27.4.07

Confirmed: Xbox 360 Elite Doesn't Use Super-Quiet BenQ Drives

If you remember back to our Xbox 360 DVD drive comparison, you'll remember that the order of quietness in the units went Toshiba-Samsung loudest (the launch drives), Hitachi-LG in the middle, and BenQ LiteOn-Philips quietest (all Xboxes manufactured after November '06). So which do you think the Xbox 360 Elite would have? If you guessed BenQ, you'd be wrong.

Unless our Elite was manufactured before Nov '06, it seems likely that Microsoft is still using Hitachi-LG drives in their Xbox 360s (both regular and Elite). We'll have to check when more Elite units make it into the general population.

Zoozen Makes Complete Ovo 360 Shell

If you thought the Xbox 360 Elite was good-looking, check out this complete body mod from Zoozen. It's only a prototype for now, but the Ovo mod replaces the entire shell of the Xbox with a spaced-out looking breadmaker-type case.

We're digging the blue lights and complete roundedness, so we're hoping Zoozen actually takes this into production sometime soon.

Xbox 360 Elite Premieres this Weekend

Microsoft sent an email today to remind us that this coming Sunday the Xbox 360 Elite will hit retail shelves in North America. From the console's spect sheet:

Shellacked in black with metallic detail, the ultimate console features a 120GB hard drive, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port, HDMI and component cables, Xbox LIVE® headset, and an Xbox 360 wireless controller. For a great estimated retail price of $479.99 (U.S.), Xbox 360 Elite offers extensive storage room for a library of Xbox LIVE Arcade games and thousands of songs, as well as downloadable high-definition TV shows and movies available on Xbox LIVE, the number one online distributor of high-definition television and feature film content.

For existing Xbox 360 owners looking for greater storage capacity, the 120GB hard drive will also be sold as a stand-alone accessory for a suggested retail price of $179.99 (U.S.). Coordinating Xbox 360 Elite accessories, such as the black Xbox 360 wireless controller, Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit and the Xbox 360 rechargeable battery, will be available separately as well.

Those who purchase Xbox 360 Elite will get:

Xbox 360 Elite console The console is equipped with a premium black finish and three powerful core processors capable of producing the best in HD entertainment (up to 1080p), 16:9 cinematic aspect ratio, anti-aliasing for smooth textures, full surround sound, HDMI output and DVD playback with upscaling capabilities right out of the box.

Xbox 360 120GB hard drive (black) The 120GB detachable hard drive allows gamers to save their games and store television shows, movies, music, pictures, trailers, levels, demos and other content available from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The hard drive is sold separately in the original Xbox 360 chill color for an estimated retail price of $179.99 (U.S.).

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller (black) This award-winning, high-performance wireless controller, now in black, features the Xbox® Guide Button for quick, in-game access to friends and music. It has a range of up to 30 feet and a battery life of 30 hours on two AA batteries. It is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $49.99 (U.S.).

Xbox 360 headset (black) Now available in black, the headset lets gamers strategize or trade taunts while playing games and send voice messages to friends on Xbox LIVE.

Xbox 360 HDMI cable New to Xbox 360, HDMI allows consumers to get HD video and multichannel surround sound, all from one cable.

Xbox LIVE Silver Membership With this, gamers can chat with friends online, collect Achievements and gamerscores, send and receive voice and text messages, and access Xbox LIVE Marketplace content such as game demos, HD movies and TV, as well as the best in downloadable games from Xbox LIVE Arcade.

One-month subscription to Xbox LIVE Gold An Xbox LIVE Gold Membership provides a complete online entertainment experience. Those who subscribe to this premium service can engage in competitive online multiplayer matches, chat with more than one person at a time, and take advantage of unique opportunities in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace and Xbox LIVE Arcade.

The following accessories for the Xbox 360 Elite console will only be sold separately:

Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit Complete with a charging cable and a black rechargeable battery pack, the Xbox 360 Play & Charge kit allows gamers to recharge their Xbox 360 Wireless Controller without interrupting their gameplay. it is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $19.99 (U.S.).

Xbox 360 rechargeable battery (black) The rechargeable battery pack provides more than 25 hours of gameplay per charge. It is sold separately for an estimated retail price of $11.99 (U.S.).

Madden 08 Theme Vince Young - Madden NFL 08 Cover Announcement

"Name: Vince Young - Madden NFL 08 Cover Announcement Theme
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Details: Celebrate the cover announcement for Madden NFL 08 - Vince Young of the Tennessee Titans! This special edition theme is only available for a limited time; download now and get ready for Madden NFL 08 - in stores August 14th. "

Medal of Honor: Airborne The First Step is Everything Trailer (720p)

"Name: The First Step is Everything Trailer (720p)
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox Live regions
Dash Details: Take to the skies in Medal of Honor Airborne, where you’ll drop into grueling ground attacks in a bid to turn the tide of WWII. Starting with your jump from a C-47 plane, every choice you make can seal your fate. In the air, control your parachute to select a landing spot that brings you the greatest strategic advantage. On the ground, every move you make—from your choice of landing spot to the enemies you engage on foot—will determine your success in the mission, and whether or not you are truly one of the Airborne elite. On August 28, 2007, the first step is everything."

Fully Tested:The XBOX-360 Elite's HDMI Video Is The Best!

When the Elite showed up earlier today, Brian Lam decided to cut to the chase and test the only thing that matters on it: the HDMI output. It's not a new console. Almost everything about the Xbox 360 in white stands true for the Elite: More within..



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X-Box Elite & 120GB HDD Migration How-To Video

To follow up on the Migration Q&A posted over at the Gamerscore blog, I grabbed Albert to show us how it actually works and explain some details regarding the transfer process. If you are an existing Xbox 360 owner and you want to purchase of of the new 120 GB HDD or an Xbox 360 Elite then this video is for you.



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Xbox 360 losses shrink, but so do shipments

Microsoft decreases their first quarter losses in the Entertainment and Devices Division. The secret? Ship less 360s.



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