Microsoft launches new Xbox Live Dashboard

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A number of key upgrades to the Xbox Live service have been rolled out in the past few days as part of a low-key automatic update to the Xbox Dashboard system.

Originally promised some months ago, the upgrade - being referred to as Xbox Live 2.0 - offers significant Live functionality right on the Dashboard, with the ability to view your buddy list, see what games people are playing and even launch voice chats without being in a game.

The system is also thought to have plenty of new functionality "under the bonnet" which will eventually enable tighter integration between Xbox Live services and the web. The "silent upgrade" system is also interesting in itself - although this isn't the first time that the Xbox has been upgraded online, it's the first really major update to happen over the service, and as a proof of concept for seamless console software updates online, it seems to have worked excellently.

News source: Gamesindustry.biz

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#1 trikster on 16 Sep 2003 - 12:47

The voice chat in the new Live 2.0 works very well. The best part is definitely being able to 3-way people without worrying about any extra charges on your phone bill. You can even 4-way voice chat online - VERY cool.

(2 replies) #2 AndyD on 16 Sep 2003 - 14:55

How easy is it to conenct with someone you know to play a game over live? Like say I wanted to play football against my bro? Can I pick his ID directly?

Also, what is the monthly charge for Live?

#2.1 altontowersmania on 16 Sep 2003 - 15:24

Yo dude, its too easy to play a game over live, no point even explaining! u can pick ur brovz id and invite him straight into a game, or straight into a voice chat then launch a game, ur choice, plus there is no montly fee for live, u buy the starter pack in the shop, and u get a whole years subscripition, after the year wen it runs out, its just £39.99 for another full year!

#2.2 AndyD on 16 Sep 2003 - 15:53

Cool

I may just buy a xbox then when the price drops again during holiday season.

(1 reply) #3 Sub on 16 Sep 2003 - 15:16

This update also disable the hack to install linux.

#3.1 Spyder on 16 Sep 2003 - 16:45

surprise!

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