First up on the docket, folks, is the continued bantering back and forth between the camps of Microsoft and Yahoo, which just might turn ugly. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer persists in taking his firm’s case directly to Yahoo shareholders, essentially insinuating that Yahoo’s options are terribly limited and that Microsoft’s buyout offer is the best thing coming their way.

Ballmer states that the Internet continues to "march on", while public equity markets and the general economy have stalled. "We believe that the majority of your shareholders share this assessment," he said in an open letter to Yahoo shareholders. Among the options on the table is what amounts to a coup, with Microsoft suggesting a new board of directors being formed within Yahoo would likely be the answer to its woes in taking over the firm.

No matter the delays, it seems quite possible that, in the end, Microsoft will succeed in taking over Yahoo, and that its interests will be merged with that of the former’s MSN internet hub. This would undoubtedly reform the face of Microsoft’s online presence, perhaps ushering in the brand upgrading that so many seem to deem necessary for the future of the corporation.

It should be noted that Yahoo has again rejected Microsoft’s offer of $44.6 billion, stating it would be selling short the company’s shareholders. However, there is credence to Microsoft’s claims that time is in fact on their side, as Yahoo’s stock has continued to slide since their rejection of the initial offer. There is no word yet on whether or not Microsoft will continue to pursue Yahoo with an offer greater than that of $44.6 billion.

On another, more gaming-related front for Microsoft, the current word on the street has it that the firm’s proposed $1 billion buyout of Epic Games will in fact take place this summer. Neither Microsoft nor Epic has officially come out and confirmed these reports, so until such time, this cannot be rightfully viewed as anything more than realistic conjecture. What is likely, however, beyond the acquisition of Epic, is some sort of major upgrade to both the Xbox brand and the development houses pertaining to it. This should not be used, however, to lend further credibility to rumors of a Microsoft handheld gaming console, as Microsoft Corporation continues to offer next to no comment whatsoever on the subject, and has done so for a number of years now.

In the mean time, please do stay tuned, as we will be quick to report any and all major Microsoft-related news stories as they emerge.