Xbox Addict

MS Details Additional Improvements in Fall Update

We already know about the major additions in Microsoft’s upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update, including integration of ESPN3 streaming video, Netflix search, and a new Zune Marketplace. But Microsoft has now detailed some of the smaller, but no less welcomed, improvements that the update will include, as well.
In total, Microsoft detailed eight new improvements the new dashboard update will include, such as redesigned Avatars that’ll work better with Kinect, improved voice chat, and more. The dashboard update is scheduled for release sometime before Kinect goes on sale on November 4, so 360 gamers will be able to enjoy all these improvements in less than a month.

You can see Microsoft’s breakdown of the full list of improvements below.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Avatar changes -- we’ve made your Avatars slightly more proportional so you can better play Kinect games
• 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.
• 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.

•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.