Xbox 360 Specs Pics & Details Announced

Wednesday, May 12, 2005 marked the day the details of the Xbox 360 were announced in a carefully promoted MTV 1/2 hour special hosted by Elijah Wood - possibly the world's most popular hobbit-gamer. While the 2005 release date for the Xbox 360 is set for around Christmas, everyone can whe their lips and gaze upon the specifications for the new game console.

Aside from the next generation HD-enabled game console, Microsoft is positioning the Xbox 360 to be a progressive scan DVD player, FM/Internet radio, HTPC with music/DVR/photo support, videoconference/chat system, and file sharing tool. This appears to be everything that Microsoft has been shooting for in terms of getting the PC into the living room.

Key Highlights of the System Include

• Hardware, software, and services: Xbox 360 represents a dramatic leap forward in high-definition gaming and entertainment experiences. Fusing powerful hardware, software, and services, Xbox 360 fully engages you in a gaming experience that is more expansive, dramatic, and lifelike, where the possibilities are limitless and your imagination knows no boundaries. The next generation is here.
  
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• Industrial design: A merger of form and function, Xbox 360 wraps powerful technology in a sophisticated exterior. Two of the most innovative design firms in the world-San Francisco-based Astro Studios and Osaka, Japan-based Hers Experimental Design Laboratory Inc.-came together to craft a sleek, stylish system that conveys the very essence of Xbox 360.
  
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• Xbox Gamer Guide: The Xbox Gamer Guide is an entertainment gateway that instantly connects you to your games, friends, music, movies, and downloadable content. Available at a touch of the Xbox Guide Button, the Xbox Gamer Guide gives you instant access to the experiences and content you want, from the gamer card of the player that just invited you to play online to new downloadable content for the game currently running.
  
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• Personalized interface: Xbox 360 lets you create your own unique system and experience. With interchangeable Xbox 360 Faces, it's easy and fun to change the appearance of your console. Switch on your system and customize the look and feel of the Xbox Gamer Guide and Xbox System Guide with unique "skins." From sleek and sophisticated to fun and funky, pick the Faces and skins that show your personality.
  
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• Ring of Light and Xbox Guide Button: Divided into four quadrants, the glowing Ring of Light and Xbox® Guide Button visually connect you to your games, digital media, and the world of Xbox Live ™, the first global, unified online console games service. Featured on both the wireless and wired controllers, the Xbox Guide Button puts you in control of your experience. In addition to bringing up the Xbox Gamer Guide and the Xbox System Guide, the Xbox Guide Button lets you turn the system on and off without ever leaving the couch.
  
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• Xbox Live : Xbox Live is where games and entertainment come alive, the only unified place where you can play with anyone, anytime, anywhere. And the best just got better. Connect your Xbox 360 to your broadband connection and get instant access to Xbox Live Silver. Express your digital identity through your Gamertag and gamer card, talk with others using voice chat, and access Xbox Live Marketplace-all right out of the box, at no extra cost. Upgrade to Xbox Live Gold and enter the exciting world of multiplayer online gaming. With intelligent matchmaking, access to all your achievements and statistics, video chat and video messaging, and an enormous selection of games, Xbox Live Gold delivers your competition, on your terms.
  
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• Xbox Live Marketplace: Keep your favorite games fresh with instant access to new content. Xbox Live Marketplace is a one-stop shop to download new game trailers, demos, and episodic content, plus new game levels, maps, weapons, vehicles, skins, and more. Accessible to everyone who establishes a broadband connection with their Xbox 360, Xbox Live Marketplace lets you personalize and extend your experience, on demand.
  
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• Games: Xbox 360 redefines what games look like, sound like, feel like, and play like to engage you like never before. With Xbox 360, epic worlds are alive with detail, from thunderous skies rumbling over a mountain range to tiny blades of grass rustling together in the breeze. Vibrant characters display depth of emotion to evoke more dramatic responses, immersing you in the experience like never before. You'll see all Xbox 360 titles at 720p resolution in 16:9 widescreen, with anti-aliasing for smooth, movie-like graphics and multi-channel surround sound.
  
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• Digital entertainment: Amplify your music, photos, video, and TV. Watch progressive-scan DVD movies right out of the box. Rip music to the Xbox 360 hard drive and share your latest digital pictures with friends. Make the connection, and Xbox 360 instantly streams the digital media stored on your MP3 player, digital camera, Media Center PC, or any Microsoft® Windows® XP-based PC.

Xbox 360 Controllers & Peripherals
Developed by the creators of the Xbox video game system, Microsoft Corporation's new line of Xbox 360 system peripherals extend your digital entertainment experience on Xbox 360.

Faces
Unlike any console before, Xbox 360 puts gamers at the center and gives you the freedom to personalize your gaming experience however you see fit. Xbox 360 Faces make it easy and fun to change the face of your console. Users can change Faces whenever to match their personality, mood, or wild side. Here's how it works:

• Interchangeable faceplates allow you to express yourself and create a one-of-a-kind system.
• Find cool, customizable, cutting-edge designs that are fun to change.
• Faces are highly versatile, with multiple designs to choose from.
• Faces are designed for easy switching.
• Maintain full functionality of your system, regardless of which Face you choose.
• Pick up copies of the collectable limited-edition Faces.

Memory Unit
Further enhancing the gaming experience, Xbox 360 Memory Units allow you to save your in-game achievements and unique gamer profiles. The Memory Units are easily portable and enable quick and easy access to previously established benchmarks, putting you in control of your games and your lifestyle. You can save your games, your Xbox Live™ profile, and more with Xbox 360 Memory Units.

• Transport your Memory Unit in the portable carrying case that fits on your keychain.
• The Memory Unit (64 MB) requires no setup. Just plug it in, and you can save your favorite games.
• Xbox 360 holds up to two Memory Units, so you can easily upgrade to more storage space.

Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote
The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote was engineered to serve as your integrated control center for the entire Xbox 360 experience. Enter a new world of digital entertainment with the touch of a single button. Play DVD movies and music, plus control your TV and your Media Center PC with one controller. The centralized, glowing Xbox Guide Button gives you quick access to your digital movies, music, and games library, and backlit buttons make the keypad easy to see in a darkened home theater. So kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

• Power your Xbox 360 system on or off without leaving the couch.
• The Xbox Guide Button allows for easy navigation of the Xbox Gamer Guide.
• The Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote includes control buttons for your music, pictures, and more.
• The Xbox 360 supports progressive-scan for DVD playback functionality, including a control for opening and closing the tray.
• The remote supports universal TV and console functionality, including volume and mute buttons and up-and-down channel changing.
• Windows® XP Media Center Edition Button and Media Center Edition functionality are featured.
• A, B, X, and Y buttons are included for basic control of your Xbox 360 system, even without a controller.
• Numbered and backlight keypad gives you full functionality, even in the dark.

Peripherals Designed Specifically for Xbox Live

Xbox Live Camera
The Xbox Live Camera for Xbox 360 opens up a new world of gaming and entertainment on Xbox Live , the world's premier online video games service. With the Xbox Live Camera, video chat and video messaging with your friends becomes more than just a feature set; it is an integrated part of the Xbox Live experience. Connect and communicate while playing the same or different games, watching movies, listening to music, and more.

The Xbox Live Camera also takes personalization to a whole new level and allows you to customize your gaming experience by putting your face on characters in your games, all while being able to video chat with your friends as you play online. And with next-generation online motion-detection-enabled games, the Xbox Live Camera puts you entirely in the game and in control of the on-screen characters over Xbox Live .

• High-end online camera supports up to VGA 640x480 video at 30 frames per second and takes 1.3-megapixel still photos.
• The camera includes a microphone that connects to the controller, so everyone in the room can chat online with their friends.
• The camera supports built-in video chat and video messaging on Xbox Live .
• Your face can be imported into games and can also be placed next to your name on leader boards for even more recognition or fame.
• Chat with your friends while you play online in Xbox 360 games as well as in the Xbox Live Arcade.

Xbox 360 Headset
The Xbox 360 Headset heightens the experience of the unprecedented online gaming community, Xbox Live , allowing you to strategize with teammates, trash-talk opponents or just chat with friends while playing your favorite games. You can record and leave short voice messages for friends or family through the free Xbox Live Message Service or connect with buddies online using the headset in place of the phone. Turn it up or turn it down, and experience the most intense gaming experience possible.

• Boom microphone can be adjusted for optimal sound quality.
• In-line volume control and mute switch let users adjust the headset volume or switch mute on and off easily.
• Noise-canceling microphone improves game response to voice commands, and provides crisp and clear voice communication.
• Lightweight, over-the-head design enables comfortable use.
• The headset plugs directly into either the Xbox 360 Controller or Xbox Wireless Controller for easy use.

Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter
Designed for versatility and ease, the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter enhances your Xbox 360 experience in the digital home, seamlessly synchronizing with the Xbox 360 system. You can easily transfer videos and music to your Xbox 360 system from your Media Center PC, chat with your friends, play games via Xbox Live , and more-all without the clutter of wires.

• The Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter is highly versatile and supports 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a.
• The Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter is powered seamlessly by your Xbox 360 gaming console, so there's no external power adapter to plug in.
• You can transfer high-definition video and CD-quality music from your Media Center PC to your Xbox 360 via 802.11a wireless media support.

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller
High-performance wireless gaming is here! Using optimized technology, the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller lets you enjoy a 30-foot range and up to 40 hours of life on two AA batteries-and when they run low, you're given ample warning so you can connect a Play & Charge cable for uninterrupted play. Plug the Xbox 360 Headset into the controller for full duplex voice communication: a wireless first. With quick access to Xbox 360 features including DVDs, music, pictures, and more, along with the ability to support four wireless controllers simultaneously, gamers can experience wireless freedom, precision, high quality, and performance for endless gameplay.

• It's cordless-no cables to plug in-with a 30-foot wireless range.
• The controller features integrated 2.4GHz high-performance wireless technology.
• New and improved ergonomic design enables maximum comfort and endless gameplay.
• New left and right shoulder buttons are designed for ease of use.
• Six analog buttons have 256 levels of sensitivity.
• Two analog pressure-point triggers, two vibration feedback motors, and one eight-way directional pad are included.
• Experience an unprecedented level of Rumble Control. Set the Rumble Control to Full, Medium, Low, or Off to match your personal preference.
• The Xbox Guide Button at the center of the controller gives you quick access to all your favorite Xbox 360 system activities, such as watching movies, listening to music, contacting friends on Xbox Live , and customizing your gaming experiences. Easily jump to the Xbox Gamer Guide or Xbox Live Marketplace.

Xbox 360 Controller
Based on the acclaimed design of the Xbox Controller S, the Xbox 360 Controller features an extended nine-foot cable and an improved ergonomic design. The centralized, glowing Xbox Guide Button grants you quick access to your digital movie, music, and games libraries. The ultimate in gamer flexibility, precision, control, quality, and comfort are all yours.

• New and improved ergonomic design enables maximum comfort and endless gameplay.
• New left and right shoulder buttons are designed for ease of use.
• Six analog buttons have 256 levels of sensitivity.
• Two analog pressure-point triggers, two vibration feedback motors, and one eight-way directional pad are included.
• The controller includes a nine-foot (nearly three-meter) break-away controller cable.
• Experience an unprecedented level of Rumble Control. Set the Rumble Control to Full, Medium, Low, or Off to match your personal preference.
• A port for your Xbox 360 Headset is included.
• The Xbox Guide Button at the center of the controller gives you quick access to all your favorite Xbox 360 system activities, such as watching movies, listening to music, contacting friends on Xbox Live , and customizing your gaming experiences. Easily jump to the Xbox Gamer Guide or Xbox Live Marketplace.

This console looks incredible and the specs are insanely cool. Beating Playstation to market isn't a bad idea either, though Sony has some pretty incredible processing concepts up its sleeve. We can't wait to get our hands on one and are looking forward to putting the Xbox 360 through its paces.

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