The game console wars wage on. However, one company is about to get a little louder than the others -- and in a good way. Microsoft and Polk Audio just announced a partnership that will make Polk the preferred audio solution for the Xbox family.
What does that means for Xbox gamers everywhere? Oh, so many good things -- or at least one good thing, to start. Soon we shall see Polk's new SurroundBar 5000 licensed for Xbox-related programs and products, with more announcements expected to follow.
The SurroundBar 5000 Instant Home Theater, includes a 31-by-2.25-inch soundbar and a 6.5-inch, 120-watt wireless subwoofer. Besides being a nice little partner for the Xbox, the device also includes Blueooth support, so users can stream audio from a compatible smartphone or tablet right to the speaker setup.
Other features on the SurroundBar 5000 include on-board Dolby Digital processing, total system power of 280 watts, and built-in keyhole slots for easy wall-mounting.
According to the joint announcement, the Xbox 360 has sold nearly 70 million consoles worldwide. A recent Strategy Analytics study also reported that 65 percent of US-based Xbox users under the age of 25 consider the console to be a preferred method of online TV and movie streaming.
"The Xbox 360 offers an immersive experience with a host of streaming services like Netflix, HBO GO, and MLB.TV, and unparalleled interactive features like voice control and cross-platform search, so in looking for a Premium Audio Solutions partner, we wanted a company with an equally innovative approach to sound," said Branden Powell, director of strategic alliances for the Xbox Accessories Team. "We chose Polk not only for that, but also for their leadership position in the speaker market, as well as their superior engineering capabilities."
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