Fall Update Preview - Sign Up

nCogNeato · October 15, 2009, 02:46:14 AM

The upcoming Twitter / Facebook / Last.fm dashboard update will soon be released as a preview for a select few.

Sign-ups are now open. Visit http://connect.microsoft.com/XboxLIVEUpdate to register for your chance to see the Fall Update before the rest of the world.

The official launch date of the Fall Update is currently suspected to be November 15th.

GamerMan316 · October 15, 2009, 09:57:07 AM

Hadn't seen this post, Tara sent me the link last night.

GamerMan316 · October 18, 2009, 12:32:39 PM

Upcoming Xbox 360 update locking out 'unauthorized' Memory Units

Don't worry, folks -- Microsoft knows you really hate those subversive little devils making third-party Memory Units, what with their 2GB and 4GB offerings for the Xbox 360. In an effort to stamp out these Doris Dogooders from your Xbox Live Experience™, Microsoft's Major Nelson announced on his blog yesterday that "When Preview Program members start receiving the Xbox 360 system update next week, one of the changes is that unauthorized Memory Units will no longer work."

In plain English, this means that any third-party Memory Unit you might have been using will be rendered useless. Mr. Hryb suggests moving any saves on said devices get moved to an authorized one, unless losing access to "stored profile or saves games" simply ain't no thang for you.

GamerMan316 · October 18, 2009, 12:41:46 PM

The next Xbox Live update will deliver Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm, but, Ron Popeil style, wait, there's more! According to an email from Microsoft, anyway. Get ready for news headlines and dedicated music stores in the Xbox Live dashboard.

Since Microsoft expressly said we're not forbidden from discussing this, why not? U.S. Xbox Live users in the closed preview will see a "News and More" tab in the "Inside Xbox" channel, and it will deliver "a regularly-updated stream of content from MSNBC.com, MSN Autos, The New Yorker and Dilbert,

For rhythm and music gamers, the update will also set up dedicated music stores for Lips, Guitar Hero and Rock Band.

But wait, there's more! "Surprise! - Keep an eye out in the weeks after the preview launches...you never know what might pop up," says the email.

nCogNeato · October 19, 2009, 03:18:09 PM

Quote from: GamerMan316 on October 18, 2009, 12:32:39 PM
Upcoming Xbox 360 update locking out 'unauthorized' Memory Units

Don't worry, folks -- Microsoft knows you really hate those subversive little devils making third-party Memory Units, what with their 2GB and 4GB offerings for the Xbox 360. In an effort to stamp out these Doris Dogooders from your Xbox Live Experience™, Microsoft's Major Nelson announced on his blog yesterday that "When Preview Program members start receiving the Xbox 360 system update next week, one of the changes is that unauthorized Memory Units will no longer work."

In plain English, this means that any third-party Memory Unit you might have been using will be rendered useless. Mr. Hryb suggests moving any saves on said devices get moved to an authorized one, unless losing access to "stored profile or saves games" simply ain't no thang for you.

I alway knew this would happen eventually. As tempting as cheap knock-off Memory Units and HDD's are, I never trusted them.

My solution is the XPORT. I use it whenever I have to transfer data from one HDD to another, or to occassionally backup my data.

Alternatively, you can also backup your data to your PC using the official Transfer Kit that's included with 120GB Hard Drive, or mail-ordered from Xbox Support.

The main downside to the Transfer Kit compared to the XPORT is that the Kit does not support Memory Units. The XPORT lets you backup/transfer to and from Memory Units as well, which is great for that copy of Worms that was included on my 512GB Memory Unit. I transferred the Worms game from my Memory Unit to my PC, freeing up the entire Memory Unit to use for other things. Whenever I feel like playing Worms, I just move the game from my PC back to the Memory Unit.

xnightcrawlerxx · October 19, 2009, 04:09:50 PM

Xbox 360 update to add Music Games Store, news section

Microsoft has revealed new details about its Fall 2009 Xbox 360 Dashboard Update -- yes, the same update set to bring Twitter, Last.fm and Facebook support. New to the list of update features is a dedicated Xbox Live storefront for music games DLC and a specific area of Inside Xbox called "News and More."

The Music Games Store will take a big step toward dealing with the clutter on Xbox Live, offering a one-stop shop for all Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Lips DLC. Aside from the convenience of a single destination for all music game DLC purchases, shoppers will also be able to preview each track from right there in the Dashboard.

As for the News and More section of Inside Xbox, it's described as "a regularly-updated stream of content from MSNBC.com, MSN Autos, The New Yorker and Dilbert." We're totally expecting some Akira-like monstrosity that is equal parts balloon boy, coffee station chit-chat and political cartoons we don't understand; though we're sure in reality the feature will be less scary and far less life-threatening.

nCogNeato · October 19, 2009, 07:27:45 PM

Quote from: xnightcrawlerxx on October 19, 2009, 04:09:50 PM
... Aside from the convenience of a single destination for all music game DLC purchases, shoppers will also be able to preview each track from right there in the Dashboard.

That's awesome.

xnightcrawlerxx · October 20, 2009, 01:27:45 AM

here is an update video preview

NeuroticSarge · October 21, 2009, 06:36:31 AM

I've got an Xport but never used it!
Was gonna get a 120GB hard drive,but it will work out cheaper to buy an Elite console.Hmmm...

GamerMan316 · October 21, 2009, 06:35:20 PM

Datel 'disappointed' by Xbox 360's unofficial memory unit lockout

Outlawed off-white accessory news now, with CVG relaying manufacturer Datel's unenthusiastic response to the the forthcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard update, which intends to kill support for unauthorized, third-party memory units. Datel has said that it's "disappointed" by Microsoft's decision, one that it feels will limit consumers in "exercising their freedom of choice." Specifically, their freedom of choosing a memory solution that doesn't come from Microsoft.

What to do if you're the owner of one of these bad boys? Unless you want to stay offline forever, you'll have to back up your data and transfer it to an official memory unit or hard drive. Failing that, you could just lift anchor in protest and set sail for Redmond, but we wouldn't suggest doing that unless you're English and living in 1983.

NeuroticSarge · October 22, 2009, 05:59:35 AM

This is typical microsoft.Wasn't there some issue a while back regarding windows and 3rd party users? Distant memory but sure they ended up in court about something?

nCogNeato · October 22, 2009, 02:39:26 PM

Quote from: NeuroticSarge on October 22, 2009, 05:59:35 AM
This is typical microsoft.Wasn't there some issue a while back regarding windows and 3rd party users? Distant memory but sure they ended up in court about something?

There was an anti-trust suit filed against Microsoft regarding web browsers several years ago. I believe Microsoft won, but I may be wrong.

GamerMan316 · October 22, 2009, 03:03:24 PM

I know Microsoft had issues with devs using their wireless technology, lots of cash had to be paid for the wireless peripherals for Guitar Hero and Rock Band.