing around and chanting "Blu-ray! Blu-ray! Blu-ray!"

Microsoft's Steve Ballmer talks Blu-ray support originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bill Gates vs. Steve Ballmer in Fight Night Round 3

Christopher Grant — Mon, 09 Jan 2006 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

In this corner, playing as boxing legend Muhammad Ali, Bill "640kb ought to be enough for anybody" Gates! And in this corner, playing as Joe Frazier, Steve "Developers, developers, developers" Ballmer!

Following Bill Gates' speech at CES last week, famed boxing announcer Al Bernstein introduced Microsoft's top brass before they duked it out in EA's Fight Night Round 3 on the Xbox 360. It's a cute enough video but, though the game does look great, the gushing grates on you after a while. Who wins? ~~Gates~~ Ali of course!

(Link directs to Gamespot's video player)

[Via Amanda Murphy's Xbox...]

Bill Gates vs. Steve Ballmer in Fight Night Round 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2006 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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