Microsoft announces new Xbox accessories for the holidays

Microsoft debuted two new accessories Tuesday that will be ready for the important holiday shopping season. A wireless headset with Bluetooth capabilities along with a new media remote are expected, both sporting the gloss black enclosures that the newer Xbox 360's have shipped with.

The wireless headset will operate on Xbox's radio frequencies, but the company has also made it compatible with mobile phones and other devices through integrated Bluetooth support. Using it as a handsfree headset shouldn't be a problem: it looks very much like the standard mobile phone wireless headset.

The device will be available in November at a suggested retail price of $59.99, Microsoft said.

Second is the new Media Remote, which includes playback controls for media on the Xbox 360. In addition, support for television control is provided -- of course, the user will have to enter his or her television brand's "code" in order to enable the functionality. The remote also includes the A, B, X, Y buttons, D-pad navigation, back and select of the standard control which will allow for menu navigation on the 360 itself.

The remote will also be available in November for a suggested retail price of $19.99.