Xbox 360 HD-DVD for Christmas 2006
Peripheral revealed
Yet more pre-E3 conference revelations now, with Microsoft confirming the existence of a HD-DVD peripheral for the Xbox 360 console, which will be landing in stores this Christmas. Whilst Microsoft showed pictures of the unit, which looks like a sleeker, smaller version of the 360 itself, it is unclear how the device will connect to the console still. The drive will come in white with a black disk drive.
Lines have been drawn in the sand in recent months as technology companies choose sides between the rival emerging formats which both look to usurp the current DVD standard. Blu-ray is backed by Sony and forms an integral part of the forthcoming PS3 system, whilst HD-DVD is backed by Microsoft and will be added to the 360 in the form of this attaching product.
Because of the larger storage capacities of the next-generation formats, these drives are regarded as crucial to the high definition 'revolution' widely predicted. Indeed, Microsoft have already begun pushing hi-def videos, releasing a short Gears of War movie via Xbox Live, which it is hoped will build interest ahead of the release.
Also bound for the Xbox 360 later this year are a headset, a camera and a wireless steering wheel, which Microsoft also showed-off in their press briefing.

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