Microsoft (MSFT) E3 Preview: Xbox Becomes Key Element in Connected Universe, More Kinect Used

Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) presented ahead of the Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) earlier Monday. The following are some of the more notable highlights.

• Halo 4 kicked off the entire show. That's going to be available in November.
  
• Most of the updates included Kinect elements.
  
• FIFA 2013 utilizes the Kinect. It allows users to yell out things like "take the shot" or "sub [player number]," and have those actions take place within the game.
  
• Joe Montana showed up (sans Sketchers Shape Ups, we assume) to introduce Madden 13 (which has at least 13 versions).
  
• Montana called out plays to the Kinect for Madden 13.
  
• Madden 13 should be out at the end of August.
  
• Xbox went to the number one selling console globally this year. It was previously the best seller in just the U.S.
  
• Splinter Cell lets you call in things like air strikes with the Kinect.
  
• Other games demoed include Forza, Gears of War, and Fable.
  
• Bing is now a verb. You can search for movies and entertainment via voice command now.
  
• Disney's (NYSE: DIS) ESPN will have 24/7 live broadcasts on Xbox.
  
• Xbox Music has over 30 million tracks available.
  
• Xbox Music will be across all platforms: Xbox, Windows 8, Windows Phone, and tablets.
  
• Nike (NYSE: NKE) and Xbox team up for Nike+ Kinect.
  
• Your phone will track your progress, allow you to share results, and remind you to go to the gym.
  
• Xbox Smart Glass allows connectivity between several devices like the Xbox, tablet, TV, and mobile.
  
• You can control your Xbox with a Windows Phone. H/T to Nokia (NYSE: NOK)
  
• There were demos of other games like Black Ops, Castle Siege, and so on.

Overall, Microsoft is clearly pushing for the Xbox to be a key part of its connected environment.

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