Microsoft is currently testing a new wireless adaptor device that may have far-reaching benefits for your enjoyment of the Xbox 360.

The new unit is 802.11N compliant and features two (count ‘em) antennae. The net benefits of such things being speedier downloads and, we’re guessing, improved signal reception. On the downside, the new adaptor is singularly unattractive (hopefully the one pictured is just a prototype) and it still requires that users plug it in remotely via USB. No doubt it’ll cost a packet too – it’s £50 or so for the currently available, single-pronged unit.

But it’s all for the good of the Xbox 360. Perhaps even moreso when the 360’s new functions become available – we can foresee the new adaptor being especially useful for streaming movies in 1080p high-definition, as we’ll all be doing soon enough. Er, won’t we?

Then again it’s still a major frustration that Microsoft hasn’t done more to integrate wireless technology into the 360, having just missed a golden opportunity to do so with the relaunch of the Elite. The extra cost involved is annoying too. Ah well, maybe next time...