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Microsoft execs get avatarized, sans Windows chief

With Kinect's launch around the corner, Microsoft has given its executives an avatar makeover--all but the president of the company's Windows and Windows Live efforts.

Josh Lowensohn Former Senior Writer
Josh Lowensohn joined CNET in 2006 and now covers Apple. Before that, Josh wrote about everything from new Web start-ups, to remote-controlled robots that watch your house. Prior to joining CNET, Josh covered breaking video game news, as well as reviewing game software. His current console favorite is the Xbox 360.
Josh Lowensohn
Microsoft's Steve Ballmer
Microsoft

Since Microsoft launched the idea of avatars with its "New Xbox Experience" system software update this time two years ago, the company's executives and employees have regularly been presented in avatar form at the company's gaming events. But that's about as far as it's gone--short of today.

In honor of the launch of Microsoft's Kinect motion-gaming camera later this week, the vast majority of Microsoft senior executives now appear as Xbox avatars on the company's press page.

One big omission is Windows and Windows Live division president Steven Sinofsky, whose mug has been replaced merely with a standard Windows icon. Maybe he's just keeping allegiance to Microsoft's Games for Windows initiative, but it's noticeably out of place compared to the others.

Microsoft's Kinect comes to North America store shelves this Thursday, with Europe, Australia, and Japan to follow later in the month. In preparation of the release, Microsoft put out its Fall Xbox dashboard update earlier this morning, which brings with it support for Kinect and its voice and gesture navigation controls.


All of Microsoft's senior executives, sans Windows and Windows Live president Steven Sinofsky get the Xbox avatar treatment to promote the company's upcoming Kinect gaming accessory. Click to enlarge.
All of Microsoft's senior executives, with exception of Windows and Windows Live president Steven Sinofsky, get the Xbox avatar treatment to promote the company's upcoming Kinect gaming accessory. Click to enlarge. Josh Lowensohn/CNET