Looks like Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox 360 gaming console has some interesting networking-related features in it.

For starters, they’re offering another wireless network adapter--this time it’ll be 802.11a/b/g for maximum compatibility. And if you go this route, there’ll be one less power cord to mess with since it’s a powered connection to the console (which looks suspiciously like a USB plug).

Once you have it networked, what can it do? Lots of things. Of course you’ll be able to do the obvious--like get on Xbox Live and play games against friends and foes alike. The Xbox website also mentions that audio-only chat will be enabled across a Live connection and video chat is coming in 2006. After you’re networked, you’ll also be able to listen to music and view photos stored on a PC running Windows Media Connect. If you happen to have a Windows XP Media Center PC, you’ll be able to use your Xbox 360 as a Media Center Extender, allowing you to stream recorded and live TV to your Xbox--including HD TV (if your Media Center PC is capable enough).

I have to admit that I'm not a huge gamer, but I can't wait to get one of these things so I can share all of my photos in the comfort of my living room. Today, everyone has to gather around the computer screen, squinting to see any amount of detail. With an Xbox 360, we'll all sit on the couch and I'll be able to show the pictures on the much bigger screen of my TV, doing it all in (relatively) high-definition.

Are there any other great products that enable this today?