Some Information about the Fall dashboard update
Release Date-Fall 2008
No date has been confirmed as of now, but if you look on the XBL dashboard it says that the Netflix-Xbox Live Joint will begin in Late Fall, and I think it is supposed to come the day of the new update so as of now I'd guess Late Fall.
Avatars
These are, in a way, 360's answers to Mii's. They are being developed by the famed developer of Banjo Kazooie, Perfect Dark, and Viva Pinata, Rare. Rare says that they want to find a nice balance between realism and cartoony. Rare has said they want it to look stylized and not to look like a toy. Also, these avatars have over 100 bones!
Shane Kim's Avatar
(Update: August 3rd, 2008) Here are some customization options:
Netflix Deal
Alright this is my (and a lot of other people) favorite news coming out of MS's E3 presser. With MS's deal with Netflix all you need to have is a Xbox Live Gold account and any Netflix Unlimited Movie Subscription to have access to thousands of Movies on your demand.
Just think of it, no more hassle of going to the local video renting store, and finding out that they just ran out of the movie you wanted. No more waiting for days for the movie you want to come, and no more waiting for your movie to come out of high demand. Plus if you and your friends both have a Netflix/Gold subscription connection, you can watch movies together. (up to eight people in all)
All you need to do is put your movies on your queue list will be downloaded in order accordingly as it would be on your computer. Another interesting note, is that you can change your queue on both your 360 and computer.
Netflix movies have the ability to stream while downloading, so as you start to download your movie, you could be ready to be watch as soon as in a few seconds, mind you that this most likely will be determined by your internet connection speed.
Unfortunately, this feature has only been confirmed for North America, as of now.
Friends coming together
The unified friends list has always been a huge part of XBL, but with the Fall update, you can have more fun than ever before.
With the Fall update you can view pictures, Private Chat, and watch Netflix movies, as mentioned above, with up to seven of your friends.
So think about it like this, you can stay at home and talk with your friends who just when on a trip, you can see some pictures they took there, and finally watch a movie together, without ever leaving your house.
This is truly the next step in social gaming.
Game Show Channel
The new Xbox LIVE channel Xbox LIVE Primetime represents an all-new way to play. A collection of virtual game shows such as "1 vs. 100," Xbox LIVE Primetime allows thousands of gamers to become contestants from their living rooms, playing together simultaneously, live with content that is always fresh and relevant.
The global phenomenon 1 vs. 100 is created by Endemol, the world's largest independent production company and the producer of the hit show Deal or No Deal.
Game Installs
With the Fall update, you will have the option to install games from the disk unto your HDD. Unlike the PS3's game installs these are optional and they also put the whole game unto the HDD and not just parts.
These will cut down loading to up to a reported 30%, maybe even cut down pop in issues, lessen noise, and lessen the heat your 360 produces, thus helping fight against RROD overheating issues.
Although the full disk will be put unto the HDD, the disk still needs to be inserted into the tray, due to piracy, renting games, etc. The disk will not run at all in the tray though.
Misc.
Here are some some smaller bits of information
-Gamerpictures can still be used in place of your avatar
-Gamerpictues will also be made into Avatar clothing
-Themes are still the background for your 360's dash, and they look great
-The new update is mandatory, some have believed it to be an option
-Microsoft also announced that you'll now be able to access Xbox Live Marketplace content on the Web. When the Dashboard update goes live, gamers will be able to visit the Xbox.com Web site to browse and purchase content, which will then be automatically downloaded to their consoles. The new update will also introduce 16X10 display over VGA or HDMI, and support for 1440x900 or 1680x1050.
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