Microsoft announces 'Xbox Live' in India

New Delhi, Oct 24: Microsoft India is all set to present the gaming community with a Diwali gift in the form of Xbox LIVE, one of the world's largest online gaming console, which will be launched in the country on November 5.

''The Xbox LIVE service will be available to users to log on and sample for free with the Silver subscription level and a paid Gold membership to offer the best in gaming and entertainment to consumers who want a heightened entertainment experience,'' said Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division President (Global) Robbie Bach.

The company expects a 100 million users over the next five years to sign into the LIVE services. ''Though we are targetting 100 million users, but 10 million over the next three years will also be a decent number,'' said Microsoft India Chairman Ravi Venkatesan.

The users can log into Xbox LIVE for exclusive Indian content like trailers of Hanuman Returns and content from the UTV as well.

The platform will also have content related to Love Story 2050, a film starring Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja.

''LIVE has always been a differenciating factor for XBox from its competitors like Nintendo and Sony,'' said Mr Bach.

Microsoft has also tied up with Seventymm-- a movie rentals company for a rent-a-game service, where one will can rent the latest Xbox 360 games for a fixed number of days.

The company also launched a number of accessories to complete the XBox gaming experience-- Xbox Live Vision camera, Xbox 360 Wireless and Wired Headset, Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter, and Xbox 360 Text input device etc.

India is the 26th country where Microsoft has launched its LIVE service. Though broadband speed remains an issue, the company is positive about the service gaining popularity.

XBox LIVE has seven million users across 25 countries, with games are secure and users can interact with other players from across the globe, hence serving as a networking platform as well.

UNI