If genuine, some of the most significant improvements to the system include compatibility with third-party wireless controllers, IPTV functionality, and new “advertising opportunities” in gameplay. The latter infers that the kind of dynamic product placement that has so far been seen in a limited capacity could potentially become a lot more widespread.

Other improvements include: the option to animate themes as well as accompany them with music; a “time estimated” bar to show gamers how long any particular download is expected to take; and enabling the use of both the Messenger pad and the Xvid open source multimedia format.

Most of the additions to the Xbox 360 detailed above seem plausible enough, except perhaps for the Xvid functionality. GamerSquad just isn’t sure Microsoft would want that on its system at the risk of making downloadable movies on Xbox Live obsolete.

Full list of rumoured firmware upgrades:

* Compatibility with third-party wireless controllers
* Compatibility with messenger pad
* Xbox Live Vision firmware upgrade, sharper image filtering
* Many more Vision Cam settings
* New screensaver settings - when away from Xbox 360, screensaver will play for optional time, before screen goes dark
* New Xbox Live Arcade blade - where you can download, play and learn about Xbox Live Arcade
* Brand new “web based adver-games” flash games which aren’t downloaded, but are playable bite sized games, accessed via new Xbox Live Arcade Blade
* New Screensaver option in Themes and Gamer Pics option in Marketplace Blade
* New functionality with Messenger, works with chatpad
* New XNA Game Launcher for those that have the program, new options
* New language, time and date settings
* New “advertising opportunities” in gameplay
* Xvid support
* New “favourites” option via Xbox Live Arcade, can rate according to preference
* IPTV Functionality - support for TiVo like PVR options. Will be able to record TV direct. Options include source by channel, director, actor and distributor
* Filter friends list, will be able to filter friends via games
* New clan support - will be able to launch clan games direct from dashboard, can “fold” friends into new clan category in friends list
* Better translations in settings and other options for Japanese,
* German and Spanish languages
* New quick option to delete via X Button in memory viewer.
* Option for having downloadable In-game content not inform when completed download
* Option for having video content not inform when completed download
* Faster settings for viewing unfinished video content downloads
* New option in Games tab - beta and others, will be launcher for MMO and multiplayer betas
* New option in Marketplace Games tab, search by letter, can be inputted via text pad or console
* Smarter game settings - you can be messaged via publishers about new in-game content for your games
* Picture in picture functionality for DVD Drive and some other updated settings
* Improved USB Keyboard settings
* Improved voice chat settings in game and from dashboard
* Faster response times to Redeem Code settings
* Option to play a Redeemed Code game straight after redeeming code
* Console will now recognise low Hard Drive space, will inform you immediately if can’t download current item, will automatically download next available that is able.
* Increased space size for gamerpics and dashboard themes
* Themes can now be animated
* Themes may now have sound effects
* Better slideshow capabilities, new options added. New sound effects and integration with Hard Drive/ PC music capable
* New estimated timer for downloads, informing how long download will expect to takes.

Yes, they have them now, and next Saturday is going to be the big secondary launch event with the Water Balloon challenge

I’m sure you have them now though?

Although none of us down under have 360’s yet it’s still interesting to know the interface/OS of the console is soon to get its first major update. So far details of what’s actually in the update are limited, but it appears that addi…

But I’am sure there is nothing of the above. Will wait and see.

IMO they must fix the chat room so lot of people can chat together,but i think this is just a “restriction” from Microsoft so you got to buy games and speak with your friends in lobby before the live game starts…This is the only logical explanation to this!(dont forget that in xbox1 that was possible).

There is a glitch for CoD2 so you can host games,select any map you want,time limit,frags limit etc.

Don’t know if i’m alone on this but i don’t want to read about
external HDD’s and various prices,
or complain about people butchering languages.

I just want to say
“Keep up the good work MS and i can’t wait for the web cam!”

on January 27th, 2006 at 4:48 pm

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4446966

for you who do not believe you can get a 250gig for 80 bucks, that link is a 300gig for 129.00 with a 30.00 rebate, brings it down to 99.00.

Don’t jump on others because you don’t keep up with technology DDRJeffP.”

Thats an internal drive you idiot

for you who do not believe you can get a 250gig for 80 bucks, that link is a 300gig for 129.00 with a 30.00 rebate, brings it down to 99.00.

Don’t jump on others because you don’t keep up with technology DDRJeffP.

2. While playing a game, being able to control the volume of mp3’s being played without having to change the volume of everything.

3. being able to scroll page down when going through music albums/ artists etc. (especially with the remote)

4. Freedom to organize mp3’s. (i.e. creating numerous playlists easily)

5. more types of mp3 visualizations to choose from that aren’t quite so spastic

6. being able to fast-forward music/ HD videos

7. mp3’s playing in the background remaining on despite accessing videos, games, ripping cd’s, etc.