All right, Mark Budash. The seamless screen synching of everything here is pretty slick, and although it seems doubtful that a lot of people are going to do much internet reading on their television, the movie and music features seem a lot more attractive. Look guys—it suggests bands Mark might like based on the fact that he's listening to Maroon 5! (BARF) Oh, and then Mark said something about sports, but I had already zoned out. THANKS A LOT, MARK.

"Whether you are using a phone, PC, tablet or console that is running our software you have an experience that is distinctively Microsoft, elegant, intuitive and integrated," wrote Yusuf Mehdi, Chief Marketing Officer for Microsoft's Interactive Entertainment Division, on the Official Microsoft Blog. The idea is to center all of your entertainment around Xbox—the video game console that became such a success Microsoft bought it—making it the hub for all your devices. ("Your phone and tablet will become the best remote controls in your house"!) In a wise move, the app will be compatible with iOS. I've yet to mess with Xbox Music, but I'm gonna go ahead here and doubt that I'd like it as much as iTunes. Want to bet me? (I don't gamble.)

This fall, they'll be pricing the thing at $99 when you sign up for two years of Xbox Live. All in all, this seems like a pretty good move for Microsoft, and even though they're exhibiting their typical lag, it seems like they've made up for lost time. Plus, kids are always asking dad for an Xbox. Give them an Xbox!!! GIVE THEM AN XBOX!!!!! And now dad has an excuse to talk mom into it. "Family movie night, Barb!" (Barb is the hypothetical mom here.) The app drops along with the release of Windows 8,000,000, this Friday.