Xbox Live
Latest
Xbox 360 dashboard update arrives
The long awaited first major update to the Xbox 360's dashboard functionality is here, downloading to all Xbox Live connected consoles this morning. So what does 2.0 give you? Well now you can both queue downloads and continue to play games while content downloads in the background which was a major gripe for many, and custom soundtracks continue to play even when changing games, among a whole host of other improvements, tweaks and bugfixes. One more notable change is the choice to boot to dash instead of playing whatever DVD is in the drive. You can check out the list of 125 new features here. Of special note to HDTV owners may be that downloaded videos now have DVD-style playback controls (FF, rew, etc.). Connection to Windows Media Center Edition PCs has also been subject to performance enhancements.The much criticized DVD playback has been updated, with "general" improvements to video quality and improved audio video sync. I downloaded the update and checked it out, there was a noticeable improvement, but colors still seem a bit washed out and there is no way to calibrate it (although the info pane now has a gradient bar across the top I hadn't noticed before, that may help in adjusting your TV) and posters on AVS Forum have confirmed that when connected via the VGA output, the 360 scales to whatever resolution (1280x720 for example) is selected. Whether you have Xbox Live silver or gold, simply log on and you will be prompted to download the update automatically, it took less than a minute to download and install. Overall very nice and includes a lot of things people have been asking for since the console launched.
First impressions: Xbox 360 dashboard update
We installed the new Xbox 360 dashboard update the moment we awoke this morning, literally, before stepping out of bed. We fired up our 360 using the remote, only to have the system lockup while attempting to sign into Xbox Live. Maybe releasing the first major dashboard update on such an ominous date (6-6-6) was not such a great move after all ... But, a simple reboot successfully set the gears in motion, and the update was installed in no time (roughly 10 seconds).
New Xbox 360 dashboard rocks "125 new features"
We know the "evil empire" is being cheeky by launching their big Xbox 360 dashboard update tomorrow on 6/6/6, but they're boasting it's got 125 new features for gamers to make it worth their while in updating (not like we have any choice). We don't know how many of those "features" account for bug fixes, optimizations, and UI improvements, but we are now definitely sure the Live Marketplace has the performance optimized background download manager, downloaded video fast-forward and rewind, DVD movie bookmarking, and apparently some 122 other improvements we can look out for (ahem). Should be downloadable tomorrow morning at 2:00AM PST (we already tried, no dice as of right now -- for us, anyway), so keep that Xbox runnin'.[Thanks, Ben]Update: sweet, got hit with a list of new features! Notable ones include: boot to dashboard (hey, sometimes you don't want to play the game in the drive on turn-on, you know?), persistent music levels, disabling sound while in dashboard, and what seems like a bunch of other bug fixes, optimizations, and UI improvements. You know, features. Thanks PJ.
MS: PS3 online plans "plagiarism," Blu-ray "forced"
Quotable Chris Lewis of Xbox Europe calls Sony's vague online efforts "plagiarism" and throws in a a car business analogy for good measure. Excerpt: "I'm flattered that they've followed our clear direction," Lewis told UK site Eurogamer. "Plagiarism is a good thing - that in itself isn't such a problem, it's what the market wants. But we've known that's what the market wanted all along."Meanwhile, UK boss Neil Thompson pours salt on an old wound:"This is the company that brought out Betamax – we don't quite know where they're going to go with this," he added, in a pointed reference to Sony's defeat in the format war against VHS...Both execs slam Sony's strategy of "forcing" Beta-ray...I mean Blu-ray on consumers. I have to say I love these guys and their slightly more Churchillian approach. More fanboy fodder here in video form.
XBLV Camera gets a price point, Uno fans screwed?
Joystiq has learned the "unofficial" price point for the Xbox Live Vision Camera: $39.99 bundled with Uno and one month of XBL Gold. It's not clear if those of us who already spent our hard-earned MS Points on Uno will get the opportunity to buy either a less expensive un-bundled version or another camera-enabled game. I'm guessing we're out of luck. The 'stiq also has info on various other "Holiday 2006" peripherals: New faceplates featuring Halo, Forza 2, & Viva Pinata for $19.99 each Wireless headest with a 30-foot range for $59.99 256MB Memory Unit for $59.99 Wireless gaming receiver for $19.99 (but it'll go on sale in Winter 2007, unlike the others, probably around the month of February) The upcoming wireless racing wheel previously reported at $130 isn't on the list, indicating MS is re-evaluating that price.Back to the camera. Is this price point and bundle pretty much what you expected? Furthermore, is $40 a small price to pay for the chance to see how ugly the strangers on your friend's list really are?
$40 XBL Vision camera & UNO bundle detailed by MS source along with prices & dates for other 360 accessories
Our friendly anonymous source at Microsoft has provided us with a few more details concerning the 360 accessories announced back at E3.Perhaps the most important involves the bundling of the Xbox Live Vision camera with a wired headset, the popular Live Arcade title UNO, and a month of Live Gold service for $39.99 when it releases in the States on September 19, 2006.Granted, this is still an unofficial report (based on a leak of "official" info), so understand that you're probably not gonna get much confirmation from MS until they're good and ready to give it. If you'd like information on what other peripherals are coming out "Holiday 2006" (so sometime in the 4th quarter) and at what price, read on for more.
Entourage 720p trailer on Xbox Live Marketplace; Season 3 HD?
One of the laments of my summer drought post was that one of my favorite programs, Entourage on HBO-HD, would not be in high definition since it hasn't for the first two seasons. However today they have posted up a 720p trailer on Xbox Live Marketplace (along with a theme and gamer pics) proudly touting itself as a Hi-Def trailer, so it seems likely that we will get 1080i display of the adventures of Vince & friends. Summer HDTV watching is definitely looking up now.
XBLV Camera on sale September 19
Major Nelson has some tentative dates for the release of the Xbox Live Vision Camera (still no price point):North America: September 19thEurope and Asia (except Japan): October 2Japan, Australia and New Zealand: I don't have confirmed dates yet.Admittedly, I still have BBQ sauce on the brain (hence the late post), but the "Vision" moniker is news to me. My first experience with this camera, playing the weirdly suggestive Totem Balls at E3, was a poor one. I'm more excited about video chat and user-created gamer pictures than gesture-based games requiring stadium lighting. Here's video of the camera in use during an exciting game of Uno.How many people will be picking this peripheral up on day one? That is, besides the pedophiles and morons dying to show their ass on XBL.
Half-Life 2 for Xbox 360 could be in the works
Recently erected EB Games and Gamestop listings of Half-Life 2 for Xbox 360 have ignited rumors that Valve's acclaimed sequel is again headed to a Microsoft console. Despite a somewhat stripped-down version of the game being released for Xbox last November, an Xbox 360 version would presumably include added features akin to the upcoming PC 'Platinum' edition (also scheduled for February 2007), which is said to contain Half-Life 2: Deathmatch, Counter-Strike: Source, and Day of Defeat: Source. In addition, Valve could use the Xbox Live service to deliver the long awaited expansion episodes*, just as we speculated back in April.In responding to the listings, Valve would not confirm the project, stating, "We've only announced development for 360. No specific titles to reveal just yet, but folks can expect to hear more before the end of this year." *See: Half-Life 2: Episode 1 set for June release; Half-Life 2: Episodes Two and Three confirmed
Many think Marathon on XBLA is a "good idea"
If you're done watching the Bungie guys cursing on video, you may find yourself with a renewed interest in getting your mitts on Marathon, their ground breaking FPS that out-doomed Doom. You could always download the entire trilogy for free, straight from Bungie, and give it a spin on your Mac and/or PC, but if you're more of a console gamer, there is a tiny flicker of hope ... wrapped tightly in a whisper ... carried on a pillow of desire: In Bungie's Weekly Update Spenser asks, "Marathon and XBLA: is it at all possible?" Frankie responds, "Of course it's possible, it's just not on any current agenda. If it's any consolation, many, many people think it's a good idea." Alright, so there's barely enough hope there to keep our blackened gamer-souls from consuming us whole, but it's comforting to know we're not alone. There are "many" of us who think this is a "good idea." You know what you have to do Bungie ... wrap up this Halo business and give us some Marathon! [Via TUAW]
Xbox Live cam tester caught on camera
Even though the Xbox 360 camera ain't dropping until September, recent Xbox Live Arcade title Uno features Vision camera support. Cheap Ass Gamer daphatty ran into a camera beta tester while playing a game recently, only to fumble when trying to record it for posterity proof. So what did he do? He laid in wait, finally capturing (on camera) his prey. Camera tester Maestro1 had the camera turned on but -- in what was surely an attempt to psych-out his opponent -- had the camera directed not at himself but at his dog. Is Maestro1 invisible? Is the dog playing? Did he travel into the future to get the camera? Draw four? Aww shucks!(Blurry cam) video embedded after the break.[Thanks, SickNic]
A video tour of the Xbox Live Spring update
According to Microsoft, the long anticipated Dashboard upgrade should be coming "in about a week," and that was five days ago! So even though it's almost here, we can't leave good enough alone.They gave us an audio-guided tour of some screenshots but if you want to get the full spring update experience, check out GameVideos' luxe video-tour. Join tour-guides Luke Smith and Mark MacDonald for a leisurely stroll through such memorable sights as: background downloading, new media controls, persistent custom audio playback, and more!Video is embedded after the break, but be warned ... it autoplays
Xbox Live Vision cam coming on 9/19
Xbox 360 owners eagerly waiting to see if "HotGamerBabe" really lives up to her handle now have a solid date for that first exciting face-to-face meeting over Xbox Live: September 19th. That's the day that Europe and the US will see a simultaneous release of the Xbox Live Vision camera, according to well-known gamer-cum-Microsoft employee Major Nelson. The Major did not reveal, however, what pricing will look like for the cam, which is meant for video-conferencing, video emails, and profile customization.
Gears of War: the box
We're still not sure when this so-called 'Emergence Day' is ... but at least, now, we know what the Gears of War box is gonna look like: My Marcus, what a big gun you have! You wouldn't be compensating for any shortcomings, would you?Check out: Hands-on with Gears of War multiplayer.
Microsoft announces major 360 Dashboard update
Our pals at Joystiq just got word straight from the horse's mouth about the forthcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard update, and have posted the deets along with lots of screenshots. The biggest -- and most expected -- news is background downloading, which includes a queue with six slots for all your Halo 3 trailer and pricey Oblivion horse needs. Downloads will pause while you play online to minimize lag, but otherwise will run in the background while you go about your Dashboard business. Other improvements include a boot to Dashboard function, improved media playback and controls, full USB keyboard support, and an improved Marketplace layout to handle the influx of available content. The update will be available to Xbox Live users "in about a week," and will be eventually be available bundled with retail game discs for those without an Internet enabled 360 (all four of you).
MSFT announces first major Xbox 360 update
I just spoke with Aaron Greenberg, Group Marketing Manager for Xbox Live, about the first major update to the Xbox 360 since last November's launch. The spring update is expected to be released to all Xbox Live users "in about a week" and will be followed up with a fall update, as part of their plan to release two major updates each year. Read on for details about all the improvements and additions, including background downloading, boot to Dashboard, and improved Marketplace layout.
Banned cheaters grovel before Bungie
Bungie recently publicized a series of emails sent by banned cheaters desperate to get back onto Halo 2's multiplayer servers. Here's a snippet from our personal favorite:"Please! I'll destroy my mods. i'll snich on some people that r getting away with mods on matchmaking! Just PLEASE appeal my ban. i want to play matchmaking again. i want to be clean for the arrival of Halo 3! c'mon! i didn't know what i was getting into when i got mods from my friend and from [website censored]! you have to believe me!!!"[Thanks, Sense; via 8-bit Ninja]
XBL background downloads coming yesterday?
We already suspected it was supposed to drop this month, but Microsoft's Knowledge Base (KB article #919421) has revealed the feature set and the release date for the Xbox 360's long anticipated background downloading functionality. The date: yesterday. Alright, so they're running a little late (at least it's not Vista-late), but the feature set is promising. Instead of the compromised functionality many of us expected (Arcade games or videos only while downloading), the newly re-dubbed "Active Download feature" is fairly robust. It appears the only thing one can't do while background downloading is play online games, for obvious reasons. Actually, you can play online games -- the system just pauses your download to be resumed later. We've included the contents of the KB article after the break, lest someone at Redmond gets wind and decides to remove it. Microsoft: roll it out and we'll gladly cross this one off our list of Xbox 360 annoyances (both of em ... this was really annoying). [Thanks, Gary]
SFII on Xbox Live: what's taking so long?
While attention has largely been drawn to the barrage of new titles announced for Xbox Live during E3, those gamers who prefer flaming punches to plummeting blocks are likely to have wondered as to the whereabouts of one of Capcom's most revered franchises. Way back in January, Microsoft revealed that Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting was destined to hit Xbox Live Arcade in March. An accompanying Capcom press release was more vague and instead claimed that the title was due for release in "early 2006." It seems neither one was correct.A June 10th release was most recently rumored, but that has since been crushed by the Capcom PR machine and replaced with a friendly notice that reads: We'll tell you about it "sometime in the near future." It's hard not to be amused by this situation, especially given the deadly efficiency at which Capcom has released Street Fighter II games in the past few years. You'd think it would be second nature to append Hyper Fighting, a game that's already been made, to a list that includes Street Fighter II Turbo, Street Fighter II Special Champion Edition, Street Fighter II The World Warrior, Street Fighter II The New Challengers, Street Fighter II Anniversary Edition and Street Fighter II Ultra Supreme College 2K6 For The Win Alpha Championship: Fourth Beating. This isn't the first time the series has gone online either, so the explanation that poor net code is holding them back doesn't seem entirely effective. Perhaps the thing that's more frustrating than waiting so long for a classic game to be emulated on a $400 console (dubious d-pad and all) is the lack of information regarding a release date. Or worse yet, what about the price?
Download the entire XBL Marketplace catalogue for only $897.38 -- act now!
Besides building a helpful guide that features all currently available items on the Xbox Live Marketplace, Achieve360Points.com has calculated the total cost* of the service's premium content. The entire catalogue is yours to own for just 71,790 Microsoft Points. That's $897.38.That number is poised to grow exponentially as developers/publishers begin to explore the 'episodic content' formula (read: mini expansion packs). In this time of great paranoia, one can't help but feel suspicious of the micropayment structure. Are publishers purposely shipping incomplete titles? Will I be at a disadvantage if I don't buy the latest content? Why can't I trade it in when I'm through with it?Our rational side would have us believe that these downloads simply offer a little more, for a little more, thus extending the lifespan of our favorite games. And, these downloads should always be about choice, not advantage. Still, we wonder who benefits most from this business model. Are gamers scoring cheap added value? Or is Microsoft pocketing a healthy profit - cut with publishers - to make up for losses? Could it be both?*Achieve360Points.com notes that several of the items are counted more than once due to multiple listings. Also keep in mind that Xbox Live Arcade titles are figured into the total cost.
