Microsoft Xbox Music Mixer Brings Karaoke to the Living Room

No longer limited to arias in the shower or Jimi Hendrix air guitar in the car, Americans can now move their performances into the living room. With the recent launch of Microsoft® Xbox® Music Mixer, the new add-on feature that turns the Xbox console into the ultimate party machine, Microsoft Corp. allows "American Idol" wannabes to test their vocal talents in front of trusted friends or family members before they face the Simon Cowells of the world. With the resurgence in popularity of karaoke nationwide, Xbox Music Mixer makes the perfect gift for the holidays.

Next-Generation Jackson 5

A recent survey* conducted by independent research firm StrategyOne reveals that roughly one in five American adults sings karaoke at least once a year. The same survey indicates that more and more Americans let loose by singing tunes with their family members and friends. The survey also shows that 49 percent of American adults usually sing with their families and that having fun with friends is the No. 1 reason to sing karaoke: Sixty-two percent of American adults sing karaoke to make their friends laugh.

Variety Is the Spice of Life -- Especially for Men

One out of five men responded that they would sing more karaoke if they had a wider selection of songs. With Xbox Music Mixer, the song selection is limitless. Songbirds can showcase their vocal talents, or lack thereof, by singing along to 15 of the most-requested karaoke songs, ranging from "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor to "Love Shack" by the B-52's. In addition, if users want to perform freestyle and take it to the next level, Xbox Music Mixer's digital lyric-stripping technology allows them to remove the vocals from any of their favorite CDs and PC audio files, making nearly any karaoke request possible. And, finally, through Microsoft's alliance with Eatsleepmusic Corporation, users can choose from more than 20,000 song titles from artists such as Nelly, Faith Hill, The Beatles and Good Charlotte by visiting https://www.xboxkaraoke.com/ and downloading their favorite tunes.

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