14 DAY TRIAL // The Xbox 360 is in for some real treats this month, as the Xbox Live will get a whole-new set of features. The firmware update, which, let's hope, will fare better than the PS3 ones, will integrate Twitter and Facebook and Music Marketplace that will enable Last.fm streaming. It will also bring a News tab with all sorts of updates, tips and gossip from Microsoft and NBC Universal's new mix, the MSNBC.com.
The other big thing is actually a lot bigger. The Xbox 360 will get a 1,080p high-def video feature through the Xbox Live Marketplace. Now, the real deal starts here. To better support this feature, Microsoft will introduce the Wireless N Networking Adapter, the device whose existence has been flying around only as a rumor since September. The new adapter will enable better online traffic in games, as well as in downloads.
The adapter will be priced at a tricky $99.99, in order to avoid the big 100 that might seem a little bit too much to some. It will use the higher-speed 802.11n wireless standard, which Microsoft promises to offer "increased speed, coverage, and reliability." The device will have two external antennas and the 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g outputs just like the single-antenna adapter, but it will also provide the above-mentioned 802.11n one. With the introduction of the new device, retailers have started dropping the price on the older one. GameStop has now the item listed for $69.99, while Amazon has it for $76.49.
One of the things the new device might be able to provide, with the better online functionality, is a better multiplayer experience for games, as the server lag might drop down a little. Of course, that problem might go away on its own if other game developers decide to choose the same path as Infinity Ward did with its Modern Warfare 2. The smaller servers will reduce latency, but will also kill the fun. Let's hope the new Xbox 360 adapter will encourage game developers to be brave with their multiplayer exploits.