Xbox 360 Summer Dashboard Update Now Live

Category: Gaming
Posted: August 11, 2009 03:00PM
Author: d3bruts1d

Microsoft has released the summer dashboard update for the Xbox 360, and with the new features you may want to consider running out and grabbing a bigger hard drive. Xbox 360 owners will be prompted to download the update when they sign into Xbox LIVE. Here's a quick round up of some of the things included in this update:

Games on Demand - Probably the biggest item for the Xbox 360 is the ability to purchase full games for the Xbox 360 via Xbox LIVE, and this Thursday you'll be able to purchase the games via the Xbox LIVE Marketplace. The purchased games are linked to your gamertag, so you can delete and redownload as needed. No need to have disks and boxes cluttering your media center any more. Game manuals will also be available via the Xbox LIVE Marketplace for viewing and printing.

Avatars - Your Xbox LIVE avatar can now be equipped with props and other items to carry around, and the new Avatar Marketplace will offer premium apparel. Some games may also offer Avatar items that can be unlocked, similar to achievements.

Netflix - The Netflix service has been improved to allow you to find content faster and see what your friends are watching. You can even invite a party to watch a Netflix movie with you.

Account Management - Viewing a profile of a Xbox LIVE Gold Member will show you how long they've been a subscriber. Microsoft has even dropped a hint that there may be some special perks in store for gold members down the road. Additionally, when your membership is about to expire, you'll get a notice when you sign into the Xbox LIVE service.

Misc - Other updates include improvements to the achievements UI, the ability to sort friends, rate content in the marketplace, improved video options and resolutions. There are too many updates to list here, so be sure and checkout the Xbox Update information.

The next update coming in the fall will include support for Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm, and probably new features related to the Zune HD.