It looks like Microsoft's trying to increase the must-have factor for the pricey Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 suite, because the XNA Team has just come up with a VS 2008-only rendition of XNA Game Studio - upgraded to version 3.0 But there's a lot of catches, and they aren't pretty for the average, budget-conscious, and possibly still studying,  indie dev. Prepare to be blown away (the wrong way, probably) at the full story.

Microsoft has just released a new software update for their Zune media player. Now at version 2.5, this update will carry several new functions to your handheld, including the ability to purchase TV shows from the Zune Marketplace. Further details are available in the full article.

Want a bit more color in your life? Well if you happen to be in the market for a portable media player, maybe you should try out the red Zune 80, which will be available in retail stores. More details in the full article.

If you want a portable MP3 player that has personality, then you might want to consider the HOMADE MP3 i-Player. Just look at the photo on the left, it can definitely be used as a conversation piece as well. After all, it's the Lego that can sing. Learn about the details of this gadget after the jump!

If you're a collector of all things weird and Japanese, then you may want to snap up a Sony Rolly if you haven't yet. The dancing portable MP3 players will be rolling into Japanese shelves on April 19 in a sleek black shell, and users can opt to jazz them up with colored arms. Roll on to the full article for more details!

If you live in Europe and are bothered about the tracks you download having DRM, well then here's some good news that's surely to make you guys jump for joy.

7digital.com has just announced that will be offering mp3s from Warner Music International that's DMR-free. more on this after the jump!

Looks like Sony's upping up the ante in the music industry, right after Blu-ray's victory too. The entertainment bigwig has just announced the latest in its Walkman product line: the NWZ-A820, which doesn't just play MP3s and videos, but has Bluetooth functionality as well. More details in the full article.

With Valentine's Day just a month a way, have you already given thought to what you'll be giving your loved one? If not, you might want to consider Microsoft's Valentine offering, the 80GB Red Zune. It comes with 20 laser-engraved designs to choose from, which are fully customizable. If you're curious to know what  it looks like, check out the full article for details.

We've been blown away with Sony's press conference about their new HDNA products, and they still have a lot of ammo to feed the waiting presses. Sony presents the newer additions to their plethora of mobile gadgets, such as the cute Rolly and the new Sony mylo. More details in the full article.

Here's a big heads-up for Zune owners out there. Microsoft has just released the media player's version 2.3 firmware, which can be accessed the next time update. And while there aren't too many changes, this release does host some noticeable improvements. You can check out the details in the full article.