The FCC inadvertently revealed through a filing Microsoft's plans to replace its aging Xbox 360 Wi-Fi adapter with a new model. Labeled as the Wireless N Network Adapter, it would not only add the faster wireless speeds but a second antenna to improve reception. The peripheral would as before attach through USB but is now black to color-match the now mainstream Xbox 360 Elite.

No evidence appears to exist for when the new Wi-Fi adapter would ship, though the peripheral is at the FCC just weeks before a major Xbox 360 fall update that should bring instant-on 1080p Zune video on top of existing Netflix HD streaming, either of which depends heavily on a fast, stable Internet connection.

A close launch has gained support from Microsoft offering a Canadian Xbox Wi-Fi bundle that includes the present-day Wi-Fi adapter and Halo 3 for just a $30 premium, possibly hinting that Microsoft is trying to clear stock of old wireless adapters to make room for new ones. [via Gizmodo]