June 2, 2009

Microsoft Xbox Live gets 1080p, 5.1 surround sound instant movies, Netflix rentals

Microsoft announced a flurry of new Xbox-related innovations yesterday at the opening of the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).

Many of the new additions are to Xbox Live including instant 1080p movies in 5.1 surround sound. Delivered to consoles hooked up to compatible HDTVs, the instant HD movie service also adds Netflix rentals and Live TV with BSkyB in the United Kingdom and Ireland. In addition, Microsoft added 10 new markets to its TV and movie service via Xbox Live including: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland.

Looking to make interactive gaming and TV watching more social, Microsoft also announced that Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm would be integrated into the Xbox Live experience, in effect creating a new social network. Users will be able to share status updates and screenshots from supported games including Tiger Woods PGA Tour. Last.fm integration will allow users to listen to music and even create personalized radio stations from a pool of millions of songs. Furthermore, Xbox Live Party for movies lets you share the 'living room' with friends from across the country. The new service lets friends share a virtual movie theater, complete with personalized avatars and voice chat.

One of the wildest announcements to emerge from E3 yesterday is that of Project Natal. Compatible with any Xbox 360, Project Natal is actually a sensor that combines an RGB camera, depth sensor, multi-array microphone and a custom processor to enable gameplay without a controller. Project Natal recognizes your face, tracks full body movements in 3D, and responds to commands, directions, and changes of emotion in your voice.

Read