Even bigger though is the option to install games entirely to the HDD for faster load times and no disc drive noise. However, to get the installed game to boot, the disc has to still be in the drive for an initial check to make sure you still own it.
The new party system that's built into the interface supports up to eight people and allows for chat, sharing of media, and simultaneous launch of games, all for the entire group. As for the so-called Xbox Live Primetime, it's basically a system that allows users to participate in what amounts to virtual game shows, many complete with prizes and a live host.
The last few bits include a few notes on Avatars, including their integration into Arcade games, future retail releases and of course the newly christened "Live Party". Also, for those techies out there, the update will add 16X10 over VGA or HDMI, and support for 1440x900 or 1680x1050. Oh, and you'll be able to buy anything from the Marketplace via Xbox.com too.
Plus the ol' Major promises that there is still more details to be revealed as the update draws ever closer.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
7-14-2008 @ 4:03PM
C. T. said...
16x10 display support is easily the biggest news here. I've been waiting for this for two years now.
Reply
7-14-2008 @ 4:07PM
SPK said...
i know! i'm so pumped about that, another unexpected surprise today.
7-14-2008 @ 4:07PM
Sean said...
I too have been waiting for 16 x 10 support. 8 person online chat is nothing to sneeze at either though.
I think those two features have been 2 of the biggest requests I've seen.
Does this mean MS is actually listening to us?
7-14-2008 @ 4:24PM
SovietSpartan said...
Looks like a culture change for Microsoft, they really have been listening to us gamers. They really see us as the future of their business. Probably why Vista sucks lol.
7-14-2008 @ 4:25PM
joey said...
That's what I'm most excited about, too.
Can't wait to get a new monitor.
7-14-2008 @ 5:52PM
WTangoFoxtrot said...
ohh yea ! im doing 720p on my 22"LG via HDMI but having the console output at proper 1680x1050 instead would make things a lot less jaggy !!
7-14-2008 @ 8:21PM
AoE said...
"Looks like a culture change for Microsoft, they really have been listening to us gamers. They really see us as the future of their business."
Too true SovietSpartan; although I think the 360 when it launched was evidence of that... considering that most of it's most kick-ass innovations were essentially built by the modding community in the previous generation. I suspected they just took a look at the most popular, non-piracy related features modders added to the original xbox, and dog-eared them as the must-include features in the 360.
Either way, it's nice to see that they're still listening to us! Other console mfgs would be wise to follow suit.
7-14-2008 @ 4:04PM
Seanbro said...
Glad the blades won't be going away! And running whole games from the HD?!? Awesome!
Reply
7-14-2008 @ 4:46PM
Gemini Ace said...
How is that great? Not much is going to fit on a 20 gig HDD.
7-14-2008 @ 5:10PM
Andrew said...
It's great because you don't have to do it if you don't want to.
7-14-2008 @ 5:13PM
Gamertag: GOPAL892005 said...
we'll it does say its OPTIONAL - so if you have a 120GB HDD & dont like to DVD-ROM drive too much, here's a fix for you.
7-14-2008 @ 5:37PM
x silence x said...
@Gemini Ace
How is it great?
1) It's optional for you and a must for me. I have a 120gb HDD with 90gb of space left.
2) No more noise coming from my 360 when playing games. No one can deny how loud the 360 can be when the disc spins.
3) Faster load times with less pop in. Minor, but it works for me.
As you can see, there are many reasons why this is a good thing.
Thank you MS!
7-14-2008 @ 4:05PM
Sgt Barone said...
i really like the OPTION to install game onto the HDD, especially if you have the 120 GB HDD. the best part about it, is that its OPTIONAL. haha sony!
Reply
7-14-2008 @ 4:09PM
Sean said...
Plus, it will make playing Final Fantasy that much better.
I can't believe I just said that.
7-14-2008 @ 4:26PM
joey said...
Let's hope they keep it that way, OPTIONAL.
7-14-2008 @ 4:07PM
Ghostbuddy said...
This XBL update clearly makes up for the lack of a spring dash update.
Reply
7-14-2008 @ 4:07PM
marklar said...
that's the icing on the cake - Microsoft easily wins E3 this year - even before the other press conferences
Reply
7-14-2008 @ 4:08PM
Phil said...
Out of all of the E3 news, 16:10 support is the only thing that I actually care about.
Reply
7-14-2008 @ 6:11PM
Neuromancer said...
Don't lie, I know you're excited about that "Youre in the Movies" game.
7-14-2008 @ 6:51PM
Phil said...
@neuromancer Actually, yes You're in the movies looks amazing :)