Objects of Desire

The Xbox is set to cost lesser in Japan, according to a release by Microsoft. Microsoft said the move to slash the price of its gaming console, the Xbox 360, was part of a new strategic initiative that would help them compete better with rivals Sony and Nintendo. Microsoft has been struggling to sell more pieces of the Xbox 360 in Japan in comparison to Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Nintendo’s Wii.

by Seth Jayson

In case you missed out on the media and fanboy rush to judgement, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) released details on it second-generation Zune lineup yesterday. The original brick-like hard-drive-based player gets an upgrade to 80 gigabytes, a much smaller form factor and weight, and a bigger screen. The single color choice mimics Spinal Tap's classic "none more black" album cover.

In a direct attempt to break Apple’s stranglehold on the market for digital music, Nokia today announced the launch of a new line of mobile products. Nokia expects these products to gain more popularity than the iPhone, the latest offering from Apple that has become quite popular since its launch earlier this year.

George Hotz of Glen Rock, N.J., after coming in the limelight with his iPhone unlocking adventure is now reaping more benefits for his endeavor. Following his appearances on several national television networks, and being the subject of various newspaper articles, the 17-year-old fresher at college, besides his celebrity status, already has a job.

Hands off my Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Xbox 360! This morning's Wall Street Journal offers a tantalizing teaser to its Breaking Views column: "Microsoft's Best Play For Xbox? Shed It."

With the much-heralded release of the Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPhone coming up on June 29, more details are surfacing about the device itself and the interest level from consumers.

Apple Inc. on Monday announced that it has upgraded the specifications of its upcoming combination phone, called iPhone, giving rival smart phone makers another reason to fret.

By Selena Maranjian

OK, so you've got $5,000 burning a hole in your pocket, and you're itching to do something with it. Here are some ideas.