14 DAY TRIAL // After the latest Xbox LIVE update is rolled out today, August 11th, 2009, users will be able to enjoy a refreshed version of the Dashboard, Microsoft promised. This is valid for all members of the Xbox LIVE community worldwide, and there are additional goodies in store on top of the new version of the Dashboard. Fact is that some users have already been able to get a taste of the latest Xbox LIVE update. In the second half of July 2009, Microsoft debuted a testing program for the refresh and allowed testers access via Microsoft Connect. Now the search giant is simply opening up the update to all Xbox LIVE members, on top of the participants in the Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program.
“For those of you who signed up for the Public Preview, you’re already running the latest and greatest version of the Dashboard. Hopefully you’ve enjoyed the early access, and we’d like to thank you for all the great feedback in the Preview forums on Xbox.com. Starting [on August 11, 2009 in the] morning at 2AM Pacific we’ll be rolling it out to all Xbox LIVE users worldwide,” revealed a member of the Xbox Live Operations team.
But of course that the evolution introduced by the latest Xbox LIVE update is not limited to the new Dashboard. “This update has a ton of new functionality – Xbox 360 Games on Demand, Avatar Props and Avatar Marketplace, User Ratings, improved experiences for Parties, Netflix, the Guide, and more,” the Xbox Live Operations team representative added.
Microsoft has been little shy of advertising the August 11, 2009 Xbox LIVE Update as a way to crank the service up a notch. Essentially, users will now have the possibility of downloading Xbox 360 gaming content and play the games available without a disc. In addition, the refresh will allow groups of Xbox LIVE users to party watch movies online via Netflix. Additional improvements are related to the new customization options for avatar and the rating system for all Marketplace game content.
Microsoft has offered extensive details of what the Xbox LIVE update brings to the table, and here are a few highlights:
“Games on Demand - Enjoy the convenience of finding and buying new games right from the comfort of your own living room. Download a wide selection of full Xbox 360 games over Xbox LIVE. Games on Demand will be available for purchase on Xbox LIVE starting August 11 as part of the Xbox LIVE Update. You will be able to browse and purchase games through the Xbox LIVE Marketplace on the Web starting August 13.
Avatars - Avatars have seen lots of love! Check out the new Marketplace and Avatar Props. The Avatar Marketplace will be available on Xbox LIVE starting August 11 as part of the Xbox LIVE Update. You will be able to browse and purchase Avatar apparel through the Xbox LIVE Marketplace on the Web starting August 13.
Netflix - Now you can watch movies with your friends and find new movies to add to your Instant Queue without leaving your seat.”