Microsoft confirmed a list of the new features coming to the 360 Dashboard via the Xbox Live summer update expected to hit on August 11th. Curious about what this new update will be bring to dashboard? Here is a list of everything Microsoft is stating will be included in the Summer ‘09 update. First on the list is Movie Night. This will let you browse, select, and switch to your favorite movies from top genres. According to the press release there are hundreds of movies to choose from and many of the titles are available in High Definition.
The second item on the list to get an update is your Avatar. Yes, Avatars are all the rage these days and Microsoft is looking to cash in on peoples love for these digital dolls by launching the Avatar Marketplace. Take your Avatar customization to the next level by purchasing premium outfits and accessories for your little guy (or girl). Items will include memorabilia relating to favorite 360 games as well as “real world” brand items from companies like Adidas, Tokidoki, Quicksilver, and Roxy. They also mentioned that other companies are being added to the list of digital designers everyday. The penny-pinchers out there who may scoff at the idea of buying digital clothing aren’t being left behind either. In addition to the Avatar Marketplace comes a chance to earn special items for your Avatars by playing games. Depending on the game, nabbing Achievements or completing a game will unlock new clothes and props for your Avatar. Avatars aren’t going to stand and smile at you anymore, now you can give them a basketball, light saber, or cellphone (a couple examples) to play with.
Anything games related in the update? Well, if you’re tired of making trips to your local Gamestop when you want a new game to play the next portion of the update is for you. The Games on Demand channel is launching with the summer update. The service is launching with 21 Xbox 360 retail games available for download. Games on Demand lets you purchase and download retail titles straight to your hard drive. Microsoft is also promising new games will be appearing on the service via weekly updates similar to the XBLA Arcade. For your convenience, I included the list of games that will be launching with the new channel.
Assassin’s Creed published by Ubisoft
Burnout Paradise published by EA
Call of Duty 2 published by Activision
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion published by Bethsada
Fight Night Round 3 published by EA
Kameo: Elements of Power published by Microsoft Game Studios
LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga published by LucasArts
Mass Effect published by Microsoft Game Studios
Meet The Robinsons published by Disney
MX vs. ATV Untamed published by THQ
Need for Speed Carbon published by EA
Need for Speed: Most Wanted published by EA
Perfect Dark Zero published by Microsoft Game Studios
Prey published by 2K Games
Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis published by Rockstar Games
Sega Rally published by Sega
Test Drive: Unlimited published by Atari
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas published by Ubisoft
Tomb Raider Legend published by Eidos
Viva Piñata published by Microsoft Game Studios
Viva Piñata 2: Trouble in Paradise published by Microsoft Game Studios
To accompany the promise of speeding up the responsiveness of the NXE dashboard, users are also going to get the ability to customize how they view content over Xbox Live. The new update will offer a range of different options but mentioned specifically is the ability to sort your friends list by Gamertag, Status, and Activity. Sorting abilities aside, there will also be new options for viewing Achievements, game progress, and improved matchmaking support. The press release is hinting that there might be more customization options that have not been mentioned, but I guess we will have to wait and see when it is released.
The final addition included in the update is a Five Star user rating system that will be added to the Xbox Live Marketplace. When you purchase a game through Xbox Live Arcade Marketplace or the newly updated Indie Games Marketplace you can share your opinion on the game with the rest of the world. Hopefully this new system will help the hidden gems buried in the Indie Games Channel rise to the top.
In closing, Microsoft has assured us that this is just a small step in reaching the promise of turning the Xbox 360 into an entertainment device for everyone in the home. There are more features such as Instant 1080p Video Streaming, Last.FM Radio Stations, Facebook, and Twitter integration still coming in the foreseeable future. For now, they want us to have fun playing with our Avatars.
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