Microsoft launches Live Alerts

It's always the way - unless you're the sort of determined soul who's permanently hooked up to the interweb then you're unlikely to be online at the same time as your Xbox Live buddies and end up missing out on yet another Gotham or Rallisport session. Worse still, you might end up not hearing about the downloadable extras or the Tournaments available until everyone's past caring. But no more.

Help is at hand thanks to a simple but effective new service launched yesterday from Microsoft called 'Live Alerts' which keeps users up to date with all things Live on their PC, including news of new content, competitions, and even allows you to see which of your friends are online as well as receive invites to play.

Sign up info to this handy new service is available here. You never know, you might even be able to tempt EG-ers into a quick round of Top Spin...