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.

Microsoft will be cranking out another limited edition Zune this June in conjunction with the DVD release of Grant Gee's Joy Division documentary. If you're a die-hard fan of the band, you can check out more about the new Zune in the full article.

It looks like there's a lot to look forward to, that's if you own a Zune. According to Microsoft XNA's big wig, Chris Satchell, the Zune game concepts are now progressing very nicely.

Aside form this, he was able to discuss briefly the developments currently going on. Details on what he said after the jump.

Wondering what ever happened to Microsoft's original plan for Live Anywhere? For some, it's been taking the company a while to fully finish the integration of the service across many platforms. Xbox Live Executive John Schappert said that the service is till going to push through. Know more after the jump!

XNA Chief Chris Satchell has just dropped a couple of bombs at the GDC 2008. He announced that Xbox Live will be getting a new service called Community Games. This feature gives developers a chance to post their games and eventually get it up on Xbox Live. For more on this, head on over to the full article.

If you were one of those who planned to give the new 80GB red-colored Microsoft Zune to your sweethearts for Valentine's Day, then chances are that the device won't arrive in time for that special day. However, Microsoft manages to outdo themselves somehow and make up for it. Read all about it in the full article.

If you consider yourself an audiophile that lives outside the US, acquiring music online can sometimes be a bummer. Now, the latest offering of Amazon could probably help you out.

They have released an announcement that they will be launching Amazon Mp3 this year giving access to music lovers to one of the biggest collection of online songs. Details in the full article.

When in the business of technology, whether in gaming, gadgetry, or personal computers, you can't avoid one of the giant in the industry, Microsoft. According to their second quarterly report this year, they're bigger than ever as their Entertainment and Devices Division - the one responsible for Xbox 360 and PC gaming, and the Zune - saw a 3% rise in revenue.

Revenue from the division reached US$ 3.06 billion, as opposed to the US$ 302 million loss from last year. Details in the full article.