— Xbox: Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) is adding Kirill, the web video drama series MSN UK commissioned from Endemol, to its Xbox Live video section, paidContent:UK has learned. Though MSN is running the series in three-minute episodes to drive up the installed base of its Silverlight Flash competitor, it will be cut as a 40-minute show for download via the games console. MSN expects the show to have hit a million downloads since it debuted at the start of November.
— AOL Nothing like a pretty lady to boost the traffic. The UK portal is letting its users vote for a people’s choice candidate to be fast-tracked to the final of next month’s Miss World contest in Johannesburg. Blatantly inspired by Am I Hot Or Not?, AOL (NYSE: TWX) is running a ratable photo gallery, where users can “get to know” the contestants. It’s build by Amuso, the web entertainment developer founded by Yahoo (NSDQ: YHOO) executive alumni.
— MusicBrainz The database of music information compiled by enthusiasts is getting closer to the BBC, with the broadcaster hiring MusicBrainz developer Jason Emmett full-time to work on its web music projects. The Beeb uses MusicBrainz to power artist data on its music pages, but it’s thought the whole MusicBrains project will benefit from Emmett’s addition. Via MusicBrainz.
— Premiere: Silvio Berlusconi’s Fininvest has bought a surprise 3.13 percent stake in Premiere, Germany’s leading pay-TV operator, in which News Corp (NYSE: NWS) has been busily trying to increase its own 25 percent controlling stake. The investment wasn’t made through Berlusconi’s Mediaset TV operator. Premiere shares surged after the deal. Via Bloomberg.