Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday said it will release an adapter for its Xbox video game console that will allow a wireless connection to the Internet. The $139 Xbox Wireless Adapter, to be released on Oct. 5, will let users connect to wireless networks on either the 802.11b or newer, faster 802.11g standards. The announcement had been expected after the Federal Communications Commission posted documents on its Web site in late August detailing approval of the device and showing pictures. At the time, Microsoft said the documents were posted in error.
For a limited time, Microsoft said, it will offer a $40 rebate to people who buy both the adapter and the $69 Xbox Live Starter Kit, which offers a one-year subscription to the company"s online gaming service, a headset for voice communications and a copy of the game "MechAssault." The company unveiled four other wireless products on Tuesday, updating its line of home networking gear to the 802.11g standard. Microsoft is also releasing a $100 base station (more commonly known as a router), $80 adapters for laptops and desktop PCs, and a $170 kit with the base station and the laptop adapter. It will continue to sell last year"s lower-priced 802.11b models in the immediate future.