Public alerts related to terrorist attacks, natural disasters and more will be broadcast over Live - New York officials confirm today according to GI.biz.

Microsoft's gaming platform will join television, radio and the internet as a platform for issuing alerts, according to the New York State Emergency Management Office.

The decision to use Live was taken with consideration for the demographic that uses it.

Apparently, the alert system is being tested now, and it is likely that the and PS3's services will also be used eventually.

Apparently, the Office of Homeland Security also uses online world Second Life to train some 700,000 staff. Well I never.

By Luke Guttridge