Microsoft announced at the Tokyo Game Show 2008 recently that the New Xbox Experience will launch on 19 November.

"Our industry is defining the future of entertainment," said John Schappert, corporate vice president of Interactive Entertainment Live, Software and Studios. "When the New Xbox Experience launches in just six weeks, we will be inviting the whole world to play."

These are a few of the features that will be launching or refined on the 19th November:

- All your games and movies live side by side with your personal pictures and music library, and it will all be ready to share with friends across the globe through the Xbox Live online entertainment network.

- Xbox Live Party. Xbox 360 allows you to create a virtual party on your TV with up to seven friends. With Live Party, voice chat while you play games, share photos in real-time and entertain friends all over the world.

- Personality plus. Create a customisable, animated avatar that serves as your game-face throughout the New Xbox Experience and represents your personality - whether you are a Live Party host or chatting with a friend. With custom avatars created by the more than 14 million members worldwide, Xbox Live will have as many avatars as Tokyo has residents.