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Xbox One system update rolls out for preview members
Microsoft has launched a limited-access Xbox One dashboard update, giving preview team members an early look at the features and improvements in store for its public release this fall. Currently, preview members can test drive a reorganized Party Chat app, an overhauled Friends section, and a live TV miniguide, among other structural improvements. Eligible members in Europe can try out the Xbox One Digital TV Tuner launching at retail in October. The update also boasts an improved media player, detailed in the preview video above. Following its fall update, the Xbox One will be capable of playing animated .gifs, enthusiast video codecs, and other formats via a connected USB 2.0 or 3.0 device or over a DLNA home media server. A release date for the Xbox One's fall update is not yet known. [Video: Microsoft]
Microsoft 'retiring' Facebook and Twitter Xbox 360 Dashboard apps
Eagle-eyed gamers may have already noticed that the Xbox 360's dedicated Twitter and Facebook apps have gone missing after the latest Dashboard update, and now Redmond has confirmed it's put the applications out to pasture. According to a Microsoft representative that spoke to IGN, the firm is "retiring the Facebook and Twitter apps" as it works to streamline functionality. When asked if the pair of apps will ever make a comeback, Ballmer and Co. didn't comment. Still crave to update your friends on your latest gaming exploits through the console? Spreading the news on the digital grapevine is still possible, but you'll have to access the social networks through the freshly added Internet Explorer app -- an experience we hope Xbox SmartGlass will improve.
Xbox unfollows Twitter and unfriends Facebook, apps 'retired' from dash
The Fall 2012 Update currently rolling out removes Twitter and Facebook from the Xbox dashboard, and Microsoft have confirmed the apps are officially being 'retired.' Speaking to IGN, Microsoft said it's "retiring the Facebook and Twitter apps," although the company didn't comment regards whether or not they may ever return. Microsoft is recommending Xbox users instead access Twitter and Facebook via Internet Explorer 9, which is included in the Fall Update.It was three Fall Updates ago when Twitter and Facebook arrived on Xbox 360. Yes, nearly three years ago when everyone logged in on that first day to tweet or post a status update from their consoles, then immediately reverted to however they tweeted or updated their statuses before. Ah, memories.
PSA: Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard update rolling out today
Your chance to shout voice commands at Engadget is coming today, as Microsoft is rolling out its Fall Dashboard update to the Xbox 360 today, headlined by the inclusion of Internet Explorer. The update also adds a version of its popular "pinning" functionality, a variety of specialized sports apps (NBA, NHL, and Monday Night Football from ESPN), the ability to recommend and rate content, and some UI tweaks across all of the 360 Dashboard's categories. Xbox Music is also in there, as is SmartGlass support, though the latter won't have any functionality until October 26, according to Microsoft's Major Nelson. The update may not come immediately, as it's being rolled out gradually across various regions. 3 million folks get in this week, while others may not see it until a week or two from now, says Microsoft. We've got a full hands-on right here for you to read in the meantime, of course.
Xbox Live Dashboard beta re-opens to second round of entrants
Apparently your excitement for this fall's Xbox 360 Dashboard update beta was so great that Microsoft caved to demand and reopened its gates for 500,000 more participants. That's at least according to an Engadget tipster, though Microsoft's Major Nelson is only saying that the program is open to more testers this time than in its first round.Like in the previous round, once the signups are closed, they're closed, so get your name in while the getting's good! If accepted, you'll get access to Internet Explorer's Xbox 360 version, enhanced search functionality, and bragging rights that you were in the beta "before it was cool." Full beta features are below the break.
Microsoft patent applications take Kinect into mobile cameras, movie-making
Microsoft has never been shy about its ambitions for Kinect's depth sensing abilities. A pair of patent applications, however, show that its hopes and dreams are taking a more Hollywood turn. One patent has the depth camera going portable: a "mobile environment sensor" determines its trajectory through a room and generates a depth map as it goes, whether it's using a Kinect-style infrared sensor or stereoscopic cameras. If the visual mapping isn't enough, the would-be camera relies on a motion sensor like an accelerometer to better judge its position as it's jostled around. Microsoft doesn't want to suggest what kind of device (if any) might use the patent for its camera, but it's not ruling out anything from smartphones through to traditional PCs. The second patent filing uses the Kinect already in the house for that directorial debut you've always been putting off. Hand gestures control the movie editing, but the depth camera both generates a model of the environment and creates 3D props out of real objects. Motion capture, naturally, lets the humans in the scene pursue their own short-lived acting careers. We haven't seen any immediate signs that Microsoft is planning to use this or the mobile sensor patent filing in the real world, although both are closer to reality than some of the flights of fancy that pass by the USPTO -- the movie editor has all the hallmarks of a potential Dashboard update or Kinect Fun Labs project.
Want to test the next Xbox Dashboard update? Now's your big chance [update: it's full!]
You probably want to be one of the first people to explore the internet on your Xbox 360, right? Well, Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb just posted up instructions for how to be that dude – all you have to do is sign up for the upcoming Xbox Live Dashboard update beta.Beyond the opportunity to explore the internet from the comfort of your couch, you'll also get "personalized dashboard recommendations" (whatever that means), and "enhanced category search and discovery features."Like with so many betas, participants won't be able to write about their experience or take pictures or anything like that until the required non-disclosure agreement expires. But hey, you'll be part of a super secret club, so there's something.Update: Looks like the beta's full up, y'all. Congrats to those who got in!
Xbox spring system update headed to some this week, everyone next week
The Xbox spring system update will be delivered to "a few" Xbox Live members this week, according to a tweet from Major Nelson. The update will be deployed to all members next week. Before you go rushing to check your Xbox, don't get too excited: Major Nelson noted further that the update will only add "behind the scenes improvements and prep for future enhancements."Presumably, he's referring to things like Xbox Music and SmartGlass, which Microsoft unveiled at E3, and more video apps.
Xbox 360 spring update rolling out to some now, everyone else next week
It doesn't bring quite the overhaul that previous updates have, but at least some Xbox 360 users should be seeing a new software update available the next time they turn on their console. Xbox's Major Nelson confirmed on Twitter today that the spring update is rolling out to "a few" users this week, with everyone else set to receive it next week. As for details on the update, he's only gone as far as to confirm that it contains "behind the scenes improvements & prep for future enhancements." Presumably, those future enhancements include many of the new features we saw at E3 last week, but there's still no official word as to when they'll actually roll out.
Xbox 360 system update gets its colors in order, makes it mandatory
Remember those color problems experienced by some Xbox 360 users after last year's dashboard update? Microsoft appears to have fixed the issue in its latest system update, although it will take time for the fix to roll out across the associated apps -- we've been told this will happen over the next few months. Its Sony rival also rolled out its own (optional) update for the PS3 yesterday, improving "certain aspects" of the UI. The Xbox team promise that their update will also increase performance, but don't take their word for it; the update is rolling out now -- let us know how it goes.
Microsoft acknowledges Xbox 360 color space problem in last update, is working on a fix
While we found a lot of things to like in the last Xbox 360 dashboard upgrade, not everyone was happy after it finally rolled out in early December. We've received word from multiple owners who saw and reported color output problems since the beta began, and today Director of Programming Larry Hryb aka Major Nelson tweeted that the company is "aware of the color space issue w/ some Xbox video apps & are working on a fix". While that should take care of some issues, more recent reports also indicate problems with the HDMI output having HDCP authentication problems with certain TVs or receivers that blocks video output, as well as reports confirmed by Eurogamer that 1080p output appears to be downscaled to 720p internally. We're waiting for a response from Microsoft about these or any other issues and will let you know when we hear more. Let us know if you've noticed anything else in the new Xbox 360 update that needs tweaking in the comments below.[Thanks, Vinny P, Brad R. and everyone else who sent this in]
Microsoft aware of Xbox Live profile 'Error 801540B7,' working on fix
We've received complaints about Xbox Live profile errors over the last week. Subscribers are prevented from downloading their profiles off Live, locking them out of the online network and purchased content. The code we've been tipped on the most is error "801540B7," but we've also seen a similar issue with "80070571," both relating to Live profiles. We contacted Microsoft to find out if there was a common cause that we could report on and help prevent. We've only heard about these problems since the new Xbox Live dashboard became available earlier this month. "We have recently identified an Xbox Live profile data error that results in Error Code '801540B7' for a small number of Xbox Live members. The error instructs users to attempt to re-download their Xbox Live profile and directs them to customer service support for further assistance," a Microsoft spokesperson told Joystiq. "We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused to our loyal Xbox Live members and are working to resolve the issue as soon as possible." If you've experienced error "801540B7," or a similar profile error, contact us and describe exactly what happened when the error occurred.
PSA: UFC, VUDU, other video apps now available on Xbox 360
A slew of new video apps have debuted through Microsoft's updated Xbox 360 dashboard, including the UFC app and VUDU. Here's the full list: 4 on Demand (C4) -- United Kingdom ABC iView (Australian Broadcasting Corp.) -- Australia Dailymotion -- Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Columbia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, India, Italy, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland , Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, South Africa Demand 5 (Five) -- United Kingdom M6 -- France MSN Video -- France UFC on Xbox LIVE (UFC) -- Canada, United States VUDU (Wal-Mart) -- United States You can download each app through the video tab on your Xbox 360, assuming you're in a region that supports it.
Microsoft launches YouTube, TMZ, FiOS TV apps and many more on the Xbox 360 today
For those of you in the Xbox 360 Dashboard preview program, some of this stuff is old hat, but for the rest of us today's launch of a dozen new applications on the Dashboard is all brand new. Beyond the addition of YouTube, FiOS TV, and TMZ (can we give that one back?), Xbox 360 users get access to MSNBC content, iHeartRadio (actual radio!), and a handful of other services starting today. Though we expected as much, certain services are region-specific and will only be available to certain audiences (Rogers On Demand only exists in Canada, for instance, as it's a Canadian cable provider). Head past the break for the official list, regions and all.
All Xbox dash apps must have Kinect functionality going forward
With Microsoft's Kinect-friendly Xbox dashboard update now available to the masses, it looks like users can expect a lot more Kinect functionality built-in going forward. That is to say that every future dashboard app will be required to have Kinect functionality, according to Kotaku. We got the word directly from Microsoft. From now on, all apps must offer Kinect support in some form (and it may be optional for users). We were told by a representative, "With the new dashboard our objective is to bring the power of Kinect functionality to every experience where voice and gestures make sense." Controller support, obviously, won't be abandoned, but Microsoft wants to insure that "consumers can simply use gestures, voice and their controllers in a seamless way." [Update: Adjusted the post to make it clear that support is required from developers, not users.]
New Xbox Dashboard features leave Indie Games in the lurch
Now that the new Xbox 360 Dashboard is out there, many are finding the new features don't extend to Indie Games. Sure, Indies haven't supported Achievements for a while, and there's always been a price ceiling, but it looks like Beacons don't work with them, cloud storage isn't supported, and new releases don't appear under, well, new releases. It's all in the video above, provided by GameMarx. Even that new Xbox iOS app doesn't list Indies. Why is nobody thinking of the little guys?
PSA: Xbox dashboard update 'slightly delayed' (Update - rolling out to subscribers now)
(Update: According to Major Nelson's Twitter feed, the dashboard update is being pushed to accounts in batches, and should be widely available over the next few hours.) After Microsoft announced several new services would miss the December 6 launch of the Xbox dashboard update, it has revealed that another major component will also miss the planned launch, namely the dashboard update itself. Major Nelson tweeted the news, noting, "the timing for the Xbox 360 dashboard update has been slightly delayed." Concerned citizens will receive a status update "later today." Given the last minute nature of the delay -- so last minute that it didn't halt this morning's press release announcing the rollout -- we can't yet say for sure whether it's a matter of hours or days.
Xbox Companion app for WP7 will launch alongside the new dashboard December 6th
The fall 2011 dashboard update for Microsoft's Xbox 360 is just a day or so away from arriving and while certain video partners may not be ready to ring the bell day one, its slick Xbox Companion app for Windows Phone 7 (caught on video here and here) will be there. The app lets users search the Xbox catalog of games, movies, and more directly from their phone, get second screen information on what ever the console is currently playing, see friend activity, or act as a remote control. It's free for all WP7 users and will be available Tuesday, check the gallery below for a few more screen shots and Major Nelson's blog for specific details. %Gallery-141025%
Xbox 360 Dashboard update review (fall 2011)
Kiss that old "New Xbox Experience" goodbye -- the Xbox Dashboard just went full Metro. Microsoft teased the console's latest overhaul back at E3, promising to "change living room entertainment forever." The following months saw leaks, previews and betas, all leading up to today, the eve of the Xbox 360's Fall Dashboard update. Is the new dash the game-changer it hopes to be? Hit the break, and we'll find out together.%Gallery-141009%
Xfinity, Verizon services miss this week's Xbox 360 dash update
The long-awaited "Metro" update to the Xbox 360 dashboard is finally launching this week, but you might not want to make any popcorn just yet. A number of Microsoft's recently announced content partners won't be showing up to the party on time, most notably Comcast's Xfinity on-demand library, Verizon's Fios live-tv service, and the HBO GO app. Microsoft has given a nebulous "early 2012" release window for HBO and Xfinity, though Verizon should be bringing Fios to Xbox Live "later in December" - along with SyFy, UFC, and a number of others. A full list of partners, and when to expect them, is available after the jump.
