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Xbox Live update preview program now rolling out

by Ross Miller posted Oct 22nd 2009 at 10:28PM

Xbox 360's resident spokesman Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb wants you to know that the Xbox Live update preview program is now officially a go, with the first wave of registered participants getting automatically prompted to update upon sign-in (you should also receive an email, but apparently they're behind on the notifications). More people are said to be getting the update "in the coming days," so don't lose hope yet -- not that waiting for Twitter, Facebook, and Last.fm integration, and 1080p instant-on streaming should cause ultimate despair, but we digress. The only thing you don't get is the Halo Waypoint preview, which doesn't join the preview fun until next week.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Sky TV arriving on Xbox 360 in mid-October according to SkyMag; Twitter, Facebook & Zune to follow?

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 26th 2009 at 7:07PM

Live Sky TV viewing via Xbox 360 didn't make it into the most recent dashboard update, readers report page 17 of the network's most recent SkyMag indicates it will arrive around mid-October. Additional details flesh out what's available, while all Xbox Live Gold members (in the appropriate areas) will get access to the Sky Player similar to the PC implementation, you will need a Sky subscription with the appropriate channels to view sports and movie content. Look out for more updates at the skyplayer.com/xbox360 site, while those of us beyond the network's reach wonder whether we can expect other features like Twitter (you're following us, right?) Facebook and 1080p instant-on movie streaming to arrive at roughly the same time.

[Thanks, David]

Microsoft Xbox head honcho Shane Kim retires, declines to offer us a piece of cake

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Sep 15th 2009 at 4:23PM

Microsoft VP Shane Kim has been anything but a stranger to these pages over the years: we first had a sit-down with the man way back in the halcyon days of early 2006, and as recently as this summer he was discussing the probable-possibility of Xbox games making their way onto mobile devices. Now, after nineteen years with the company and a career spanning the original Xbox through the present day (and Project Natal), our man has officially announced his retirement at the end of the year. Apparently his duties will be split between Dennis Durkin, who's been named chief operating officer of the company's video game unit, and Phil Spencer, who will oversee Microsoft Game Studios. Kim has yet to proclaim any post-Microsoft plans, saying he intends to relax and spend time with friends and family. Now that that's out of the way, Microsoft, when can we expect to see Live Anywhere up and running?

Twitter and Facebook for Xbox Live will be free for Gold members, 'free trial' for Silver

by Ross Miller posted Aug 28th 2009 at 12:52AM

This shouldn't really come as too much of a surprise, but anyone wanting to enjoy Twitter and Facebook on Xbox Live will have to pony up for Gold member subscription, the same premium prerequisite currently needed for Netflix Instant Watch and pretty much all online gaming. Silver membership will be given a "free trial," but exactly what limitations that entails, or if they'll be an option to "upgrade" to the full version, is anyone's guess.

Is Microsoft gearing up for Xbox Live on mobile?

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Aug 12th 2009 at 3:10PM

Are you a currently unemployed Software Engineer? If so, here's a recession antidote of an altogether different stripe: Microsoft is taking applications for a LIVE Community Director, whose job it will be to manage "LIVE community strategy and execution across a range of properties, from Xbox LIVE to Windows Mobile." The posting then goes on to discuss how the team will be tasked with constructing a next gen, LIVE-enabled platform across the web, the console, mobile and more... which, you know, sounds a little bit like the Live Anywhere concept. Either way, it sounds like the company might be doing a little more than merely contemplating its mobile strategy, Shane Kim's recent interview notwithstanding. What are you waiting for? Dust off that resume and hit the read link.

[Via Ars Technica, thanks Adrian]

Xbox Live Update has arrived, everything is going to be alright

by Paul Miller posted Aug 11th 2009 at 12:32PM

It was almost a little cruel of Microsoft to offer its Xbox Live Update preview program so widely -- sure, all your stupid friends had the update, with their fancy new avatar clothing purchases and their cutesy little shared virtual Netflix screenings -- but there was you, updateless, sitting all alone, trying to squeeze out a few more experience points in Call of Duty while you held back the tears. Well, your wait is over. The newly improved Xbox 360 dashboard is live for everybody. Games on Demand, User Ratings, Avatar Awards... it's all there. Just ripe for the picking.

Gallery: Xbox Live dashboard update first look

Xbox 360 officially the only console to stream Netflix -- sorry, PS3 and Wii

by Darren Murph posted Aug 11th 2009 at 7:27AM

We actually had to brush the fog off of our spectacles to ensure that hazy conditions weren't clouding our comprehension abilities, but sure enough, that Netflix streaming that Xbox LIVE members have grown to love won't ever land on Sony's PlayStation 3 nor on Nintendo's Wii (PlayOn notwithstanding). At the very bottom of Microsoft's long list of details surrounding today's Xbox LIVE update, we're clearly told that the Netflix Watch Instantly integration is now an "exclusive partnership," with Microsoft going so far as to say that the "Xbox 360 will be the only game console to offer this movie-watching experience, available to Xbox LIVE Gold members who are also Netflix unlimited plan subscribers." Of course, we'd heard rumors over the years that Netflix could sashay over to other consoles in due time, but it looks like the suits in Redmond had the foresight to lock things down while they still had a chance. So, are you reconsidering that Xbox 360 purchase, or just looking that much more intently in Roku's direction? Full blurb is after the break.

[Thanks, David]

Continue reading Xbox 360 officially the only console to stream Netflix -- sorry, PS3 and Wii

Xbox Live dashboard update preview invites begin rolling out

by Ross Miller posted Jul 28th 2009 at 11:28PM

You've already read our thoughts on the new Xbox Live dashboard update, and now it's time for those who put in their name for the preview program to join the fun. Microsoft today began sending invites that'll get you set up for the download, so that you can enjoy Avatar marketplace and a slew of new Netflix options (and irksome restrictions for Starz Play titles). Registration is still open if you still want a shot at nabbing it before August 11th. Didn't get an email? A second wave of invites is going out tomorrow, but also be sure to check the Connect site you registered at anyway, as Microsoft notes those who opted out of receiving emails will have no other way of confirming.

[Via Joystiq]

Xbox 360's new Netflix Movie Parties disabled for Starz Play titles?

by Ross Miller posted Jul 25th 2009 at 4:54AM

Ever get a sinking feeling in your stomach, like it's November 2008 all over again? Yes, just like when Sony Pictures blocked its films from Netflix on Demand for a then-fresh New Xbox Experience update, so too are the early adopters of the new Xbox Live Dashboard update seeing select films excluded from the joys of its group sharing "Movie Parties" mode. Our BFFs at Joystiq have done some preliminary testing on the issue, and it seems the common link is that all guilty videos hail from the Starz Play catalog. In other words, you can all but forget about watching Pineapple Express synchronized with your Xbox 360-toting friends and family thousands of miles away -- for now at least. With any luck, like the previous issue with Sony Pictures, this problem will eventually fix itself, and with any luck, it'll be smooth sailing by the time the Xbox Live Dashboard update is officially pushed out to the masses on August 11th. Video proof of the misdemeanor can be seen after the break.

Continue reading Xbox 360's new Netflix Movie Parties disabled for Starz Play titles?

The new Xbox Live dashboard update preview is... live!

by Joshua Topolsky posted Jul 24th 2009 at 11:08AM

That's right kids. Netflix movie parties, avatar accessories, Games on Demand (though no proper Xbox 360 titles yet -- this is just the preview after all). We just got the update and are exploring right now, so stay tuned. If you're one of the select few, let us know in comments!

Some notable bits thus far:

Netflix now has way, way more options. You can actually browse content via the app, which is great. As a commenter points out, HD content is now denoted with a tag.
There isn't any avatar prop content available just yet -- hopefully we'll get to pick out an awesome gun to carry around soon though.
No Games on Demand content from the current gen console is available, but apparently the games will start rolling out in early August (sigh).
As we noted in previous posts, the preview doesn't boast any of the Last.fm, Facebook, or Twitter additions yet.
We know they're still working the kinks out, but there seems to be noticeable slowdown when shifting between pages, something we've never noticed before in the NXE.

Gallery: Xbox Live dashboard update first look

Microsoft acknowledges the mobile Xbox question, Live Anywhere due for a comeback?

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Jul 21st 2009 at 3:43PM

In an interview with Kikizo, Microsoft VP Shane Kim talks briefly about Xbox Live and the possibility of moving it into the handheld game space -- which could definitely / maybe / someday happen, as the company seems to understand the importance of mobile media for its users. While hard at work trying to devise a mobile device strategy, however, its apparently decided that its resources are best spent developing home hardware and "more inviting and innovative experiences for a broader audience, things like 1 Vs. 100, Joy Ride, Beatles Rock Band," not to mention social media and streaming 1080p HD, all of which "combine to broaden the brand perception" of the platform. Also dropped in the interview were hints at plans for "a service in Live that will extend to other platforms," which sounds an awful lot like Live Anywhere, doesn't it? Check out that read link for the whole megillah, and for the time being: if you really need an Xbox portable, give us a call. We know a guy.

[Via Yahoo]

Xbox Live Dashboard update coming August 11th

by Ross Miller posted Jul 21st 2009 at 3:11PM

Ladies and gentleman, you can now mark your calendars with a permanent pen, felt-tip marker, or even a paint brush. Microsoft's announced that the next Xbox Live Dashboard update is beaming to your console on August 11th. This one includes Games on Demand, user ratings for games, a number of Netflix additions, and the much-anticipated (maybe not) ability to spend actual money on clothing for your Avatar. What it doesn't have is Twitter, Last.fm, and Facebook support, but according to Microsoft, those are still coming sometime later this fall. You went ahead and signed up for the preview program, right?

Xbox Live update preview program now accepting applicants

by Ross Miller posted Jul 20th 2009 at 7:12PM

Looking to be in the envy of all your friends Xbox 360 online friends? As they did once before with NXE, Microsoft is launching an update preview program for its upcoming Xbox Live dashboard enhancements, which for this round includes Games on Demand, Netflix movie parties, and user ratings -- better luck next time, Facebook aficionados. A Microsoft Connect account is required for registration, and lucky participants will be notified by July 31st. Hit up the read link to throw your hat (and gamertag) in the ring for a chance to be selected -- no promises you'll get in, but can't hurt to try, right?

[Via Joystiq; thanks, Ken]

Xbox Live update details announced, includes Games on Demand support, Netflix Movie Parties, game ratings

by Nilay Patel posted Jul 16th 2009 at 8:44PM

Microsoft just announced the details of the next Xbox Live dashboard update, which should start rolling out in waves later this summer. Highlight features include support for Games on Demand (coming in August), a slew of Netflix updates including the ability to browse the library and manage your queue, the long-awaited Movie Party system that allows Gold members to share a flick in a virtual theater, and a ton of other little tweaks like user ratings, avatar enhancements, friends list sorting, and a streamlined Party invite system. Yeah, we think we'll take it. Full release after the break.

Gallery: Xbox Live Dashboard Update Screenshots

Continue reading Xbox Live update details announced, includes Games on Demand support, Netflix Movie Parties, game ratings

Xbox Live and Zune Marketplace both acting flaky right now

by Nilay Patel posted Jun 28th 2009 at 6:48PM

We don't know exactly what's going on, but both Xbox Live and Zune Marketplace are apparently acting up right now -- we've gotten reports that the entire Zune user database is more or less MIA, while Xbox Live seems unable to process purchases reliably. If we had to guess, we'd say that Microsoft's free Thriller video giveaway is causing some pretty massive server strain, but that's just a shot in the dark. Keep us posted on how you're doing, and we'll let you know if we hear anything official.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]