Microsoft’s newest console Xbox 360 was finally unveiled on an MTV’s special event and is expected to be out late 2005. The Xbox 360 with unlimited potential can perform as a high-powered entertainment and media center along plus a gaming platform. In this preview we’ll explore brief specification and essential info:
Specification:
• IMB PowerPC based CPU with three cores at 3.2 GHz each.• ATI graphics processor.
• Detachable, upgradeable 20 GB hard drives. • Three USB 2.0 ports.• Built-in Ethernet port.• Built-in 802.11a, b, and g Wi-Fi.• All games support 16:9 widescreen, 720p and 1080i resolution (and standard definition output).• Support 48 KHz 16-bit audio, 32-bit processing and over 256 audio channels.
• The 360 plays progressive-scan DVDs, CDs, MP3s, VMA files and more • Customizable faceplates for the ‘box and “skins” for the interface screen • Rip CDs directly to the hard drive to build custom soundtracks • ability to Connect to your PC (360 will streams the digital media from your desktop) and share pictures, audio, whatever with your friends• Plug in the 360 camera peripheral for real-time video chat.
•Xbox Live support.
In addition, Microsoft’s next generation console is supported by multiple game-makers signed-on to produce games for Xbox 360.
The list of game publishers include: EA, Activision, THQ, Majesco, Tecmo, Sega, Capcom, Codemasters, Midway, Namco, Rockstar Games, Eidos, BioWare, Bizarre Creations, Bungie Studios and others.
Price wise, The Xbox 360 is estimated around 360-380 dollars although it is expected to cost more in Saudi Arabia from previous experience with Xbox, Playstation 1 and 2.
To finish off, The Xbox 360 turns up to be a treat to hardcore gamers even though it doesn’t support the HD-DVD or the Blue-ray disk format likely to be opted by Sony. Analysts estimate 3 million Xbox 360s to ship by December. I would hang around until Sony unveils Playstation 3 as they have a tendency to surprise the world. Sony’s Playstation 3 is a joint project with, Toshiba, IBM and NVIDIA.
