Xbox 360 Dashboard update, adds Metro Aussie voice control
Posted Monday, December 5, 2011 at 10:52 pm by Jason Cartwright
Update 3
Well it seems those last minute gremlins are now sorted out, the new Dashboard has now started rolling out. Reactions online are mixed, some loving it, some hating, which always happens when your product is in the hands of millions.
Tip: To force the Dashboard Update, try running the network connection test to Xbox Live.
Update2
Microsoft have delayed the release of the Dashboard update without explanation. It’s likely a few last minute bugs were discovered that stopped the update from rolling out.
Update
@majornelson now says everyone in Australia should have the Xbox Dashboard update at 2AM tomorrow morning (Sydney timezone)
Go turn on your Xbox 360, there may be a major update waiting for you. The new Xbox 360 Dashboard is being rolled out today, the update adds a number of important new features including voice controls and applications, as well as a new Metro-style UI. Australian voice control has been missing since the launch of Kinect but is finally delivered in this update.
An increasing number titles are being released with voice capabilities exacerbating the delayed launch of Xbox voice controls in Australia. Strangely voice has been active in Kinect Labs and has worked well for months. The December 2011 Dashboard update bring Xbox-wide voice controls, meaning you can search for content by using commands like “Xbox Bing {movie title}”. The voice system is initiated by saying the word “Xbox” a list of possible commands is then displayed on each tile on the screen as well as common system functions at the bottom.
When you consider the challenges for Kinect, room acoustics, environmental noises and background conversations, it’s impressive how accurate it is. There’s also no training time like you may be used to with desktop voice systems like that of Dragon Dictate or even Microsoft’s own Windows 7 voice support. By limiting the list of possible commands, Kinect has a much easier task than attempting to interpret any words spoken in the room.
Metro-style UI
By now most of us are familiar with Microsoft’s current design philosophy Metro. It’s used on Windows Phone 7, Windows 8 and now the Xbox 360. This Dashboard update continues that theme with clean crisp text, minimal content per screen and large tiles. The use of Kinect gestures to move around the UI has also been improved from what was on offer in the Zune Marketplace. Gone are the days of having to find a ridiculously precise location to the left or right of the screen. Swipes gestures now work with a much larger region, achieving a much more natural experience.
If you don’t have a Kinect connected to your Xbox 360, don’t stress, it will continue to work just fine using normal controller operations.
Profile sync
With millions of Xbox sold around the world, it’s unsurprising that many of us find ourselves at someone else’s house, only for our profile stuck at home. With the new Dashboard update, you’re profile can now live in the cloud. This means that you can log into your account on any Xbox and have your achievements, game progress, friends list all come with you. About time right? If you’re thinking that this already existing with profile pull, it didn’t. Previously you’re account could only ever live on one console, now it can live anywhere you want with a simple sign in. This is progress.
Beacons
Setting up beacons on the Xbox, allows you to keep up to date with your best gaming buddies. While you’re contact list may have grown to dozens or more, there’s likely a few select ones that you always want to know about. Beacons also work with games. Set a beacon for Forza 4 and you’ll be alerted when one of your mates is playing that game. This information was previously only available when you started a game, it would say ‘4 friends playing this game’. Beacons will notify you Xbox-wide, so no matter what app you’re currently using, you’ll be up to date.
Gallery
Xbox as the future of TV
This afternoon, Microsoft confirmed they were bringing a number of key local applications to the Xbox 360. The following apps will be available in December.
- ABC iView
- SBS ON DEMAND
- YouTube
- Daily Motion
- Crackle
- Ninemsn – Nine News, Today, Wide World of Sports, CelebrityFIX TV
While Channel 7’s catch-up service is an omission this is actually a really impressive list, just remember they won’t be available today. Until now, 3rd party apps had been limited to Facebook, Twitter and Foxtel on Xbox 360. This announcement sets the scene for future applications to be delivered to the console.
The line-up of entertainment partners internationally makes out list look sadly depressing, but at this point we’ll take what we can get. It’s clear Microsoft is now committed to working with partners to deliver 3rd party apps. These apps will fundamentally change the way users think and use the Xbox 360. While predominantly a gaming console, Microsoft continue to push the device and an entertainment hub for the living room.
With each application that enables IPTV delivery to the big screen without switching inputs, take consumers one step closer to the ideal set-top-box. Unfortunately that ideal STB isn’t likely to arrive until the Xbox 720 (or whatever the next one’s called), when it could include tuners and DVR functionality. Searching the content on your Xbox is available now, how long do you think it’ll be before the Xbox adds search for the web and competes with GoogleTV?
A history of Dashboard updates
Which one is your favourite?
Metro-style UI
XNE Update
Original blade UI
More information @ Xbox Live
MiniReview: Halo: Anniversary
Posted Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 4:00 pm by Jason Cartwright
Halo: Anniversary starts the Halo universe all over again, but this time, using today’s graphics engine. While the Halo franchise became a massive success with 2nd and 3rd editions, only the most hardcore Halo fans were there from the beginning with the original Xbox.
Halo Anniversary is the Halo we all know and love, but delivered in high definition with a current generation lighting and graphics engine. What a massive difference 10 years makes in video games. One of the best things to enjoy in the game is to switch between the original and current game engines.
That’s right, Halo Anniversary includes both game engines, to switch between the two just take a press of the Back button and a second to refresh. The difference is dramatic. Textures quality, polygon count, lighting effects, shadows, reflections, animations – everything is dramatically better.
Of course jumping 10 years is a massive leap, but what about the difference between Halo Anniversary and Halo: Reach? The answer, not a lot. At least not visually.
Original engine.
New engine
Single Player Campaign
The story begins from the very beginning, the start of Halo, where you begin with a calibration of the Spartan suit. This also doubles as a ‘how to’ tutorial and configures settings like look inversion. No matter where your Halo experience began, Halo Anniversary allows you to see the story unfold from the beginning.
Multiplayer
The best of the best multiplayer levels have been included in this release, along with a few new ones just for Anniversary. All of your favourite maps from across the Halo series are on offer. While everyone has their favourites, there are maps that rise to the top, working better in multiplayer matches and naturally become hits amongst the Halo community.
Kinect Support
Voice commands for games seems like the new flavour of the day, so get used to it now. Halo Anniversary actually uses voice in a pretty compelling way. There’s a plethora of commands available, everything from “change weapon”, to “reload”. Good news for Aussie’s, there is Australian voice support to cater for our accent (no bogan slang).
Windows Phone 7.5 integration
Those WP7 owners running Mango will be able to get an updated Halo Waypoint app on their phone. This can be used to intergrate with the Halo Anniversary game, get to know map layouts, weapon locations and even watch your team locations live on the device.
Overall
If you’ve never played Halo before, then this is definitely the game for you. If you already own every copy of Halo, then it’s hard to say this is a must-have for you, other than to complete your collection. There’s always new achievements to go after, so if that stat demon inside of you just begs for more, then you should also get the game.
Availability and Price
Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary release date is November 15th, 2011 and will cost A$69.95 RRP.
Microsoft starts rolling Metro UI Dashboard Update to beta users
Posted Friday, November 11, 2011 at 7:03 am by Jason Cartwright
Image source: WinRumors
Microsoft has begun rolling out their new Xbox Dashboard Update, codenamed ‘Madrid’. The update introduced the Metro UI to the Xbox 360, bringing it in line with Windows Phone and the upcoming Windows 8 release. Along with a new interface, the update also brings:
- New design with integrated Kinect voice and gesture controls
- Facebook Sharing
- Cloud Storage for Game Saves and Xbox LIVE Profile
Last months we covered the upcoming Australian voice controls and Australian launch of Zune Music. The Aussie voice control via Kinect should arrive in this update, and remember the launch of Zune Music in Australia is scheduled for the 16th of November.
The update is restricted to a small set of beta testers who signed up at connect.microsoft.com last month. There is a Non-disclosure-agreement in place to all who were accepted into the program.
A source close to my console, says it has not yet reached all consoles. Expect this to take a while to roll out internationally. Do you know if it has landed in Australia? Leave an anonymous comment.
More @ WinRumors
Forza 4 DLC, November Speed Pack arriving November 1st
Posted Friday, October 28, 2011 at 6:33 am by Jason Cartwright
The second batch of DLC for Forza Motorsport 4 will arrive on November 1, 2011. As you’d expect there’s a new batch of cars available, but this time there’s some fantastic inclusions. Naturally with the title ‘Speed Pack’ these cars are on the pointy end of performance.
- 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4: The newest Bull in the Lamborghini stable has arrived: fans can take it for a spin in “Forza Motorsport 4”and experience what it’s like to whip past rivals at 200 miles per hour.
- 2012 Aston Martin Virage: Aston Martin’s newest coupe features a barking V12 that balances a perfect ratio of horsepower to torque to propel the Virage down the open road.
- 2011 #2 Audi Sport Team Joest R15++ TDI: The final version of the Audi R15, the R15 “Plus Plus,” celebrated the R15s final race at the 2011 Sebring 12 Hours.
- 2011 Audi RS3 Sportback: The newest member of the Audi RennSport line boasts the same 2.5-liter turbocharged direct-injection five-cylinder found in the TT-RS, propelling it from 0 to 60 in only 4.6 seconds.
- 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air: A true automotive icon, the “57 Chevy” gained notoriety as a hot rod and is now one of the most recognizable American cars of all time.
- 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8: The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is a serious performance machine with a 470-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 that responds to throttle inputs with no hesitation.
- 2011 Ferrari #62 Risi Competizione F458 Italia: Matched only by the legendary heritage of Ferrari, the Risi Competizione team has won two Le Mans championships and achieved 29 podium finishes.
- 2013 Ford Focus ST: Debuting with the same 250-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine that the much larger Ford Explorer SUV uses, the new Ford Focus ST packs a serious punch.
- 1992 GMC Typhoon: The 280 horses on tap in the GMC Typhoon allow it to do things unthinkable for an SUV before its introduction.
- 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco R: The Scirocco R serves as the platform for race cars in the Scirocco R-Cup, which brings world-famous drivers to the Hockenheim track each year.
Turn 10 also provided a nice teaser trailer for the November Speed Pack.
The November Speed Pack will cost 560 MS Points ($A9.24) or free if you have already purchased the Season Pass.
The rest of the super fast details are @ http://forzamotorsport.net/en-us/NovemberSpeedPackDLC/
Kinect learns a new trick, voice-control in Australia
Posted Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 5:56 pm by Damè Damjanovski
Microsoft has today unveiled a new voice-recognition update to Xbox using it’s popular Kinect product as well as a new Zune streaming music service.
The voice command implementation Microsoft is releasing in mid-December is no doubt bound to draw much comparison to Apple’s recent introduction of ‘Siri’ a voice based command interface for the iPhone.
Sadly, those who were hoping that they’ll now be able to navigate their way around the Xbox dashboard handsfree may be disappointed, as the commands are currently limited to operation within a handful of Microsoft built applications (primarily the updated Zune Marketplace and games such as Kinect Sports Season Two) and only for a handful of explicit functions.
The new system works quite simply – if you’re watching a movie or listening to music through Zune, you simply say “Xbox” which then triggers an onscreen list of voice-command option. Most basic functionality that you’d expect when watching a video were present, “Pause, Play, Fast-Forward, Stop” and for those who are too indecisive to pick what to watch, there is also a “Pick something for me” option.
The commands worked well with a clear articulate voice in a quiet room, but seemed to struggle as soon as ambient noise or a stumbling accent were introduced. Those with kids running around the home may not want to throw out the remote control quiet yet.
Despite the limitations of the current voice implementation, David McLean – Australian Director of Consumer Channel Group at Microsoft says he’s excited about where the company is taking this technology, and expects to be able to talk more about the exciting developments in voice once Microsoft demonstrates more on it’s upcoming Windows 8 product.
Beyond the new voice-command system, the addition of Music to the Zune content catalogue is a welcome one, although the popularity of a subscription-based music service is yet to be tested in the Australia market. With average broadband speeds slower than in the US, and approximately half of it’s 1.4 million Australian consoles connected to Xbox Live, the new service might not see too much uptake until the NBN begins to penetrate more homes.
In the meantime, at $12 per month with over 11 million tracks in it’s library the Zune Music Subscription service is a pretty good deal if your Xbox sits at the centre of your entertainment system and you’ve the bandwidth to spare.
Those looking to expand their collection of Kinect titles will be pleased to hear that today’s announcement showcased some of the new titles Microsoft are releasing including a surprisingly fun kids titles “Disneyland Adventures”. The most impressive Kinect release was actually Kinect Sports Season Two, which seems to be building on where the first Kinect Sports left off, and using the gestural platform in more advanced ways, whilst still being extremely intuitive to use.
The Zune Marketplace update with voice-commands and subscription service will both be available by mid-december, though you can try out the voice features as of tomorrow with the launch of Kinect Sports Season Two.
Gallery
Xbox event this Wednesday ! Voice Control finally coming to Australia
Posted Friday, October 21, 2011 at 4:03 pm by Jason Cartwright
This week invites went out to press for an upcoming Xbox event in Sydney on Wednesday. The event is NOT open to the general public, so don’t even try, but the good news is, Xbox Voice support in Australia will finally arrive soon. At Tech.Ed, Microsoft said voice support for the Australian accent would land before the end of the year, it looks like they will meet that deadline.
The event invitation arrived in the form of a image using the new Metro-style Xbox Dashboard UI. There’s a good chance this means Aussie voice control for Kinect will arrive when the Dashboard update does. Current indicators lead to a Novemeber release for that.
Microsoft Australia invites you to experience entertainment.
Join us as we share Microsoft’s vision for entertainment featuring natural user interfaces and the first eve Australian media preview of voice control on Kinect for xbox 360.
Guests can get hands on with Microsoft’s entertainment products, including soon to be released Xbox 360 games and applications across television, pc and phones.
At the event guests will receive a gift enabling them to experience the promise of voice control.
