Xbox Addict

E3 2011: Xbox Live gets cloud storage

Microsoft’s confirmed cloud storage for Xbox Live, via a statement released after its E3 press conference.

"Here at Xbox Live we listen to your feedback," said service VP Marc Whitten in a statement. "We are making it easier for you to sign into your Xbox Live account from any console at any time to access your game saves and full profile, including items such as Microsoft Points to make purchases, Achievements and friends.

"Cloud storage will allow you to enjoy the same great Xbox Live gaming experience even when you’re not in your own living room by giving you the option to store your game saves securely in the Xbox Live cloud instead of on a portable memory unit or your console’s hard drive.

"Gone are the days of gamertag recovery. Now all you need to do is sign in, no matter where you are," he said.

Also slyly announced for the Xbox online service are ’Beacons’. "We want to make it easy for you to connect with friends over your favorite games on Xbox Live, so we are introducing Beacons to the service," explains Whitten.

"Beacons are a way to tell your Xbox Live and Facebook friends that you want to play a game on Xbox Live. By setting a Beacon, you tell Xbox Live what you want to play. Then, Xbox Live lets you know when friends are playing or want to play the same game.

"With Beacons, no matter what you’re currently doing on Xbox Live your friends know that it’s ok to ask you to play your Beaconed games."