Many changes are on the horizon for the Xbox.  One rather seemingly small issue, the sound, will also be getting an overhaul. Expect to see this update sometime in the fall.

The codec we used when we first launched was a low bit rate codec and we stuck with that.  We launched and we said we required broadband. We required a 64k connection, which not many people think of as broadband any longer. But that was the minimum requirement to run the service at the time.  It’s time for us to move on. Especially if we want to think about broadening – a crackly headset on the top of your head – not what people think of when they talk about popular entertainment."

- Jerry Johnson, Xbox Live Studio Head

I’ve had a mixed experience with sound on Xbox Live.  There are times where it is very crisp and times when you hear nothing but static.  The headsets themselves should also take a fair amount of blame.  Using the default headset can be a complete crapshoot. One minute it works fine, the next it completely dies.  Regardless, this is a welcome change.

[via Eurogamer]

Microsoft has recently filed a patent for a newly designed controller.  While it doesn’t appear to be a ground breaking new design like the recently released Xbox 360 “Slim”, it shows Microsoft’s dedication to pushing the boundaries on the life cycle of the 360.  This new dual mode controller will give the user the option to switch between a wired and wireless mode.  Not a significant change, but certainly an upgrade over the original controller.

It seems like the play and charge kit will soon become a relic as this more or less takes the need for having it on the market away.  It should be interesting to see if this new controller sports a radical new design or is made to be more lightweight.  Both of which would be a welcome new change to complement the sleek, new redesigned 360 consoles.  Hopefully Microsoft will release an official statement, accompanied by some screenshots of the new design soon.

A game controller operates in both a wired mode and a wireless mode, and is able to switch between these two modes without permanent disruption to an ongoing game. The game controller is configured to detect a condition that suggests switching from the wireless mode of operation to a wired mode of operation, convey the indication to a host game system, and transition from the wireless mode of operation to the wired mode of operation.

[via IGN]

It appears as if the new Xbox 360 Slim has helped surge Xbox 360 sales in unexpected ways.  The recent boost was initially assumed to be because of the redesigned Xbox 360.  However, the numbers show that these are mostly attributed to the discounted first generation 360’s.  Retail outlets have been marking down units in order to make room for the new hardware that is flooding the market and they have been flying off the shelves.

[The] Xbox 360 Slim introduction [was] underappreciated – could accelerate 360 sales more than Kinect. With all the talk and buzz around Kinect, Move and 3DS, we believe the announcement of the new Xbox 360 Slim may have gotten a bit lost in the shuffle. With a $50 price cut on existing 360 systems (Arcade at $150, Elite at $250), and the new Slim on store shelves next week, we believe 360 sales could accelerate meaningfully, much like the PS3 did last fall following its Slim introduction. Since the launch of the PS3 Slim, unit sales are up 71% YoY in the U.S.”

- Todd Greenwald, Signal Hill Analyst

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What started as a rumor circulating the gaming community has now been confirmed as a fact. Microsoft’s very popular 1 vs 100 Xbox LIVE-based gaming show will not be returning for a Season 3. Although no reason has been given for the cancellation, Microsoft Game Studios General Manager Dave McCarthy stated,

“We’re very proud of the ‘1 vs 100’ team and their accomplishments, and are excited to apply what we’ve learned to future programming.”

Uniting nearly 120,000 players in the same game, their experience with 1 vs 100 will open new opportunities for the MGS Team to explore, and hopefully create some exciting games. Hit the link below for the official Press Release.

[Via Xbox 360 Press]

Oh, Microsoft… Not only did you release a new slimmed-down console, but now you have this device called Kinect coming in November? Well, you sold us.

We had a chance to tour the booth, as well as play with their newest innovations. Read on for our thoughts and some photos, as well as a complete list of all the titles shown at their booth.

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It looks like the recent trend of Xbox getting first dibs on Call of Duty DLC will continue all the way through 2012.  Activision reached an agreement with Microsoft for exclusive timed releases.  With the success of the CoD:MW2 DLC map packs this was to be expected.  Look to see the first CoD: Black Ops DLC released through Xbox Live first.

[via Joystiq]

Officially set to release on November 4th, Kinect (or Project Natal for those unfamilar), will be making its long awaited debut.  While Microsoft shied away from revealing the price of Kinect at the E3 keynote, Gamestop went ahead and made the announcement for them (well sort of). 

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Normally when a company restricts access for developers, it is seen as a negative.  While Microsoft is taking this approach for their mobile gaming platform on the new Windows Phone 7, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

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Microsoft is planning its first showing for Project Natal.  LA’s Galen Center will be hosting the World Premiere on Sunday, June 13.  The following day, the Wiltern Theater will be the site of Microsoft’s annual E3 media session, where some new details should hopefully emerge.

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The Microsoft Store is having a large sale on select titles.  You can save 40% on several games, most of which are old or fairly recent.  There are also several titles for $20 including Fable II, Mass Effect, Halo Wars, as well as dozens of others. If you’ve been waiting to buy any of these, now’s the chance to jump on top of a good deal, as well as support Xbox 360 Digest.

Microsoft Store Sale