Xbox Live comes back to life

Microsoft has finished maintenance work on Xbox Live.

The downtime lasted slightly longer than planned as foundations were laid for the upcoming dashboard revamp, which looks likely to happen in November.

This also hails the arrival of the Mii-style "Avatars" that will liven up Gamercards and soften the hardcore image of the console.

Part of this will be subtly-animated themes and Friends lists, which were explained in more detail yesterday. With pictures.