Xbox 360 Connectivity

While Sony talks about computer entertainment, Microsoft is counting itself among the pioneers of digital lifestyle. You can connect it to pretty much any entertainment media device – yes, including iPod. XBox 360 can stream anything stored on devices ranging from digital cameras, MP3 players, and digital set-top boxes.

According to our source at Microsoft, you could be able to receive invitations to join a game on Xbox Live while watching a film. It goes without saying that a Microsoft Windows XP-based PC is fully compatible to exchange files, but Microsoft also mentions generic ‘Media Centre PC’.

Files ripped to the hard drive of your Xbox 360 can be shared online via Xbox Live – therefore completing the circle, the so-called revolution of Xbox 360.

Microsoft went back to the drawing board for the Xbox 360 controller. It’s nothing radical, just sensible. The two main things to know about are wireless connection, and the Guide Button placed dead centre. The Guide Button performs many functions – it switches the console on/off, accesses your Friends list, navigates media files, and drives interaction on the Xbox Live Marketplace. It’s possibly the best button ever, if such an award existed. Regarding wireless connectivity, you only need to wire the controller to the console to charge the battery. Up to four bi-directional wireless controllers can play at the same time.

While we’re on the subject of sensible button arrangements, those fiddly black and white buttons have been remoulded and shifted to shoulder positions. To further reduce weight and clutter, memory cards no longer slot into the controller, they go in the main console. Also, the headset for Xbox Live plugs directly into the bottom of the controller, instead of requiring an adaptor.

Next: Online With Xbox 360