The much awaited Xbox 360's LIVE Dashboard update has finally arrived. As promised earlier, Microsoft has brought new features, experience improvements, services and other user connectivity features. However, it has held back social network features.
Major Nelson aka Larry Hryb, Xbox Live Director of Programming, stated on this blog that the new Xbox LIVE update will be rolled out to Xbox LIVE member across the globe in space of few hours. So, all Xbox 360 owners got to do is keep checking till they're prompted with the update.
New Xbox LIVE Dashboard update brings features like new Games on Demand service, Avatars, Netflix functionality, User Interface improvements, Account management and much more. Xbox LIVE also brings a new feature for Gold members called Tenure. This feature will show up number of years on the gamertag of particular user has been Gold member. This feature will be rolled out in the next few days.
And yes, the Netflix streaming is exclusively available only to Xbox LIVE users. Users will be able to browse and purchase games from Xbox LIVE Marketplace on the web from Aug. 13. Read details of new features at the Xbox LIVE update page.
Xbox 360 Dashboard: Games
The Games panel of the Xbox 360 Dashboard lists available titles, including downloaded content, and Achievements earned in each game.
Xbox 360 System Configuration
Xbox 360 Dashboard: Media
The Media panel of the Xbox 360 Dashboard offers access to music, photos, as well as content stored on a networked Windows Media Center PC.
Xbox 360 Dashboard: Xbox Live
The main Xbox Live panel of the Dashboard lists messages, friends and provides access to the Xbox Marketplace.
Xbox Live Marketplace
From the Xbox Live Marketplace, users will be able to purchase games, themes and other virtual goods. The Xbox 360 will come with a free Silver membership to Xbox Live.
Invite a Friend
Xbox Live users can receive invites from friends interested in playing a game. Each invite can include an audio or video message attached.
Xbox Live Friend List
Xbox 360 users can view their Xbox Live friends sorted by the game they are currently playing.
Game Downloads
Xbox Live will offer free downloads of arcade games.
My Arcade Games
The Xbox 360 will list already downloaded arcade games for quick access.
Xbox 360 Media Browsing
The Xbox 360 will be able to browse available music for playback directly on the console.
Now Playing
The Now Playing screen will show the current song, as well as visualizations.
Xbox 360 Visuals
While playing music, Xbox 360 users can view full screen visualizations that go along with the music. Users can control the visuals using the Xbox controller.
