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Microsoft will soon be updating the Xbox 360 dashboard to add a host of new features and improvements. The exact date that all of these features will go live has not yet been revealed, but Microsoft has sent out a full listing of exactly what you can expect to find once it does. Some of this was outlined at E3 2009, but there are a few new announcements tucked in for good measure.
Before getting into all of the new improvements on the way, let's outline the things that won't make it into this next update. The Facebook, Twitter, 1080p Instant On video streaming and Last.fm compatibility announced at E3 2009 will be coming at a later date. The same goes for the Games on Demand full retail downloads, though that has been given a time frame of roughly August.
Here are all of the updates coming soon, according to a press release put out by Microsoft:
Netflix Updates
* Movie Parties – Xbox LIVE Gold members can sit together in a virtual theater with up to seven friends no matter where they are while your Avatars watch a movie, flirt or even throw popcorn at each other.
* Manage Your Queue – Browse the Netflix Instant Watch video catalogue, choose from the most popular movies and genres and add to your queue all from the comfort of your couch – no computer required.
* Enhanced Playback Experience – Enjoy a smooth viewing experience when your internet bandwidth fluctuates.
* Friends Info – Richer information is now displayed in the Friends channel and in the Guide showing what you and your friends are doing.
Avatar Marketplace
* Clothing – Download premium items, including branded apparel from your favorite fashion labels and Xbox 360 games such as "Halo."
* Props – You can now equip your avatar with animated items they can carry around and interact with.
* Awardables – The ability to earn Avatar clothing and props as rewards within games has been added. Please stay tuned for an update on supporting titles.
Games on Demand (coming later this Summer)
* Purchase Options – Browse and download a great selection of full Xbox 360 games using Microsoft Points, direct debit, or credit card.
* Game Manuals – Game manuals for Games on Demand titles can be viewed, downloaded or printed on Xbox.com.
* It's Yours Forever! – As with other Xbox LIVE content, Games on Demand titles are linked to your Xbox LIVE account, so you can delete and re-download anything you have already purchased to the same console or another console.
more here
Before getting into all of the new improvements on the way, let's outline the things that won't make it into this next update. The Facebook, Twitter, 1080p Instant On video streaming and Last.fm compatibility announced at E3 2009 will be coming at a later date. The same goes for the Games on Demand full retail downloads, though that has been given a time frame of roughly August.
Here are all of the updates coming soon, according to a press release put out by Microsoft:
Netflix Updates
* Movie Parties – Xbox LIVE Gold members can sit together in a virtual theater with up to seven friends no matter where they are while your Avatars watch a movie, flirt or even throw popcorn at each other.
* Manage Your Queue – Browse the Netflix Instant Watch video catalogue, choose from the most popular movies and genres and add to your queue all from the comfort of your couch – no computer required.
* Enhanced Playback Experience – Enjoy a smooth viewing experience when your internet bandwidth fluctuates.
* Friends Info – Richer information is now displayed in the Friends channel and in the Guide showing what you and your friends are doing.
Avatar Marketplace
* Clothing – Download premium items, including branded apparel from your favorite fashion labels and Xbox 360 games such as "Halo."
* Props – You can now equip your avatar with animated items they can carry around and interact with.
* Awardables – The ability to earn Avatar clothing and props as rewards within games has been added. Please stay tuned for an update on supporting titles.
Games on Demand (coming later this Summer)
* Purchase Options – Browse and download a great selection of full Xbox 360 games using Microsoft Points, direct debit, or credit card.
* Game Manuals – Game manuals for Games on Demand titles can be viewed, downloaded or printed on Xbox.com.
* It's Yours Forever! – As with other Xbox LIVE content, Games on Demand titles are linked to your Xbox LIVE account, so you can delete and re-download anything you have already purchased to the same console or another console.
more here