Xbox Live spring update details leaked?

By Robert Purchese Published 14 May, 2008

"Motion sensor" devices mentioned.

The spring Xbox Live update may be just around the corner, and ready to introduce support for "motion sensor devices".

That's according to a list of features leaked to Kotaku that originated from a supposed internal source at Microsoft.

There's no date attached to the leaked spring feature list; last year it went up on 6th June and we'd heard about it as early as April.

Most of the 80 bullet-point tweaks are rather trivial, but a couple caught our eye: "Option to donate Microsoft Points to anybody with a Windows Live ID," and, "Calibration options for motion sensor devices."

The first because we are greedy and the latter because, er, what is this "motion sensor", eh? It could, of course, be some sort of Live Vision support, and not necessarily the bizarre Wii remote-alike device blueprints that popped up on the Internet in April.

"We don't comment on rumour and speculation, and we have not announced anything regarding Xbox LIVE updates," was all a Microsoft spokesperson had to offer.

The full and rather lengthy list can be found below:

Xbox LIVE

  • Option to delay sign-in to Xbox LIVE upon booting console (to allow user to set Online Status).
  • Option to promote Child Account from Family Settings.
  • Disallow Child Accounts (over 18) to override Family Settings by launching Privacy Settings through a title.
  • Option in Family Settings for Child Accounts to enable child-oriented/non-mature advertisements.
  • Introduce a group chat (4) for Private Chat and conferences through Video Chat.
  • Support to indicate media being watched to gamercard status (video content from Marketplace only).
  • Extend height for Bio field in Personal Profile, easier navigation through text.
  • More fields present in Personal Profile - recent achievements, interests, games, movies, links, custom section.
  • Compact Personal Profile for new fields (navigating to field will open it up).
  • Mandatory option to delete duplicate titles from gamercard (excludes Games for Windows - LIVE). User disconnected from Xbox LIVE when booting any title until action complete.
  • Option to remove payment information from gamertag.
  • New payment methods for international users.
  • Download History on Account Management better organized - games, genre, type, download date, miscellaneous.
  • Long descriptions of items on Marketplace can be scrolled using right stick.
  • Better organization of free content on Marketplace.
  • Option to 'ping' when testing connection.
  • Allow re-connection to Xbox LIVE if Ethernet cable is re-inserted whilst powered on.
  • New strip colors available to developers, staff gamercards.
  • New corner icon available to ambassadors.
  • Re-introduce Messages button for Inside Xbox updates only.
  • Option to store up to 10 messages permanently on server (excludes invites, status messages).
  • Increase character limit for text messages between friends only.
  • Option to disable invites from non-friends or all players.
  • Option to disable invites from titles not on gamercard (excludes demos).
  • Option to have smaller items moved up in Active Downloads.
  • Automatically re-connect to Xbox LIVE if disconnected unexpectedly (set intervals).
  • Option to download gamer picture (if available) from a gamercard being viewed.
  • Display random tips to replace static text on Xbox LIVE and Games blades.
  • New button on Marketplace for optional dashboard features - uses Storage Device memory.
  • Option to donate Microsoft Points to anybody with a Windows Live ID.
  • Option to purchase Membership for charities (includes benefits).
  • Integrate file-sharing for selected titles on Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows - LIVE.
  • Disable notifications to friends of user repeatedly signing into service (set period).
  • Option to see 'snippet' of text message in notification.
  • Windows Live Mail integration - includes support for Xbox LIVE Vision.
  • Web feeds integration - text, images, audio. Includes support for specific item codes on Marketplace.
  • Option to display gamer picture or standard picture as display picture in Windows Live Messenger.
  • Support for headset, Xbox LIVE Vision in Windows Live Messenger.
  • Support for limited 'winks' that display on dashboard interface. Option to disable 'winks' and 'nudges' added.
  • Notifications separate from Windows Live Messenger to Xbox 360 notifications.
  • Disable multiple languages from being used in any Xbox LIVE editable fields.

Games

  • Option to delete titles from gamercard with 0 gamerscore and 0 achievements (excludes some titles that will be re-added to launch another title).
  • Organize My Games at the Games Library section better (includes disc-based titles) - sort by genre, platform (Games for Windows - LIVE), percentage completion.
  • Support to display friends leaderboards for disc-based titles.
  • Show dates of an achievement unlocked when comparing.
  • Preload Games Library upon dashboard bootup for faster access.
  • Game updates now shown as items in Memory, increased amount of updates on Storage Device.
  • Option to delete game updates, removed 'cheat code' as no longer needed.
  • Support for more titles to display banner when accessing guide in-game.
  • Option to re-introduce awarded gamer pictures from titles that do not have their own re-introduce feature (requires saved game).
  • Disable gamer pictures from being awarded from trials.
  • Support for titles to store installation data on Storage Device for faster loading.
  • Synchronization to achievements offline/online that were deleted and then re-added from developers.

Media

  • Option to hold LT and RT for rewinding/fast-forwarding video content.
  • Option to delete individual music tracks from storage device.
  • Option to rip music CD at different quality.
  • Copy non-protected files (pictures, music, videos) from USB storage devices, CDs and computers to proprietary storage devices.
  • Support for menu, top-menu features on video content downloaded from Marketplace.
  • Section added for audio delivered through feeds (podcasts). Option to stream, download to Storage Device.
  • Support added for video titles/description to gamercard status.

Dashboard/Miscellaneous

  • Option to navigate quickly out of several menus back to respective blade home (applies to Games, Media, System).
  • New blade trim styles added.
  • Introduce expanded Inside Xbox as a portal to news, weather, entertainment, help and community features.
  • New sounds for various functions (notifications, blades, navigation).
  • Calibration options for display/sound.
  • Calibration options for motion sensor devices.
  • New effects for Xbox LIVE Vision and dashboard background.
  • Disable changing of Theme when on Memory to prevent 'hanging'.
  • Preload recent, limited items upon dashboard bootup on Memory.
  • Faster loading of Themes section on guide.
  • Option to see what items will not work offline due to DRM license changing from Memory.
  • Option to automatically associate new DRM to items downloaded for free.
  • Indicate 'charging' status on guide when Play & Charge kit is connected.
  • Option to change text colors on guide to better contrast some backgrounds.
  • Language improvements.
  • Word censor updated for fields.
  • Privacy Settings/Family Settings updated for new features.
  • Voice, picture messages can be read at Xbox.com (Gold accounts).
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 (76) Latest comment 4 years ago

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

  • BadBoyBonner #1 4 years ago

    Yay! Private group chat at last.

  • DanWhitehead #2 4 years ago

    Option to delete titles from gamercard with 0 gamerscore and 0 achievements

    My obsessive-compulsive disorder thanks you.

  • DFawkes #3 4 years ago

    DanWhitehead +1

    Also like the increased update memory, it's a pain having to re-update some stuff because you ran out of space.

  • BadBoyBonner #4 4 years ago

    Hmmmm here's Capcom's worrying favourite bit of the update.

    "Support for titles to store installation data on Storage Device for faster loading"

    Got a question to put out in the open (may have been answered else where) - does GTA IV do the above already? Hence having to sit through the ultra boring almost static, flash introduction - EVERY TIME the game boots up.

    Is it using that sh*t intro to mask throwing data at the HD?

  • SteJosh #5 4 years ago

    Support for titles to store installation data on Storage Device for faster loading.
    Thats pretty big

  • betahoven #6 4 years ago

    Post deleted at 09:36:16 17-12-2011

  • Eighthours #7 4 years ago

    Private group chat!

  • lambtron #8 4 years ago

    "Option to delete titles from gamercard with 0 gamerscore and 0 achievements

    My obsessive-compulsive disorder thanks you."

    Indeed.

  • Roamer #9 4 years ago

    Option to remove payment information from gamertag.

    Finally!

    Now, fix it so you can still play arcade titles offline on a refurbished system and I'll be happy as larry. Every time my system takes a nose dive, my arcade titles are rendered useless as my Xbox isn't connected to the internet - why the expensive wireless adapter, MS? Surely you'll be happy taking my gold subscription money?

  • Luvbeers #10 4 years ago

    where is .mkv HD!!!???

  • gooners2006 #11 4 years ago

    @ BadBoyBanner

    the 360 version of GTA IV sadly doesnt have that feature so every time you load up the game you have to sit through those images

    as for the 360 update..nothing really sounds really interesting apart from the new dashboard trims....im sick of choosing dark silver light silver or sometimes black

  • syphaa #12 4 years ago

    If this is indeed the correct features then group chat is definitely a highlight!
    Also storing installation data is major!

    Some interesting bits n' pieces. Shall see if this is backed up by MS!

  • DrR0b3rts #13 4 years ago

    Be good to have the podcast feeds. I'd still love a proper browser, mind.

  • Bealsy #14 4 years ago

    "Support for titles to store installation data on Storage Device for faster loading"

    Woot!

  • berelain #15 4 years ago

    The update sounds ok to me. The better integration of features sounds really nice, as does the added games info.

    And, anal as this sounds, I'm loving the support for scrolling long descriptions with the right analogue stick.

    Nothing major in the update, no. But some nice small improvement across the board by the look of it.

  • AHiFi #16 4 years ago

    +1 Roamer - DRM issues are horrible. At least they seem to be recognising that now, but it's still not a solution to premium content issues.

  • Xerx3s #17 4 years ago

    The 360 guide team should have a chat with the windows mobile team in terms of design. Especially when looking at WM7 and the HTC diamond interface.

  • Vice.Destroyer #18 4 years ago

    Very cool features. Majority of which I don't need. But +1 for removing zero gamerscore games and for group chat.

    Also kudos for being able to import MP3 files through the USB port. Also "Option to delete individual music tracks from storage device." couldn't we do that already? Hopefully they mean that you can delete more than one at a time.

    But what I want more than anything is the ability to be able to make my own themes, with more than just one picture. I refuse to buy themes. It's a rip-off comparable to buying themes for your mobile at £4.50 a pop.

  • cyacomini #19 4 years ago

    The most interesting of that lot?

    32. Integrate file-sharing for selected titles on Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows - LIVE.

    Does this mean user generated content will be allowed for UT3 then?



  • Zomoniac #20 4 years ago

    If this list is true then I'm very happy. Ticks every box I wanted ticking (except HD .mkv).

  • moggsy #21 4 years ago

    Copy non-protected files (pictures, music, videos) from USB storage devices, CDs and computers to proprietary storage devices.

    Might get some use out of my 120GB hard drive now then. ;-)

  • XdarXideX #22 4 years ago

    Lies! (I reckon)

  • mcmonkeyplc #23 4 years ago

    The features mentioned in the article are only the tip of the iceburg. How about you guys read the list a little more?

    LAZY!

  • krudster #24 4 years ago

    /also hopes for more BC love.

  • InsoFox #25 4 years ago

    Not a bad set of updates. I'm most interested in new payment options. I hope that includes Maestro.

  • captainrentboy #26 4 years ago

    ''where is .mkv HD!!!??? ''
    I'm still waiting for that too Luvbeers, now don't think I'm trying to teach a granny to suck eggs here, but have you downloaded the GOTSENT program? It's a joy, quick as fook at converting, and the resulting files stream like a charm.
    Now that I've seen series 4 of Lost in HD, I'm never going back. :)

  • BadBoyBonner #27 4 years ago

    Gooners2006

    I know it doesn;t have the feature - badly worded question I guess.

    What I mean is - does GTA IV install to the HD EVERYTIME it starts (and wipe when it switches off ( over and above most other games)) - hence watching the shit flash intro - can't be arsed unplugging HD to see if it becomes skipable.

    Only ask as some sources seemed to say that GTA IV did an install even on the 360.

    Perhaps they will patch GTA IV to retro fit the ability to store on HD.

    At least on 360 we know that HD installation will have to be optional due to various systems available.

  • bioreit #28 4 years ago

    "Most...are rather trivial."

    Ahem. Excuse me?

    "Introduce a group chat (4) for Private Chat and conferences through Video Chat." is far from trivial. This is the one feature my friends and I have been clamouring for since we got our 360s. Will make clan tactics that much easier to perform - meaning I no longer have to hop between three different conversations to update what we're going to do.

  • Aretak #29 4 years ago

    If this list is true, it'd be fantastic. It sounds more like a wishlist to me though. Being able to remove 0 Gamerscore titles from your profile? I doubt it.

  • Psychotext #30 4 years ago

    I'm a little hesitant to believe this... it wouldn't be the first time we've seen some sadsack on the net make up a fake list.

    Plus it's Kotaku we're talking about. =)

  • moggsy #31 4 years ago

    @ BadBoyBonner

    I'm no expert but I suspect it's loading stuff into memory. Most games do an initial load - the GTA IV is a bit longer than most though.

  • neil_likes_bums #32 4 years ago

    If this is real, then 90% of my gripes are addressed and I will be a happy bunny indeed.

  • XdarXideX #33 4 years ago

    bioreit - have you tried the option that allows you to only hear and be heard by people on your friends list? I've not seen the option let alone tried it but I hear it's pretty good for team tactics and that kind of thing.

  • Widge #34 4 years ago

    GTA always has had a lengthy load sequence, hard drive or not.

  • keyboardmonkey #35 4 years ago

    Option to donate Microsoft Points to anybody with a Windows Live ID.

    If this works between US and UK accounts then i smell cheaper MS Points (goes away and starts up his own little Points swapping business) Get your MS Points here, cheap at half the price.

    Oh dear what's "Word censor updated for fields" who has been putting in the naughty words on their Bio ?

    I'd like to see an option to have a random theme and gamer pic (from a selection) every time you boot up

  • FightingMongoose #36 4 years ago

    All sounds pretty good.

  • asphaltcowboy #37 4 years ago

    Fantastic list! Pretty much clears up all those tiny things that can be a bit annoying! (right stick scrolling! xD)

  • sanctimoniousqf #38 4 years ago

    @moggsy/BadBoyBonner

    Both the Xbox and PS3 version have the load at the start (I have both, though the PS3 version was admittedly a gift) - I suppose the most ironic thing is that despite the data being on the HDD for the PS3 version, therefore being theoretically faster, it spends longer showing those stills before loading the most recent save game...

    Like the list of tweaks, though slightly disappointed - was expecting something more of what is traditionally a major feature update (spring is new major features, fall is mostly tweaks). Here's hoping that private group chat is real ;-)

  • bad_hair_day #39 4 years ago


    Captainrentboy - cheers for the streamer tip - i'm gonna check this out right now!

    Is it better than Tversity or Transcode 360 for MKV?

  • Kazzahdrane #40 4 years ago

    Fantastic, a lot of features that server to further integrate the console's features into one big happy useable..thing.

    Plus GROUP VOICE CHAT. FINALLY. Delayed Live signin is pretty nice too - when I use my 360 just to watch a DVD I'd rather appear Offline until I decide to play a game after all.

  • captainrentboy #41 4 years ago

    GOTSENT is a converting program, the resulting file will stream to your 360 through media player 11 (As long as it's all up to date), but the thing I like about it is how quick it is, my 1.2GB Lost MKV files are converted within 7 minutes.
    Good shit. :)

  • miiiguel #42 4 years ago

    MicroSoft, raising the bar of online entertainment.

    The 'ping' feature is a "litle" one but nice, I was going nuts first time I tried to set up my connection, then I realised it didn't answer to pings.
    Edited by 1 at 14/05/08 @ 10:11

  • Madafunkola #43 4 years ago

    Can we have updated Wifi security please? I can't get my new router to play nice with the xbox so i'm running 2 networks at the mo! :(

  • IAmBatman #44 4 years ago

    > Option to remove payment information from gamertag.

    Finally, won't have to navigate the support phoneline maze.

  • slivir #45 4 years ago

    .mkv support would be nice.

  • miiiguel #46 4 years ago

    Nice also to see they're taking Achievements serious. Duplicate games is pathetic. Good job!
    Edited by 1 at 14/05/08 @ 10:14

  • GamesConnoisseur #47 4 years ago

    Option to delete titles from gamercard with 0 gamerscore and 0 achievements

    YAY!!

    Now I can delete Superman Returns and other dross that I ejected from X360 after a very short time, but embarrasingly still on the playlist for all to see.

  • JonFE #48 4 years ago

    "Option to delete titles from gamercard with 0 gamerscore and 0 achievements (excludes some titles that will be re-added to launch another title)."

    Darren will be happy :)

  • miiiguel #49 4 years ago

    Have to admit the "voice chat" feature is one of the most praised features of Live, man... gamers do love to talk. I have a few "PS-fans" friends that quit PSN because of that.

  • Beano #50 4 years ago

    Still looking for ...

    "Option to cancel Live Gold subscription from dashboard"

  • siro #51 4 years ago

    Where to get MS Points the cheapest? Prolly somewhere in Asia, ain't it? I'll definitely buy some more Marketplace stuff if I get it cheap.

    Also this update makes me wanting a bigger hard drive. :(

    Edit: Are Live gold membership cards global? So could I buy some in Japan and use them for my account?
    Edited by 1 at 14/05/08 @ 10:27

  • BraveArse #52 4 years ago

    Loving Group chat, Payment options and removal of them, and integration of Live vision with messenger - that's going to be well handy for chats with geographically distant friends and relatives.

    all good stuff if it isn't a hoax.
    Edited by 1 at 14/05/08 @ 10:28

  • mazzl #53 4 years ago

    Copy non-protected files (pictures, music, videos) from USB storage devices, CDs and computers to proprietary storage devices

    this is nice, can finaly just copy those mp3 files :)

    also like the hd install, hopefully less spin on the dvd drive ;)

    @Beano TRUE!
    Edited by 1 at 14/05/08 @ 10:30

  • Dr_Wadd #54 4 years ago

    Don`t some games already install data to the hard drive to a degree? Halo 3 certainly seems to do this as first loads are very slow but subsequent loads are faster, unless I've been playing something else in the interim. I guess what is currently done is temporary caching whereas here they are talking about a permanent transfer.

  • [+..••] #55 4 years ago

    hopefully this is real, a good list of updates

  • chrisjm #56 4 years ago

    duplicate games in achievements? how would this happen?

  • brooza #57 4 years ago

    Copy non-protected files (pictures, music, videos) from USB storage devices, CDs and computers to proprietary storage devices.

    Interesting...

  • Vordred #58 4 years ago

    best 3 there for me are

    Option to disable invites from titles not on gamercard (excludes demos).

    Option to delete titles from gamercard with 0 gamerscore and 0 achievements

    Option to remove payment information from gamertag.

    as i get annoyed with people sending me invites for games i dont have. and also when i go on the market place and look in played games, i get fed up of scrolling through 30 trial games.

  • Fleisch #59 4 years ago

    Wheres the intergrated clan support that was meant to be in the last patch!?!

    aside from that good list over all

  • Beano #60 4 years ago

    "Don`t some games already install data to the hard drive to a degree? Halo 3 certainly seems to do this as first loads are very slow but subsequent loads are faster..."

    No... it just feels that way. The first time you load Halo 3, you are exited and "just can't wait". After that, not so much ;)

  • Psychotext #61 4 years ago

    Dr_Wadd: Yes, it's temporary caching. If you play too many different games your cache will keep getting overwritten.

  • Zomoniac #62 4 years ago

    duplicate games in achievements? how would this happen?

    I've been wondering the same. I've never had, seen or heard of this happening. Apart from whores who have finished 3 regional versions of Enchanted Arms, who presumably wouldn't want two of them deleting.

  • Garulon #63 4 years ago

    Oh lordy, getting the game library to populate faster would be great enough. Treating disk-based titles as part of your game library sounds an interesting thing.

    AV support through messenger! video chat through messenger! Woot!!!

  • miiiguel #64 4 years ago

    "Apart from whores who have finished 3 regional versions of Enchanted Arms, who presumably wouldn't want two of them deleting."
    That's exactly that, and don't think it's only Enchated Arms, there are lots and lots of them. I guess they'll have to ditch them.

  • RexRunti #65 4 years ago

    Guess I'll pick up a chat pad then as the instant messanger stuff has gone from kinda works to fully integrated. Also RSS feeds and podcasts seem to stop the sytem being quite so insulated. The file sharing stuff looks pretty cool to, it means developers won't have to rely on their own servers ala Halo 3 and Forza. But the biggest thing I'm excited about is the 4 way voice/video chat. Sudden thought; now people can "donate" MS points and better video chats are we going to see teens selling their body for horse armour?

    PS Is it me or does this mean Live matches the few features of Home that it didn't already have minus the Second Life clone. Me thinks MS are trying to shoot some foxes.

  • asphaltcowboy #66 4 years ago

    I don't think I approve of this HD install thing though...!

  • AlvySinger #67 4 years ago

    I have only one thing to say to Microsoft.

    For the love of God add support from PC monitor resolutions. It's been two years for ffs and I'm sick to death of having to stretch or squash the image on my lovely, quite pricey 1680 resoution monitor.

    In desperation with GTA IV, I switched to 720p via component and the quality was abysmal compared to VGA.

    Sort. It. Out.

  • AlvySinger #68 4 years ago

    Sorry about the over use of bold there, won't be doing it again.

  • monkie_king #69 4 years ago

    "Long descriptions of items on Marketplace can be scrolled using right stick."

    Thank fuck for that.

  • septimus #70 4 years ago

    I guess the updates can't be earth shatteringly good each time. Some small and welcome improvements at least.

  • peterfll #71 4 years ago

    Faster loading \ refresh of the blades FFS must be a priority. Since the re-org in the previous update after boot-up the wait can be painfully slow.......

  • sanctusmortis #72 4 years ago

    LOADS of stuff I wanted on there. Chuffed.

  • SteJosh #73 4 years ago

    For people who want points tesco jersey have them cheapish

    [link url=http://www.tesco.com/e ntertainment/product.aspx?R=844220&bci=4|Games*4294312962|Xb ox%20360
    ]http://ww w.tesco.com/entertainment/produ...[/link]

    2100 delivered for £13.97

  • CYCO_EIRE_54 #74 4 years ago

    @Roamer

    " fix it so you can still play arcade titles offline on a refurbished system and I'll be happy as larry. Every time my system takes a nose dive, my arcade titles are rendered useless as my Xbox isn't connected to the internet"

    "Option to automatically associate new DRM to items downloaded for free"

    Will this fix the DRM issue?
    You wont be paying with points or redeeming a code. So just delete the old one and redownload. Any ideas?



    Edited by 1 at 14/05/08 @ 14:16

  • RevanEleven #75 4 years ago

    Prob been mentioned already but how about a T9 text option for messaging.

  • DAN.E.B #76 4 years ago

    heres an idea they should have put in!
    randomly choose from ten different themes when the system turns on
    it would keep things fresh and sell a shit load more themes.

    MS do want us to buy more dont they?