Microsoft Strikes Back at Sony: Xbox Dashboard Update Tuesday

Maybe the guys over at Microsoft are concerned that the new game console from Sony, the PS3, will have a big impact on the Xbox 360 sales. So they have decided to strike back by releasing some new updates for their online system.

Microsoft's Xbox 360 dashboard update will bring many new features and it will be released on Tuesday morning. An important new feature is that the HD Display and Video Playback Options have been upgraded. Gamers will be able to enjoy from now on video content at the best HD resolution out there, meaning 1080p.

Also, users will be able to stream WMV videos from a PC by using Windows Media Player 11 or Windows Media Connect. The Xbox 360 will support from now on 50hz HDTV display modes providing a choice for viewers.

The Xbox Live Arcade has also been updated, and Xbox gamers will be able to download the new Live Arcade releases automatically from now on. The manual search for new downloads has been eliminated and some new sorting options like "Recently Played" and "By Category" have been added. This will surely make access to Xbox Live content easier.

What is more interesting about the Xbox updates is that amateur game designers will be able to test and play the games they create, using the XNA Game Studio Express. This option will be released later this year and will require separate download and subscription. Also, some options for parents have been included as the "Family Settings" will include support for blocking unrated videos and DVDs.