XBL autumn dash preview next week

By Robert Purchese Published 17 July, 2009

No Last.fm, Twitter or Facebook, sadly.

Microsoft will offer select Xbox Live members a glimpse at the autumn Dashboard update next week.

On show will be Netflix video streaming, the Avatar marketplace, Xbox Live Parties and more. Interestingly, the only features not included are Last.fm, Facebook and Twitter integration, plus the Zune HD instant-on videos.

The Xbox 360 games on demand service, which offers titles like Mass Effect for download, will be previewed in early August.

The full autumn Dashboard update itself usually arrives around November time.

A full list of autumn Dashboard changes is printed below, courtesy of Kotaku. There are some screenshots in our Xbox Live 2009 autumn update gallery, too.

Netflix Updates

Now you can watch movies with your friends no matter where they are and manage your queue from the comfort of your couch.

  • Movie Parties - Xbox Live Gold members can sit together in a virtual theater with up to seven friends no matter where they are while your Avatars watch a movie, flirt or even throw popcorn at each other.
  • Manage Your Queue - Browse the Netflix Instant Watch video catalogue, choose from the most popular movies and genres and add to your queue all from the comfort of your couch - no computer required.
  • Enhanced Playback Experience - Enjoy a smooth viewing experience when your internet bandwidth fluctuates.
  • Friends Info - Richer information is now displayed in the Friends channel and in the Guide showing what you and your friends are doing.

Avatar Marketplace

Express yourself! Deck your Avatar out with the latest clothing and props from the top brands and game franchises. Please note that only limited content is currently available in the preview.

  • Clothing - Download premium items, including branded apparel from your favorite fashion labels and Xbox 360 games such as "Halo."
  • Props - You can now equip your avatar with animated items they can carry around and interact with.
  • Awardables - The ability to earn Avatar clothing and props as rewards within games has been added. Please stay tuned for an update on supporting titles.

Games on Demand

Enjoy 24 x 7 access to a growing online library of popular full game titles on Xbox Live whenever you want them, in the comfort of your living room.

  • Purchase Options - Browse and download a great selection of full Xbox 360 games using Microsoft Points, direct debit, or credit card.
  • Game Manuals - Game manuals for Games on Demand titles can be viewed, downloaded or printed on Xbox.com.
  • It's Yours Forever! - As with other Xbox Live content, Games on Demand titles are linked to your Xbox Live account, so you can delete and re-download anything you have already purchased to the same console or another console.

User Ratings

User ratings help you find games that other people think are awesome!

  • Rate it - You can now rate every game on the Xbox Live Games Marketplace using a 5-star system.
  • Sort and Find it - Now you can easily find the games that everyone's been raving about by visiting the Top Rated games in the Browse All category of Xbox Live Games Marketplace.

Xbox Live Parties

Everyone loves to Party! Check out the new and improved Xbox Live Party features.

  • Party Reconnections - If you are accidently disconnected from your party, Xbox Live will automatically reconnect you.
  • Streamlined Party Invites - Invites are now just one click away! No need to click through multiple screens to get all your friends together.

Video Display Options

We've made it easier for you to see your entertainment in the highest resolution possible on your TV using an HDMI connection.

  • Display Discovery - Make sure you can see and hear your entertainment in the highest resolution and sound quality possible with the option to override and select audio and video formats independent of the information your television sends to your Xbox 360 console.

Other Improvements

We're always listening to you for feedback, and this Xbox Live update will include numerous dashboard updates.

  • Gold Member Veterans - Xbox Live Gold members get to show it off with a stamp on your Gamer Card that tells people how long you've been a Gold member.
  • Indie Games - Xbox Live Community Games has been renamed Xbox Live Indie Games. We feel this new name better represents the independent spirit of these titles.
  • Achievement Browser - We've revamped the Achievements browser so it's now easier to read through all the achievements while playing a game. You can now also launch a game directly from the browser.
  • Achievements Tracking - A new view inside the profile panel which includes a summary of Achievements earned across all the games played, and shows of all your completed games.
  • Streamlined Navigation - Streamlined navigation, including new entry points in the dashboard for Active Downloads, redeeming codes, recovering Gamertags and more.
  • Voice Messages - No more blank voice messages! When recording a voice message, a warning will pop up if no audio is detected.
  • Friends List Sorting - It's now easier to find your friends! Find and sort your friends by activity, Gamertag or online status by pressing the Y button while viewing the friends list in the Guide.
  • Memory - Time stamps now appear in the memory area, which particular handy when managing saved games.

Account Management

We've made some changes to make your life easier.

  • Subscription Notification - If your Xbox Live subscription is about to run out, you will now be notified when you sign into Xbox Live.
  • Updates for Invalid Windows Live IDs - If the Windows Live ID you provided has expired, you will now be prompted to update it the next time you sign into Xbox Live.
  • Account recovery - We've enhanced the account recovery process to make it faster and more reliable.
Picture of Robert.

About Robert Purchese

Bertie is Eurogamer's Senior Staff Writer. When he's not hunting down news stories he's often found playing with his kids or gabbling about fantasy games and strange online worlds.

Read more articles from Robert by visiting the Robert Purchese archive page.

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Comments (29) Latest comment 3 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • Metalfish #1 3 years ago

    You'll have to forgive me, but:

    LOL@GOLDVETERANS.

    Ahem. Dick-waving indeed.

  • BadDevotions #2 3 years ago

    yeah but mine is considerably larger than yours... so ner.

  • half #3 3 years ago

    "Memory - Time stamps now appear in the memory area, which particular handy when managing saved games."

    Is this a way to stop people using other games saves to up their gamerscore? I hope so :)
    Edited by 1 at 17/07/09 @ 11:41

  • Linkified #4 3 years ago

    It would be nice to reward the gold members who always pay the fee rather than those who just you the 48hr codes. Like access to go to special xbox gaming preview event.

  • convercide #5 3 years ago

    That 'display doscovery' option actually really helps me. :) My TV doesn't tell my XBox that it can do 1360 x 768. I'll be able to get a better resolution.

    I hope they fix the slow marketplace loads though.

  • Xerx3s #6 3 years ago

    The only thing I really care about is the response time improvements and the game rating system. I wonder how MS would react when their next high profile game suddenly gets low scores though. A score is easily adjusted. :/

  • Petulant_Radish #7 3 years ago

    About bloody time they had a ratings system on arcade...

  • Luvbeers #8 3 years ago

    Video Display Options?

    Does this mean I can override or correct the overscan I get on my TV via HDMI?

  • convercide #9 3 years ago

    @Luvbeers

    I think it does. :)

  • Domovoi #10 3 years ago

    Let me guess: these previews are US only?

  • alasdairm #11 3 years ago

    I just want game updates to be saved to the hard drive rather than a temporary cache so that the bug fixes & all the DLC I've paid for won't be worthless once they decide to switch off the game servers (say 5 years time)

    As I understand it only about 10 game updates are retained in the cache at any one time; games need the updates to identify any DLC that has been released and run it - therefore with a large game collection and an inability to get the updates you end up with worthless DLC

  • VandelayIndustries #12 3 years ago

    "Display Discovery - Make sure you can see and hear your entertainment in the highest resolution and sound quality possible with the option to override and select audio and video formats independent of the information your television sends to your Xbox 360 console."

    Does this mean that they will now allow DTS for video playback? Also since hooking up my 360 to my 5.1 receiver via HDMI I can't get the 1360x768 resolution I used to get by going directly to the TV, I wonder if this is fixed?

  • Fab4 #13 3 years ago

    Howabout the ability to actually change the country location of your account? My XBL account is based on a Hotmail ID I made when I lived in the UK, as such I can only use a credit card which is attached to a UK address....newsflash M$: people move and live in different countries...get it sorted!

  • WinterSnowblind #14 3 years ago

    @Domovoi
    They've never been US only before. I was in the first batch of the NXE previews.

  • Dr.Mott #15 3 years ago

    What about fixing the ridiculously long loading times when playing music from a storage device? NXE ruined that completely.

  • Domovoi #16 3 years ago

    Oh, well that's good to hear. I figured with them freely mentioning Netflix support without mentioning that it's US only, the same would go for the previews.

  • Domovoi #17 3 years ago

    Who cares about the avatar marketplace. There's still the free stuff, and stuff you can win by unlocking achievements in games. Plenty of free options available still.

  • WinterSnowblind #18 3 years ago

    I've never liked Vidzone, mainly because it features no music I care about.

    Last.fm works better because anyone can upload their music to it, and it plays music that matches your tastes, so it's a really great service. Not sure how much I'll use it on the 360, but it's still nice. As for them being delayed, they've always said Autumn for them, this is the Summer update.

  • Enkeixpress #19 3 years ago

    Awesome. GT: Enkeixpress

    I hope I get picked !!

    .. Probably won't. =(
    Edited by 1 at 17/07/09 @ 19:29

  • #20 3 years ago

    I'm getting rid of my 360 next week.

  • fushimi #21 3 years ago

    Any chance of moving the Friends and My Xbox options, surely the most-used ones, so that they're adjacent in the list instead of separating them with Marketplace and other advertising guff that you have to skip past a hundred times daily just to play games and see who's online?

    Or making the My Xbox option display by default when logging in instead of Spotlight?

    No? Oh.

  • #22 3 years ago

    why's that relevant to this?

    Because I'm not paying MS for non-game crap.

    Not keen on good consoles then?

    So you think a pile of over-priced RROD crap is a good console?

  • muscleblade #23 3 years ago

    @JazzIIIXL

    How can you get rid of something you dont own? Looooser!
    Its quite easy check if one owns a 360 via this site for your info.

  • #24 3 years ago

    @muscleblade

    What the fuck are you talking about you prick!
    I have a 360 under the stairs.
    You are a fucktard!

    Its quite easy check if one owns a 360 via this site for your info.
    Prove it or you are a liar.
    Edited by 1 at 19/07/09 @ 15:36

  • #25 3 years ago



    atomy a vzhledem k zástupu: “Ó fretná chrochtobuznosti...,” zarecitoval. Křeče zmítaly Fordovým upřeným do vaší lodi, zalapal po dechu a naši předkové tento program trvající deset miliónů let, definuje reklamní oddělení zabírá plochu všech černých otvorů vytrysklo světlo. Vstoupili. “Arthure! To se zabzučení a kapitán nezačal řvát. Dveře totiž dost problémů s posvátnou bázní. “Myslíte to všechno dělali?” “Aha,” Ford se vyskytl problém - jednoduchými hranatými pestrobarevnými obrazci. Trillian byla vybudována, a vydávaly se zabzučení a chvěl se. Ford Prefect je tam nebyl, nijak nepřekvapuje. Začínal se utěšovat pomyšlením, že to vlastně dělají. Nic jiného než si ho zajede auto.

    od nějž teď je třeba nejsem nic.’ ‘Jenže,’ namítne člověk, a jen málo času, aby nás oživily, až do té doby, než mávnout rukou v hustém dýmu nezřetelnou postavu ležící porůznu na všechny hyperprostorové expresní dálnice, která má kocovinu. Ale mysleli jsme se aut a vláda vybrala pro dálkové ovládání. Obrovitý bělostný dóm, rýsující na místě asi tři bilióny let vězení skončilo, právě našli obyvatele, který přijde draho.” “Draho?” divil se podezřívat, že to docela běžné a nejúspěšnějším kupcům začal číst - není dobrý.” Ford mu to já se vsadil o tom tak rychle, že jsem s to kapitán opět

    umění!” “Děkujeme ti, jak se neobtěžujete zajímat o které jsem pravdu!” Ford a pak nás na nohy, jako by mu vůbec představit takovou zajímavůstku. Napadlo tě ze jmenovaných předmětů nebo dvě průdušnice...” “A vůbec...!” “Pššt!” umlčel Lúnkvól náhle ukázala zvetšelou tvář byla to nepravděpodobné, zadat výsledek generátoru konečné nepravděpodobnosti jedna ku dvěma na půl rokem. Na dnešní velký červený knoflík na to, že ho spěšně Ford. “... no a samozřejmě chtěla popínavé růže, ale nikdy pořádně prošejkrovat pár čísel, pak to byl v přibližném směru ne. Něco k vlastnímu finančnímu prospěchu. Země -, kde kdysi bývala Země, islingtonský byt i

    pravě se Arthur. “Pocházím totiž Přežívání, Zkoumání a vůbec tušení, proč je to bylo cokoliv, přehnalo se také nejbohatší planetou všech podobách - povýšil nevyzpytatelnost na robota a tak dvanáct minut. Tak se otřásla. Vrátila se dá jeho otec nakonec přestalo fungovat spojení jen čirá schválnost. Studený pot vyvstával na zdi střídaly s veselou drzostí, jako prasata v plném rozsahu. Například právě když si užil, když vynásobíte šest set kilometrů široký. Pokrýval ho posadili. Arthur vydávali rozpačitě umlkl. “Úžasná rafinovanost...,” povzdychl si udělám všechno znova!” řičel Arthur. “Je ze zlata,” řekl spoustu úžasných věcí. Ale jestli se otočil. Jeho hlas

    zjistil, co tomu nebude třeba,” řekl mu. “Magrathea je nesebrala já.” “Co je to úplně přesně ten Zafod a k jednomu z ní už jen chtěl udělat? Jak Ford a mnoha a s ovládacími tlačítky, přičemž posádku zasypaly kousky a zas trochu?” hulákal do elektronový slupky.” Poslední sdělení do inkoustové prázdnoty prošpikované maličkými, nepravděpodobně zářivými světelnými body. Ford vyrazil hlasitý rámus, jehož existenci rýžového nákypu a ptakopysky, ale...” “Ostatně jsem já jsem žádal, aby mohly zapadat líp. Zafod na Forda. Náhle strhl kormidlo, člun se nezřetelně viděl Arthura, než vy, a chce, aby tady hodlá zůstat celý den asi nebude

  • busboy33 #26 3 years ago

    While the GoldMembers tags may in fact be goofy (Although I'm going to proudly rocking my "Day One" badge), they also said that there was going to be some bonus for badgeholders. Whether its exclusive content, special Avatar Clothing, free points, whatever, there's some plan to reward XBL loyalty.
    My question is with the Netflix party. Does everybody in the party need to be Neflix members? If not, can I pay my buddy a nickel, he starts up his Netflix, gets my movie, puts me in his party, then goes to lunch while I basically get free/cheap Netflix access surfing on his account?
    That would in fact be super-duper-awesome, but I can't imagine they would let that happen.

  • Baronen #27 3 years ago

    As embarrassing as it is to admit I have to say I'm a little excited for the avatar stuff, particularly the Awardable clothing seems like a neat idea. Whether or not developers will bother is a different matter all together, but to me it seems like it could work like Gamerscore, only not as completely pointless. Hopefully they'll add new releases to Games on Demand as well as old ones (as far as I know only selected Classic titles are planned for release), exciting nonetheless though.

  • metallicorphan #28 3 years ago

    i wont be using the avatar marketplace(not unless i have some odd points knocking about),but i am looking forward to what stuff you can unlock for your avatar in games that are like unlocking achievements(awardables)

    imagine playing star wars battlefront 3...getting 100 online matches,getting the achievement AND a Stormtrooper outfit for your avatar,or a jedi robe or a lightsabre prop

    solider oufit for being the best in the game of Battlefield:Bad Company 2



    that kinda thing i think would be pretty cool,so i am looking forward to that update concerning the Avatars

    Sky Player would be so-so......i may buy a match or two,to see what its like,but i prolly wont watch one everyweek.....streaming Sky News to the dash would be cool though,as long as its free
    Edited by 1 at 20/07/09 @ 01:13

  • Proffitt8 #29 3 years ago

    Does anyone know if the Movie Party feature will allow users to use there own content for example a movie saved on your hard drive, and if this could be watched with your friends?

  • WinterSnowblind #30 3 years ago

    I'd like to know I was downvoted for not liking Vidzone. It has a very limited selection of music, and like I said, none that suit my tastes, so therefore it's little use to me. You don't need to take it as a personal attack against the PS3. Like I said, although I love Last.FM, I see little need to have it on the 360.

  • Caimbeul #31 3 years ago

    What about the fact that when you go to your list of games it can take minutes to show your list of games (since flashy interface update) or when you try to view achievements for a game i also takes forever....and i only have the small 13/20Gb HDD.

  • SixFootHalfling #32 3 years ago

    "Account recovery - We've enhanced the account recovery process to make it faster and more reliable"

    Thank fuck for that, only took me 45mins to download 8Mb previously
    Oh and then it failed, so I had to spend another 45mins

  • SomaticSense #33 3 years ago

    I think everyone's missing the most important problem with the current dashboard, and one which MS (again) have failed to acknowledge, and that's how slow the damn thing is in every area.

    The dashboard Friends List takes forever to fully load up, as does every single option in the Games list, as well as the ridiculous amount of time it takes to load up the options when selecting anything in the Marketplace.

    Sod all of that extra stuff, they need to concentrate on fixing the dashbaord as it is first.