Instant streaming in 1080p? Microsoft did warn that its new Zune video marketplace might not allow for streaming for people with slower (slow-ish?) connections. This is my low-point in my three-part preview of the 360’s new dashboard.

The video marketplace on the Xbox 360 has been re-branded with the Microsoft Zune brand. I checked that out as part of my preview of the new features coming to the 360 for Xbox Live users next month.

My hope was to stream some 1080p video to my system with no delay. I didn’t have high hopes. I am reliant on Wi-Fi from a cable modem. But the modem is far away and I can seldom even get good Halo 3 match-making with my connection. So…

You’ll see why I used the headline above once you watch the video.

The Zune marketplace supports party viewing of movies, but I wasn’t able to test that.

Also not working for me during this preview were are few of the features scheduled to go live when this service launches next month: An MSNBC.com news feed, an offering of New Yorker and Dilbert cartoons and music-game-specific online stores.

Hey, this is a preview. It can’t all work perfectly yet. And my home Internet connection ain’t great. That’s why I’m moving this weekend (other reasons, too).

Check out part 1 of this November Xbox 360 Dashboard Update preview, which shows Facebook and Twitter on my 360.

It’s the triumphant return of the Xbox Live Preview Program, and everybody is invited! Invited to apply that is, but Major Nelson says they are searching for multiple thousands of participants to test out the latest Xbox Live features, and you’re just a brief application away from being considered. You can visit the Xbox Live Update Preview page right now to apply, but make sure you’ve got your Xbox 360 serial number handy, because they’re gonna ask for it. I told you to keep it on a card in your wallet, but did you listen?

Xbox LIVE Preview Program: Zune, Facebook and Twitter [Major Nelson]

For those not in the know, the 802.11n standard is a step up from the plebeian 802.11g. The other piece of news, this new product was said to be tied to the Zune video store update on Xbox Live. So if GameStop’s listing is correct, that’s now on the clock for early November, too.

The unit is $US99.99. As reported earlier, the original flavour 802.11g adaptor is due for a $US20 trim once its souped-up cousin hits.

Xbox 360 Wireless N Networking Adapter [GameStop, thanks TiKiMaN1]

The new adaptor, and its ability to stream 1080p video, is tied to Microsoft’s upcoming Zune video store update to Xbox Live later this year. Ars got no word on a specific release date for either, however.

Mole Spills Holiday 360 Bundle as Microsoft Begins $US50 Rebate [Ars Technica]

It’s called “Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition”, and can be glimpsed oh-so-briefly in that Zune gaming video we showed you the other day.

I love PGR, and was sad to see it go by the wayside when Bizarre Creations split for Activision. But a Zune game? Made by someone who is not Bizarre? It’s just not the same.

On a brighter note, the Zune HD will be getting a more appropriate game later this year, with Audiosurf Tilt, a Zune version of the classic PC rhythm title, being ported to a device that’s as perfect a fit as you could hope for.

One final game announced today was Vans Sk8: Pool Service, but we know nothing about it other than the fact it’ll involve skating, and perhaps the prospect of even more ridiculously misspelled words.

This adorable little bunny is Microsoft’s new wi-fi adaptor, currently doing the rounds at the FCC. It supports the more recent wireless standard—read up on it here if you’re scratching your head—so once it hits the market, you’ll be good to go.

Provided, that is, you don’t mind paying out your arse for a new version of the most over-priced accessory the video game industry has ever known.

Official Xbox 360 802.11n Wi-Fi adaptor Coming Soon [Gizmodo]

They’re part of the Zune’s “Xbox Series”. Which basically means you buy a Zune, then pick from one of ten designs (pictured below) that can be officially engraved on the back of your player.

Note: the one above is a mockup, since being in Australia the Zune store won’t even let me access actual pictures, let alone buy one.

Xbox Series [Zune]

This alleged promo video for Microsoft’s new music player, the Zune HD, shows that while Microsoft aren’t exactly making a big deal out of it, the thing can definitely play games of some sort.

You’ll see a glimpse of a racing game if you head to about 30 seconds in. And below, you’ll see that while games aren’t important enough to the device to warrant full-blown Xbox brand integration, they are important enough to get a mention on the Zune’s box art.

Zune HD Promo Video Offers Quick Peek at Hardware’s 3D Gaming Capabilities [Gizmodo]

The stores will be located at the Scottsdale Fashion Square and The Shops at Mission Viejo. The Fashion Square already has an Apple store.

“We really picked them because they’re hot markets,” Kim Stocks, a Microsoft spokeswoman told the Times. “Scottsdale is one of the fastest growing markets in the U.S. Mission Viejo is consistently rated one of the best places to live.”

Microsoft still hasn’t set a specific date or name for the stores.

Microsoft will open stores in Orange County and Scottsdale [Seattle Times]

In an interview with Kikizo, the Microsoft man opens up a little, saying “For us, it’s a matter of focusing on ‘when’, because if we chased after a mobile or handheld opportunity, we would not have the resources and ability to do things like… Project Natal. So we’ve chosen to focus on the living room experience from a hardware standpoint, if you will, but we’re building a service in Live that will… will extend to other platforms. No question about it.”

It’s an optimistic, if carefully-worded statement, which sounds to us like it could have a lot more to do with bringing Xbox Live to advanced models of Microsoft’s Zune portable media device than crafting a dedicated gaming handheld.

Exclusive: Portable Xbox Gaming a Matter of “When” [Kikizo]