Microsoft thinks you might want to do a few more things with Xbox.com, so they've opted to make their website disappear for a little while this Wednesday in order to integrate a new look and some upgrades. In addition to working in some Windows Phone 7 support and getting things to run smoothly for nine new regions that'll be getting Xbox Live in November, the site will start letting you do a lot more gaming-wise and with your avatar from the comfort of a web browser.
Avatar editing and previewing for avatar items will be possible starting tomorrow, according to a post from Major Nelson on his MajorNelson.com blog. So don't panic if you try to log on and find out that Xbox.com is down after 5:00am EST.
Other new features include combined views for messages and friend and game requests, new notification procedures for subscription changes, new info on what's been going on with your box via Family Reports and some augmented search features for the Marketplace.
Lastly, Xbox.com is going to take the first step into the age of cross-platform Xbox Live multiplayer matches with web games that are accessible through web browsers and Windows Phone 7. That's the line that got my eyebrow to arch reading down Nelson's list, and it's right there as plain as day: "Play web games with your Xbox LIVE friends on the web or on Windows Phone 7."
The rumble begins on Wednesday as XBL sets out to find its "FarmVille" killer.
What are you looking forward to the most from Xbox.com this week? Are there any features not on the list you'd like to see show up? Share your responses with us in the comment section below.
