dashboard-update
Latest
Microsoft acquires VideoSurf to 'enhance video discovery capabilities' for Xbox Live
Though Microsoft's still mysterious Dashboard update is due to arrive in just under two weeks' time, on December 6, Big Redmond isn't resting on its money-covered laurels just yet. The company announced this week the acquisition of "video discovery technology company" VideoSurf. What the what is video discovery technology and how will it "enhance" Xbox Live? "This holiday we will launch voice search across our entertainment partners on Xbox LIVE," Microsoft's Alex Garden said in a press release. "Over time, as we integrate VideoSurf's technology into our system, we are excited about the potential to have content tagged in real time to increase the speed and relevance of the search results." VideoSurf's back-end technology "'sees' frames inside videos," an ability that Microsoft appears to want to couple with the integrated Bing voice search coming to Xbox 360. Just imagine, you can make your own streaming "World Funniest Videos" show with the following command: "Xbox, Bing people getting hit in the genitalia."
New Xbox Dashboard brings Cloud storage, Beacons, and more on December 6
Despite a 2AM email announcing it, we managed to find out that December 6 is the big day for Microsoft's next Xbox 360 dashboard update. Major Nelson reconfirmed as much this morning on his blog, noting the variety of new features that the update will bring: cloud storage for games saves and profiles, beacons and Facebook sharing, "enhanced family settings," a more thorough set of voice commands with Kinect, and, of course, Bing voice search (US, UK, and Canada). Beyond the new functionality, the Dashboard will see a visual redesign, and the introduction of "customized applications for television, movies, internet videos, sports and music" (YouTube, cable TV, and so forth). Frankly, we're just eager to keep talking to a machine instead of leaving the couch.
Revamped Xbox 360 dashboard to launch on December 6th, Microsoft confirms
Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that its Xbox 360 dashboard would be getting an upgrade "in the coming days." Today, the company has clarified that statement, declaring that the revamped interface will launch on December 6th. As we've previously noted, the update promises to bring deeper Kinect integration (including sharper voice recognition capabilities), Facebook sharing mechanisms, and a cleaner interface. Redmond also says that the fall cleanup will introduce "a wealth of new content," including live TV, music and movies, available for streaming. For now, the dashboard is still in beta, though it certainly won't be long before the masses get their hands on it. Update: Read Microsoft's e-mailed announcement in full, after the break.
Xbox.com update is live, features Beacons and local Auto Renewal options
As expected, the new update to Xbox.com, featuring the new Beacons functionality to mark certain games you'd like to play with friends, has gone live and is now available to anyone with an Xbox Live account. The update looks clean and purty, and features not only those Beacons, but revamped friends and messaging functionality, and a nice quick interface for browsing through games and achievements. And there's something else new on the page: The option, as seen above, to cancel your autorenewal subscription right there on the site. Previously, doing so was more of a pain, and you had to leave the site to go to Microsoft.com and do it, but now you can click through to your account and change any subscription settings right through Xbox.com. A note of warning, however: Microsoft will put a few special deals in front of you as you click through, including a discount on the subscription designed to keep you around. But that's understandable -- someone's got to pay for the design money that went into this update. And speaking of update, where's that console dashboard update we were promised? Soon.
Xbox.com upgrade will add new Social features, support for Xbox Live Beacons
The Xbox 360 hasn't received its new coat of paint for the fall yet, but Microsoft just announced Xbox.com will be seeing similar changes in "the coming days." The old "My Xbox" section is getting the boot in favor of a "Social" area that lets you keep track of your XBL friends, thanks to some of the new features enabled by the upcoming dashboard update. Before the dash update is released, Xbox.com users can check out Beacons that let them mark which games they're willing to play, or check out a friends activity page that resembles recent additions to Facebook and Twitter by informing you what friends are up to in real-time. Also revamped is the video section that lets users buy or rent movies and TV shows for viewing on their console, Windows Phone or Zune. Hit the source link for a few more screens of its Metro UI-fashioned new face and additional details, we'll let you know when it all goes live.
Xbox Live Beacons and other new social features incoming to Xbox.com
Microsoft has posted that the Xbox.com website is getting an update "in the coming days" that will remove the "My Xbox" frontpage currently there now, and replace it with a "Social" section to make use of the "Beacons" feature eventually making its way to the console. Beacons are a way to mark which games you're currently playing or want to play, and are supposed to encourage you and your friends to set up times to play together on Xbox Live. Players will be able to set up three Beacons at a time, and add an additional comment as well, like "between 7-9pm PST" or "Horde mode only." The website update will also make use of the "Metro" setup coming to the console's dashboard, and of course allow for access to the usual Xbox.com actions like redeeming codes, messaging friends and checking out their profiles, or browsing for and purchasing Xbox Live titles. Officially, the console's Dashboard Update is still scheduled for a "Holiday 2011" release, though previous reports have placed it sometime right around Thanksgiving. With this update coming to the website as soon as next week, however, it's a good bet the console update is also close at hand. [Thanks, Liam!] %Gallery-138931%
Mass Effect 3 Private Beta live now for some Xbox Live users (Update: more pictures, more users)
According to a tipster, some Xbox Live users who received access to the Dashboard Preview Program today had another surprise waiting for them: early access to the Mass Effect 3 Beta. We haven't gotten official confirmation from EA yet, so we can't confirm with one hundred percent certainty whether or not this is really-real. The picture is, um, pretty convincing, though. EA announced the Mass Effect 3 Beta/demo a short time ago, specifying that it would eventually be open to all, but available early to purchasers of Battlefield 3. We guess it didn't mean available earlier-est. Update: Well, that didn't take long. Lightning fast posters over at NeoGAF have downloaded the client and have started posting pictures.
Find out if you're in the Xbox Live Update Preview Program right now
We already got an early look at Microsoft's soon-to-launch revision of the Xbox 360 dashboard, but for the general public early access is possible via the preview test program. Those who signed up for it can see if their applications were accepted now, right back at the official Microsoft Connect page. If you're in, you'll see information and get access to a private Xbox.com forum so you can help sort out any bugs before it officially drops; if not, relax and play some Battlefield 3. Win / win.
Microsoft opens up latest Xbox Live dashboard preview program
Microsoft is prepping another update to the Xbox 360 dashboard and, as usual, that means some folks will be able to get an early peek courtesy of the company's preview program. While there's still no date set for a roll-out, those interested in participating this time around can now put their name in for consideration in the program, which is said to be a more automated process than before. As for the dashboard update itself, it boasts a new design for "integrated Kinect and controller navigation," new "Beacons" for playing online with friends, deeper Facebook integration, and cloud storage for your saved games and Xbox Live profile. According to Microsoft's Major Nelson, "other features and entertainment partner apps" may also become available during the program period. Hit the source link below for the complete details.
Xbox Live dashboard preview program now accepting applicants
After what appeared to be a false start, the Xbox Live dashboard is ready to be previewed by a select few of the platform's users. Major Nelson recently posted details about the preview program on his blog, announcing that the trial is currently accepting applicants to work out all the kinks. The streamlined application system will let a few users access the newfangled dashboard well ahead of its official launch, and, better yet, is expected to let folks using the new dashboard continue to play and party chat with folks who are using the old dashboard. Not that we'll want to party with the chosen ones, anyway. It's hard to get our Bad Company 2 on when you're gabbing about how "totally elegant and robust this new UI is, bro."
Microsoft planning public beta of XBL Update
This morning, Microsoft posted that it was accepting new users into the Xbox Live dashboard preview. This afternoon ... not so much (transition pictured). After seeing the post this morning, we contacted the company to get specifics, as the registration wasn't working properly. Since then, Microsoft has altered the text and sent us the following statement: "Unfortunately we don't have any details to share at this time." We'll take this as a case of "switch flipped too early." [Thanks, Eric]
PSA: No, that Xbox 360 system update doesn't contain the new Dash
After rubbing the sleep out of our eyes this morning and booting up the ol' Xbox 360, we were just as surprised as you were to see a serious looking system update. You know, the kind of system update that requires a special install window after rebooting the console? That one. As Major Nelson informs us, the update is little more than "general system maintenance," and "no new features" (his emphasis) will pop up after updating. Well, boogie to that! Perhaps in late November, then?
Report: Xbox Fall Dashboard Update set for Nov. 25, uses modified Silverlight
Tech site GigaOM reports that sources close to Microsoft have revealed a few bold changes currently being incorporated into the Fall Dashboard Update, which one would assume Microsoft would have locked down by now. According to the site, the "Lakeview" code providing the framework for the dash uses a modified version of Microsoft's Silverlight technology, which will incorporate the Kinect's voice and gesture-control schemes. The site also claims that Microsoft's newly contracted third-party content partners will use Apple's HTTP Live Streaming tech rather than the company's own Smooth Streaming software. The site also claims that Microsoft will launch the update on Black Friday. We've contacted Microsoft for a comment on the claims, and hope that they're on the money -- anything that will keep potential deal-hunters out of the malls and on their couches is a welcome distraction in our books.
Microsoft reveals new TV providers including Verizon and Comcast coming to Xbox 360 (video)
Just as the rumors indicated, Microsoft is bringing video from a number of providers beyond the ones it initially announced to the Xbox 360 in its fall update, including big guns like Verizon and Comcast. While Verizon is promising "a selection" of its live TV channels on the Xbox 360 as expected, Comcast is only bringing its Xfinity TV video on-demand offerings (no AnyPlay powered live TV -- yet) to subscribers when it launches "in the coming months." Other notable providers include Lovefilm (UK, Germany), BBC TV (UK), HBO Go, and Syfy. As promised during E3, the services integrated with Xbox will offer support for search across all available video, as well as support for Kinect voice and gesture controls. The universal search is looking good since it pulls together various services into one UI (as we discussed on our podcast yesterday), but the reality is content providers and geographical limits on what services you can pick from are still throwing up walls between users and content. Check after the break for PR detailing what you'll be able to access and where, as well as a video intro to all the tasty new TV services. %Gallery-135845%
Rumor: PayPal memo puts November 15 date on Xbox dash update
Kotaku reports that a leaked internal memo from PayPal lists November 15 as the date of the new Xbox 360 Dashboard update. It's the one that refreshes the look and adds more Kinect integration, if you haven't been following all the menu news. Why would PayPal be talking about the new Xbox dash? Reportedly, PayPal employees have been asked to test the new system, likely as it relates to payment options. PayPal support was added in the last Dashboard update, in the spring. We're contacting PayPal; if the people there truly have an interest in being our pals, they'll confirm the date.
Bloomberg: Xbox Live getting Comcast, Verizon access; expects HBO, Crackle, Bravo, Syfy, Lovefilm, and more
A report earlier this month said that Microsoft's upcoming "Live TV" service -- part of the Xbox 360's upcoming Dashboard refresh -- would feature pay television service from the likes of Comcast and Verizon, who have 22.5 million and 3.8 million TV subscribers, respectively. Now, the far more reputable Bloomberg is reporting the same, citing "people with knowledge of the situation." "Microsoft [...] is in talks with almost two dozen providers of music, sports, movies and TV shows in the U.S. and Europe, and may announce an expanded Xbox Live streaming service as soon as next week, said one of the people, who weren't authorized to speak publicly," Bloomberg reports. But it's not just Comcast and Verizon. Microsoft also "expects to sign deals with Time Warner Inc. (TWX)'s HBO cable channel, Sony Pictures Entertainment's Crackle streaming service, NBC Universal's Bravo and Syfy channels and Lovefilm UK, a subsidiary of Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN)," one of Bloomberg's sources says. Overall, Microsoft is "in talks with almost two dozen providers of music, sports, movies and TV shows in the U.S. and Europe" and it could announce the fruits of those negotiations "as soon as next week." Two of Bloomberg's sources say that existing customers of both Comcast and Verizon will only need to prove they are pay-TV customers to gain access to the services on the Xbox.
Xbox Live Fall Dashboard preview: From 'nonsense' to Metro
Terry Farrell, senior product manager of Xbox Live entertainment, is pretty excited about the new Fall Dashboard update. As the individual who partners with first and third-party video content providers, he's the go-to guy to talk to about Microsoft's future plans for offering video content. Too bad he couldn't get too specific with us.
Xbox Live Fall 2011 Dashboard update preview: Bing search, voice control, and a Metro overhaul
Autumn is fast approaching -- and you know what that means: it's round about time for an Xbox Dashboard update. Sure, we got a peek of Microsoft's upcoming harvest back at E3, but the good folks from Redmond invited us to take a closer look at what they're calling the "most significant update to the Dashboard since NXE." Senior project Manager Terry Ferrell was on-site to walk us through an early engineering beta and show us how an updated Metro UI, Bing search and deeper Kinect integration is going to change the way folks manage their entertainment content.
Source: Take a look at Hulu Plus on Xbox and the new Kinect sub-Dash
Sure, Hulu Plus may not be part of the public beta preview of this spring's Xbox 360 Dashboard update -- at least that's what Microsoft's saying -- but that doesn't mean we can't see what it may look like when it does launch, as scheduled, sometime in the next few months. Images sent to us by a trusted tipster show the Hulu Plus app in action (and being controlled by Kinect), as well as the revamped Kinect Dashboard. Like the Netflix app, the Hulu interface resembles the Xbox Dashboard itself, offering a rotating layer of categories with selectable content. As for the updated Kinect Hub, it looks fairly similar to what is currently available on the Xbox, only it adds access to both Netflix and Hulu Plus. Though our tipster doesn't know whether Hulu Plus will be added to the current public beta test of the next Dashboard update, our source did note that the application seems fully functional, as does Avatar Kinect (also not currently part of the preview). Our tipster said the Kinect-controlled Avatar showcase app wasn't especially exciting, but that "it was good at tracking my movements and the response time was pretty fast like everything else with the Kinect." Hopefully we'll find out for ourselves soon enough!%Gallery-121264%
Rumor: Xbox Dashboard preview testing for Avatar Kinect, Hulu Plus [update: Avatar Kinect, Hulu not part of public beta]
It looks like Xbox Live preview program participants may be testing out more than a new disc format after all. According to an Xbox Live profile allegedly belonging to one of the beta program administrators, both Avatar Kinect and Hulu Plus features are being tested. Both applications can be seen on the profile, though links to their respective Xbox.com listings appear to be broken for the time being. Of course, it's possible that Avatar Kinect and Hulu Plus are simply undergoing internal testing at Microsoft and may not be part of the current preview program at all. Still, even if that's the case, the finding could signify that we may see these new features once the upcoming Xbox Live update goes public. We've contacted Microsoft for comment. In further Xbox Live preview news, Joystiq has received several tips that participants have begun receiving their Halo: Reach preview discs. It doesn't appear that users are receiving retail, boxed copies of the game, but rather plain, boxed DVDs plastered with a warning not to insert the disc into a non-preview console. Using the disc in a non-preview console will result in said console being unable to connect to Xbox Live until the update officially rolls out to the public. Check out images of the (admittedly bland-looking) disc in the gallery below Update: Microsoft has informed Joystiq that neither Hulu Plus nor Avatar Kinect are part of the public dashboard preview. [Thanks, Paul] %Gallery-120889%
