Do you know what is so special about the Xbox 360?

Here are a few of the cool features you can expect from it:

Ring of Light and Xbox Guide Button.

The ring of light is the power button and it is divided into four quadrants that can display a number of different colors depending on what is going on.

The Xbox 360 Guide button is prominently featured on the controller as well as the Xbox 360 remote. This will enable you to instantly access information on the individual who just challenged you on Xbox Live. Or you can even jump right to where you can find downloadable content for the game you are currently playing. The Xbox Guide button will also enable you to turn the Xbox 360 system on and off from the comfort of your sofa. That is one great idea that has long been overdue.

Xbox Live – There will be two types of Xbox Live for the Xbox 360.

The Silver version is free. It allows you to access the Xbox Live Marketplace as well as communicate with your peers using voice chat. However, you can’t play games online.

With the Xbox 360 console in Gold version of Xbox Live, you get all of the possible features. Most importantly, you can play games online. Your results and statistics will be stored so you can check them whenever you want. You will also be able to use video chat and video messaging.

Microsoft has announced all new Xbox 360 owners will get Gold Service feature for the 1st 30 days. Right after that, the pricing will be similar to Xbox Live on the current Xbox.

Xbox Live Marketplace.

Another great feature of Xbox 360. The marketplace is an area where you will be able to download game demos and trailers as well as new content for games such as new levels, characters, vehicles, weapons, and many others. Some things are free of charge but you will have to pay for some premium content.

Digital Entertainment.

The Xbox 360 makes it possible for you to rip your music to the hard drive to be used during games. It will also stream music off of any MP3 player that you plug in to the USB 2.0 ports. This is including Sony PSP.

You can also upload photographs to the hard drive and share them with your friends on Xbox Live. The Xbox 360 also features DVD movies. Unlike the original Xbox, the Xbox 360 can display them in progressive scan. It seems like DVD playback will be available out of the box and will not require the purchase of an extra remote or anything. Definitely an improvement.

Personalizing your console.

With the interchangeable faces of the system itself, you can change the color of your system whenever you want by simply snapping on a new face.

You don’t even have to buy new faces because you could basically paint the stock face yourself. It is guaranteed that Microsoft will roll out a line of limited edition and collectible faces to lure people in, though.

You will also have the ability to customize the look and feel of the Xbox Guide browser on the system. Suspiciously similar to changing themes in Windows on your computer. Customization is always a good thing and while these features do not really mean anything in the long run, they definitely provide a nice change every once in awhile.