Wednesday, 18 November 2009 02:00
Nearly a year ago to the day, Microsoft reinvented Xbox Live with a complete visual overhaul and introduction of a bevy of new services, headlined by Netflix on-demand video streaming. Today, the publisher rolled out this year's Xbox Live Autumn update, bringing with it the much-hyped introduction of social networking Web sites Facebook and Twitter, as well as Zune HD video support and Internet radio service Last.fm (which is owned by GameSpot parent company CBS Interactive).
The Twitter and Facebook tabs can be found in the My Community channel on the Xbox Live's dashboard. Twitter integration will allow gamers to post tweets through Xbox Live, but outside of actual games. With the Facebook add-on, Xbox Live gamers can sync their gamertags with their social-networking accounts, as well as share photos and in-game screenshots. Friend updates will also be viewable through the Xbox Live dashboard.
The Twitter and Facebook tabs can be found in the My Community channel on the Xbox Live's dashboard. Twitter integration will allow gamers to post tweets through Xbox Live, but outside of actual games. With the Facebook add-on, Xbox Live gamers can sync their gamertags with their social-networking accounts, as well as share photos and in-game screenshots. Friend updates will also be viewable through the Xbox Live dashboard.
The Xbox 360's Last.fm application can be found in the Music Channel menu. The service brings the streaming Internet radio service Xbox 360 and owners will also gain access to the service's community aspects, such as tailored listening habits, artist information, as well as the Visual Radio slideshow that compiles fan-submitted photos.
Finally, the Zune-branded video functionality will allow Xbox Live users to buy or rent instantly streaming HD video in 1080p and 5.1 surround sound. It is available through the Video Channel.