It's funny to think that, with how reliant we've become upon RSS, that we've nearly refined our information intake to the type of one-line indicators formerly associated with stock tickers. This FeedVision Mister Tipster puts a slightly finer point on the allusion, feeding you RSS via a four-line LCD screen attached to a 6' USB 2.0 cable. As simple as it sounds, the device is designed (for Windows XP users) to sit alongside your PC, displaying RSS headlines so you don't have to keep checking your feed page. Get in your choice of text colors--blue on gray, black on yellow, or yellow on black--right here.
via

In what seems to be an effort to close the performance gap between AMDs current 90 nm processors and Intel’s Core 2 CPUs, AMD is set to launch single core 65 nm processors in December according to roadmaps published on German site Planet 3D Now.

When launched in December the 65nm parts, codenamed Brisbane will be limited to the X2 5000+, 4800+, 4400+ and 4000+ which are all rated at 65 watt power envelope. The current Windsor processors like the FX-62 will remain AMDs fastest parts for the beginning of 2007.

The roadmap also shows AMD plans to release three new CPUs in November, the 5400+ at 2.8 GHz with 1MB L2 cache, 5600+ at 2.8 GHz with 2MB L2 cache and the 6000+ at 3.0 GHz and 2MB L2 cache. via

Whenever I use public restrooms, I always get annoyed when there is an electric hand dryer instead of paper towels. Why? Well, let's face it: hand dryers suck! They never completely dry your hands! And I'm not about to stand there and wait five minutes to get my hands to dry! If I'm not wearing pants that I care about, I'll just wipe my hands on them! But why should I have to do that?

And did you know that modern-day electric hand dryers use 60-year old technology and that the air in bathrooms contain harmful fecal germs and bactera? So that means when you power these hand dryers, these germs and bacteria are blowing onto your shoes, clothes and hands. Eeewwww! Gross!!

Fortunately, there's no reason to panic. Dyson, maker of those awesome vacuums, is coming to our rescue with its latest revolutionary product: the Dyson Airblade. The company claims that it's "more hygienic, more energy-efficient and more than twice as fast as any conventional electric washroom hand dryer currently in use." James Dyson says that existing hand dryers take up to 35 seconds to dry your hands, but most people don't wait. The Airblade takes only 10 seconds for your hands to completely dry, and doesn't use heat.

Want to be $1 million richer? Netflix is offering $1 million to the person who gives the best ideas on how to perfect the company's Cinematch movie-recommendation system, which predicts whether someone will enjoy a movie based on how much they liked or disliked other movies they rented.

According to Netflix.com, "We provide you with a lot of anonymous rating data, and a prediction accuracy bar that is 10% better than what Cinematch can do on the same training data set. If you develop a system that we judge most beats that bar on the qualifying test set we provide, you get serious money and the bragging rights. But (and you knew there would be a catch, right?) only if you share your method with us and describe to the world how you did it and why it works."

The contest is already running, and will continue through at least October 2, 2011. Yep, that's right--until 2011!! So it'll be awhile until you'll actually have a chance to win that million dollars.

But $1 million isn't all you could win. Netflix is also offering a $50,000 Progress Prize each year the contest runs. "It goes to the team whose system we judge shows the most improvement over the previous year’s best accuracy bar on the same qualifying test set. No improvement, no prize. And like the Grand Prize, to win you’ll need to share your method with us and describe it for the world."

Introducing the first mouse that puts the dumps in the truck. Designed for the man who likes 'em big and round, this model features a warm-to-the-touch casing and a handy scroll function (unh!) to double-up (unh, unh!) on sexy spreadsheets. And gamers will appreciate its powerful force-feedback technology, which gives players the tactile experience of grabbing onto a thick steering wheel at 10 and 2. via

Okay, we're impressed. Somebody actually came up with a USB gadget that isn't just a gimmick. These USB batteries work just like regular ones, except when they run out of power, you can just pop off the lid and recharge them via USB port. Nice! Now as long as you stay near a PC, you won't need any bulky chargers anymore. The NiMH (nickel-metal-hydride) batteries will charge up in about 5 hours from any powered USB connector. Right now they're available in just AA flavor at $25 for a two-pack, but the manufacturer, USBCELL of the U.K., has plans for a whole line of the phat batts, including AAA (with either a mini or folding USB plug), 9-volt, and even models for cell phones. Now if we could add that new technology for making batteries last 100 times longer than today's models, we'd be all set. via

Although the Delphi SkyFi3 Portable XM Satellite Radio hasn't officially been announced yet, Orbitcast found a retail product page offering the player for preorder. By this morning, the page had been taken down, but not before Orbitcast had posted photos of the unannounced player. Looks like good stuff. Mixing a plug-and-play receiver with an integrated XM tuner, the SkyFi3 offers up to 10 hours of XM radio on built-in memory, with 2GB of optional storage via its microSD card slot. The player also features 30 minutes of replay and supports MP3, WMA, WAV files, as well as XM+Napster downloads. A 2.8" screen with a horizontal or a vertical mount rounds out the package nicely. via

First unveiled at CeBIT this spring, the 10MP SCH-B600 cameraphone was officially announced today by Samsung. Achieving true duality, the device performs and looks like a camera on one side, and a telephone on the flip side. The camera comes equipped with a 2.2" 240x320 (16M colors) TFT LCD, 3x optical (5x digital) zoom, moving image capture at 30fps, as well as white balance and manual/auto focus modes. In addition to MP3-play, a couple of neat extras include a document (business card) reader and TV-out for viewing still and video files on a larger screen. The device also comes equipped with a mobile TV function that allows users to watch TV via satellite DMB (if you're in Asia). (No word on when this phone will make it out of the Korean market.) via

Dell just announced a new 20-inch LCD to pad out their lineup, and this one's priced to move. The new E207WFP eschews big brother 2007WFP's bells and whistles like a USB hub -- along with the composite and S-Video ports, as far as we can tell -- but still sports that 1,680 x 1,050 widescreen resolution, 20.1-inch viewing area and a DVI port with HDCP. The monitor even bests the 2007WFP with a 5ms response time, compared to the latter's 16ms, but the best news comes in the form of the spankin' $289 pricetag, which compares quite favorably to the 2007WFP's $529 MSRP, or even its $400-ish Froogle price. The E207WFP should be available "immediately" worldwide, and if you can do without the high-end frills, or one of those schmancy jumbo-sized 24 or 30-inchers, it doesn't seem you could go far wrong with this unit. via

If you missed the PS3 preorder earlier this week that EB/Gamestop had going on, here's your chance to get in on their Nintendo Wii preorder. It's now confirmed that EB and Gamestop locations nationwide will be preselling them when they open in the morning for a mere $50 down.

One per family (last name) appears to be the restriction, and from other stories we've read from the PS3 launch, they're pretty hardcore about it. See everyone in the morning...

Logitech has announced a new and improved Harmony remote control. With its cool silver and black finish, the Harmony 1000 boasts a 3.5" color touch-sensitive screen, Internet programmability, a variety of one-touch activity options, and rechargeable batteries.

Logitech has redesigned its online interface to automatically match to characteristics, discrete codes, and infrared commands of over 175,000 devices from more than 5,000 manufacturers contained in Logitech's online database. The Harmony can even function behind a closed door and will work with VCRs, digital video recorders, high-definition televisions, many household appliances, as well as multi-room entertainment systems.

"The Harmony 1000 remote delivers affordable luxury - it simplifies control of today's complicated home-entertainment systems at a fraction of the price of traditional custom-installed remotes, and it's luxurious in its sophisticated design, which adds an element of prestige to any living room," said Bryan McLeod, vice president of Logitech's remote control products.

The Harmony 1000 will be available in both the U.S. and Europe any day now for $499.99 from Logitech's site.

Did you get your Wii preordered this morning? At the EB store in Raleigh, NC, we had about 15 people camped out a few minutes after 8:00am for a 10:00am opening...we were #2 - #4. Similar reports are coming in from across the country, so I would imagine they will all be gone shortly if not already.

Apple released its 4GB (PRODUCT) RED iPod Nano today along with Bono, and is donating $10 of each $199 sale to fighting AIDS in Africa through the Global Fund.

In addition, The Fifth Avenue (NYC) Apple retail store has changed their iconic white logo to red to mark the occasion.

Steve Jobs, Apple's CEO said, "We're honored to work with Bono, (RED) and this team to contribute to an incredibly important initiative and help change the way people think about AIDS in Africa."

This was just too cool to pass up...a LS2 powered Solstice!

Hard to believe a big Corvette V8 can fit into a car no bigger than a Mazda Miata. The installation looks like a factory job as well and Mallett Cars, the creator of this monster, backs up their work with a 2 year 24,000 mile warranty.

How fast is this piece of automotive technology? Magazine tests shows the Mallett Solstice can hit 0-60MPH in 4.4 seconds and cover the quarter mile in 12.8 seconds at 113 MPH. It can also do 1.02G on the skidpad. While the performance numbers do look impressive, they can be a lot better. The test Solstice had very low stock transmission gearing. This is needed because a normal Solstice is a four banger. However, with a big V8 under the hood, such short gearing is not needed. It takes two shifts to get to 60MPH. A Corvette Z06 can hit 60MPH without shifting out of first. Mallet does offer a higher ratio gearing option to increase performance. I would take it.

EB Games has started Zune preorders according to their webpage. Microsoft's attempt at making an iPod killer is slated to be released on November 14th, just a few days before the launch of the PS3 and the Wii.

Features:

- Wireless Zune-to-Zune sharing.*
- Three color choices: black, white or brown.
- Large 3-inch color LCD screen.
- 30GB media player.
- Zune Pass to Zune Marketplace.
- Built-in FM tuner.
- Online music store.
- Import your music.

Although this is just starting to pop up on the web today, I know for a fact the preorders started Monday as the guy at EB tried to sell me a preorder on one when I put my money down on the Wii.

Rumors of Apple bringing a cellphone to the market are about as old as Stonehenge, but a juicy tidbit is starting to make the rounds. Think Secret sources indicate that Apple will bring not one, but two cellphones to the market in the next few months. This second, "new" phone will most likely be a smartphone, with a full keyboard and Wi-Fi capability. (The other cellphone is rumored to be a candybar with a 2.2-inch display and a 3-megapixel camera. Of course, it'll be compatible with iTunes.)

In all likelihood, come MacWorld in January, plenty of people will be looking for Apple to finally - officially - reveal the cellphone already. via

Okay, so we probably wouldn't recommend you list it at all (otherwise, how would you enjoy that 1080p goodness?), but one site went a little further in clarifying eBay's policies on the PS3 considering they have been cancelling the auctions left and right.

eBay Says: "I want to first clear up some confusion surrounding the Playstation 3 auctions, as per your questions via e-mail. There is no "90 day deal" between E-Bay and Sony. I understand that many game store employees were told this during meetings of some sort, but it is not entirely true. There is certainly a deal though, but it is not what you think. Sony asked us to cancel PS3 auctions for the sole protection of the consumer. I am sure you are aware of what happened last year with the Xbox 360 console. We didn't stop any auctions, even ones with reservations mind you, and what happened was a disaster. People bought what they thought was an Xbox 360, and instead received a picture of one.

Neither Sony nor E-Bay wanted this to happen this time around. Therefore we came to the agreement that our terms of service be altered in this case. We will be continuously pulling auctions down until launch."

eBay requires that you wait to list until the console is in-hand, and they require a picture of your PS3 unit with your eBay handle on the picture somewhere. Stringent, yes, but better to have that than have lots of n00bs lose $2500 to a scammer.

So I saw this on our VZW corporate site Monday afternoon (right side of the picture) and wasn't quite sure what it was going to turn out to be, but Engadget has cleared it up a bit.

We have all cringed a bit when our cellphone has dropped out of our pocket or out of our waist holster to hit the cold concrete below and leave our perfect device with scratches, dents, a cracked display, or just simply broken. Well Verizon Wireless customers can rest a little easier with the introduction of the latest device to their ever expanding lineup, the Casio G'zOne (aka the LG CanU 502). And it's not like this phone is all show and no go either, folks, This phone is military spec water and shock resistant, and hooks you up with a 2.0 megapixel camera with video, speakerphone, supports VZ Navigator, Get It Now, and Vcast Video. Roc a fella says the device will be priced as follows: $420 full retail, $350 one year, and $300 for a two year. A little pricey for the rugged, but look for this device to in retail channels on October 23rd. via

Okay, here's your ramblings for the day. Eating in the car, I had way too much time to let the mind roam at lunch. With the recent news about Apple's selfishness over anything having to do with 'pod', I can only wonder if Burger King's 'Frypod' would throw up a red flag at Apple.

Maybe the lawyers have already thought about it. Maybe Apple has given their blessing, who knows. Does Apple's domain over the word 'pod' only extend over the computer and digital music industries? It doesn't look so, as other non-related companies have been approached over the issue. Anyone that knows, feel free to comment. :)

For the future, if this comes up: Burger King, I owe you twice what everyone else pays for the rest of my life. And Apple, you owe me a new iPod for the rest of my life.

A description and partial list of the features of the upcoming iPhone have been released via NoHeat, and this thing looks like it's going to be incredible. It's a shame Verizon will probably never carry one...

The iPhone has been the subject of speculation for quite a while and I thought I would drop what I know. I will try to not drop enough information as to reveal my source.

The iPhone is a black device that is nearly featureless on the front except the dock and a couple of other buttons. On the bottom is what appears to be a standard dock. The most remarkable feature of the iPhone is the display which is I hear breathtaking as it emerges from behind what appears to be black plastic. The whole front with exception to a couple of millimeters along the edges of the iPhone are touch sensitive and that allows the customer to select from objects on the screen, such as the phone's keyboard. This feature was widely described for the nebulous full screen iPod and will instead be found in the iPhone. It was the patents that were acquired for the iPhone that started that speculation.

The iPhones PDA like capabilities have been leaked already, such as email (via WIFI), calc, ical support, and others so I won't go into those. Obviously the games featured for the existing iPods will be playable on the new iPod.

Some of the coolest features that was mentioned was the ability to have a hands free conversation over auto adapters with the new iPhone. Bundled with the new phone is software called iTalk that keeps your voice from being carried over and includes privacy, IM, and sync features. Other cool features are the ability to control other Apple devices not yet released with your iPhone like a super remote control. Somehow I pictured the remote from the movie "Click".

The most important question is when you will actually be able to get this device in your hand, this is where the bad news starts. Even though the iPhone has been in development for quite a while internally at Apple the manufacturing process of selecting partners to create the device has been a slow and painful process starting last March and it looks like manufacturing will need a while to spin up. The good news is we will see the iPhone very soon, very very soon indeed. Just doesn't mean you will be likely able to hold one in your hand before this Christmas season.

This product is the Zune killer that has been held back and will likely leapfrog over cell phones, PDAs, and MP3 and video players that are out there. I have heard that iPods will likely take on most of the non phone features of the iPhone including the new screen technology. via NoHeat

EB/Gamestop has announced that the HD-DVD drive for the XBox 360 will be available on 11/7 for $199, and it is currently in the preorder phase. Will this quell any demand for the PS3's? Probably not, but we'll get one and bring you a quick review anyways in early November.

* Contents: HD DVD Player, Universal Media Remote,
* Superior HD quality video and 7.1 digital surround sound
* Add High-definition video to your high-definition gaming
* Enjoy blockbuster HD DVD releases from major studios
* Enjoy new interactive on-screen content with iHD
* Connect to Xbox 360 system via USB 2.0 Cable
* Plays all of your current DVD video titles
* Vertical or Horizontal Orientation to fit your space

Here's the link to it: GameStop

Samsung is preparing to release a new Flash memory-assisted computer hard drive that boasts improved performance, reduced energy consumption, a faster boot time, and better reliability. The new hybrid hard drive will be released around the same time as the upcoming Windows Vista operating system and will be one of the first hardware designed specifically to benefit from it.

Apart from the reduction in Flash memory prices, hard drive manufacturers such as Samsung believe that we are about to undergo a major storage revolution in the next few years due to the upcoming release of Windows Vista. This new operating system from Microsoft will introduce three new performance-enhancing technologies: SuperFetch, ReadyBoost, and ReadyDrive. According to Microsoft, "SuperFetch understands which applications you use most, and preloads these applications into memory, so your system is more responsive". Windows ReadyBoost allows users to use a removable Flash memory device such as a USB thumb drive to improve system performance. ReadyBoost retrieves data stored on the Flash memory more quickly than data stored on the hard disk, decreasing the interval until the PC responds. Windows ReadyDrive enables Vista-based PCs equipped with an HHD to boot up faster, resume from hibernate in less time, preserve battery power, and improve hard disk reliability. via

CrunchGear has a hands-on review of the new Fossil Bluetooth watch that we've seen popping up lately. Good stuff!

"As a confirmed horological nut, I was fairly skeptical when I heard about the Fossil Bluetooth watch, the FX6001. This hefty beast is designed to work with Symbian Series 60 devices, mainly Sony Ericsson phones along with some Nokias. I tried it with a Nokia N91 with some degree of success."

"The first thing you'll notice about this $249 stainless steel watch is that it's very heavy. It's not overly large or thick, it's just a hunk of metal with a unobtrusive screen at 6 o'clock on the face. It has two buttons and a standard crown to set the time." Continue at CrunchGear...

Cingular has started a new website this morning, and the main picture under the Personal section is the one above. Looks like your run-of-the-mill marketing picture until you realize that the phone hasn't been launched yet. If I were to guess, I would say it was a Sony-Ericsson of some kind, however no one can find any information online as to what it is.

Of course, we could just be speculating for nothing and it could just be a picture they pulled from some image bank and that phone isn't coming out on Cingular. Anyone know what it is?

Apple has just updated their website with the new MacBook Pro's, giving us the Core 2 Duo's that we have been waiting for. You can now get the 15" and the 17" with a Core 2 Duo 2.33GHz processor, along with a 160GB hard drive on the 17".

"Combined with 4MB L2 cache and a myriad of other engineering leaps, the Intel Core 2 Duo boosts performance up to 39% higher than the previous MacBook Pro and over 7x higher than the fastest PowerBook G4. With this awesome power, it's a breeze to render complex 3D models, enjoy smooth playback of 1080p HD video, or host a four-way video conference."

Get yours at Apple's website.

Sprint has followed through with its recent promises and delivered the first Rev A EVDO network in the country today...in San Diego. That's good for all you San Diego-ians, but we can't wait until the end of the year when they are going to have 20 other markets lit up. The full list includes: Baltimore, Boston, Buffalo, N.Y., Denver, Detroit, Hartford, Conn., Kansas City, Mo., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, New York City, Newark/Trenton, N.J., Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence, R.I., Sacramento, Calif, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.

Also...
As Sprint continues to launch EV-DO Revision A service in markets across the country, it is also expanding its Revision A-capable device portfolio. In early November, Sprint will make its first mobile broadband USB modem available - the Sprint Mobile Broadband USB Modem by Novatel Wireless Ovation U720. This device plugs into the USB port of any compatible laptop and will allow customers to connect to the Sprint Power Vision Network and wirelessly access audio, video and data applications. The Novatel Wireless sells for a suggested retail price of $249.99 or is available for as low as $49.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement and mail-in-rebate.

All of you Cingular fans who have been waiting almost a year for HP's iPaq hw6900 PDA/phone/makes you breakfast device, the wait has almost ended. Cingular has announced that they will be launching the phone on October 31st.

The confirmed specs on the phone include: a 416MHz CPU, Windows Mobile 5.0 AKU2, Bluetooth with A2DP profile, 802.11g, a 1.3 megapixel camera, miniSD slot and 240 x 240 pixel screen. This thing isn't cheap though, priced at $359.99 with a 2 year contract.

In order to encourage people to view the N-series as portable media devices, Nokia is promoting the N93 by giving away a copy of Mission Impossible 3 on memory cards packaged with the device.

The release of the special sales package coincides with the launch of M:I:III on DVD; the bundle is only offered in certain European nations and the UK.

The miniSD card is only 512MB in size, but stores what must be a highly-compressed version of the entire film running at 25 frames per second. While viewing it on the 2.4-inch QVGA screen, you can rewind, fast forward, and pause. The film is also transferable to a PC, so that you can clear the card and use it for storage.

You can even watch the film while in flight, as the N93 features an offline mode so that it doesn't interfere with airplane navigation. via

We're surprised this hasn't happened earlier. A company has taken the 007 name and made a package of tech items branded "for your next mission". A laptop, camera, privacy filter and aluminum case. A little pricey at $3899, but a fun look nonetheless.

James Bond 007 TX Spy Gear bundle includes:

VAIO TX Ultra Portable PC (VGN-TXN17P7)
A must-have for double agents, the VAIO TX makes an impression while getting the job done. Weighing only 2.76 lbs with standard battery and measuring less than 1" thin, this ultra-portable, durable PC is designed for life on-the-go.

Cyber-shot Digital Camera (DSC-T50/JB)
Channel your inner spy as you capture spectacular photos - even in low light without a flash - with the ultra-compact Cyber-shot DSC-T50/JB. This slim and sexy camera features a 3" touch panel, 7.2 megapixels and 3x optical zoom.

Sony Display Privacy Filter (VGP-FL11)
Work on confidential documents in public without worrying about onlookers. This privacy screen makes on-screen data visible only to the persons in front of the PC.

Aluminum Attache Carrying Case
Originally home to a folding sniper rifle and ammo, the Sony version of the Bond attache case contains custom foam cutouts that provide a snug-fitting, secure home for your non-lethal precious cargo. The attache is constructed of black aluminum and features an embossed 007 Gun Logo.

Ultra-Portable and Durable
The luxuriously sleek and ultra-portable VAIO VGN-TXN17P7 notebook boasts an incredibly small and lightweight form-factor encased in super-durable carbon fiber. This best-in-class PC weighs only 2.84 lbs, is less than 1" thin, and features an incredible 5-11 hours of battery life.

Essential Mobile Wireless Companion
True mobility is as much about broad access, as it is a slim, lightweight design. The VAIO TX notebook takes access farther than ever before with integrated wireless Wide Area Network (WAN) technology. Access the Sprint Mobile Broadband high-speed service to extend your wireless coverage beyond LAN access networks and hotspots. The VGN-TXN17P7 gives you the freedom to go farther, do more and stay connected.

Brilliant Display
The VGN-TXN17P7 notebook features a generous 11.1" WXGA widescreen display with XBRITE LCD technology and white LED backlight for higher brightness levels than standard displays. The result is deeper blacks, brighter whites, true-to-life color and razor-sharp detail. Since this notebook comes with anti-reflective coating to minimize reflection, you can enjoy a beautifully clear image from almost any viewing angle.

DVD Creation
Create, edit and burn your own DVDs with high-quality tools like Click to DVD software and the advanced DVD+R Double Layer/DVD-RW drive.

SmartWi Technology
Sony's original SmartWi technology seamlessly integrates wireless WAN, wireless LAN, and Bluetooth technologies by allowing you to quickly and easily toggle between these advanced wireless connectivity options.

The new second-generation iPod Shuffle shown off recently has started shipping this week. Holding 1GB and selling at only $79, it's the cheapest way to get into the iPod family (other than eBay or finding one on the ground somewhere).

The new Shuffle weighs just a half an ounce and measures 1.62 x 1.07 x 0.41 inches. Get yours from Apple's website.

At long last, Sling Media has released their SlingPlayer for Mac's OS X. Although still in beta, it has the majority of the features available in the PC version, such as SlingStream, SlingRemote and others. Now if they would only come out with the Palm version rumored for the past few months...

The requirements aren't too stingy either (except that all of you pre-10.4 people are left out):
- PowerPC 600 MHz or Intel Core Duo 1 GHz
- Mac OS X 10.4 (10.3 support coming soon)
- 256MB RAM (1 GB recommended)
- 100MB Free Hard Disk Space
- 1024x768, thousands of colors display (millions of colors recommended)
- Ethernet Network Connectivity (wired, 802.11 a/b/g, or Powerline)

The much-rumored XBox 360 fall update has hit today, and included in it are goodies such as 1080p and the ability to stream WMV video files from your PC. Since I'm still out buying Halloween candy for the kids, this picture is from someone else's XBox.

From the MS website:
Expanded HD Display and Video Playback Options
- With 1080p resolution, gamers now have the ability to enjoy both game and video content in the best HD resolution currently available.
- Expanded video playback options increase the ways gamers can enjoy video content on Xbox 360. It is now possible to stream WMV video from a Windows PC running Windows Media Player 11 or Windows Media Connect.
- Gamers can now play video files from data CDs and DVDs, as well as from storage devices like USB 2.0 flash drives and Xbox 360 Memory Units.
- Xbox 360 will support 50hz HDTV display modes, providing viewers greater choice in how they watch DVD and HD DVD content.

Xbox Live Arcade Enhancements
- Keeping up to date on Xbox Live Arcade games is now even more convenient with the ability to automatically download newly released Xbox Live Arcade trial games. This eliminates the need to manually search for new downloads on Xbox Live Marketplace each time a new game trial is released.
- Fast Enumeration of Games. You'll see the games in your Xbox Live Arcade collection appear almost instantly. Get in and play right away.
- With so many games to choose from, Xbox Live Arcade added new sorting options such as "Recently Played" and "By Category." These enhancements make managing Xbox Live Arcade collections faster and easier than ever.
- A new expanded Friends Leaderboard within Xbox Live Arcade allows gamers to compare themselves directly against their friends and view leaderboard details of their top-10 friends.
- A new expanded Achievements View within Xbox Live Arcade lets gamers view their full Achievement details for their Arcade games including descriptions, icons, allotted Gamerscore and more, right from the Xbox Live Arcade dashboard interface.
- The "Play Now" launch feature has been streamlined. Selecting "Play Now" after downloading a game in Xbox Live Marketplace now bypasses Arcade and takes you directly to the game.
- Xbox Live Arcade now offers a "Tell a Friend" feature. Select this from the game info screen to send any friend on your friends list a message telling them about the Arcade game.

XNA Support
- Amateur game designers will be able to test and play the games they create using XNA Game Studio Express on their Xbox 360 systems when it launches later this year (separate download and subscription required).