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Newsflash:

Xbox 360 and Windows Vista

What does the recent release of Windows Vista™ mean for gamers? Cross-platform play, for one thing. Seamless wireless integration with Xbox 360™, for another. Take a look at some of the new features of Vista that will revolutionize your gaming and digital entertainment lifestyle.

LIVE Anywhere
In 2007, Microsoft will bring the LIVE gaming and entertainment network to Windows users. What does that mean? Imagine a world where a single online identity worked on your PC and your Xbox 360. Where you can see your friends online, send them messages or invitations, and even play with them across Windows and Xbox 360. That’s what LIVE gaming is all about.

Shadowrun combines magic and weapons.

The LIVE gaming and entertainment network that’s been such a huge success on Xbox 360 will make its debut on Windows Vista with the introduction of two great games in 2007: Halo® 2 for Windows Vista and Shadowrun™.

Vista Gaming
The next generation in PC gaming showcases hyper-realistic visuals and incredible performance. With DirectX 10 included, Windows Vista will be able to run the latest, most graphically advanced games. You can even plug an Xbox 360 Controller into your PC and use it to play action games the way they were meant to be played.

With the new Games Explorer, install, find, and start your PC games with surprising ease. Learn more about a game by reviewing game data—including content rating—with just a click of the mouse. Here you can launch any installed game and find links to publisher websites where you can get the latest game updates.

Parental Controls
When you use the flexible Parental Controls in Windows Vista, you can rest easy knowing that your Windows Vista–based PC will play only age-appropriate games—and only for a duration that you've deemed suitable. Similar to the powerful Family Settings designed for Xbox 360, Windows Vista parental controls help you manage which games your children can play, which programs they can use, and which websites they can visit—and when.

Digital Entertainment
Create the ultimate music experience in your home using Windows Media Center in Windows Vista with your Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 has Media Center Extender technology built into it that enables you to access your music library through your home network, using the Media Center menu system.

Access your music library with Xbox 360.

With Xbox 360 connected to your TV and home stereo system, can kick back on your couch and press the Guide button to access all your digital music. Select My Music from the Media Center menu system and begin experiencing your music in a whole new way.

Smoothly scroll through your Music Library using your controller or remote and select the music that fits your mood based on the album art, artist list, or song title. Using your Xbox 360 as a Media Center Extender is the same experience as if you were sitting in front of your PC—except you can do it from any room in your home.

The media-sharing feature in Windows Media Player 11 makes it possible to stream your entire music collection to virtually anywhere in your home. Access the music on your PC from your Xbox 360 through your home network, and you'll be set to rock out in as many rooms in your house as your imagination and your network will allow.

Wireless Networking
With Windows Media Center included, now is the time to integrate your Xbox 360 into your home network. The Wireless Networking Adapter lets you connect seamlessly to your home network, so you can view photos, stream music, and lots more on your living room TV.

Windows Vista improves the wireless network experience for home PCs in a number of ways. The new Network Awareness feature keeps your programs optimized for the network's changing capabilities. Your data is also more secure—Windows Vista offers enhanced support for the latest wireless security protocols.