Xbox Live's Major Nelson : Xbox 360

Upcoming Free Xbox LIVE Weekends

Major Nelson — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:17:00 GMT

With the latest batch of new LIVE Features now available, we’re kicking off a few FREE LIVE Weekends so that Silver members can get a free trial of all the Xbox LIVE features.

During the free LIVE Weekends, all Xbox LIVE Silver members can enjoy: online multiplayer, Facebook, Twitter, Last.FM, Netflix, Sky Player, Halo Waypoint and 1 v 100*

Here is the schedule of when the freeness starts for Silver Members:

For all Xbox LIVE regions except those in Europe, Xbox LIVE Silver members will have free access from November 20th from 12n ET /9a PT /17:00 GMT until November 23rd from 12n ET /9a PT /17:00 GMT

For All European Xbox LIVE regions, Xbox LIVE Silver member will have free access from November 25th from 17:00 GMT until November 30th at 17:00 GMT

If you don’t have a free Xbox LIVE Gamertag, sign up for one now so you are ready for the weekend.

*Some features are only available in specific regions.

New Xbox 360 features now available (Twitter, Facebook, Zune Video and Last.FM)

Major Nelson — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

We’ve just released the latest new features for your Xbox 360. In case you’ve been off the grid for the past few months and don’t know what is in this update, allow me to give you the some of the highlights: Facebook, Zune Video, Twitter and Last.FM. Here is how to find ‘em: Facebook and Twitter will appear automatically on your dashboard in the new My Community channel, Zune Video is in the Video Channel and Last.FM will be found under the Music Channel.

Assuming you have the latest Xbox 360 system update from Xbox LIVE, these new features will automatically appear sometime over the next few hours. Availability of these features will vary by region.

Remember, if you are under 18, you’ll have to wait a little longer for some of these features.

Xbox LIVE Update coming Nov. 17th

Major Nelson — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:00:00 GMT

I know some of you are already enjoying many of these features through the Preview Program, but I am happy to announce that the next update that contains Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune video will be available to all Xbox LIVE members launch Nov. 17.

Project Natal is one of TIME Magazine’s Inventions of the Year

Major Nelson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:28:00 GMT

Today Project Natal received recognition as one of TIME Magazine’s Inventions of the Year. This is the third major honor Project Natal received this past month including the Popular Mechanics 2009 Breakthrough Award and Popular Science Best of What’s New Grand Award. This is great news for the industry. Congrats to the entire team for the great work they’ve accomplished so far.

Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter now with N

Major Nelson — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:01:00 GMT

Today we announced a brand new Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter that support N. This is a dual band adapter that has two antennas and supports 802.11a/b/g and n connections. That adapter will be available this Holiday season for US $99.99.

Edit: I’ve just uploaded some high res photos of the new adapter

Xbox 360 Console Bans

Major Nelson — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 GMT

As you may have read online, we’ve been actively banning consoles from Xbox LIVE that have been modified to play pirated games. Our commitment to combat piracy and support safer and more secure gameplay for the more than 20 million members of our Xbox LIVE community remains a top priority. All consumers should know that piracy is illegal, and that modifying their Xbox 360 console to play pirated discs, violates the Xbox LIVE terms of use, will void their warranty and result in a ban from Xbox LIVE. The health of the video game business depends on customers paying for the genuine products and services they receive from manufacturers, retailers, and the third parties that support them. This would also be a good time to remind you that the warranty on an Xbox 360 console is not transferrable and if you purchase a used console that has been previously banned, you will not be able to connect to Xbox LIVE.

Xbox 360 System Update – Wireless Adapter WPA2 support

Major Nelson — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:01:00 GMT

The team has released a system update for the Xbox 360 over Xbox LIVE.

Sometime over the next few hours when you sign in to Xbox LIVE you’ll receive a prompt to accept this mandatory update. If you are signed into LIVE already, you may be signed out and asked to accept the update and you’ll be back online in a few moments.

This update does not include the Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune features. Those will be coming to Xbox LIVE later next month. This update adds WPA2 support for the Xbox 360 Wireless Network Adapter.

We have no plans for Blu-Ray on Xbox 360

Major Nelson — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:02:00 GMT

During an interview yesterday, Steve Ballmer was asked about Blu-Ray and the Xbox 360. I wanted to clear something up. Steve was referring to Blu-Ray accessories for the PC. As we have said in the past, we have no plans to introduce a Blu-Ray drive for the Xbox 360. In fact, the future of home entertainment starts very soon when Xbox 360 becomes the first and only console to offer instant-on 1080p streaming HD movies. With a library of thousands of TV shows and movies to choose from, Xbox 360 owners can instantly watch the movies they want, when they want, in the highest form of high definition.

Don’t use unauthorized Xbox 360 Storage Devices

Major Nelson — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:36:00 GMT

When Preview Program members start receiving the Xbox 360 system update next week, one of the changes is that unauthorized Memory Units will no longer work with the Xbox 360. If you’ve moved your profile or saved games onto one to “back it up,” you’d better move it back onto an authorized Xbox 360 storage device prior to taking the update. If you continue to use an unauthorized Memory Unit after the update, you will not be able to access your stored profile or saved games.

If you need help identifying officially licensed Xbox 360 storage devices or accessories you can read more about the licensed accessories program on Xbox.com

Limited Edition Xbox 360 Wireless Controller and Play and Charge kit

Major Nelson — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:00:00 GMT

In case you missed it, Xbox 360 has teamed up with GameStop to design an exclusive limited edition Wireless Controller that will be available next week. Bundled with a Play & Charge Kit, the controller features a new design which sports black carbon fiber with red accents. This controller will be sold exclusively at GameStop, EB Games and Micromania retailers in the U.S., Canada, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand.

The suggested retail price will be US $69.99, and you can place your pre-order here. I’ve uploaded some high resolution photos of the bundle if you want a closer look.

Xbox LIVE Preview Program: Zune, Facebook and Twitter

Major Nelson — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:51:00 GMT

I am happy to announce that we’re doing an Xbox LIVE Update Preview program for upcoming features such as Zune, Facebook and Twitter. Much like we have done in the past, you’ll need to visit the Microsoft Connect site from this link and 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 and send you an email if you are selected.
While both Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up, Priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process.

For additional details and specific requirements, head to Xbox.com.

If you are accepted, you'll hear from us in about a week. Make sure your information on Connect is updated with a current email address so we can email you if you are accepted.

~~Sign up for the Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program~~

Good luck!

Update: The sign up period for the preview program is now closed. Good luck!

New Mass Effect Avatar items

Major Nelson — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:12:00 GMT

A few new Mass Effect Avatar items have been posted. I've uploaded a couple of high res screens shots to give you a better idea of what a many of them look like.

Xbox 360 Holiday Bundles

Major Nelson — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:01:00 GMT

We’ve just announced two Holiday bundles that will make great gifts this Holiday season.

The Xbox 360 Elite Holiday Bundle includes an Xbox 360 elite console and a full retail copy of Lego Batman: The Videogame and Pure. The Elite Holiday bundle will begin shipping to retailers in Canada and the US today and will sell for US $299.

Beginning in November,the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller Game Pack will go on sale in all Xbox LIVE regions for US $59.99 This special bundle contains an Xbox 360 Black Wireless controller and a copy of four hit arcade titles: Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, Lumines LIVE!, Bomberman LIVE! and a downloadable token for Ms Pac-Man.

Fable II Episodes debut today on Xbox LIVE

Major Nelson — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:00:00 GMT

The first chapter of Fable II: Game Episodes is now available for free to all Xbox LIVE members.
For those who have watched from the outside, unsure if they were hero material, a surprise awaits. Fable II: Game Episodes delivers the entire Fable II experience in five consecutive installments, with all the Achievements, challenges, and excitement of the disk-based game. In the first episode, which is completely free, you will experience childhood and the trials of being a young adult in the world of Albion. After completing the chapter, you have the choice to then purchase the next installment and continue your adventure. Fable II: Game Episodes fully compatible with the disk-based, retail version of Fable II, allowing players to enter Albion and continue their story should they purchase Fable II at retail. The episodes also deliver full compatibility with the previously released Game Add-ons, Knothole Island and See the Future.

Read details on the press release and download the free chapter.

Xbox 360 System Update rolling out (no new feature)

Major Nelson — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I wanted to let you know that the team has released a system update for the Xbox 360 over Xbox LIVE.

Sometime over the next few hours when you sign in to Xbox LIVE you’ll receive a prompt to accept this mandatory update. If you are signed into LIVE already, you may be signed out and asked to accept the update and you’ll be back online in a few moments.

There are no new features or changes in this update. This update is preparation for additional system enhancements (Facebook/Twitter/Last.FM) that will arrive later this year.

Again, there are no new features in this update.

Purchase an Xbox 360 Elite and get Fifty Bucks back

Major Nelson — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:00:00 GMT

Beginning today and running through October 5^th, when you purchase an Xbox 360 Elite for $299, we’ll kick back fifty-bucks your way in the form of a rebate. Cash money. This is for US purchases only, and you should visit Xbox.com/eliterebate (~~when it is live later today~~ it is live now) for details and rebate requirements. Read the official press release here.