Like the PlayStation 2's Dual Shock 2, the Xbox has force-feedback built in, although Microsoft is billing this as a “rumble” function, which could possibly mean that it has relatively simple feedback, and not the complex and (wonderful) system used by their higher-end Sidewinder force feedback sticks.
Microsoft has also said that there will be a microphone released, which will be utilized for voice-over-IP chat when playing multiplayer games. Such utilities as Roger Wilco and Microsoft's own Sidewinder Game Voice have become quite popular recently, so this was a smart decision on their part. Plus, as the controller ports are based on USB technology, they allow for a blistering 12 mbps speed, making voice communication much easier to implement as there isn't any bottleneck through the controller. This should also make saving to memory cards quite effortless as well.
There are four controller ports on the front of the console, showing another commitment to gamers rather than their own bottom line. While many have criticized Sony for only including two controller ports on the PlayStation 2, it is through sales of their multitaps, controllers and memory cards that they are able to keep the price of the initial hardware so low. Microsoft is taking a number of risks with the Xbox, not the least of which will be the astronomical amount they stand to lose through hardware sales (although until a specific price is released, we can't be sure just how much they're losing). Should the Xbox be a massive success (as their $500 million marketing plan is going to attempt to make it) they will of course recoup this in software licensing.
As far as cord length is concerned, Microsoft has given the controller over 9.5 feet of cable, allowing you to comfortably sit just about anywhere in the room with plenty of slack left over. On the one hand this is really neat, however all that extra cable is just bound to get tangled over time, as many gamers wrap the cords around the controller when they're not in use. It's a small gripe, but if you don't need the extra length it's likely to get in the way.