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Xbox Dashboard beta rolls out, isn't that exciting yet
We're receiving reports that Microsoft is updating opted-in Xboxes with the new Dashboard preview ... and it doesn't do much at the moment. The most noticeable addition is a new "Xbox Beta" channel, containing three new titles: "Xbox Beta Program - Preview LIVE Update," which isn't clickable, "New Features" and "Help and Tips." The "New Features" tab, according to tipsters, notes that test subjects will be divided into two groups: those who receive the update online (and will receive their free Halo: Reach later), and those who will receive the update via disc. Microsoft also told users that it is "finalizing the logistics to distribute the discs now." [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Microsoft's 'updated Xbox 360 disc format' to add an extra gigabyte?
As you'll recall from yesterday, there was one small detail that stood out in Microsoft's announcement of a new preview program for the Xbox 360 -- namely, word that the latest system update would bring with it an "updated Xbox 360 disc format." That naturally prompted plenty of speculation, and Eurogamer now says it has heard from a "highly placed development source" who has confirmed that the new disc format actually adds 1GB of storage space to Xbox 360 discs. As the site notes, the Xbox 360's current disc format tops out at just 6.8GB, which still leaves some room to play around with on a standard dual-layer DVD. That would also explain the free copy of Halo: Reach that Microsoft is giving out to everyone accepted into the preview program -- can't really test a new disc format without some new discs now, can you?
Rumor: Xbox Dashboard update to add 1GB of DVD storage
A Digital Foundry source claims that the "new disc format" that Microsoft will implement in the next Xbox 360 update will free an extra gigabyte of the disc for game data. Where would you find an extra GB on a DVD? "The maximum space allocated to game data on the current disc format is just 6.8GB out of a maximum of 7.95GB on a standard dual layer DVD," Digital Foundry explains, "with over 1GB dedicated to a DVD-Video partition that also contained anti-piracy security sectors." That partition will be "drastically reduced or omitted completely" in the update, the source claims. The site notes that this partition was likely located on the innermost part of the DVD, which is slower to access. Thus, it's suggested that developers taking advantage of the extra space will have to account for increased loading time.
Xbox 360 Update Preview Program begins anew, sign up for your sneak peek now
Once upon a time, the Xbox 360 dashboard looked like the picture above -- then, Microsoft blasted it with yearly updates to transform it into the warm, welcoming interface we've come to know and love. If you're already aware of that fact, then you may also know that a select group of lucky US gamers typically get to test out the latest revision months ahead of their peers, and today Microsoft's holding sign-ups for a new version that will include "an updated Xbox 360 disc format," whatever that might mean. You'll also get a free copy of Halo: Reach if your name is picked -- which, according to Major Nelson, is much more likely if you're paying for an Xbox LIVE Gold account -- so you'll probably want to dive through ancient email post-haste to find your Windows LIVE ID, head over to our more coverage link and give it a go. Let us know what those new discs are all about if you get in, eh?
Latest Xbox Dashboard preview to test 'updated' disc format; testers get free Halo: Reach
Major Nelson has revealed on his blog that Microsoft is preparing to conduct another seasonal Xbox 360 Dashboard "preview program," this time to kick the tires of an "updated Xbox 360 disc format." For participating, testers will receive a copy of Halo: Reach in addition to "other possible rewards." Sign-ups are now open at Microsoft Connect, with Major Nelson saying that the company is "looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good." Unlike with last fall's update preview, there's no mention of this update prohibiting participants from playing online or voice chatting with Xbox Live members who aren't part of the beta program. The preview is restricted to US residents, though both Gold and "Free" Xbox Live members can sign up -- with Gold members given the priority come selection time. As for the new disc format: Since it will need to remain compatible with current 360 disc drives, the update is likely just related to copy protection -- in which case, the free copy of Reach probably uses it. We've contacted Microsoft for more details and will update as we get them.
Xbox 360's 'boot to disc' option is back, Gamercards get a makeover
Back in early November, just after Microsoft dropped a new, new Xbox Dashboard on us, the console's ability to load into games at startup -- known as the "boot to disc" option" -- was disabled. Sure, crazy workarounds existed (like, say, moving the cursor to "Play Disc" and hitting the A button), but what if you only have one thumb and limited time? As promised, the functionality is returning this week. Major Nelson announced as much this morning, noting that, like before, the boot to disc option will be accessible via System Settings on your Xbox's Dash -- users will be given a prompt for said update. Additionally, this Thursday, an update will be applied to Gamercards on Xbox.com. As pictured to the left, the yellow and light grey of Gamercards past will be replaced by a new black and dark grey color scheme -- we're calling them "Gamercards at Night" -- and they'll lose their "zone information." With any luck, a smoking jacket and pipe will be added in the coming months. A Gamercard's gotta accessorize! [Thanks, Freddie]
New Xbox Dashboard adds updated piracy measures
The latest Xbox 360 Dashboard update didn't just make the Avatars taller and give you the ability to navigate its menus with your mind -- it also made the illicit enterprise of pirates just a little bit more difficult. According to Digital Foundry, the hardware now institutes a series of checks, which hackers refer to as "AP 2.5," that work in conjunction with "security sectors" embedded in the disc. If the checks come back negative, the player receives a "dirty disc" error and his or her console is flagged for permaban. Pirates can hypothetically avoid these checks by not updating to the new firmware, though this will prevent them from playing on Xbox Live ... which kind of defeats the purpose of avoiding the permaban. Man, it's hard out there for a buccaneer.
Sound off: New Xbox 360 Dashboard
You're going to see a lot of know-it-alls like us weighing in on the new Xbox 360 Dashboard over the next few days, with all our big highfalutin words and our fancy silk cravats. But honestly, who cares what us eggheads think? Isn't the important question: what do you think? In that spirit, we wanted to give you a forum to share your feelings on the just-released, overhauled Xbox 360 Dashboard. What do you hate? What do you love? What do you miss? What does it still need? ... Here -- you know what? Wear our cravats. But just this once.
Xbox Live mandatory update coming November 1st, all hands on board
Dashboard, that is. You've already seen the new Xbox 360 dashboard update right here and thousands of you have tried its flatter, faster interface for yourselves, but if you've missed out, it's looking like your Halloween candy bag may include a full-scale rollout. Xbox Live subscribers are getting the above message in their inboxes right now, indicating that November 1st will bring a service update of some sort, after which point "You will notice a change to the layout of the Xbox LIVE Dashboard, a new color scheme, and new fonts being used." That doesn't necessarily sound like a cornucopia of Netflix Search, ESPN, Kinect and Zune Music to us, but it's not like you have a choice -- it's mandatory, and you'll lose all Xbox Live functionality unless you comply. We for one welcome our new gaming software overlords. Unlike some of the competition's updates, these at least add functionality. [Thanks, Timothy C.]
Microsoft outlines changes and improvements coming in dashboard update
A few of the upcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard update's biggest changes have been heavily touted by Microsoft over the past few months: Things like a redesigned Zune Marketplace, ESPN streaming video and the power to control things with your mind gestures. However, a few of the update's lesser known functions were recently explained by Microsoft -- for instance, did you know that the update will improve voice chat quality, a more streamlined approach to connecting to wireless hotspots, and also, sometimes, your 360's disc tray will produce sizzling strips of hickory-smoked bacon? To find out which one of those things we said was a bold-faced lie, check out the full list of changes coming in the next Dashboard update after the jump.
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%
Video: Xbox 360's new dashboard, Avatar editor
We had a peek at the upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update back when the Kinect beta began, but the video after the break represents one of the most detailed looks we've seen so far. Apart from some aesthetic tweaks -- dig that swirly new boot sequence -- the interface remains unchanged for the most part. There are a few additions, notably the Kinect setup area in the system options with settings for the sensor, microphone, voice recognition and something called "Kinect tuner." The new dashboard is also rocking some new sound effects and, good news for theme hoarders, it supports current NXE themes. The video also shows off the new Avatar editor, which has seen significant visual overhaul, featuring new menus that seem designed to accept Kinect hand gestures. The background music has also been altered and is now -- dare we say it -- a little more Kondo-esque.
Leaked Xbox 360 dashboard gets demonstrated on video
(function() { var s = document.createElement('SCRIPT'), s1 = document.getElementsByTagName('SCRIPT')[0]; s.type = 'text/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = 'http://widgets.digg.com/buttons.js'; s1.parentNode.insertBefore(s, s1); })(); Digg We've already gotten a brief look at the new Xbox 360 Dashboard that's leaked out courtesy of the Kinect beta program, but now that it's well and truly leaked across the internet, we're getting a much better picture of what's in store for the rest of us later this fall. As you can see above and in the pair of videos after the break, the new Dashboard is decidedly squarer than the current one, and contains few elements that haven't gone untouched. You can also now even try out the new Dashboard yourself relatively easily, though you may run into a bit of trouble if you actually want to do thing like play games online.
Sources: Kinect beta kits going out, Dashboard update live for participants (with pics!) [Update: and video!]
That email purportedly sent out by Microsoft a couple weeks back inviting its recipients into a Kinect beta program? Yeah -- it was legit. Joystiq has received corroborating evidence confirming the program, including pictures of the promised Kinect-enabled Dashboard update running on a participant's retail console. In them, you can clearly see the flatter presentation, new mini-guide and revamped Avatar editor -- complete with a re-proportioned Avatar. Our tipsters clearly didn't read the included guidelines, pictured in the gallery bellow. Apart from the laundry list of methods via which participants aren't supposed to talk about the program, there's confirmation that Kinect hardware is indeed part of the beta, "is being packed" and will presumably be on its way to testers soon. These same sources report that the beta support site mentions Kinect Adventures, Kinect Sports and Kinect Joy Ride as titles they can expect to receive for testing purposes. We'll have more on the program as its participants continue to refuse acknowledgment of Microsoft's terms and conditions. [Update 8/27, 9am: And we've got a video of the new Dash posted just after the break, featuring much more than the boot-up screen. Thanks, Bradley!] %Gallery-100536%
Redesigned Xbox Avatar appears ready to Kinect with you
You know how sometimes people go "away" for the summer, and then when they come back they look ... totally different? Well, Major Nelson's Xbox Live Avatar didn't go anywhere but has seemingly undergone one such full body makeover -- as evidenced by the above comparison between the bobble-headed likeness (via Xbox Avatar Life) we had come to associate with the Xbox Live director of programming and his current Avatar. It would appear that Major's Avatar and perhaps other "VIP" Avatars are the (beta) test subjects in a forthcoming effort to transform the currently cartoonish Avatars into -- to put it candidly -- virtual figures that would look a lot less goofy in a motion-controlled sports game. Recently, Rare senior programmer Nick Burton told OXM UK that Xbox Live Avatars would be proportionally redesigned to better connect the physical movements of Kinect players to their on-screen Avatars. Presumably, this "Avatar 2.0" update would occur in time for Kinect's November 4 launch and possibly as part of the expected, annual fall update of the Xbox 360 UI. [Update: Check out further details of the Kinect Dashboard update here.] The new trimmer Avatars are visible in Rare's Kinect Sports screenshots below. %Gallery-97510% [Thanks, Vanessa and Anthony]
Xbox 360 getting dashboard revision this November?
Let's face it, the New Xbox Experience isn't exactly "new" any more, but it looks like Microsoft may be getting close to another complete revision. If a set of purportedly authentic images that surfaced on Logic Sunrise (and have since been pulled at Microsoft's request) are any indication, it appears that the Xbox 360 dashboard will be tweaked to match the appearance of the new Family Center component that Microsoft recently announced (and is set to launch in November). Those changes include a new horizontal menu system instead of the current slanted design, and some other more minor tweaks like smaller text for the menu options. The image above may well not be the final dashboard, however, considering that some of the other leaked images made reference to Natal instead of Kinect, suggesting that they're from an older build.
Rumor: Images of new Xbox 360 dashboard leaked [update]
Ready for the new New Xbox Experience? French site Logic-Sunrise has posted shots of what appears to be a new version of the Xbox 360 Dashboard interface. This purported UI features a "Natal Tuner" application and a "Natal" setup process (which cutely directs requests for help to the @xboxsupport Twitter account). Since it hasn't been updated with the new "Kinect" title, these shots likely originate from an older dashboard build. It makes sense for Microsoft to ready a new Dashboard -- the console has a new look and a new controller, so it only follows that Microsoft would take that last rebranding step for the next phase of the Xbox 360 life cycle. [Update: The images have been removed from Logic-Sunrise, replaced by a Microsoft takedown notice.]
Destination Arcade: New Xbox Live Arcade 'visual browser'
Unencumbered by legacy Xbox support, this year's Xbox 360 Dashboard update promises to be a big one. And while E3 may have been a bust for those of us eager to learn about the bi-annual update, we are getting some information piecemeal, starting with last week's Hulu Plus announcement and now, this week, we have Destination Arcade, a "brand new recommendation engine & visual browser app" coming to Xbox 360s ... next week! There's not much information on the new browser app, but we do know you'll be able to sort by price and community rating, find out about "the latest arcade releases through a news feed" (sort of like this one!) and, seemingly replacing a piece of pre-New Xbox Experience functionality, the ability recommend games to friends and see which games your friends have recommended. You can find some pics of the new service in the gallery below. %Gallery-96999% [Thanks, Jason]
Xbox 360-branded 16GB drives from SanDisk coming in May
This morning at the PAX East Microsoft breakfast, Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb revealed the 16GB Xbox 360-branded Flash drive from SanDisk. Available in May, the not-yet-priced device comes pre-installed with the April 6 Dashboard update for those who shun the connectivity of Xbox Live. In a conversation with Joystiq, Hryb informed us that all data will be transferable to the USB device, except for installed games -- users will need to re-install those directly to the USB device once more. He assured us, however, that, "If you've got a 16GB and you only want to use 8, you can use the UI and throttle it back." Further, he reiterated to Joystiq that while this branded device is certainly one option, other Flash drives (including those larger than 16GB) will work in the same capacity.
Microsoft reveals usage stats for Facebook, Last.fm
According to Microsoft, nearly two million Xbox Live users logged into Facebook through the console's new built-in social media applications. Based on a vague estimate provided by Microsoft, it appears that around ten percent of all Xbox Live Gold accounts used the application within its first week of availability; however, it's possible many of those users only logged in to see the new feature in action.Microsoft also stated the addition of Last.fm -- a music streaming service currently only available for US and UK gamers -- prompted nearly one million new profile activations. In its first week, Last.fm users streamed "more than 120 million minutes" of music to their Xbox 360 consoles. If we've learned one thing from these numbers, it's that people love to click on shiny new boxes.
