In February of 2003, planning for the Xenon software platform began, and was headed by Microsoft VP J Allard.
The end of OurColony came on May 12, 2005, with the release of a video where J Allard of Microsoft showed off the Xbox 360 console.
Microsoft's retail strategy involves two different configurations of the Xbox 360: the Xbox 360 SKU, frequently referred to as the Xbox 360 Premium Package and an Xbox 360 Core System SKU.
Xbox Live Gold has the same features as Silver, plus online game playing capabilities.
Dashboard version 2.0.4532.0 allows the Xbox 360 to output video at 1080p and installs support for Zune and the external HD DVD drive attachment.
The full list of backward-compatible games is maintained at Xbox.com.
The Xbox CPU also contains ROM storing Microsoft private encrypted keys, used to decrypt game data.
The Xbox 360 controller is significantly different from the original Xbox controllers, the Duke and the S models. The black and white buttons have been replaced by bumper buttons, which are on the shoulder of the controller, right before the triggers. It is noticeably smoother, has a white-gray theme, and is very small and ergonomically built.
