Xbox Live Update Preview Program Sign Up

[Dcontrol]

Just got word of this from AceyBongos's blog.

20 July
Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program - Summer 2009

We are happy to announce that we’re doing an Xbox 360 System Update Preview Program for our next release, and the opportunity to sign up is now available.

Much like we did last year, you’ll need to visit the Microsoft Connect from this link, sign in with your Windows LIVE ID that is connected to your Xbox LIVE Gamertag.
Once you do that, you need to fill out the "Xbox LIVE Update Preview Sign Up" survey in order to be considered for receiving the Preview System Update. We're asking a few questions about where you live, your home network, ISP connection and a few other pieces of information. We are looking for a good cross-section of our members in order to get the best feedback we can.

The Xbox team will then review all of the applications and if you’re selected we’ll send you an email notifying you of your acceptance in the program. A couple of points before you head off to register:



We’re looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good.
This opportunity is open to all Xbox LIVE Members in regions where Xbox LIVE is available.
Just completing the survey does not automatically get you access to the Preview Program. We’ll be making final selections from the completed surveys.
Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up. Priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process.
If you are accepted, you'll hear from us in about a week. Make sure your information on Connect is updated so we can email you. Good luck!
We have the registration process translated into English, Spain and French. Please only register once in your chosen language – you will NOT increase your chances of being selected for the Preview Program by trying to sign up in multiple languages. You’ll just waste your time.

Okay, all set? Then click on one of the following links to register, and good luck!



English: http://connect.microsoft.com/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=3539&SiteID=719&InvitationID=ENPR-CQKT-QXYV
Spanish: http://connect.microsoft.com/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=3559&SiteID=719&InvitationID=ESPR-7KWJ-9TY8
French: http://connect.microsoft.com/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=3561&SiteID=719&InvitationID=FRPR-QPP3-VGKP

Source (http://aceybongos.spaces.live.com/blog/cns%2134EFB79E92974FD2%2118049.entry?sa=434858476)

I've signed up :)

[phatmuther]

I saw this on twitter, went to sign up and then thought I cant be bothered. Theres nothing really exciting at all. Its a minor update no?

[MartyG]

Plus you'll get a load of buggy beta code on your machine

[bingo83]

Sky Player, Last Fm, Twitter and Facebook should be in the new beta.

Signed up.

[phatmuther]

Sky Player, Last Fm, Twitter and Facebook should be in the new beta.

Signed up.
Nope, its just the update they were talking about the other day. The Games on Demand, Avatar Store, and Netflix watching films together thing are the 3 biggest things about it.

None of the awesome stuff you mentioned I'm afraid.

[bingo83]

That sucks then, do we even have Netflix in the uk?

[phatmuther]

Nope. Thats what I mean, not really worth it for the avatar marketplace.

[Dvx Uk]

Im happy to let other people tell me what it's like :)

[MartyG]

I was thinking about the whole Sky Player, Last Fm, Twitter and Facebook thing earlier today and came to the conclusion I'd likely not use much of it, except perhaps screen caps to FB.

Sky Player, no, I have Sky+, why would I need it on Xbox360?

Last FM - well, I use this and spotify at work, but when I switch the 360 on it's to play games. Now, if you can stream custom soundtracks, then yes I might use this, otherwise I think it'll be as much used as the PS3 video thing = not a lot. Plus how much would this impact multi-player if it was available?

Facebook and Twitter - I really can't see myself updating from Xbox360 - especially tweeting what game I'm currently playing - seriously, that info is in the friends list anyway and who gives a crap on twitter? As previously mentioned, grabbing a screen interests me, but the rest a bit meh. I normally have the laptop with me, proper keyboard easier and quicker input to these sites, and I'm never going to switch on the Xbox360 specifically to use them.

Great for those who don't have a PC / laptop / Sky and I think it's great of MS to get these things on board, but having reflected on the usefulness overall, I'm not really sure it's something I'd personally use very often.

[Glitch100]

Signed Up (Y)

[Mant]

We (me) should be on this in 24hrs ive been told. So i'll let you know when I get home and if its worth it. It probably wont be ;)

[bingo83]

Lucky B :)

[Sean]

I've tried signing up for this but keep getting a shed load of errors from the website.

[Glitch100]

Does that mean none of us are in then Mant?

[Mant]

I got an email few hrs after I posted in here saying there is a delay. So i've not seen it yet. If you've signed up you have a chance of getting on it yourself. If you are getting errors it might be overloaded so try again later I guess.

[Glitch100]

I did sign up :P
Just wondering; that since you got one and i didn't does that mean all the emails have been sent?

[Mant]

I did sign up :P
Just wondering; that since you got one and i didn't does that mean all the emails have been sent?

Ah sorry I miss read that. I meant that the site will have early access to the beta, but they have not given some lucky peeps access too. As far as i know they have not sent out invites to those chosen folk yet. So there is still a chance you've been chosen.

I am still waiting for access, I sense teething troubles.

[Mant]

Just got this...


Just wanted to send you a quick reminder that we will closing sign-ups for this soon so let your site members know that if they want to be in with a chance of being part of this preview they need to sign up via the following links ASAP!:-

German speaking sites should use: http://connect.microsoft.com/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=3557&SiteID=719&InvitationID=DEPR-MK76-JWBD
Spanish speaking sites should use: http://connect.microsoft.com/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=3559&SiteID=719&InvitationID=ESPR-7KWJ-9TY8
French speaking sites should use: http://connect.microsoft.com/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=3561&SiteID=719&InvitationID=FRPR-QPP3-VGKP

Other language sites should use any of the above or the English language site:
http://connect.microsoft.com/InvitationUse.aspx?ProgramID=3539&SiteID=719&InvitationID=ENPR-CQKT-QXYV

Good Luck to everyone who enters!

[phatmuther]

Meh, I'll wait until august. Enjoy your avatar market though ;)

[Wriggy]

Anyone else get in that applied? :)

[phatmuther]

Still dont see why all the excitement some people are throwing about. For UKer's anyway.
Netflix is US only. Games on Demand only has Xbox Originals until August I understand. The avatar store is the only "major" thing about it. A slightly updated achievements listing is the only other thing I can think of.

I really cant understand why they are beta-ing it. Minor update in my eyes.

[fincheyboy]

Things like this are supplementary to the main experience; I really don't feel that any importance rests on their outcome so I'm not interested in them - other than from journalistic standpoints at least :P

[robrymond]

I think I could be, but Hotmail is having a spazz.

[Dcontrol]

Well yours truly has had the email confirmation to beta test this update. I'll give my thoughts on it when I get another email telling me I can download it. I'll add more info when I get home from work :(

EDIT

Congratulations! You’ve been accepted to the 2009 Xbox LIVE Update Preview.
Welcome, and we are glad that you are on board!

When will you receive the update?
We are working on the final touches for the update. You will receive a notification by email when the update is available.

How long is the Preview?
The Preview will continue until the public release of the update.

Disclaimer
WARNING: Do NOT remove your hard drive and place it on another console!
This will cause non registered consoles to be unable to connect to Xbox LIVE until we release the update!

Features List
A list of new features for the Preview is available here: Features FAQ. (https://connect.microsoft.com/content/content.aspx?ContentID=13143&IsDraft=False&SiteID=719&wa=wsignin1.0)

Contact Support/CSS Info
Xbox customer support will provide assistance to Preview users. When contacting support, please indicate that you are a Preview user. Support can be reached at http://xbox.com/support.

Correct your registered console ID
If you need to update your console ID for any reason, please do so by completing the following form: Correct your Cosnole ID

Forum access
If you are unable to access the Preview forums at http://forums.xbox.com, please complete the following form:
Forum Access Request

[Dcontrol]

FAQ: New Features in the Xbox LIVE Update Preview

Parties - (Available Now, US Only)

Everyone loves to Party! Check out the new and improved party reconnections and streamlined party invites.

Party Reconnections - If a user is disconnected from a party inadvertently, they will be automatically reconnected to the party without any user interaction

Streamlined Party Invites - Invites are now just a click away! Never again will you have to navigate through multiple screens to get all your friends together.


Account Management- (Available Now, All Regions)

Been an Xbox LIVE member for a while? Check out some of the new features we've added just for you.

Gold Member Veterans - Been here long? Show it off! Anyone looking at your gamer card will now know how long you’ve been an Xbox LIVE Gold member. And who knows, there might be other perks for you, too. Thanks for sticking around!

Subscription Notification - If your Xbox LIVE subscription is about to run out, you will now be notified when you sign into Xbox LIVE. No more surprises the next time you hop in to frag your friends.

Fixing Invalid WLID's - If the Winodws Live ID (WLID) you provided has expired, you will now be prompted to update it the next time you sign into Xbox LIVE. (This feature coming later in the Preview)


Account Recovery - (Available Now, All Regions)

Many changes have gone into the account recovery process to speed it up and to increase reliability.


Avatars - (Available Now, All Regions)

Avatars have seen lots of love! Check out the new Marketplace and Avatar Props.

Avatar Props - You can now equip your avatar with animated items they can carry around and interact with.

Avatar Marketplace - Reflect your sense of style with the new Avatar Marketplace. Download and purchase premium items, including branded apparel from your favorite fashion labels and Xbox 360 games.


Netflix - (Available Now, US Only)

Now you can watch movies with your friends and find new movies to add to your Instant Queue without leaving your seat.

Party Watch - Catch a show with your friends! You can now bring your party into Netflix and watch a movie or TV show together.

Find Content Faster - You can now browse through New Releases and other genre lists based on the types of shows you’ve previously watched, all from the comfort of your couch.

Improved Playback Experience - Improvements have been made to ensure a better experience when adapting to changing network conditions.

Improved Presence -Richer information is now displayed in the Friends channel and in the Guide showing what you and your friends are watching.


Video Display Options – (Available Now, All Regions)

Various improvements have been made to make it easier for you to see your game in the highest resolution possible when using an HDMI connection.


Display Discovery - This feature allows you to override audio and/or video formats independent of the display's capabilities.

How it works - By default, the console uses the information provided by the display (via its EDID) to determine the audio and video capabilities of the device. However, often the data is invalid or malformed, hence compatibility issues are encountered. When disabling display discovery, the EDID of the display is ignored, thereby, enabling the audio and video settings to be overridden with the desired format regardless of display support.

Who should use it? - The Display Discovery feature is available for DVI and HDMI connections in the Display settings section of System Settings in the dashboard. Please note that Display Discovery should only be disabled if audio and/or video related compatibility issues are encountered - otherwise, the output quality may be compromised.

Monitor Support - Additional monitor resolutions are now available for HDMI connections.


User Ratings – (Available Now, All Regions)

User ratings help you find content that other people think is awesome!

How it works - Every piece of game content on Marketplace can now be rated using a 5-star system. Just open up the details on what you want to rate and chose the Rate button. Each time you press the Rate button, you add one star to your personal rating.

Sort by Ratings - Now you can easily find great games that you might have missed out on. Just visit Browse All in either the Games or Video Marketplace and twist over to the Top Rated games to see what everyone’s been talking about.


Games on Demand – (Coming later in the Xbox LIVE Update Preview, All regions)

Enjoy the convenience of finding and buying new games right from your couch. You can now download full Xbox 360 games over Xbox LIVE.

Purchase - You can purchase a game through the Game Marketplace and download it directly to your console. This purchase is also stored in your purchase history so you can delete it and download it again if you run out of space.

Manuals - Game manuals will be available for these games on Xbox.com so that you will still have access to the full manual that comes with the boxed version of the game.

Digital Rights Management (DRM) - Games on Demand titles follow the same licensing rights as all other forms of downloadable content. Users are granted a user license that will allow the purchasing Gamertag to play the game on any console, and a console license that will allow anyone to play on the console that the content was originally downloaded to. No physical disc is required to play these games!


UI Improvements – (Available Now, All Regions)

Some parts of the dashboard have been slightly re-organized to make it easier to find the things you’re looking for.

Indie Games - We listened to our community and have decided to change Xbox LIVE Community Games to Xbox LIVE Indie Games. We feel this new name better represents the independent spirit of these titles. User ratings are also available for Indie Games, which will allow you to share your rating for a game and use ratings from others to find new content. We hope these changes will help people discover more games they love.

Achievement Browser - You can now launch a game directly from the Achievement browser making it even easier for you to max out your Gamerscore.

Achievement Tracking - A new All Games view inside the Profile panel includes a summary of Achievements earned across all the games played and shows off all your completed games.

Achievements - Check out the changes to the Achievement browser while playing a game. It’s now much easier to read through all the achievements so you can rack up the Gamerscore faster.

Streamlined Navigation - New entry points in the Dashboard for Active Downloads, Redeem Code, Auto Sign-In (via Profile), Create Profile, and Recover Gamer Tag, so that these features are much easier to find.

Voice Messages - When recording a voice message, a warning is now displayed if no audio is detected so you don’t accidentally send blank messages to your friends.


Console Settings – (Available Now, All Regions)
We’ve reorganized the Console Settings menu with fewer, more intuitive categories.

Memory - Time stamps now appear in the Memory Area. This is particularly handy when managing saved games.

Friends List Sorting - It’s now much easier to find your friends! Sort your friends list by Activity, Gamertag, or Online Status (default). Just press the Y button while you’re viewing the friends list in the Guide to change the sorting order.

Well I already knew that Netflix was USA only but I didn't expect the parties bit only to be USA as well.

[silentbazz]

Got the email too - thought when I received the email I'd get the update too - but looks like we'll have to wait a little longer. Still, glad to finally get through to one of these update programs..

[bingo83]

Got the email as well.

[Dcontrol]

I was awaiting another email but when I turned on my console this morning it prompted me to update. Nice little features so far.

Also says I've been a gold member for 4 years, it's been longer than that :geek:

[Wriggy]

I was awaiting another email but when I turned on my console this morning it prompted me to update. Nice little features so far.

Also says I've been a gold member for 4 years, it's been longer than that :geek:

Agreed. I love the achievement makeover. Makes viewing achievements for games so much easier on the 360.

As for the Gold member status, mine says 3 when I've actually been on six. Damn going without Live for just under a month. :(

[bingo83]

At least my NXE bugbear seems to have been fixed with the new update, no more waiting for Buy/Trial download links to become selectable. Its back to being near instantaneous again like the old dash.

There is some new Visual Setups for those who where losing sound when playing back some videos over HDMI. I knew how to fix it but MS has included the option to override in the Setup now as well.

[AdamGS]

I see they're turning the NXE into Home. Paying 160 points for some Monkey Island Cotton Swab for your Avatar to swing around?!? Anyone seen with this on my friends list gets an automatic deletion.

On the plus side I do like the iTunes style ratings. And it does seem a little quicker, though I might be imagining it.

[Dvx Uk]

Forum member article perhaps?

Let me know in around 200 words what you think of the new update :) Then we'll fire something onto the main site :D

[Sean]

And plenty of screenshots if possible!

[bingo83]

With the Games on Demand feature if you have more than one 360 in the household then you can do what I do with XBLA games, download and play it on 2 seperate consoles.

[phatmuther]

With the Games on Demand feature if you have more than one 360 in the household then you can do what I do with XBLA games, download and play it on 2 seperate consoles.
Explain for my tired brain please.

[Dvx Uk]

move the memory card with the dload history in it to the other console then re-download???

[bingo83]

My bro isnt working just now so has no money to spend on games. If I buy a game I log into my profile on his machine and download the game. The game is now on his 360 and any gamertag which is logged in can play it. I then go back upstairs and download the game again on my 360, that way we can both play it at the same time.

The games on demand feature uses the same DRM as XBLA so we will be able to do this with full price games.

[Dcontrol]

I see they're turning the NXE into Home. Paying 160 points for some Monkey Island Cotton Swab for your Avatar to swing around?!? Anyone seen with this on my friends list gets an automatic deletion.

On the plus side I do like the iTunes style ratings. And it does seem a little quicker, though I might be imagining it.

I think people should be wary of wasting points with kitting out their avatar. The avatars really serve no purpose in my opinion. I mean come on they are charging between 160 & 80 microsoft points for these add ons, that's ridiculous and needless. I know you can unlock stuff in certain games to use with your avatar as well but I always knew they'd be trying to make money from them sooner or later. They'll be charging for the updates next!

I like the ratings as long as people do honest ratings. Unlike some on there now where Halo ODST already had 5 stars when it's not even out yet. Games should be allowed to be rated until they are released. Alternatively they could always do the if it's not in you gaming history then you can't rate it as well option I'd imagine.

[silentbazz]

First impressions of the update are pretty good. I liked being able to sort the friends list, something that has annoyed me for a while that. The whole dash seems a lot quicker now, which is good, although there was a period where it was obviously downloading all the content which was stopping me getting into 1 vs 100 for a while (sorted in the end, however).
Avatar Marketplace. Hmm.. If I won a shedload of points then I could be tempted but as many posters above have already said, points for a huge cotton bud?? Saying that I was sorely tempted by the remote control Halo vehicle ('til I saw the price 320 points - are they kidding!?).
I couldn't really see much difference in the achievement browser though.. am I missing something?
Anyway - good update.. although after the impact of NXE last year, anything else is likely to feel a little lightweight

[MartyG]

I can't believe anyone would waste money on avatar clothing / accessories

I remember when games consoles were actually game consoles ... :)

[silentbazz]

I can't believe anyone would waste money on avatar clothing / accessories

I remember when games consoles were actually game consoles ... :)

I know what you mean, but I can also remember a time when I thought the only way to really play games was using a mouse and keyboard..

[KoMPLeKz]

i bought a halo t-shirt and a grandad hat

[Dvx Uk]

Only Dcontrol and SilentBazz with their impressions so far. Anyone else??? At least need 4 to make the article worth a read :|

[Glitch100]

I think the whole update adds some good stuff, more just like improving what we already have :)
No definitive new features...
I suppose that Games on demand is pretty nifty, if they can get some games on there for release :D
I look forward to the full release :D

[robrymond]

Yay it is fast!

[Dcontrol]

If you are on the My Xbox part of the dashboard now, scroll across to the second blade it greets you with an achievements list. This has had a much needed updated look as well. It now tells you what games you have completed, your total gamerscore and what achievements you've unlocked from them as well (obviously).

[Dvx Uk]

Has anyone who applied 'not' managed to get in??

[Dcontrol]

Has anyone who applied 'not' managed to get in??

Well I've got in it twice somehow. I have no idea why but I've had another email telling me congratulations I made the beta. They should know that I'm already in it! Plus I had to update my console again as well. Not the best start to a quick game of FIFA in the morning.

[silentbazz]

Well I've got in it twice somehow. I have no idea why but I've had another email telling me congratulations I made the beta. They should know that I'm already in it! Plus I had to update my console again as well. Not the best start to a quick game of FIFA in the morning.

Thanks for the tip off.
I got accepted on to the beta again (according to my email) and would have wanted to switch on quickly later for a bit of 1 vs 100, would have been seriously miffed if I had to sit there and wait for another update.

Cheers for letting me know!

[Glitch100]

Same here dudes>¬!>

[bingo83]

I think it was the Irish branch of MS that was issuing the updates. To be sure, to be sure.