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Connect360, an iLife-to-Xbox 360 media solution

4:38 pm by abarriault in PC, Reviews, Xbox

Connect 360

One of the most interesting features of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 at launch was its ability to connect to a Windows XP-based personal computer in order to stream digital content such as music and photos to the console. And as usual, Mac users got the cold shoulder. The only simple solution for them was to use an iPod as a form of content mediator. For many, whose media collection exceeded that of their iPod, this was not the best method for getting their music from their preferred digital hub to an Xbox 360 gaming system. That is, until Nullriver Software released Connect360, a piece of software that does exactly what the Windows Media Connect feature did on the Windows XP side of things, except better.

Nullriver first got on the gaming scene with the release of its user friendly PlayStation Portable content manager PSPware. PSPware used a simple Mac interface that fit perfectly with Apple’s iLife vision. The independent developer brought the same amount of attention to Connect360, and gave the software a distinct look and feel that surely doesn’t seem out of place on a Macintosh computer.

Installing Connect360 is simple as the program practically configures itself. The only thing you’ll need to do is to make sure that the internal OS X firewall is configured for the use of the software and that either port 1900 or 9335 is open on your network router.

After the program is up and running, Connect360 automatically indexes your iTunes and iPhoto libraries in order for them to be viewable on Microsoft’s gaming console. Afterwards, you’ll need to configure your Xbox 360 in order to view your computer’s media. All you need to do is open-up your Xbox Dashboard and go to your Media blade, then choose the music option and select the information that relates to your Macintosh computer. Simple and easy!

The current version of Connect360 (version 3.23) automatically updates your iTunes play count and play date for songs played through your Xbox 360. This is a great option for those who enjoy tracking their listening habits.

Sadly, due to digital rights management issues, you won’t be able to listen to songs you’ve purchased through the iTunes. Besides that, you’ll be able to stream MP3, WAV, AIFF, unprotected AAC and Apple Lossless files without a hitch.

With Connect360 you’ll also be able to view your iPhoto library on your television screen. The software supports several formats including jpeg and RAW images. A great way to share memories with friends and family.

Another nice Connect360 feature is its ability to function on both wired and wireless networks. In other words, any form of network that connects to a Mac OS X 10.3.9 (or better) system is compatible with Connect360.

Currently, Connect360 does not offer any form of video streaming. Hopefully, if Microsoft opens up the format for viewing on the Xbox 360, the function will be opened up in a future update. (UPDATE: Connect360 now supports streaming video. Supported codecs include WMV+WMA, AVI (DIVX/XVID), H.264 and MPEG4)

Interested parties can purchase Connect360 for $20USD through Nullriver’s website. The software is definitely a bargain when comparing it with TwonkyVision’s TwonkyMedia, which sells its basic software package for $39.95USD. If you still aren’t sure about the program, Nullriver has a trial version available for download.

Nullriver’s Connect360 is the must have application to extend your Macintosh digital hub away from the home office. And for $20, this is surely the cheapest solution for your multimedia needs. Check out Connect360 at http://www.nullriver.com/index/products/connect360. Connect360 gets a perfect 5 out of 5 star rating.

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