Microsoft announced the first nongame application for its Xbox video game console Monday and touted a handful of high-profile games intended to boost the system's cachet among hardcore players.

The unveiling of the Xbox Music Mixer was the most striking announcement at the company's press conference held in advance of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) trade show here. The $40 package, set to go on sale this fall, will include PC and Xbox software that will allow owners to transfer digital music and photos from their computer to the console's hard drive.

In related news, Microsoft announced that "Doom III," the highly anticipated shooting game expected to be released in a PC version possibly late this year, will come out for the Xbox. The software giant also showed previews of "Halo 2," the sequel to the million-selling shooter that helped drive initial Xbox sales.

Finally, there were new services for Xbox Live, the online gaming service for the console. These included Web-based services that will alert subscribers by cell phone, handheld computer and other devices when a buddy wants to play a game online.