Fall is just around the corner and that means it is time for Microsoft’s timely update for the Xbox 360. Past updates have given us the options to download while we play, enable the Xbox 360’s version of sleep mode, and even created a new blade for Marketplace.
In short, the updates have always brought new functionality which has enriched the Live and Xbox 360 experience. The upcoming Fall Update falls perfectly into that trend.
Xbox360Rally has posted the list of the new set of features this next update will bring. Ironically, this list was leaked on the Xbox.com forums no less. One has to wonder if Microsoft intentionally let the list get out. Despite how it got out the plethora of new features is impressive.
" · Compatibility with 3rd party wireless controllers
- Compatibility with messenger pad
- Xbox Live Vision firmware upgrade, sharper image filtering
- Many more Vision Cam settings
- New screensaver settings – when away from Xbox 360, screensaver will play for optional time, before screen goes dark
- New Xbox Live Arcade blade – where you can download, play and learn about Xbox Live Arcade
- Brand new "web based adver-games" flash games which aren’t downloaded, but are playable bite sized games, accessed via new Xbox Live Arcade Blade
- New Screensaver option in Themes and Gamer Pics option in Marketplace blade
- New functionality with Messenger, works with chatpad
- New XNA Game Launcher for those that have the program, new options
- New language, time and date settings
- New "advertising opportunities" in gameplay
- Xvid support
- New "favorites" option via Xbox Live Arcade, can rate according to preference
- IPTV Functionality – support for TiVo like PVR options. Will be able to record TV direct. Options include source by channel, director, actor and distributor
- Filter friends list, will be able to filter friends via games
- New clan support – will be able to launch clan games direct from dashboard, can "fold" friends into new clan category in friends list
- Better translations in settings and other options for Japanese, German and Spanish languages
- New quick option to delete via X Button in memory viewer.
- Option for having downloadable In-game content not inform when completed download
- Option for having video content not inform when completed download
- Faster settings for viewing unfinished video content downloads
- New option in Games tab – beta and others, will be launcher for MMO and multiplayer betas
- New option in Marketplace Games tab, search by letter, can be inputted via text pad or console
- Smarter game settings – you can be messaged via publishers about new in-game content for your games
- Picture in picture functionality for DVD Drive and some other updated settings
- Improved USB Keyboard settings
- Improved voice chat settings in game and from dashboard
- Faster response times to Redeem Code settings
- Option to play a Redeemed Code game straight after redeeming code
- Console will now recognize low Hard Drive space, will inform you immediately if can’t download current item, will automatically download next available that is able.
- Increased space size for gamerpics and dashboard themes
- Themes can now be animated
- Themes may now have sound effects
- Better slideshow capabilities, new options added. New sound effects and integration with Hard Drive/ PC music capable.
- New estimated timer for downloads, informing how long download will expect to take."
Some of the more noteworthy features are the TiVo like functionality, integration of the messenger text pad, and, my personal favorite, the potential to have animated Themes complete with sound.
But what will probably have gamers most excited is the integrated Clan Support. How far this clan support will go hasn’t been revealed, and I doubt it will remedy the problems older games without clan support like Gears of War and Rainbow Six: Vegas. But with Halo 3 around the corner it makes perfect sense why Microsoft would integrate this since it is one of Halo 3’s features.
As with all updates, this one further separates Microsoft from Sony and Nintendo, proving that Microsoft is still the king of the online community.
