Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division (E&D) has announced the launch of Xbox LIVE in India. The online console gaming and community service will be available in the country from 5 November 2007 with exclusive local entertainment content.

Robbie Bach, Global President of Microsoft E&D Division, said, "We have just celebrated the first anniversary of Xbox 360 in the country this year and it is with a celebratory spirit that we offer our Indian consumers even more entertainment options on Xbox 360. This is not only a firm reiteration of our commitment to the Indian market, but also an exciting foray into connecting our Indian consumers to a world of 7 million Xbox LIVE members around the world."


"The Microsoft E&D division is committed to building strong businesses that support the vision of Connected Entertainment. Xbox LIVE in India is a first step to realize a world of Connected Entertainment that enables people to experience a broad spectrum of entertainment content across a range of devices, interact with and personalize that content and share it with their friends and social communities," added Robbie.

Microsoft said Xbox LIVE will be available with a unique local flavor keeping in mind the affinity that Indians have for entertainment through movies and music.

Users will be able to log on not only to enjoy casual, fast-paced arcade action, new game content or multiplayer frag-fests, but also never seen before, exclusive local Bollywood movie trailers of "Hanuman returns" to begin with. A tie-up with UTV will provide users with access to other already released, but popular Bollywood content of UTV films. XBOX LIVE will also make available content related to Love Story 2050, Harman Baweja's debut film opposite Priyanka Chopra.

Microsoft has also tied up with Seventymm for its "rent-a-game" service, which will enable gamers to rent "on demand" the latest Xbox 360 games for a fixed number of days.

Mohit Anand, Country Manager of Microsoft E&D in India, said, "We are very pleased to bring Xbox LIVE into India. With this launch, Xbox 360 will lead the foray into the future of gaming and entertainment by truly becoming the ultimate destination for a wholesome experience for the entire family. Xbox LIVE has something for everyone and our Indian content partnership with the biggest production houses is just the tip of what's in store for Indian consumers going forward."


The Xbox LIVE service will be available to users to log on and sample for free with the Silver subion level and a paid Gold membership to offer the best in gaming and entertainment to consumers who want a heightened entertainment experience.

As part of the launch, Microsoft has also announces a number of new accessories to complete the entertainment experience, including the Xbox Live Vision camera, Xbox 360 Wireless and Wired Headset, Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter and Xbox 360 Text input device.

SKU's available at retail:
Wireless Network Adapter - Rs. 4,210
512 MB Memory Unit - Rs. 2,830
Wired Headset - Rs. 1,020
Xbox Live Vision - Rs. 2,040
Wireless Headset - Rs. 2,620
Text Input Device - Rs. 1,600
12 Month Gold Subion Card - Rs. 2,200
3 Month Gold Subion Card - Rs. 880

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