Microsoft have announced a new cross platform gaming service that will encompass it's Xbox 360 consoles, Windows Vista and mobile phones.

"It means that you have one online community," Bill Gates said in a news conference. "This platform can really unleash developers to do amazing new things."

"The vision here is each platform plays its own role. We really think we're in a unique position," Gates said. "Microsoft is probably the only company that can pull this off."

In a demonstration, an Xbox 360 gamer using Live Anywhere was able to send an invitation to a friend on a PC. After the PC user agreed, the two connected for a cross-platform online gun battle.

I can see lot's instances where this could be great news and others where it might not be so cool.