Xbox Live to go offline for upgrade

Microsoft announced Friday that , the online gaming service for its video game console, will be offline for about 24 hours starting at 6 a.m. PDT Wednesday, to allow the company to upgrade services. New services include integration between Xbox Live and MSN Messenger, the instant messaging component of Microsoft's MSN Internet service, and online storage of customized game content.

Microsoft has signed up about 750,000 subscribers to date for Xbox Live, which has become a cornerstone of the company's strategy to distinguish the Xbox from market leader Sony's PlayStation 2.