SpringUpdate07
Latest
360 TID officially dubbed the Chatpad
Formerly known as the TID (text input device), the thumb board, and "that thingy," the Xbox 360 controller keyboard has received an official name. In the Spring Update help document (found by clicking the "Learn More" ad block on the Marketplace blade) the device is referred to as the Chatpad. Now all we need is a price and a release date.We think it's a good name, though we were really warming up to calling it the TID. It's got that cool acronym flavor. Everyone likes three letter acronyms. Like X3F, right? Right? Guys ...?
Engadget has fun with 360's new video codecs
One of the less publicized additions in the Xbox 360 Spring Update is a handful of new video codecs. Mention the word "codec" however, and you can be sure that the folks at Engadget are paying attention. The new dash update brought with it some spiffy high definition codecs and Engadget has given them a test drive. With fresh 1080p support (at up to 10MBps) Engadget declares the Xbox 360 the new king of streaming video, effectively shoving the Apple TV into the deep recesses of an ancient couch. Hit the "read" link for Engadget's full breakdown of the new codecs and their performance.
Dash Update springs onto Live
If you've turned on your Xbox 360 today, you should already have the Spring Update for the dashboard. We spent some time fiddling around with it, looking at the new features. The Xbox Live Marketplace blade is more or less exactly the same as the old Marketplace, though a few things have been shifted around to produce a better layout. IM and Chat are now located directly on the games blade. While everyone is making a big deal out of Live Messenger integration, one of our favorite features is the new tray display. Before, it simply read "Play Game," but now it shows the game that's in the tray. Even better, the info box on the right side of the screen displays how much Gamerscore you've acquired for whatever game you have in the tray. It also shows the most recent achievements you've acquired in the game.Have you discovered anything else that's new, or are you too busy chatting it up with your buddies?
Fanpoll: will you use 360 instant messaging?
With all this hubbub over the spring update, we felt it time for a new fanpoll. Despite the revisions to achievement notifications and Xbox Live Marketplace, Live Messenger integration is definitely getting the most media play. As such, we thought it would be a good idea to gauge public interest in the concept. Obviously, the Xbox 360 already has voice chat, so IM seems like something of a step backwards. Of course, instant messaging promises cross-platform connectivity, allowing users to chat across the Xbox 360, PCs, and mobile devices. So, here's the big question: will you use instant messaging on 360? Is it something that appeals to you? Plug in your vote after the break and tell us what you think. We'll share the results during the next Xbox 360 Fancast.
Greenberg talks 360 Live Messenger
Speaking with Gamasutra, group product manager for Xbox Live, Aaron Greenberg, laid down some new specifics regarding the new Live Messenger functionality coming in the spring update. First, and most importantly, the service will be completely free to both Gold and Silver members. Big surprise, right? The Live Messenger integration is compatible with other versions of Messenger across the board, so users on 360 will be able to chat with users on PC and even mobile devices. Users can open up to 6 separate chats, but group chats are limited to 3 people. Greenberg uses the example of a player on a 360 chatting with a friend at work on a PC and a girlfriend on a cell phone all at once. We're not sure how often that kind of thing comes up, but it's cool nonetheless. Greenberg also makes a point to allay fears regarding the new thumbboard peripheral. Greenberg notes that the device is very light and shouldn't interfere with the gameplay experience. Furthermore, Greenberg says that he uses thumbboards often, so the peripheral is second nature. Of course, USB keyboards are supported as well.Discussing concerns of IM spam, Greenberg notes the messenger privacy features. The privacy features of the Xbox 360, including who you can and can't receive messages from, will apply to IM as well. There are also options like appearing online to Live friends but offline to IM friends. Finally, Greenberg says that the Xbox friends list is separate from the IM friends list and that IM friends have a different icon than the typical gamer picture associated with Xbox Live friends.So, is cross-platform IM something that interests you? Would you be willing to drop a few bucks for the thumbboard? Will you use IM at all?
