dashboardupdate
Latest
Joystiq tour: Xbox 360 Spring '07 Dashboard update
As promised, we updated the old Xbox 360 this morning and in (literally) less than 30 seconds, we were tooling around the Spring '07 Dashboard update, checking out the Marketplace blade and fiddling with the new Windows Live Messenger integration. Everything seemed to work according to plan, except a ghost from our past came back to haunt us: Xbox 360 annoyance number 10.You see, you can't change the Windows Live ID linked to your gamertag. Like, at all. You just can't do it. You can't do it on their website. You can't call up 1-800-4MY-XBOX and do it. Why? Microsoft says, "Your Windows Live ID credentials are permanently linked to a specific Xbox Live enabled profile. You cannot break this link." This was a minor annoyance before; however, now it's been elevated to a full-blown frustration. Good thing we don't use Windows Messenger at Joystiq HQ.While we spent time testing out the Windows Live integration, our buds at Engadget tested out the update's enhanced video capabilities. They were pleased to report no trouble playing back several flavors of H.264 and MPEG-4 content, declaring the Xbox 360 the winner in the digital video living room arena (take that AppleTV!). But enough talk, have at our illustrated tour of the Xbox 360 dashboard update:
Xbox 360 Spring 2007 Dashboard update hands-on
Well, that Xbox 360 Spring 2007 Dashboard update did land at about 2:00AM PST as expected, and brought with it a few fun features we were hot to test out -- but none more than the Xbox's expanded video playback capabilities. Before we get to the fun part, though, it's worth noting that the whole Dashboard experience felt a lot snappier; if you ask us, they made some worthwhile performance tweaks. Since we don't use MSN all that much 'round these parts we couldn't delve too far into the new Messenger contact list capabilities, so we'll get to the good stuff: you want to know about the video. Well, we're happy to say it works as advertised. We were able to play back 720p and even 1080p MPEG-4 and H.264 content on our Xbox 360. Technically speaking the Xbox 360 now officially beats out the Apple TV in the digital video arena, both in resolution and bitrate. (At best the ATV only does up to 720p at 5Mbps, while the Xbox does 1080p up to 10Mbps; neither supports higher than stereo audio.) In other words, if you're an Xbox owner thinking about an Apple TV for playing back video in your living room, you might want to think again. Expanded test results after the break; check out the hands-on / walkthrough of the update in the gallery.Update: Microsoft posted an extremely useful video playback FAQ. Check it out.%Gallery-3034%
Finally, Spring dash update releases in hours
It has been a long time coming, but no more rumors and no more speculation ... we have an official release date and time. Today, at around 2:00AM pacific (a few hours away) the Spring dash update will make its way onto the Xbox Live servers for members to download in masses. The update will bring Windows Live Messenger integration, a new restructured Marketplace, and more fixes and fun too numerous to mention. With the amount of anticipation surrounding this dash update, one would think it were going to actually change people's lives or solve world hunger. But it won't, it'll simply make our dash a happier place to be. So, take a seat and relax for a bit, because our Spring dash update will be here in a few hours. Full press release after the break.
Xbox 360 Spring Update coming tomorrow
Xbox 360 gamers, prepare to have your mind blown (until a few minutes later when you don't notice it anymore): The spring 360 update drops tomorrow. Are you prepared to be reminded that Messenger actually exists? Are you ready to know what Achievement you got without having to press that big button? Are you ready to know what game is in your console without actually having to open it, you lazy bastard? Well, you better be, because it's the most exciting stuff in the update.Well, there is the enticing, yet puzzling boast that "Video trick modes (fast forward, rewind, chapter skip) can now be used while downloading Video Marketplace content." (Woah! Awesome trick! You're fast-forwarding!) Oh, and the new H.264 video support (drool!). Crap, we nearly forgot that you can set your 360 to turn off after downloading content to help save energy. Take that, you sanctimonious home folders! The 360 is a tree hugger. The hacky sack circle begins at 5am EST tomorrow.
Xbox 360 Spring 2007 Dashboard update lands tonight
The Major informs us all that Microsoft's Xbox 360 Spring 2007 Dashboard update -- the one that enables MSN contacts, new video codecs, and a whole host of other features -- lands late tonight, supposedly at or around 2:00AM PST. (Ok, fine, technically that's tomorrow.) Our advice to you: don't wait up for it. Just leave your Xbox on and your cats will inevitably walk all over the buttons, eventually causing you to log on overnight and download the update. (Technique also works with small children.) Or you can just download it tomorrow, but don't be upset if it takes a little while, ok?[Via Major Nelson]
Spring dash videos showcase new features
No, this isn't an announcement about the Spring dashboard update's release, but it is an announcement for two dash videos that you can watch while you're waiting. Up on the XBLM are two videos that demo and showcase all the new features that the Spring update will bring. For those of you who still aren't sure to what's included or if you have friends who are clueless, downloading the videos will be an easy way to get learnified. And since you have nothing better to do today, give the vids a download and a quick watch. Even though we haven't seen the videos yet, rumor has it there is a pink gopher halfway through video number two. What? Seriously, would we make that up? Okay fine ... we just wanted you to download the videos. Don't hate us.
Don't cry, Spring dash update isn't coming today
Finally, official word has come through the internet pipeline about the Spring dashboard update. Major Nelson jumped on his blog to tell everyone that the new dash update will not be released today (Tuesday) and doesn't give any hard release details. We know everyone is eager to get the update, but it's important to remember that Microsoft stated way back when that the Spring update would be released the week of May 7th and not the day of. Just sit back and don't bother firing up your 360 periodically throughout the day, because the Spring update will not be there. But be sure to keep your fingers crossed for a Wednesday release. Come on lucky Wednesday!
Rumor: Dash update coming tomorrow
Monday's sun is setting and we still have yet to hear from Microsoft about the Spring dashboard update. But talk is a flutter over on the Xbox.com forums from Xbox Live members who've contacted customer support and are hearing that the update will roll out tomorrow, May 8th. Some even heard from CS managers a 3:00AM pacific time frame for when the dash update will be released. We of course can't confirm such talk, but we aren't expecting the update to be released today anymore, so tomorrow is the next best thing. Any fanboys talk to Xbox CS and hear something different?[Thanks, MoltenGrog]
Spring dash update coming this week
Just a friendly reminder that the feature rich Spring dashboard update is coming sometime this week. As promised, the update will be going live during the week (this May 7th), but any other details are a little sketchy. The Xbox Live team may release it sometime today, tomorrow, or even Friday ... we just aren't sure. But be rest assured that once we hear any news about when it'll be going live, we'll let you know. Okay fanboys, the countdown to an unknown release is on.
Engadget Podcast 106 - 04.13.2007
Finally, some answers! Yes, Sony is killing the 20GB PS3. Yes, Xbox 360 will get a QWERTY keyboard device. Yes, Leopard is actually delayed. Yes, Palm is developing its own mobile Linux OS. And yes, we're definitely still holding the 2006 Engadget Awards. All this and more on Engadget Podcast 106, enjoy! Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [RSS OGG] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in OGG) to your RSS aggregator. Hosts: Peter Rojas and Ryan Block Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Solvent - Instructograph (Ghostly International) Program: 01:26 - 20GB PlayStation 3, RIP: 2006 - 2007 06:28 - Xbox 360 Spring 2007 Dashboard update 13:07 - How-To: play DivX and Xvid on your Apple TV 17:14 - Apple's Leopard delayed to October, iPhone blamed 24:16 - Apple sells 100 millionth iPod, deems experiment a success 27:45 - Palm prepping its own Linux-based OS 35:46 - Dell Axim, RIP: 2002 - 2007 40:12 - Hands-on with the SanDisk Sansa Connect 46:33 - The Engadget Mobile Interview: Sky Dayton, CEO of Helio 47:55 - The 2006 Engadget Awards - vote! LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast: 1-888-ENGADGET, Engadget (Gizmo Project) or podcast at engadget dawt com
MVPs get Spring Update early
Those Microsoft MVPs sure like to brag. Godfree from Gamertag Radio took time out of his busy schedule just to let us know that he and the other MVPs have already received the impending spring dashboard update. You know, the one that has Live Messenger and an improved Marketplace and all that jazz? Yup, he's already got it. While we're a little miffed that we have to wait, all is not lost, as Godfree promises to give us all some first hand impressions during the next episode of GTR. For now, we'll just have to play more Guitar Hero II and dream of the Halo 3 beta.
Spring update features confirmed: IM and more! [update 1]
It has been an interesting week of leakage and speculation about the Spring dash update and we now know that it's all true. Microsoft has officially pulled back the curtains on the update's features and when we'll be getting our mitts on the all the goodies. First off, we think it'd be appropriate to recap all the big new features that the update has to offer. Without further adieu, the Spring dashboard update will feature ...
