New Features of Xbox 360 Dashboard Update Explained
Prior to the Xbox 360 Kinect launch on November 4th, Microsoft will issue a new update for the Dashboard on Xbox 360. The update will include new features such as ESPN, Zune Music, updates to Netflix and Zune Video Marketplace. Additional upgrades to the user experience of the dashboard have now been detailed by Microsoft.
- Now that Halo 2′s strain on the network has been taken off, Microsoft can give gamers what they have been asking for. The audio codec used for chat has been upgraded. This new codec will improve voice chat quality in multiplayer games and Xbox Live Party Chat.
- If you are creating a new Gamertag, or just don’t like you old one, the experience will be changed. If the Gametag you are looking for is taken, your Avatar will spin a virtual wheel and provide some more suggestions based off your wanted Gamertag.
- Microsoft is promised to have a more streamlined in-dashboard keyboard. For scenarios that involve repeated text entry, the existing keyboard will have no need to keep opening and closing.
- The Games Marketplace will be re-organized, giving you the content you want faster. There are less steps and menus to go through to get to your purchases.
- Avatars are slightly more proportional to look less awkward with Kinect.
- If your Xbox has the ability to connect to Wi-Fi, then a list of all wireless networks within range will pop up when you go into Network Settings.
- This update fills me with joy. The new dashboard will give users the ability to sign other controllers within the Guide. This will be extremely useful when playing games like Rock Band or any multiplayer game.
- You’ve spent a lot of time earning all the Achievements for a game and completing it. Now instead of only being able to view a few completed games, a separate menu will give you a better way to brag or bask in your own glory.
Source: IGN
