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Xbox Live Fall Update Hits Monday


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Microsoft's Xbox Live Fall update will become available for download on Monday, November 1.

Announced via e-mail, the update, which has been in beta testing for many weeks, includes a new look for the system dashboard, Kinect support, and additional features, such as ESPN programming and added access to the Zune Marketplace, including Zune Pass music streaming functionality.

Members who decline to download the update will be unable to connect to Xbox Live. Microsoft says the update should take somewhere between 5 to 10 minutes to download.

Here's a breakdown of some of the new features per Microsoft:

1. Improved voice quality – the audio codec is being updated to improve Xbox Live Party chat audio quality. So grab your friends and jump into a multiplayer game, catch a big sports event, watch a movie or do all three.

2. Improved experience for changing your Gamertag – choosing a new Gamertag? If the Gamertag you're looking for is already taken, your Avatar will spin a wheel and we will provide five other Gamertag suggestions at a time for you to choose from.

3. Streamlined in-dashboard virtual keyboard – we've taken the existing QWERTY keyboard in-dash and made it easier to use for scenarios that involve repeated text entry, for example when signing up for Live within the dashboard.

4. Improved Xbox Live Marketplace UI and browse experience – the Games Marketplace has been re-organized to provide streamlined access to the games and content you want, reducing the number of steps it takes to get to a download.

5. Avatar changes – we've made your Avatars slightly more proportional so you can better play Kinect games

6. Easier to get on a wireless network – trying to connect to a wireless network? With the next update, you'll see a list of all the wireless networks within range when you go into network settings. From there, you'll be able to select a new network or further configure the network you're connected to.

7. Ability to sign-out other controllers in the sign-in UI – we're adding the ability to sign-out profiles on other controllers in the sign-in UI within the Guide. This is especially useful when playing games like Rock Band.

8. New browse experience for 100% completed games – you spent a lot of time and effort earning those Achievements, so instead of only being able to view your first dozen completed games, we're giving you a new and better way to browse all of them.

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Is the the update where XBOX live increases in price? I know it's coming in November/December, just not sure when.

I thought XBOX Live price dropped. I just re-upped for $39.99.

I just checked. It goes up to $59.99 for 1 year tomorrow. $24.99 for 3 months and $9.99 for 1 month. It's mainly because of the stuff like Twitter (which is pointless), Last FM, ESPN3, and other "exclusive" content.

Edited by ya_boi_j
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This is good to hear. I have been looking forward to this update because of the ESPN 360. I'm wondering if there is much lag. I'll just have to find out tonight.

I gave it a test run and didn't have any issues. My connection at time was not extra strong so the picture wasn't as clear (at times) but overall I dug it. I'm waiting for a live event to give it a test run though.

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I gave it a test run and didn't have any issues. My connection at time was not extra strong so the picture wasn't as clear (at times) but overall I dug it. I'm waiting for a live event to give it a test run though.

You can do that tonight. There will be a college football game live tonight. I can't wait for NCAA Basketball to start. There will be a ton of games on ESPN3.

I think Microsoft could make a ton of money if they were able to work out a deal with ESPN to allow people to pay for ESPN3 that can't get it through their ISP.

Edited by Cable Guy
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OK, I tried it out last night b/c my girl wanted to see the start of the Laker game since Milwaukee/Boston went to OT and we don't have ESPN Classic in hi-def. Gotta say I was really impressed. Once the buffering was finished the picture was great! I'll be watching Idaho State/Georgia this weekend instead of sitting at the CPU.

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