Xbox.com got a major facelift this morning

Most of Microsoft's attention these days is leveraged firmly at the launch of Windows Phone 7, but the Xbox 360 is still one of their
major and most successful products, and so it's good to hear courtesy of Major Nelson that
Xbox.com went through a "massive
facelift" this morning. Xbox.com was mostly just a portal for information about the Xbox 360. If you 're registered, you can sign into your Xbox Live account, buy Xbox Live Arcade titles, send messages, etc. What Microsoft wanted to bring to the table now is Windows Phone 7 integration to the site, as well as make the Xbox.com experience more like the dashboard.

Starting today, you'll be able to edit your avatar right through the Xbox.com interface. You'll also be able to play games on the site with your Xbox Live friends, whether you're using the web portal proper or a Windows Phone 7 handset: either way, you 'll rack up achievements and GamerScore. Other new features include a new messaging interface.

HTC announces five Windows Phone 7 devices, around the globe

HTC said that it was going to make Windows Phone 7 a major part of its device lineup… and they weren't kidding. The manufacturer has just announced five devices, in various
flavors, that will be available around the globe in the near future. As HTC writes:

- HTC 7 Surround

Whether it be gaming, movies or music, HTC 7 Surround is the ultimate multimedia device. With a unique slide-out speaker and integrated kickstand with integrated Dolby Mobile ™ and SRS
WOW HD™, the HTC 7 Surround delivers high-fidelity audio and virtual surround sound that enable people to share their favorite music and videos with their friends in style. No longer are they forced to use headphones for a great surround sound experience because the HTC 7 Surround speaker makes the listening experience natural and comfortable.

- HTC 7 Mozart

Crafted from a single piece of anodized aluminum, the HTC 7 Mozart feels great in the hand and takes HTC 's unibody design aesthetic to the next level.  The slim, solid and smart HTC 7 Mozart sounds as good as it looks and
integrates Dolby Mobile ™ and SRS WOW HD™ for high-fidelity, virtual surround sound.  With Microsoft Zune integration, people can synchronize the HTC 7 Mozart with their PC, enabling them to take their music and video library with them wherever they go.

- HTC 7 Trophy

HTC 7 Trophy harnesses the power of Xbox LIVE. Gamers will enjoy the speed and responsiveness of fast action gameplay supported by the phone 's high-performance 1GHz Snapdragon processor, and controlled through the vivid WVGA 3.8 ″ touchscreen.  High-fidelity, virtual surround sound – through SRS WOW HD™ – brings a rich audio experience whether the user is playing a game, watching a video or listening to their favorite music.

- HTC 7 Pro

The development of the HTC 7 Pro was inspired by power users who want to combine the ultimate in business efficiency with the ability to take full advantage of their leisure time. The sleek handset slides opens and tilts to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard for fast, comfortable typing, while productivity features such as the ability to sort, scan and manage Outlook email, open and edit the latest Office documents on the
phone and keep track of the markets with HTC's stocks application, offer new ways to maximize the business day.

- HTC HD7

HTC HD7 owners can enjoy their
favorite videos and movies in cinematic-style thanks to the large 4.3″ high-resolution screen, while its kickstand allows them to sit back and enjoy the action handsfree. For those who refuse to compromise on their mobile gaming experience, the HTC HD7 realizes the power of Xbox LIVE, bringing gameplay to life in a way that takes console gaming beyond the home.

Windows Phone Marketplace will have 2000 apps at launch of Windows Phone 7

Today is the official launch of Microsoft's latest mobile operating system, Windows Phone 7, and that means the rest of the day is liable to be chalk full of news, opinions and commentary about the software and hardware that will make up the backbone of a make-or-break effort on Microsoft 's part to regain any semblance of credibility in the mobile market. That's not to say there isn't still navel-gazing and rumor-mongering to do, though.

According to a tipster writing to Engadget, one good piece of news when it comes to Windows Phone 7 is that when it launches, there will already be 2,000 applications waiting to be bought and downloaded from the Windows Phone Marketplace. Okay, that's just a drop compared to the overflowing ocean of content provided by Apple's App Store, but given how important apps are to a smartphone's success these days, Microsoft at least is trying to make a strong showing out of the gate. Ultimately, though, what will matter isn't whether Microsoft launches with a small but respectable app library … it'll be whether or not developers continue to make new content for
the marketplace. Until Windows 7 Phone handsets actually start shipping, that will continue to be the big unknown … and no matter what Microsoft announces today, only time is going to tell.