Welcome to this morning’s edition of “First To Know,” a series in which we keep you in the know on what’s happening in the digital world. Today, we’re looking at three particularly interesting stories.

Microsoft to Offer a $99 Xbox Package With a Monthly Subscription Fee

Microsoft could launch a package containing a 4GB Xbox console and a Kinect sensor for $99 and a $15, two-year monthly subscription, The Verge reports. The subscription will provide users with access to the Xbox Live Gold service, and possibly some additional streaming content, sources say.

LG Optimus L7 Now Available in Europe and Asia

LG’s stylish Android 4.0 smartphone, the Optimus L7, is now available in major European and Asian markets. The device sports a 1GHz CPU, a 5-megapixel camera and has a 4.3-inch, 480 x 800 resolution screen.

Liquidmetal Inventor: Apple Will Use Our Alloy in a Breakthrough Product

Atakan Peker, one of the inventors of Liquidmetal, claims Apple will use the strong, durable and stylish metal alloy in a “breakthrough product.” It won’t happen very soon, though.

“I estimate that Apple will likely spend on the order of $300 million to $500 million — and three to five years — to mature the technology before it can used in large scale,” Dr. Peker told Business Insider.

Image courtesy of iStockphoto, mattjeacock

More About: features, first to know series, LG Optimus L7, Liquidmetal, mashable, microsoft, xbox

For more Business coverage:

• Follow Mashable Business on Twitter
• Become a Fan on Facebook
• Subscribe to the Business channel
• Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad