Microsoft is looking to bolster sales of Windows-powered computers this summer by offering students a free Xbox 360 video game console with a qualifying PC purchase. Beginning on May 18th in Canada and on May 20th in the United States, students who purchase a PC for at least $599 CAD in Canada or $699 in the U.S. will receive a free 4GB Xbox 360. Purchases must be made from participating retailers including Best Buy, Dell.com, Fry’s Electronics, HPDirect.com, Microsoft Stores and NewEgg.com in the U.S., and Best Buy, Dell.ca, Future Shop, Staples and The Source in Canada. Microsoft did not indicate when the promotion ends.

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Microsoft’s Kinect motion and voice-based controller accessory was launched with gaming in mind, but researchers have taken the technology in a number of different directions. German researchers transformed the Kinect into an interactive augmented reality X-ray machine, and Microsoft Research is now in the process of trialing the use of its Kinect sensor as a surgical assistant.

Analysts repeatedly harp on how important China is for Apple’s iPhone. The Cupertino, California-based consumer electronics giant’s iPhone 4S launched in China earlier this year but despite reports of continuing negotiations, China Mobile — the world’s largest telecom carrier — still does not offer Apple’s iPhone to its massive subscriber base. But as Apple continues its efforts to make headway in the world’s largest smartphone market, an underdog has reportedly taken an early lead.