Xbox Update now available to all
Last night the Xbox 360 update was released to the public. Zune Video Marketplace and Facebook will require a quick download before use, but twitter simply requires login.
I got to review the update over the past couple of weeks, I had thought the catalogue of videos available in the Zune Video Marketplace was going to be significantly increased upon full release of the service. Sadly this isn’t the case. Sure there’ll be movies added over time, but it’s not the knockout line-up that it really should have been.
The Music marketplace was a surprise, something that wasn’t in the preview program. This is pretty much a joke of a service. Music videos are available in 480p, but costs Microsoft Points while the PS3 VidZone offers a much larger catalogue, friendlier interface and for free.
The Facebook and Twitter interfaces are really held back from the lack of a browser on the 360. A large part of social networks is their ability to link friends to content. These links are un-actionable on the Xbox. At best you can favourite a tweet, then go to a mobile or desktop browser to launch the link.
Review: Xbox Live Update Preview: Zune, Facebook, Twitter
Yesterday was a big day for the Xbox, the arrival of one of the best (if not the best) racing game available – Forza 3, as well as the launch of the Xbox Live Update Preview Program.
If you applied, like me, then you may have received an email acceptance into the preview program.
Available in the update for Australia is Facebook and Twitter integration as well as the brand new Zune Video Marketplace.
Xbox Live Update – Zune Marketplace
Other than the Zune desktop software, this is Zune’s official introduction into Australia. The Zune Video Marketplace offers movies in 1080p that start streaming instantly. It’s recommended you have least 4mbps to get HD, given how Australia’s broadband speeds are tiered, 1.5Mb will be too slow, so your going to want at least an 8Mb connection.
Quality
I hired the movie Uninvited in HD to review the quality and was very happy. Let me precursor this with the fact I’m on an ADSL2+ connection. The movie did in fact start straight away, with lower quality, then after about 30 seconds, the quality kicked in and the video was indeed great quality high definition. Now this is still obvious a lower quality bitrate than Blu-ray, so for those HD purists out there, this may not be for you. But for me this is a great service.
With HD using a large amount of data, you may be concerned about your download quota being chewed up by renting movies. A number of ISPs will offer Zune Video Marketplace content unmetered. An official list has not yet been released, but expect most to do this, it’s the only feasible way this service will work for Australian consumers.
Catalogue
Lets make no questions about this, the current movie selection is horrible. It is important to keep in mind this isn’t a product that’s officially launched, so by the time this goes public, I’d hope the catalogue of movies to choose from is dramatically improved.
Australian Pricing
New titles
Old titles
Rent HD – 420 Microsoft Points (A$6.93)
Rent SD – 360 Microsoft Points (A$5.94) Rent SD – 300 Microsoft Points (A$4.95)
Xbox Live Update – Facebook
Xbox Live Update – Twitter
Overall
In terms of updates, this is a good one that actually ads a lot of functionality. As for Last.fm, there’s no sign of it.
The new Zune Video Marketplace with a better catalogue will become my movie rental service of choice. Compared to Blockbuster On Demand available through the TiVo, the Zune rentals are in HD and millions of Australians already have their credit card with Microsoft, lowering the barrier to entry. SD videos on Zune are 4 cents cheaper at $5.94 compared to $4.95 on Blockbuster or iTunes.
The social features are nice, but without the messenger kit add-on, i don’t see people contributing content via the Xbox much. It’s $29.99, will this be the new must-have accessory ?
Xbox 360 Update Preview [Screen shots]
Some of us lucky applicants have been accepted into a preview of the upcoming Xbox 360 Update.
Here are some images from the update. Enjoy!
Update: There’s quite a few images now, I’ll leave it at that, unless you have specific queries about changes, leave a comment and I’ll take a new screen. Overall it’s a good update, but avatar add-ons and On-demand games are expensive, so get that piggy bank ready.
Unfortunately, my most anticipated feature – Video On Demand, is not yet available.
Those keen to get in on the action, don’t stress, the Xbox Live Update will be available for all on August 11th 2009.
Update 2: Just found a new feature in the update – Video Chat !! (it does look like u’ll need an Xbox Live Vision camera).
