Xbox 360 spring dashboard update leaked?
- The update hits May 7th
- Your contact list will now integrate Windows Live Messenger, and show joinable session status
- Messenger contacts can see what game you're playing, and your gamertag
- Marketplace will now have its own blade, which will be skinned independent of your theme
- Users will now get inline achievement updates
- Low-power download mode and auto-shutdown
- You can watch partially downloaded movies
- You can text chat messenger six friends playing games watching movies
- Multiple tweaks on the user interface
[Thanks, Sherveen]
Filed under: Gaming
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Dragod @ Apr 7th 2007 1:52AM
Looks real to me, I hope so. I'd like to be able to me on Live messenger and check my Friends on Live, rather then turning on my console or going to Xbox.com. Looks like I might have to get a USB keyboard for my 360 afterall.
Ashley @ Apr 7th 2007 1:58AM
If thats fake - jesus is a girl!
Although, little disapointed...
Yeh, its got some nice new stuff, but its nothing compared to what the PS3 can do! Web browsing, etc....
Das @ Apr 7th 2007 2:16AM
I suspect that you already have a web browser, call it a hunch.
But really, there's something to be said for the way dashboard is designed, built around games and xbox live with some added video and music stuff.
J @ Apr 7th 2007 2:30PM
You find yourself doing a lot of web browsing on your TV through your PS3? Yeah... that's what I thought. I've got a Wii (and a 360) and I know the browser feature has been loaded exactly once. I have a laptop near my couch for a reason.
Iced_Eagle @ Apr 7th 2007 2:18AM
Awesome!
Looks real to me.
michael @ Apr 7th 2007 2:25AM
This is amazing. It definitely looks real to me. I want it so much. I've been waiting to get an Xbox 360 for awhile. Ihaven't had one yet, but compared to to using the 360, Wii, and PS3,from my friends, I've been wanting the 360 for a long time. With thisupdate, and probaly many more, it definitely sounds like a good reasonto get one. I'm going to save up some more money just to get the elitewhen it comes out. Man, this is cool.
Kmach @ Apr 8th 2007 5:21AM
I own a PSP, yup sucks but moving on, and have used the web browser on it. Wow, talk about the most inefficient and frustrating way to view the web. Seeing as the PS3 has the same basic interface AND the fact that the Wii's browser is also just as inefficient, I am going on the limb here and stating that consoles have no business going on the web, especially since we all obviously have computers.
I would much rather have access to HD movies, game demos, trailers, themes, gamer picts, voice chat, text chat, etc..
These new features seem great and I agree that the marketplace needs it's own blade just like the multimedia tab. Navigation is getting a little too complex and goes against the entire idea behind the blades. Glad to see a new update and keep 'em coming MS.
kingofwale @ Apr 7th 2007 2:42AM
>I've been wanting the 360 for a long time. With thisupdate, and probaly many more, it definitely sounds like a good reasonto get one.
Let me get this clear, you're getting a 360 because.. of an update to the online layout and the ability to use the messenager?
You do realize that 360 is a GAMING device, right?
I think there are a few reasons why Microsoft's doing this
*to combat Sony's HOME.
*to make it more secure
*to sell its marketplace video/movie/tv show.
not too impressed with it, It's better, but it could've been much better giving that it's the only console that require paying online service.
I still think the number 1 priority within 360 is to lower its price. lower its core system price to 248 so it will steal some of the business away from Wii.
Kmach @ Apr 8th 2007 5:22AM
Just a quick response. The reason Live does require a subscription is because it does put every online gaming service to shame. Now Live has become the second largest movie download service behind Apple's Itunes. You get all this for about $1.50 a week, something tells me that if you can put money down on a 360, PS3, HDTV, and/or even a Wii the price isn't even worth mentioning.
However, something tells me that if the Live and Movie Downloads get even more popular (more downloads and advertising) then the Live service will become free.
I do agree that the price of the console should be dropped but with the elite coming out I think they will drop the price of the premium to $349 and the core to $249 to compete with the Wii. Also free Live wouldn't hurt either, although if your waiting for that you're going to be missing a lot of great gaming (I guess that goes for the 360 price drop as well).
michael @ Apr 7th 2007 3:02AM
Look, it's not exactly the update itself, that's just going to make me jump an buy one right now. It's just that this, and future updates, that seems as good as this, just makes me feel that I'm going to buy a product that's just going to live for a long time. I've already been saving money for a Xbox 360 Pro, but the Elite is also now what I'm aiming for. Yeah, I know the updates are minor for some, but I still want it. So I'm not stupid, and won't buy it because of this update. It's just because the fact that reading this makes me feel even more that I'm going to get a great product. I just had to express it you know.
kveugs @ Apr 11th 2007 5:37PM
You all bought the 360 when it didn't have these features. How dare you complain that the free addition to "your" enjoyment wasn't good enough. They are giving you new features to add on. If you didn't like the dashboard from the beginning why did you spend the $400? As for text input, use the new QWERTY add to your controller you keyboard complaining baby's. Grow up...seriously...
djphatjive @ Apr 7th 2007 2:48AM
Thats it. Thats all they could come up with in that amount of time? WHERE IS THE FREAKING BROWSER???????? I want a browser I can pull up mid game and look up how to get past a level or a boss without getting out of my chair and going to the computer. Come on people.
Tristan @ Apr 7th 2007 3:56AM
its a gaming console, not a pc.
HEADsoldier07 @ Apr 7th 2007 10:34AM
actually you can browse with the 360 already. Its a pretty crippled browser though. Its just this thing you download for windows media center and then you can get to it through the xbox. But its just really hard to enter the letters and it doesn't have flash or anything, so its not really worth it. Im just saying that you CAN browse on the 360.
hi @ Apr 7th 2007 1:19PM
why don't you just pause the game, go to your PC or wireless laptop and check that way?
Dragod @ Apr 7th 2007 1:40PM
You = Lazy
Besides, Browsers for Consoles(And the PSP) are all quite annoying to use. It's just not practical... Use your computer for surfing the web, use your game console to play games with friends. Besides, there are no virus scanners for all those people who want it to look at pr0n without leaving their livingroom/kitchen.
If you want to look for how to beat a boss just get on the computer and do it, and that way you can just pause the game, rather than closing everything down, opening the browser, then slowly trying to type "w, w, w, dot, g, a, m, e, g, u, i, d, e, s, dot, c, o, m". It's just not worth it for most people.
CyberAxe @ May 7th 2007 3:03PM
buy a laptop!
tiuk @ Apr 7th 2007 2:58AM
Yeah, I'm pretty unimpressed.
CRASHLOCK @ Apr 7th 2007 3:32AM
Am I the only one thinking "Is that all?". This is the biggest software company in the world and they give us an update with a few new chat features and basic downloads features that should have been there from the beginning. People should be asking for a more optimised dashboard from the ground up. The sliding blades are to slow and too often navigation in the marketplace is too vague and over complicated. I'm totally baffled as to why we have to put up with these issues in such a powerful console. The Dashboard just feels totally bloated and cumbersome.
arman @ Apr 7th 2007 3:40AM
Ahh, don't let them haters get to ya Micheal. I agree the dashboarad is not earth shattering but does add some nice features.
To all those people moaning and growning about not having a web browser, are u serious? Surfing the internet is so lame on a console. Come on people, use a freaking PC!!! It's way easier and efficient to just jump on a computer and surf. I have a Wii and having the browser is cute but surfing the internet on it is cumbersome and not worth my time. Web browsers on consoles is just a gimmick and only looks good on paper. Besides, why open yourself to the open internet and run the risk of downloading malware and spyware on console (it will happen eventually, just watch).
BloodFalcon @ Apr 7th 2007 6:57PM
Arman
Perhaps surfing the internet on a PC wouldn't be a problem if damned MS had installed the wifi adapter in the 360, rather than forcing people to front $100 for it. If I hadn't bought the wifi adapter for 20% off, I'd still have to disconnect my ethernet cable from my PC everytime I wanted to get on Xbox Live.
And whats with all this talk about haters? We (for the most part) have the same Xbox360 system you do.
There is however a difference between someone who drools over 360 just because its a 360 and an intelligent gamer who recognizes the pros and cons of the 360, PS3 and Wii.
The Xbox 360 Dashboard runs SUPRISINGLY slowly for a 3 gigahertz CPU with loads of memory. During a game, when I get an update and press the guide button, the system seems to chug so it can open the panel.
Furthermore I'm dissapointed that MS didn't include wifi in the 360 (something both Nintendo and Sony did) and even with the 360 ELITE, is still not including it. Are they gonna come out with a BLACK PAINTED adapter that is 802.11N? No word on it yet.
arman @ Apr 7th 2007 5:23PM
BloodFalcon, I hear ya loud and clear. I can appreciate the argument for including web browser on a game console but like I said before, it is just not that intuitive and user friendly. I think if you are talking about making the 360 a home theater/media hub than I can understand the arguement for including internet functionality but I just don't think it is that big of a deal if it's not there. It seems the opinions are diverse on this topic and we just have different tastes.
Now as far as your Wifi woes, I can understand the frustrations with not having those capabilities built in. I posted awhile ago though that there are cheaper alternatives to the MS product but before I mention does did you consider buying a router or switch to expand you wired setup so that you would not have to deal with cable switching. As far as alternatives to Wifi consider this product for only $30!!!!:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833176105
here is the review on Cnet:
http://www.cnet.com.au/wireless/routers/0,239028894,239116690,00.htm
I haven't tried this solution but it looks very promising.
Iced_Eagle @ Apr 7th 2007 3:47AM
One day before Halo 2 Vista (and thus GFW Live) gets released! Just noticed that.
Matt @ Apr 7th 2007 3:53AM
btw, just to let you guys know, you can already watch a video that's only partially downloaded. I got that free HD South Park episode when it came out, and it alerted me it could be watched while it was downloading, and I was able to do so. My connection blew, so I ran out of downloaded video while I was watching it, but it's possible already. Perhaps you or they mean streaming?
Ryan Dack @ Apr 7th 2007 4:09AM
give me freedom from XBLA trails on my Gamer care or give me death!!
Devin @ Apr 7th 2007 4:23AM
I'm glad Microsoft isn't adding a gimmick like web browsing. A console that is based around gaming and media shouldn't have to resort to web browsing to keep their attention. The 360 has become a great media powerhouse for people, it does your games, it does your music, and with a little extra effort it can become the center of your home theater. Things the PS3 has done are cool and all, but real life implementation is failing and the 360 will stand tall against the PS3 for a long while.
Ashley @ Apr 7th 2007 5:23AM
* USB keyboard & MOUSE support
* Internet browser
^^ Thats ALL I wanted, nothing special, nothing amazing, just so I can watch game trailers from my sofa!!!
Damn MS, they piss me off sometimes, they are aiming to sell the 360 as a media platform, NOT just for games, but we have no browser? EVRYTHING has a browser!!!
!!!
Tristan @ Apr 7th 2007 5:44AM
why do you need a mouse and internet browser to watch game trailers? any game thats worth buying gets game trailers put on the market place.
Brian @ Apr 7th 2007 5:54AM
I own both a 360 and a PS3
* The 360 is great and being an Achivement Whore is fantastic. When you look at the clock at 5am while trying to find that last Orb you know the 360 is addictive. But it is a hard core gamer console and if M$ want to make it in the living room they need to add more features. Not everybody wants a pc and games console in the living room and with the price of Vista and a new pc.
* The PS3 is great but needs AAA games. Don't discount the browser, it may not be fantastic but it does work. I can pop the PS3 on in the morning and get the traffic report before I go to work. No need to wait 5 minutes for my lappy to warm up. It was also a life saver when the lappy crashed and Vista would not boot.
The 360 needs a browser, if you use it great, if you don't then don't let it ruin your life you can still play games.
arman @ Apr 7th 2007 6:02AM
Brian, I guess you have found some use with the browser, good for you, but I just don't understand why people get all bent up about not having it, like it's this colossal disappointment.
Brian @ Apr 7th 2007 6:29AM
Very true.
LiQuiD_FuSioN @ Apr 7th 2007 1:32PM
It's so blatantly obvious that Microsoft is skipping over the idea of implementing a browser for the 360. That's why us Xbox owners are getting so wound up, maybe not as much as some. But, some users have made valid points as I've read here today.
What console/handheld DOESN'T have a web browser by now? The PSP has one, the PS3 has one, the Wii has one, even the DS will soon have one! What's up with that?
It seems to me Microsoft wants its users to stay in one place - the Marketplace, just so they can get people to buy tons of useless Gamer pics, wallpapers, over-priced DRM movies and other junk based on a funky Points system.
It's not that we are getting so riled up over not seeing a web browser, it's the idea that the Xbox 360 should have had a one to begin with. There's nothing technologically advanced about having one, it's a tool, and it's about time we get one. It's simply trivial!
SickNic @ Apr 7th 2007 6:25AM
eh, not really that impressed. I was hoping for more. Like clearing up some issues with the HD-DVD playback, a more intuitive OS (or at least more responsive) and less freezing or something major. These quarterly updates are supposed to be a huge deal, but the changes isn't huge at all. This could have been any other regular update and I probably wouldn't have noticed...
Sherm Didit @ Apr 7th 2007 8:11AM
what no VGA resolution fix????
Andir3.0 @ Apr 7th 2007 8:13AM
I found the PS3 web browser pretty convenient for showing my parents some funny Youtube movies the other day. It wasn't in high def, but it was definitely a cool way to show it to them. I've also used it to look up gamefaqs on something when I was stuck. There are tons of uses for it and not having it would mean running in the other room, booting up my PC and waiting for it to boot before accessing some of this stuff. Not to mention having to get the friends and family clambering around my office when they could just sit on the couch and I can show them whatever I want.
This Live update looks like a typical update your going to see though. There's not much more that I can forsee MS adding to the service.
Karl @ Apr 7th 2007 8:26AM
This looks like a pretty nice update. I'm a bit uneasy about the Windows Live - XBOX integration though. Like most people, I use Windows, and enjoy Messenger and Media Center. But it seems to me like they're using the desktop PC monopoly as leverage in to the games console market.
And if I had a 360, I wouldn't care. In fact, I'd love it. Integrated communications between the work machine and the living room sounds great. Problem is, I don't have a 360. I don't have a PS3 either, but that's the side I'm leaning towards for when I can afford one. Microsoft is linking two markets in such a way that I'm pushed to use a 360. Just because I use Media Center for my media, and I choose Windows Live Messenger for instant messaging, shouldn't mean I have to buy a 360 to enjoy those services elsewhere.
It really should be an open protocol. I want to enjoy these services without being locked in to Microsoft's platforms across other markets.
It's clear why they're going down this path, because it adds cool features for 360 customers. But I can't help seeing an EU lawsuit coming if they keep locking interoperability to their proprietary platforms.
Karl
Molly C @ Apr 7th 2007 8:32AM
There's already an open protocol for devices to act as Media Center extenders. There's nothing preventing Sony from making the PS3 such an extender. D-Link was able to do it, after all. Please, let's keep the EU's big nose out of this.
Molly C @ Apr 7th 2007 8:33AM
There's already an open protocol for devices to act as Media Center extenders. There's nothing preventing Sony from making the PS3 such an extender. D-Link was able to do it, after all. Please, let's keep the EU's big nose out of this.
schwal @ Apr 7th 2007 8:44AM
the trick is, while you can watch currently downloading tv shows and movies, game trailers and the like have no such ability, at least until the update hits. change "movie" to "video" to clarify Joysiq.
schwal @ Apr 7th 2007 8:46AM
hehe, wrong blog name, don't kill me please.
Ondra Soukup @ Apr 7th 2007 10:49AM
@djphatjive: buy a laptop.
nojok3 @ Apr 7th 2007 10:53AM
Not impressed. My contacts are on AIM, not MSN. The movies give you a 24 hour period to watch, you don't keep them; marketplace doesn't impress me and I especially do not like the tactics Microsoft uses like selling 1600 cards in stores but various points online (but not 1600). The pricing scheme is to force you to buy things you did not want to purchase because you have leftover points. At least for the PS3 you pay face value for what you want.
I wanted a web browser and didn't get it. And the best part of this whole update is that they will have Xbox Live offline and it will be unusable for at least a day.
dantes @ Apr 7th 2007 11:31AM
Yea Right a Leak. Good for PR eaters.
NavyMSU @ Apr 7th 2007 11:43AM
Did any other gamer notice that the Marketplace blade is the first blade? Meaning - you have to changed blades to actually play your game?
This will piss me off, I have my tv automated, so switching between inputs takes a moment, so i tend to scroll the through menu blind and the game is loading before the right input is selected.
M$ is pushing the media entirely too hard, I want to play a game, not have to mess with the lousy interface. Sure, the dashboard is kinda cool for certain purposes, but thats why i liked the PS2, it went right to the game, XB360 should have the startup option of going right to the game or loading up the inconvenient dashboard.
Philibob @ Apr 7th 2007 1:29PM
@NavyMSU: Just because it's the first blade, it doesn't mean it will start up on that first.
There already is the option to boot straight to the game, it was added in the last update (I'm sure it boots to the game as default because I remember having to change it to boot to dash, which I prefer).
Dragod @ Apr 7th 2007 1:51PM
Um...Go to the System Blade > Console Settings > Startup > Disc
That'll make it so that the disc in the disc tray will play automatically when you startup your 360.
M_Mickey @ Apr 7th 2007 12:20PM
I hope they include the ability to remote desktop to a vista computer.
Just add a wireless keyboard and I will consider to drop my HTPC.
I feel that this and the new WM6 is shaping up nice for MS.
buzzbuzz312 @ Apr 7th 2007 12:39PM
I am the only one who wants to be able to have more than 1 person in private chat?
ianoid @ Apr 7th 2007 12:50PM
Are Sony fanboys more prevalent on this website or is the 360 that unpopular? Right now, for the unbiased consumer, the 360 is a far better buy, browser or no. Browsing on a console without a mouse or keyboard always sucks. ALWAYS. This seems like a nice update. I don't understand what the controversy is? XBL blows doors on the PS3's nothing right now online community. I doubt that MS is shivering in it's shoes about an announced product that could never launch smoothly or on time. And it would take them, um, 6 months to roll something similar out, with better infrastructure.
Vexx @ Apr 7th 2007 1:29PM
It all looks really col, but I was hoping for a little more then that, like maybe support for MPEG and AVI video files without media center. But it all looks real to me.