THERE is no definite date yet for the Philippine launch of the Xbox 360, Microsoft's next-generation gaming console, the company’s marketing director in the country told INQ7.net.

All efforts are now being poured into the February launch of Microsoft Vista worldwide, Microsoft Philippines marketing director Karrie Ilagan said.

Ilagan now oversees both the marketing programs of the enterprise and the consumer businesses of Microsoft Philippines.

The Microsoft executive stressed that the software company's local subsidiary is presently laying down the groundwork for its planned assault on the retail market.

She admitted that the local subsidiary has not given much attention to the retail market in the Philippines.

But starting this year, the subsidiary is beefing up its retail business with various programs including an "effective incentive program" for the local retailers, Ilagan said.

She disclosed that Microsoft will have its "little rack space" in retail shops in time for Christmas.

Ilagan also revealed that its home and entertainment division has been renamed the "entertainment device division." This will handle all products, including Vista, the Xbox 360, peripherals and Zune.

Microsoft has no plans of setting up retail shops similar to Apple stores found in the Philippines, she said.

Earlier this year, Microsoft Philippines managing director Antonio Javier said the software subsidiary was finally launching Xbox 360.