Upgraded Xbox360 'Zephyr' confirmed by Microsoft as working prototype

[zekrahminator]

Last Friday, we reported that Microsoft had planned to release an upgraded Xbox360. Microsoft confirmed the rumors today, saying that all they're really doing is tinkering around with the original Xbox360. This means that while we may never see the version of the Xbox360 that was pictured in the Zephyr leak, we will probably see something much better when Microsoft has worked out the kinks.

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[newtekie1]

I am just hoping for HDMI and a built in HD-DVD(65nm die shrinks would be nice too).

 

[rh535]

i wonder if the price will be affected. Will it stay at $399 and $299?

 

[mysticjon]

i knew it was some sort of xbox 360 "mod" but if they are going to make a better verison of the 360 i will maybe look into it

 

[jocksteeluk]

i think this new xbox360 should trigger a price reduction for the existing core and premium models, if the core 360 gets reduced maybe nintendo will lower of the wii to counter act it.

 

[mysticjon]

i think this new xbox360 should trigger a price reduction for the existing core and premium models, if the core 360 gets reduced maybe nintendo will lower of the wii to counter act it.

yeah i agree

 

[Azn Tr14dZ]

I just hope that some things that they might improve, like a larger HD, will be sold to current Xbox 360 owners as well.

 

[WarEagleAU]

Agreed AZN. Also, HDMI would be a bonus and HD-DVD added on. Not too much more to tinker with to make it better, at least, that I can think of. OOOOOOOOOOHHHH! Built in WIFI. I think its dumb to pay 100 bucks for a wireless adapter.

 

[bretts31344]

Built in WIFI. I think its dumb to pay 100 bucks for a wireless adapter.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3592015&sourceid=12243470910438176217

Supposively that wireless adapter works with Xbox 360. It has been marked down to $40 for quite a while now, I just haven't pick it up yet.

Built in Wifi would still be best.

 

[kakazza]

Builtin Wifi is sometimes crap when not used in mobile devices like notebooks.
Cause when you plug in the device, it already starts emitting radiation like mad. I don't want to start a 'zomg radiation! enjoy your cancer lolololol' discussion here, just mentioning.

As I am not really into all this HDMI/TV bla bla bla stuff, can somebody explain why HDMI would be such an improvement? Except that it can transfer things at uh... 13.6 Gb/s I think. I think there was a discussion in the first Zephyr thread that HDMI is some "holy grail" which is not really needed but pushed by companys or so... dunno...

Somebody give me a brief brain dump please

 

[newtekie1]

HDMI is digital, so there is no interference to screw with the picture. In perfect conditions HDMI doesn't really help the image quality, however most home users don't have perfect conditions.

When using component cables with my DVD player I get shadows caused by my stereo's amp when watching loud movies. However, when switching to HDMI the shadows went away.

The signal clearity is why HDMI is better than the other analog methods used.

Plus it is nice to have one small cable doing digital video AND audio instead of 3 for video and another for audio. It really does simplify setup.

 

[Darksaber]

Well, Nintendo will be lowering the price of the Wii to around 200 USD as soon as the colored variants are released in March. I for one, want a 120GB HDD for my Xbox 360. I do not care about HDMI, as the VGA cable can deliver 1080p without any problems. As for the die shrink...I may just buy a new revision mainboard and slap it into my xbox 360 if there is a big difference in noise, but the noisiest part of the console is still the DVD drive.

cheers
DS

 

[Wile E]

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3592015&sourceid=12243470910438176217

Supposively that wireless adapter works with Xbox 360. It has been marked down to $40 for quite a while now, I just haven't pick it up yet.

Built in Wifi would still be best.

That adapter will work on 360. Gaming adapters hook to the ethernet port of the console. You have to set it to connect with your router with a computer first, then hook it to the console. Once it's set up, the console just thinks it's wired directly to your router/internet connection. The adapter is totally invisible the console. Any gaming adapter will work, from any company.