Xbox 360 dashboard update coming before Kinect launch
Dashboard update to come before Kinect launch, exact date still to be confirmed
Xbox Live's Ijaz Akram has told GamerZines that this year's Xbox 360 dashboard update will launch "soon before" Kinect, suggesting that Xbox 360 users will have access to the dashboard's new features before November 10th.
"It comes down to user experience," said Akram, who is a part of Xbox Live's London team, talking to us about the future of Xbox Live. "It's about what's right with the right level of community and the right level of engagement to take it forward.
"You'll see that when we launch on November 10th with Kinect and soon before that we'll have a new dashboard update with all the great new features that come as part of Kinect and make Live a really good experience."
However, when asked about a launch date for the dashboard update, Akram told us that Microsoft "haven't confirmed a date as yet".
This year's Xbox 360 dashboard update includes a host of new features, including a Kinect-specific dashboard that lets users navigate menu screens, and fast-forward/rewind films using their hands and voice.
The update is also rumoured to include support for YouTube and email clients.
Kinect launches in the UK on November 10th exclusively for Xbox 360.
question: how did that dude jump so fuckin high in mw2?
p.s: update looks sleezy :( microsoft can do SO much better or maybe not..
MS have started taking aplications for the preview programme for the next update:
Details from Majornelson.com
Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program
"I am happy to announce that we're doing an Xbox 360 System Update Preview program for our next release, and the opportunity to sign up is now available. The Preview Program will give you the chance to check out ESPN on Xbox LIVE, Zune music, Netflix search, the new Xbox LIVE dashboard, and new updates to Zune video and Family Settings on your Xbox 360. Much like we did last year, you'll need to visit the Microsoft Connect site from this link and sign in with your Windows LIVE ID that is connected to your Xbox LIVE Gamertag. Once you complete the survey that is presented to you, the Connect site will notify you immediately if you've been accepted. A couple of points before you head off to register:
We're looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good.
This is not for Kinect. You will not be receiving a Kinect sensor if you are chosen to participate.
This opportunity is open to all Xbox LIVE Members in regions where Xbox LIVE is available.
To avoid any problems, read the survey carefully and double check all the information your provide.
While both Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up, Priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process.
I'll be sure to updated this post if the program fills up.
Sign up for the Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program (http://mjr.mn/csMPKf)
It lets you know instantly if your accepted and I've been accepted... :)
Is that link right? where's the form to fill in?
We won't be getting ESPN over here so I have no interest, i'll just wait for the actual update.
try following the link via Major Nelsons (http://majornelson.com/) site
Party Chat will not work with people outside of the Preview Program.
Quote from: Failed on September 22, 2010, 07:03:55 PM
Party Chat will not work with people outside of the Preview Program.
In which case I won't bother!
I've fixed the link in Luke's post.
It may take a while to load. Make sure you're signed in with your Windows Live ID.
Quote from: nCogNeato on September 22, 2010, 07:06:48 PM
I've fixed the link in Luke's post.
It may take a while to load. Make sure you're signed in with your Windows Live ID.
You absolutely show about that Neato? You may want to check it ;D
cheers Neato, not sure how I fudged it up... :-[
I'll put my thanks on hold til its sorted... ;)
link re-revised. ;)
I'm just gonna wait for the actual update.
A Letter from Marc Whitten: The Fall 2010 Xbox LIVE Update (http://gamerscoreblog.com/press/archive/2010/09/29/lp456.aspx)
- Netlix now available in Canada
- Video Kinect integration with Windows Live Messenger
- Zune Music Marketplace
- ESPN (US)
Looking forward to the update they are adding some cool features like zune music, and the new avatars look way better in my opinion, can't wait for kinect either! The kinect video chat feature looks awesome, but as no one else on here is getting kinect then i guess none of you get to see my beautiful face :P
or mine xx
Microsoft is integrated MSN with the Dashboard, bringing its content channels to Xbox 360.
The likes of MSN Music, MSN Celebrity, MSN Movies and so on will now be available via your dashboard.
The most interesting aspect to this is MSN Music, which we're told allows "users to watch live performances and giving them the chance to download their favourite songs."
It's something else for us to scroll through while waiting for Xbox Live Arcade games to download then. Which is always a good thing
Something else to completely ignore too like the vast majority of crap on the dashboard.
New Xbox dashboard updates unveiled
Microsoft has revealed what else the incoming Xbox 360 dashboard update will do, besides adding Zune and Kinect functionality.
The update also brings with it improved voice chat, reproportioned avatars, a redesigned virtual keyboard and a host of other performance tweaks.
We'll hand over to Microsoft for the finer details:
* Improved voice quality – the audio codec is being updated to improve Xbox LIVE Party chat audio quality. So grab your friends and jump into a multiplayer game, catch a big sports event, watch a movie or do all three.
* Improved experience for changing your Gamertag – choosing a new Gamertag? If the Gamertag you're looking for is already taken, your Avatar will spin a wheel and we will provide five other Gamertag suggestions at a time for you to choose from.
* Streamlined in-dashboard virtual keyboard – we've taken the existing QWERTY keyboard in-dash and made it easier to use for scenarios that involve repeated text entry, for example when signing up for Live within the dashboard.
* Improved Xbox Live Marketplace UI and browse experience – the Games Marketplace has been re-organized to provide streamlined access to the games and content you want, reducing the number of steps it takes to get to a download.
* Avatar changes – we've made your Avatars slightly more proportional so you can better play Kinect games.
* Easier to get on a wireless network – trying to connect to a wireless network? With the next update, you'll see a list of all the wireless networks within range when you go into network settings. From there, you'll be able to select a new network or further configure the network you're connected to.
* Ability to sign-out other controllers in the sign-in UI – we're adding the ability to sign-out profiles on other controllers in the sign-in UI within the Guide. This is especially useful when playing games like Rock Band.
* New browse experience for 100 per cent completed games – you spent a lot of time and effort earning those Achievements, so instead of only being able to view your first dozen completed games, we're giving you a new and better way to browse all of them.
The update goes live on 4th November.
Quote from: GamerMan316 on October 09, 2010, 06:29:13 PM
New Xbox dashboard updates unveiled
* Avatar changes – we've made your Avatars slightly more proportional so you can better play Kinect games.
Oh no, I like my disproportionate avatar, I don't want him looking like a real life me. Stupid Kinect! :(
I like the new avatars. Gamers hate change but everyone will get used to the new look avatars and dashboard in time, then they will go change it again. I remember last time they changed it people moaned then because it took a while for some of the dashboard pages/information to load, and i remember quite a few people, some on here even saying 'what was wrong with the old blades, i miss the blades' Now no one would want to go back to the blades, (apart from sarge and possibly craig). Besides if you really hate it like i said don't worry it will most likely get changed again in 8 months to a year.
The old blades were great but the current ones are fine too, just a shame that most of the dashboard content is bloody awful, not too keen on the new ones for the same reasons as Luke really but like Dave says we'll all get used to them. The main thing is that is still says "Play Game" on the main blade and surely that's all that matters for a games console. :)
Quote from: GamerMan316 on October 10, 2010, 10:38:19 AM
The old blades were great but the current ones are fine too, just a shame that most of the dashboard content is bloody awful, not too keen on the new ones for the same reasons as Luke really but like Dave says we'll all get used to them. The main thing is that is still says "Play Game" on the main blade and surely that's all that matters for a games console. :)
Well said mate, but i'm a little :o at your reaction!
To be on the safe side, I've removed Luke's post about his personal experience with the Dashboard Beta Preview.
Publicly released info is fine to post and discuss, but Beta users risk punishment for openly discussing their experience with non-Beta users.
Quote
This is an agreement between Microsoft Corporation (or based on where you live, one of its affiliates) and you.
Confidential Information. All software and hardware made available to you under this program (the "Beta Materials") are confidential information of Microsoft. Beta Materials include without limitation: Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE software; Microsoft Game Studios games; Kinect hardware; and any associated user interfaces, features, or documentation. You may allow immediate family members permanently living in your home to use the Beta Materials. Otherwise, you may not disclose Beta Materials or information about the Beta Materials to third parties.
Do NOT:
- Blog about the Beta Materials.
- Post pictures, screenshots, or video clips of the Beta Materials.
- Discuss the Beta Materials, in discussion forums, emails, or podcasts.
- Talk with the media or press about the Beta Materials. This includes bloggers, newspaper reporters, and television reporters.
For what it's worth, I'm told there will be a lot of changes to the final release, thanks to the input of the Beta users. If you're a part of the Dashboard Beta Preview, be sure to report your problems on the Microsoft Connect site (https://connect.microsoft.com/XboxLIVEUpdate) or the Xbox.com Preview forums (http://forums.xbox.com/default.aspx?ForumGroupID=79).
cheers Neato...better keep my rants in my head until the 4th November.
Too late, I've already been scarred, I think I'll have to sell my Xbox and buy a PS3 instead ;)
Quote from: Jaynestown on October 09, 2010, 10:31:13 PM
Quote from: GamerMan316 on October 09, 2010, 06:29:13 PM
New Xbox dashboard updates unveiled
* Avatar changes – we've made your Avatars slightly more proportional so you can better play Kinect games.
Oh no, I like my disproportionate avatar, I don't want him looking like a real life me. Stupid Kinect! :(
i wish i looked more like my avatar- she's way more sexier than me, if it actually looked like me, no-one would play with me-my face would scare you all
* New browse experience for 100 per cent completed games – you spent a lot of time and effort earning those Achievements, so instead of only being able to view your first dozen completed games, we're giving you a new and better way to browse all of them.
sounds good for the scorewhore in me.
Now give me the ability to sort my games by name, score and percentage.
new dashboard update coming on october 28 similar to what was earlier seen on xbox.com and includes improved voice chat
to state the obvious, that's tomorrow
GLEE
ouch my feelings :'( but your right it is
I can't wait ;)
Quote from: GamerMan316 on October 27, 2010, 11:50:51 AM
I can't wait ;)
I can't wait to finally be able to actually "chat" with everyone again. :P
sorry what did i miss somethin about chat, its been a long hard day an i cant be bothered reading
I've been in the Dashboard Update Beta, which has prevented me from being able to party chat with non-Beta users over Xbox Live.
That's why everyone had to exit the party chat last week when they were playing Marvel vs Capcom 2. We couldn't hear eachother.
Once everyone has the new Dashboard Update, we can finally party chat again.
What's happened to the dashboard update?
Quote from: Jaynestown on October 28, 2010, 07:41:01 PM
What's happened to the dashboard update?
Next Thursday mate.
Oh, I thought it was today. Oops
It was supposed to be today heard it on machinima, oh well then only another week
didnt i hear 4th november , or am i imagining stuff again
Quote from: fizz on October 28, 2010, 10:35:28 PM
didnt i hear 4th november , or am i imagining stuff again
Yep, it's been that date for a while now.
my mistake then sorry guys :-[
dont worry about it, i get sh*t wrong all the time, but luckily for me i have Gamerman on hand to put me straight- usually all the flippin time - btw i actually got somethin right for a change???
Quote from: ASYLUM NINJA on October 28, 2010, 10:42:20 PM
my mistake then sorry guys :-[
Not your mistake, Machinima's mistake :)
Thanx
why are you never nice to me-your always telling me off for all sorts >:(
It's Because you're a woman.. <3 you.
i may be a woman but i can kick anyones butt with a flamethrower
I'm sure you meant Hoover?
Tea towel?
do you really want to find out ?? >:(
oven mitts?
yeah so i can bash you over the head with them
sorry saying hoover was wrong i meant Dyson? ;)
Update arrives tomorrow (http://kotaku.com/5677577/xbox-live-fall-update-arrives-november-1)
I thought i arrived Thursay .... i'm confused.
Quote from: GamerMan316 on October 28, 2010, 10:38:45 PM
Quote from: fizz on October 28, 2010, 10:35:28 PM
didnt i hear 4th november , or am i imagining stuff again
Yep, it's been that date for a while now.
Thursday?
Quote from: Failed on October 31, 2010, 12:40:40 PM
Quote from: GamerMan316 on October 28, 2010, 10:38:45 PM
Quote from: fizz on October 28, 2010, 10:35:28 PM
didnt i hear 4th november , or am i imagining stuff again
Yep, it's been that date for a while now.
Thursday?
Yeah that's the day I thought it was and what all the gaming sites were reporting, now Kotaku are saying it's tomorrow, definitely this week then. :)
if it's not tomorrow, it's another day :P
Official Xbox Australia have tweeted tomorrow (Nov 1st).
IGN say tomorrow too (http://uk.xboxlive.ign.com/articles/113/1131338p1.html)
Dashboard Update is now available, just downloading it now.
From the Major (http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/11/01/xbox-360-dashboard-update-is-now-available-november-2010.aspx):
Quote
I am happy to announce that the latest dashboard update has now been officially released and is in process of being rolled out across the LIVE service. For many of you, the next time you sign in to Xbox LIVE, you will be prompted to receive the update. A couple of things to keep in mind over the next few hours as the update is deployed:
You'll be prompted to accept the update when you sign into Xbox Live sometime in the next few hours.
Regardless of what you have heard, it's not geographically based. No one area of the world will get it before another.
If you keep signing out and then back in again, this will NOT force the update...it will only anger people on your friends list who will keep getting a notification. every. time. you sign. in.
Be patient, everyone will eventually receive the update
Here are a few of the features that we are including in this update:
ESPN on Xbox LIVE*
3,500 Sporting Events A Year – Access more than 3,500 live and on-demand global sporting events from ESPN3.com a year, including college basketball, college football and college bowl games, MLB, NBA, international soccer and more.
Out of Market Games – Catch your favorite college team games. Check out the huge catalog of out of market games and enjoy them on the big screen.
The Best Ways to Watch – Enjoy HD programming, DVR controls, plus access to hundreds of clips from ESPN3.com, refreshed daily.
Games at a Glance – Keep up on real-time score information using ESPN.com's score feed without leaving the game you're watching. View scores for leagues and games currently in the ESPN.com feed and select "Watch Live" or "Watch Replay" to jump straight into that game.
Predict the Winner – Pick what team you think will win. While watching selected games in college football, college basketball, MLB, and NBA, you will be prompted to vote for your team of choice. You'll also see the percentage of votes among the Xbox LIVE viewing community.
Voice Chat – Voice chat with up to seven other friends while watching the big game.
My Sports – To customize your ESPN on Xbox LIVE experience, click on the "Events, Highlights and More" slot on the homepage and browse by sport to pick a specific league that you want to follow for the season. The league that you select will now automatically display in your My Sports Channel.
Zune Music*
Zune Pass – Zune Pass is a monthly subscription service that gives you unlimited, on demand streaming of millions of songs at launch from all the major music labels and thousands of independent labels.
Enhanced search – Search the broad library to find your favorite artists, albums, songs and playlists.
Social – Connect with like-minded fans on the Zune online community and get new music recommendations. Zune Social also lets you see friend's Avatars and listen to their recently played songs or check out their favorite artists.
Smart DJ – Instantly create customized playlists by selecting an artist and have Smart DJ find songs that complement your selection.
Netflix* Search – Experience a streamlined search function making it much easier to find the movies and TV shows you want to watch.
Improved voice chat quality – The audio codec is updated to improve Xbox LIVE Party audio quality. So grab your friends and jump into a multiplayer game or catch a big game with friends via ESPN3.
Improved Gamertag creation – Choosing a new Gamertag? If the Gamertag you're looking for is already taken, your Avatar will spin a wheel and we will provide five other Gamertag suggestions at a time for you to choose from.
Streamlined in-dashboard virtual keyboard – We've taken the existing QWERTY keyboard in-dash and made it easier to use for scenarios that involve repeated text entry, when signing up for LIVE within the dashboard for example.
Improved Xbox LIVE Marketplace UI and browse experience – The Game Marketplace has been re-organized to provide streamlined access to the gaming and video content you want, reducing the number of steps to get to a download.
Easier to get on a wireless network – Trying to connect to a wireless network? Now you can see a list of all the wireless networks within range when you go into network settings. From there, you can select a new network or further configure the network you're connected to.
Ability to sign-out other controllers in the sign-in UI – We're adding the ability to sign-out profiles on other controllers in the sign-in UI within the Guide. This is especially useful when playing games like Rock Band.
New browse experience for 100% completed games – You spent a lot of time and effort earning those Achievements, so we're giving you a new and better way to browse all of them.
Updated Family Settings – Xbox 360 continues to lead the industry in efforts to create tools that help parents and caregivers choose the right play and viewing settings for their families. We are enhancing the core Family Settings tools for all Xbox LIVE members:
Family Programming – When turned on, Family Programming disables display of all mature content on the dashboard and can be turned on or off with a protected password for individual members (per account). It also highlights all family-friendly entertainment.
Intelligent Default Settings – Your Xbox automatically customizes privacy and activity settings for each member, based on age (child, teen and adult). These settings can later be individually customized.
Title Exceptions – Allow your family members to play specific games above the console's designated ESRB/PEGI (etc.) rating as you deem appropriate.
* Xbox LIVE Gold account required to access these features. Not all features available in all Xbox LIVE Regions.
I HATE IT!
The white screens are horrible, and the so called "improved" party chat is sh*t! Everybody sounds like they have a cold and there's terrible echo. How is that an improvement? >:(
dont like it-everything that marty said, i wanna go back to how it was >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:(
its ok, i quite like it
Quote from: Failed on November 02, 2010, 12:37:19 AM
its ok, i quite like it
Glad you said you liked it first, I was afraid to
meh
phhffff
smigglejiggerfluffermachuffin
when u do stay over i may have some nice cake for u to nibble on, i know how much u like cake
I've had a few weeks to get used to it, but I remember disliking it at first.
You'll notice the menus & graphics load faster and transition smoother than the previous Dashboard.
The change of angle for the Dashboard menus (now flat, kind of like a smartphone) takes some getting used to, but you'll eventually notice how much easier it is to read and navigate.
I also like the added details to 'My Xbox', giving you more customization options for privacy.
That reminds me, everyone needs to check their privacy settings. After the update, it may have reset your privacy settings to 100% Private or 100% Public. Take a look and make sure you're not sharing too much info, or blocking your friends from hearing your voice.
The "improved" voice chat is a mystery to me. During the Beta Preview, I did notice an improvement with others that also had the Beta Preview. My guess is that there are still kinks being worked out. The Avatar Item updates & account access was glitchy until late last night. Perhaps the voice funtionality is having some problems as well. Hopefully it will be sorted since I did quite enjoy the improved voice chat while it lasted.
i like it too. it has some issues currently with avatar items not loading, crappy voice chat and items on the game marketplace taking an age to load after you click on them but everything else is great. i love the new look and the new marketplace and avatar sections, and zune music will be cool. so that's me, dark master, failed and ninja all happy with it then, neato on the fence a little and sod the rest of ya :P
Quote from: DFUSIONITE on November 02, 2010, 02:19:20 PM
i like it too. it has some issues currently with avatar items not loading, crappy voice chat and items on the game marketplace taking an age to load after you click on them but everything else is great. i love the new look and the new marketplace and avatar sections, and zune music will be cool. so that's me, dark master, failed and ninja all happy with it then, neato on the fence a little and sod the rest of ya :P
Charming... the avatar clothing updated itself properly this morning, but my Pip-Boy costume now looks wrong with cut out eyes... I didn't buy a costume with cut out eyes, i want my money back on that one... and I still hate the Dashboard! >:(
New dash is sh*t, gonna set my 360 back to playing games on start up so I don't have to have to look at the crap as much! ;D
me too-how
I am still on the fence about it. It was annoying last night when half of my avatar stuff wasn't working correctly.
checked it tonight, seems to have all caught up with itself and working okay x
Quote from: Dankinia on November 02, 2010, 10:42:59 PM
I am still on the fence about it. It was annoying last night when half of my avatar stuff wasn't working correctly.
i went into Avatar edit, everything seemed ok, all exactly the same but feels better somehow. Avatars do look much better a lil bigger.
Not really liking Marketplace, but liking the overall look.
cheers markav, i will give it another chance tonight, cos i like looking at all your pretty faces x
New Kinect dashboard targets pirates
Fresh copy protection tech identifies 'dirty discs'
The new Kinect-focused Xbox 360 dashboard has done more than upset a handful of indie developers (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=273426) - according to reports, it also introduced new copy protection tech that identifies pirated discs.
Digital Foundry says the update helps Microsoft lock out 'backup' games from Xbox Live and stops copied games from loading.
The site reports: '... Specific challenges to the DVD drive's firmware are embedded into the security sectors on the game disc. If the correct responses don't come back from the firmware, the console is flagged for banning on Xbox Live and the game refuses to load with a "dirty disc" error.'
Legit games continue to run on consoles even after they're flagged, it adds.
Last November, up to one million Xbox Live accounts held by gamers using modified consoles were banned.
Get CVG's thoughts on the new 360 dashboard here (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=273039).
XBLIG moved back to Games & Demos
Victory for Indie Devs
(http://images.eurogamer.net/assets/articles//a/1/2/9/8/6/9/2/ss_preview_indiefix.png)
Xbox Live Indie Games developers will be celebrating after Microsoft moved the channel back to the Games & Demos section of the Xbox 360 dashboard.
Microsoft triggered an outpouring of anger from indie developers after it shunted the XBLIG channel to the Speciality Shops tab away from other Xbox Live releases.
They complained it made their games harder to find.
Explaining the move, Microsoft told Eurogamer the new set-up worked better for independent developers.
Now it appears Microsoft has backtracked on the change.
Xbox Live Indie Games are now in the Games & Demos section within the Game Marketplace, sitting pretty with Xbox Live Arcade Games, Games on Demand and Demos.
And the day after I joined the petition and emailed M$.
Don't worry I won't take the credit. :)
Quote from: Lukehi on November 09, 2010, 01:21:44 PM
And the day after I joined the petition and emailed M$.
3 cheers for Luke!
they weren't gonna do anythng until Luke got involved, he's the man to sort problems.... with a kneecap removing spoon !!! :o