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Microsoft kicked off public beta for 2012 Xbox Live update, but quickly ran out of space
And just like that, it was all over. Shortly after the well-known, always-informative Major Nelson announced that this year's upcoming Xbox Live update had officially opened its beta doors to the public, he soon followed up with a note saying it was already "full and no longer accepting sign-ups." For the lucky ones, though, the public beta will give them early access to a slew of anticipated Xbox Live features, such as personalized dashboard recommendations, improved category / discovery features and, best of all, a look at Internet Explorer on Microsoft's entertainment console. Sadly, Major Nelson didn't say whether or not there's going to be more spaces opening up soon, but we'll keep you in the loop if anything changes.
Microsoft reportedly preparing Silverlight-like app framework ahead of Xbox Live update
Earlier this month, Microsoft announced a new slate of Xbox Live partnerships with Verizon, Comcast, and a host of other content providers. Now, the company has unveiled new details about the code upon which these new apps will run. Sources close to the situation tell GigaOM that the new framework, code-named "Lakeview," will be based on Silverlight, but will also bring a few new features from Xbox Kinect, including voice recognition and gesture-based controls. More intriguing, perhaps, are insider claims that Microsoft's new content partners stream video using Apple's HTTP Live Streaming, rather than Redmond's Smooth Streaming. GigaOM's sources went on to say that Microsoft has been introducing major changes to the platform over the past few weeks, in the hopes of having it ready for third-party developers once the Xbox Live update rolls out. Spokespersons for Xbox and Silverlight said they have "nothing to announce" about the new framework, though GigaOM reports that Redmond is aiming to release the update on Black Friday.
Xbox 360 Update Preview discs are in the mail
If you signed up the Xbox 360 preview program it's time to start camping out by your mailbox and pestering your delivery person -- the update discs are shipping. A few lucky gamers now have their sneak peak at the next Xbox Live update and free copy of Halo: Reach in hand, and one was kind enough to send us the shot above to prove it. The disc bears a serious warning though: do not try and install it on a non-preview approved system. Doing so will completely disable Xbox Live until the update is officially released, which may be months away. So, if your friend got a disc don't even think about trying to mooch your way into the beta program. After all, what fun is playing Halo if you're stuck trying to save Reach by yourself? [Thanks, Adam]
Xbox 360 'start disc' boot-up setting to be fixed in future update
The new Xbox Dashboard update has created a little hiccup for those who want an inserted disc to load immediately after switching on the console. The issue being: it won't, even if the option is selected from system settings. Microsoft is aware of the situation, and Major Nelson tells us the option "WILL return in a future update." In the meantime, check out the official Microsoft support article for obvious workarounds. Like: 1. Go to "My Xbox." 2. Select the first panel to "Play Disc." [Thanks, Xenokai]
Video tour: Xbox 360 Fall 2010 Dashboard update
Join us in our video preview of the upcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard update. While Microsoft keeps the Kinect component under wraps, we've got plenty to show you: there's the promised ESPN content, updated Netflix functionality (now featuring "search") and, of course, the new Dashboard UI. Oh, and Avatars are looking a bit different and sporting some new features. Hit a link below to jump to the corresponding video or watch them all after the break. Dashboard and Family Settings | ESPN | Netflix Search | Avatars %Gallery-103626%
Xbox Live preview 'wave 1' invites out now
The "wave 1" invites to the Xbox Live update preview program are out now, according to Major Nelson. If your dear console has been invited to participate, there should be a prompt upon sign-in. A "wave 1" invite implies that more waves are incoming, so don't get too sad if ya didn't catch the first one, Moondoggie. Grab that board and prepare to ride a future wave to all that upgradedness. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Xbox Live Update has arrived, everything is going to be alright
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.
PSA: Xbox Live Update is ... live
This one is for all the unlucky souls that didn't make it into the Xbox Live Update preview program: Your wait is over! The Xbox Live Update is finally here, and it's here for everyone. That's right, now everyone has access to the update's many riches and wonders, including better (and "exclusive") Netflix functionality, Avatar Awards, Games on Demand, User Ratings and more. And let's not forget you can also purchase clothing for your digital doll.Getting the update is easy. Just turn on your Xbox, connect to Live and BAM, instant update. For a quick look at some of the new features, check out the video above, and find a Netflix video tour after the break.
Japan's Games on Demand launch line-up revealed, tiny
With the North American and European Games on Demand launch line-ups out of the way, it's time for Japan. The full listing has been uncovered on the Japanese Xbox.com and ... it's really tiny. Anemic, really. It's small, that's what we're trying to say. All told, there are eight games that will be available when the Xbox Live Update rolls out, compared to the twenty-four titles that will hit the North American region. Also, of those eight titles, two of them are Idol Master games. In fact, the only other game exclusive to the Japanese region (for now, at least) is Bullet Witch.It's a little peculiar that there isn't a single RPG scheduled to launch with the service. RPGs -- Blue Dragon, Eternal Sonata, Tales of Vesperia, to name a few -- have been some of the most successful titles for Microsoft in Japan. Their absence seems very strange.Find the full, RPG-less list of launch games after the break.[Thanks, sacra]
BioShock surfaces on Games on Demand, costs $30
A quick note for those lucky enough to be part of the Xbox Live Update preview program: BioShock is now available from Games on Demand. While you might be keen to download it just to try out the Games on Demand feature, you should know that it will cost you $29.99. Considering you can pick up a new copy of the game from GameStop, eBay or Newegg for only $20 (or less), it's not exactly worth it -- unless the convenience of not leaving the house is worth $10 to you, of course. It's also worth noting that the XBLM price is only $10 shy of the BioShock / Oblivion combo pack.Still, if you just have to try Games on Demand, don't have BioShock already and have 4.66 gigs of spare room on the ol' hard drive, go for it. Just remember, a man chooses!
PSA: Xbox 360 Dash Preview invites in the mail [Update]
Update: According to the comments in this story, the Xbox 360 Dashboard Preview has begun to roll out now.If you were quick enough on the draw to sign up, you may notice an email from Microsoft in your inbox today inviting you into the new Xbox 360 Dashboard Preview. The public preview -- which opened up for selected press and MVPs earlier last week -- is not fully live just yet, but Microsoft is notifying users if they were accepted into the program. Unaware of what to expect when the new dashboard hits this August? Joystiq has a lengthy guide with a plethora of videos to show you the ropes for the "New New Xbox Experience." Those guys are swell.
Video tour: Xbox Live Update, Netflix and Avatar Marketplace
You may have noticed that Joystiq managed to get its grubby mitts on the latest Xbox Live Update a little early. Now, we could have been super selfish and kept it all to ourselves, but that's just not how Joystiq rolls. Thus, we bring you this video tour of the major new features introduced by the upcoming update. Above, we have an overall video tour of the update, which shows off the new Achievement browser, Friends list sorting, Avatar Marketplace and the new-and-improved Netflix application.After the break, we have more detailed looks at Avatar Marketplace and Netflix. You can also check out some screens of the new features in the gallery below. Enjoy!%Gallery-68685%
Xbox Live Dashboard update coming August 11th
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 Dashboard update arrives Aug. 11
Microsoft has just announced that the upcoming Xbox Dashboard update will be hitting Xbox Live on August 11. The update is set to include many new features, including Games on Demand, improved Netflix performance (along with Movie Parties), Avatar Awardables, Avatar Marketplace, the ability to rate games, new Friends list sorting options and more. The announcement also mentions that previously announced Twitter, Facebook and Last.fm support is slated to arrive this fall.Also, don't forget that Microsoft is currently accepting entrants for an upcoming preview, allowing many gamers a chance to check out the update before it's available to the general public. If you don't make it, rest assured that Joystiq will be taking the update for a spin and will be posting plenty of coverage.
Xbox Live update preview program now accepting applicants
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]
MS opens Xbox Live update preview program
Would you like to be one of the movers and shakers to get the upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update before all the filthy, "regular" people? If so, you'll be happy to know that Major Nelson has just announced an Xbox Live Update preview program. Microsoft ran a similar program prior to the NXE, which allowed lots of gamers everywhere the chance to see all the fabulous updates early.The new update includes plenty of cool new features, including Games on Demand Movie Parties for Netflix and Avatar Awardables, so we know you want in. To register, simply head over to Microsoft Connect, sign in with the Live ID connected to your Gamertag and then fill out the "Xbox LIVE Update Preview Sign Up" survey. The program is open to both Silver and Gold Xbox Live members, though Major Nelson notes that preference will be given to Gold members. If you make it into the program -- MS is accepting "multiple thousands" of participants -- you should be contacted in about a week.Good luck!
Xbox Live update details announced, includes Games on Demand support, Netflix Movie Parties, game ratings
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.
