Xbox 360 owners who were not part of the recent update beta will finally get to see what all the fuss was about when they boot up tomorrow, November 1st. Microsoft have a long tradition of releasing new functionality in November, and it’s doubly unsurprising this year considering support for the imminent release of Kinect is required. The notification to users states:
On November 1st, 2010, there will be a mandatory service update to Xbox LIVE. This update will both add new features to your service and enhance the interface, navigation, and responsiveness of Xbox LIVE.
You will notice a change to the layout of the Xbox LIVE Dashboard, a new color scheme, and new fonts being used.
The above refers to a flatter, faster version of the Dashboard than ever before. No mention of Zune Music, ESPN integration or search functionality for Netflix, however; all features presented during this year’s E3 representation and expected in the update. We’ll see the full scope of the improvements tomorrow.
Via Engadget (Thanks Fatefellshort)
Jaffa-the-Cake
Look forward to it. Does that mean that reviewers can now use their kinect review units, as before it didn’t work for me.
Mike
I’m part of the beta and the new format looks cleaner and fresher. Don’t expect ground breaking changes but the changes are a nice addition
fatefellshort
Is this the update which makes things easier for Kinect?
ico
When you say ‘easier for Kinect’ do you mean it expands the size of your living room and stops you looking like a ‘nana when you flail your arms around like a crazed loon? Meow!!! sorry only joking as I’m a big 360 fan. I won’t however be getting Kinect and yes I understand it is the update that adds Kinect functionality.
waddo_89
Hallelujah! Enjoyed being part of the beta at first but quickly became tired of large system updates every other day :/ I understand this is all part of it but I’ll be glad to see the final release!
DrNate86
What always amazes me is how quickly things update on the 360. It takes me 30 mins to an hour to download the updates on my PS3, and my 360 races through in a few minutes!
Sympozium
I know its strange isn’t it? I guess it just depends on the servers and quality of the isp
fatefellshort
Yeah, I’ve noticed that as well. The same applies for game demos, or videos etc. A 1.5gb demo is done in around 10/20 minutes on the 360, whereas it takes an age for the PS3!
beeje13
You pay microsoft annualy to have good servers and so on, Sony get average machines which just do the job.
Uhyve
PS3 updates have sped up alot lately. In fact, for me, the first Kinect Dash update took much longer than the recent PS3 updates, and closer to the old PS3 updates. I’d wager that this update replaces pretty much the entire firmware though (like the old PS3 updates used to do every time).
mcduff1979
well i have taken the plunge and ordered and new xbox 360 and fable 3 to go with my ps3 unit :)
Uhyve
People keep mentioning it seems faster and while it’s much smoother in menues, has anyone else noticed how epicly slow the friends list is now?
Charmed_Fanatic
Its ok … very white!