Xbox "Fall" Dashboard Update

I say "Fall" since it will actually be released December 4th. I've been collecting some information on the update, but now a whole list of the new features has been leaked. Take these statements with a grain of salt. Right now they look legit, but it could all be fake.

I'm only posting some of the more important or interesting updates(IMHO).

* New Xbox Live Arcade blade - where you can download, play and learn about Xbox Live Arcade
* New clan support - will be able to launch clan games direct from dashboard, can “fold” friends into new clan category in friends list
* New option in Games tab - beta and others, will be launcher for MMO and multiplayer betas
* New option in Marketplace Games tab, search by letter, can be inputted via text pad or console
* Themes can now be animated and may now have sound effects
* New estimated timer for downloads, informing how long download will expect to take
* Filter friends list, will be able to filter friends via games
* New screensaver settings - when away from Xbox 360, screensaver will play for optional time, before screen goes dark
* IPTV Functionality - support for TiVo like PVR options. Will be able to record TV direct. Options include source by channel, director, actor and distributor
* Console will now recognise low Hard Drive space, will inform you immediately if can’t download current item, will automatically download next available that is able.
* Xvid support

There's also this one: "Brand new “web based adver-games” flash games which aren’t downloaded, but are playable bite sized games, accessed via new Xbox Live Arcade Blade"

What is that? Those flash games where I punch George Bush in the face or fight a sumo wrestler? Why would I want that?

Microsoft is also putting some old Xbox classics in a downloadable format for 1200 Microsoft Points(about $15). They include "Halo," "Psychonauts," "Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge" and "Fable," among others.

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like these games have been improved. There is no online for Halo. There's no achievements. And I'm sure all the other games will be exactly the same as they were on Xbox. Why no achievements? Even Burger King games have achievements! And why no online for Halo? You used to be able to play the original Halo online if you hooked the Xbox up to a computer that had a program that tricked the Xbox into thinking it was system linked instead of online.

There's also rumors that the update will make the Xbox 360 and DivX video 100% compatible.

Get Your Hands Around This Thing

This isn't Photoshopped. This is for real. With the new Xbox Live updates coming in early May, the Xbox team has created an Xbox 360 controller with a keyboard built in. Why? The May dashboard update includes the ability to use Windows Live Messenger. So now while your playing games you can IM your friends who are surfing the web and they can IM you as well.

You could get a USB keyboard to do this as well, but who doesn't like typing with their thumbs. Users with Blackberry experience will have the upper hand on these things. I think I will get one so when Halo 3 comes out and Eric comes over to play I can hear him bitch about how stupid the Xbox controllers are. This time I'll agree with him.

Other features coming to the update:

• Achievement Descriptions - So no more going to the other screen to view the achievement you just got
• Marketplace Has its Own Blade
• Arcade Update - Allows easier viewing and joining of the XLA games your friends are playing
• Auto Shutdown for Auto Downloads - Great for people who worry about the 360 being on all night
• Faster Access to Free Downloads