To boost its entertainment profile, Microsoft unveiled a slate of original online programming. The offerings include shows geared to young men, fans of celebrity coverage and even socially conscious audiences.

Microsoft believes the niche-tailored shows will prove attractive to advertisers. Buyers were also told the shows are only in concept mode, so they can still be adjusted to meet advertisers' needs.

Some may be distributed via the Xbox 360 console. Last month, Netflix reportedly surveyed subscribers to gauge their interest in streaming movies from the Xbox 360.

Microsoft also introduced fresh news programming ideas for MSNBC.com.

Rival Yahoo, which Microsoft is trying to woo with a heavy hand, has not yet set its sights on online programming. It is focusing instead on print content, having recently debuted Shine, a women's destination site, as well as news of AMP, an online ad platform for publishers.