It's still just a tech preview, but the public can start experiencing Microsoft's new Mesh computing services platform today free.

The platform is geared to developers to create all sorts of online services using Mesh components, such as the ability to easily synchronize folders across devices and PC desktops, and receive notifications when people use the files you're sharing.

But for casual users, it could be a cheap and easy way to store and access a set of files from the home, office and remote Web terminals.

Are video games no longer a young person's sport?

The average age of game players has risen to 35, according to a new report today from the Entertainment Software Association.

"No longer is there a stereotypical gamer. With deeper market penetration and the broadening of our audience base, video games have incorporated themselves into America's cultural and social fabric,'' Michael Gallagher, association chief executive, said in the release.

Apparently Microsoft wasn't ready to put its Xbox cash cow out to pasture -- a new version of the blockbuster Halo series is in the works, according to comments that Xbox boss Don Mattrick made to MTV.

Mattrick apparently was referring to a new Halo game being developed by Bungie, the studio that created the series and spun itself out of Microsoft last year.