Xbox Live's Major Nelson : Xbox Live

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.

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

Twitter, Facebook, Last.FM and Xbox 360 Family Settings

Major Nelson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:00 GMT

As some of you might be aware, those under the age of 18 are not able to access Twitter, Facebook and Last.fm in our public preview. I want to you let you know that this will remain the case when it launches to the world soon. We made this decision because as it stands now, parents aren’t able to use Family Settings to customize which of these applications their children can access. In order to offer an age-appropriate environment for everyone, we decided to turn off these applications for those Gold members under the age of 18. As expected, this has been a hot topic with the preview users. We want to make sure everyone was aware, however, that the development team is working on an update that gives parents the choice of which social applications their children can access. This means that Xbox LIVE members between the ages of 13 and 17 will be able to use Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm as long as their parents approve. The team hope to roll this out several weeks after launch and I will update you on the exact date as it gets closer.

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.

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

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.

A message to the Shadow Complex community

Major Nelson — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 21:26:00 GMT

The team at Chair Entertainment continues to look for ways to enrich the “Shadow Complex” experience for players even if it means taking action by deleting leaderboard information generated by those who try to compromise our game.

This week the Xbox LIVE enforcement team will begin taking steps against players verified as cheaters. These players have not only violated the spirit of the game, but they have also violated the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use. Moving forward, initial steps will be taken with a number of player accounts that belong to verified cheaters including:

The player will be deleted from the “Shadow Complex” leaderboard
The Xbox LIVE enforcement team will investigate individual players removed from the leaderboards for potential resetting of the user’s gamerscore. The reset would include all games, not just “Shadow Complex.”
Those accounts determined by the Xbox enforcement team to have their gamerscore reset will be branded on Xbox LIVE as belonging to a cheater, and this information will be reflected in the gamer profile, both on Xbox.com and in the Xbox Dashboard on the console.

We believe that our players deserve a level playing field, and both teams at Xbox LIVE and Chair Entertainment are committed to providing the best overall game experience on Xbox LIVE. To learn more about the LIVE policy on gamerscore corrections, please read the FAQ on Xbox.com.

For more information on the Xbox LIVE terms of use, please visit Xbox.com

Update: Chair has made a forum post that goes into a little more detail around the cheating.

Avatar and Games on Demand Marketplace now on Xbox.com - Updated

Major Nelson — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:46:00 GMT

Earlier today, the Xbox.com team added the ability to preview and purchase Avatar Marketplace items and add Games on Demand to yourXbox 360 download queue. Swing over to the Marketplace on the Web and browse the new addition if you are looking for something to wear or play today.

Update: The Avatar Marketplace on Xbox.com has been temporarily turned off for maintenance. We expect to have the feature returned to use in the next few days. While our teams are working on the site, you can continue to use all the other features of the Web Marketplace. This does not affect the Avatar Marketplace in the Xbox 360 console.

Update: maintenance complete

Some of your Xbox LIVE Tenure questions answered

Major Nelson — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:01:00 GMT

One of the features we shipped with the latest Xbox 360 dashboard update today is what we call Tenure. This is a number that appears when you are looking at Gamercards on your Xbox 360 console. It’s the number 5 you see at the top right of my gamercard above. This number will show how many years someone has been an Xbox LIVE Gold Member. Working with the team here, we’ve put together some answers to some of the frequent questions that we’ve seen in the Xbox forums.

Q. My tenure is not displaying at all!
A. The Gold Tenure is being rolled out to all Xbox LIVE users over the next few days. By next week, everyone who has at least 1 full year in Xbox LIVE Gold status will see their tenure.

Q. My tenure is exactly one year off. Why is that?
A. If you were a member of the Summer Update Preview and created your Gold Account on an Original Xbox console while living in Canada, your tenure won't update to the proper number of years until your account's next "birthday". For example; if you created your account on October 19th of 2003, your Gold Tenure will display properly on October 19th of 2009.

Q. I changed my gamertag 2 years ago because I didn't like it. Will that reset my tenure?
A. Changing your gamertag won't change your tenure, just like it doesn't change your gamerscore.

Q. I've been a member of Xbox LIVE since it began! I should have 7 years because it's 2009.
A. The very first gamertag, e, was created on 8/13/2002. e, as he is known both online and in real life, will turn 7 on 8/13/2009.

Q. My account was in Silver status for awhile, how does that affect my tenure?
A. All the time you spend in Gold is cumulative and any time you spend in silver doesn't count. For example if you created a gamertag on August 4th of 2007 but didn't upgrade it to gold until February 14th of 2008; today the Gold Tenure would be 1 year because the account spent 6 months of it's first year in Silver status.

Q. The article online says that if I had a 14 day break in my Gold account status, my tenure would reset! Is that true?
A. There is no "14 day gap in service" rule anymore. This was the original way tenure was calculated but we changed it. The KB article will be updated soon.

Q. I've been a member since 2006, why does my tenure only show a 2 when 2006 was 3 years ago?
A. Your Gold Veteran Status counts full years so if you've been a Gold member for 2 years, 11 months and 27 days; your status will display 2 years.

Q. The date in on the account details page on xbox.com says I've only been a Gold member for a couple months. When is that going to be updated?
A. The "Member Since" date that you see in the Account Management section on xbox.com and on your console is not the same as your tenure. That is the last time your profile was upgraded to gold (like the last time it auto-renewed or you applied a subscription code).

Q. Where can I go to see exactly when I paid for my Gold account?
A. You can login to Billing and Account Management to view your payment history. That will show you exactly when you were Gold vs. Silver. You'll need to login with the Windows Live ID associated with the GamerTag. (Click on your payment type and you'll be able to see your payment history).

I hope this answers some of the questions you may have had. If you have any more, post them in the comments and I can update this post as needed.

Edit: The official Xbox Support document on Tenure has been updated.