Joystiq

MS enables child accounts for 360 Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST

When Microsoft rolled out Twitter, Facebook, and Last.fm support for the Xbox 360, a number of users were less than impressed. Specifically, those with child Xbox Live accounts were not allowed to use any of the new applications. Outside the US, Microsoft has now released an update that allows child accounts to access these features, so long as parental permission is given. Major Nelson advises users to set each application to log in automatically upon first activation. Otherwise, those with child accounts will be prompted for parental permission every time the application is launched.

Fear not, US gamers, the update will hit American shores on December 15.

MS enables child accounts for 360 Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Free Xbox Live Gold promotions incoming

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:47:00 EST

In celebration of the latest Dashboard Update, which introduced Twitter, Facebook and a number of other new features to the Xbox 360, Microsoft is hosting free Xbox Live Gold promotions through next week. Starting November 20 at 12:00pm ET and running until 12:00pm ET November 23, Xbox Live Gold will be free for all Silver members except those in Europe. Don't feel left out, European Silver members, as you'll be getting free Xbox Live Gold starting at 17:00 GMT, November 25, until 17:00 GMT, November 30.

During the free period, all Silver Live members will have access to the new features as well as Halo Waypoint, 1 vs 100, Netflix, Sky Player and, of course, online multiplayer. Keep in mind that not all features -- Sky Player, for example -- are available in all regions.

Now, to be serious for a moment, Twitter is neat and all, but the Modern Warfare 2 Spec Ops mode is where it's at. Be sure to use your free Xbox Live wisely.

Free Xbox Live Gold promotions incoming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Facebook, Twitter now on Xbox Live

Justin McElroy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST

Details? They're so early 2009.

PSA: Facebook, Twitter now on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook and Twitter coming to Xbox Nov. 17

Justin McElroy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST

Xbox owners: You have five days to start thinking of your lives and the lives of others in trivial, 140-character chunks. Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten has told Fast Company that the Dashboard update containing Twitter and Facebook integration will officially arrive on November 17.

If the date seems familiar, you're not losing your marbles: The specific timing for the update was revealed and reneged last month. Now, you'd better hurry up and beat the Chatpad rush at the store.

Facebook and Twitter coming to Xbox Nov. 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halo Waypoint live with Dashboard preview program, includes Avatar Awards

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:15:00 EST

It's not quite Wonka's chocolate factory, but the Xbox 360 Dashboard update preview participants are getting a taste of some delectable bonuses regardless. Earlier today, those lucky folks were granted their promised early access to the Halo Waypoint beta. Lo and behold, 11 Avatar Awards arrived alongside the addition (five for each gender's Avatar, one for both), unlocking based on various Achievements from Halo 3: ODST, ranging from Recon helmets to ODST t-shirts. Microsoft has provided little in the way of details on the addition, so feel free to let us know if you see anything particularly strange or interesting.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Halo Waypoint live with Dashboard preview program, includes Avatar Awards originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Datel working on 'remedy' for its unauthorized Xbox 360 memory units

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:02:00 EST

There was something of an outcry in the Xbox community when Microsoft announced that the upcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard Update would disable "unauthorized" memory units. Datel, a manufacturer of such devices, recently expressed its disappointment following the announcement. Fortunately, it looks like it takes more than that to keep a good company down, as Maxconsole.net reports that Datel intends to release a solution to the problem.

In a letter to retailers, Datel stated it was "aware of the changes that are required to remedy this problem and will shortly release a solution in readiness for this potential update." Naturally, the company didn't elaborate on the necessary changes. Datel also didn't supply a precise release date for the updated memory units, saying only that they would be available "shortly." Still, it's good news for folks that want more memory for less-than-exorbitant prices.

[Via Engadget]

Datel working on 'remedy' for its unauthorized Xbox 360 memory units originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSA: Xbox mandatory update isn't 'The Big One,' adds WPA2 support for wireless adapter

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST

Those of you who woke up extra early this morning to get in precious alone time with your Xbox 360 (we understand - we do it all the time) may have been tricked when a mandatory system update greeted you in place of the dashboard. Alas, the much ballyhoo'd Facebook/Twitter/Last.fm update has not yet arrived, as Microsoft's Major Nelson points out on his site.

Instead, the update brings with it support for the now five-year-old WPA2 security protocol. With that new and improved 802.11n wireless adapter hitting retailers next month, and with WPA2 certification being mandatory for all new Wi-Fi devices as of March 2006, Microsoft seems to be rolling out that addition in software. That's good news for those of you with a four-year-old Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter!

PSA: Xbox mandatory update isn't 'The Big One,' adds WPA2 support for wireless adapter originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox Dashboard update preview invites out this Friday

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:40:00 EST

Major Nelson, Xbox Live guru and prolific tweeter, has announced that the first wave of notification emails for the Xbox 360 Dashboard update preview should go out this Friday. Incidentally, sign up is now closed, so no more applications will be accepted. The preview will give Xbox Live members a chance to check out the many new features in the upcoming Dashboard update, including Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm and the new Zune Video Marketplace. Also, as we reported earlier today, Microsoft has thrown in a preview of Halo Waypoint as well.

The preview program should roll out sometime next week. In the meantime, keep an eye on those inboxes!

Xbox Dashboard update preview invites out this Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dashboard update preview to include Halo Waypoint

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST

Microsoft's Major Nelson has announced that Halo Waypoint -- the upcoming Xbox Live locus of all things Halo -- will be included in the 360 Dashboard update preview program. Those lucky enough to get into the preview should be notified this week, and Major Nelson tells Joystiq that Halo Waypoint should be rolling out on the preview sometime next week.

Microsoft recently revealed more details surrounding the service, most notably how the "career system," which will track in-game accomplishments from all the Halo games available on the Xbox 360. The destination's launch is scheduled for November 5, so preview participants should get a significant chunk of time with before it goes public. Don't worry if you don't make it into the preview, we'll be sure to share our hands-on impressions next week.

Gallery: Halo Waypoint

Dashboard update preview to include Halo Waypoint originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Datel 'disappointed' by Xbox 360's unofficial memory unit lockout

David Hinkle — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST

Outlawed off-white accessory news now, with CVG relaying manufacturer Datel's unenthusiastic response to the the forthcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard update, which intends to kill support for unauthorized, third-party memory units. Datel has said that it's "disappointed" by Microsoft's decision, one that it feels will limit consumers in "exercising their freedom of choice." Specifically, their freedom of choosing a memory solution that doesn't come from Microsoft.

What to do if you're the owner of one of these bad boys? Unless you want to stay offline forever, you'll have to back up your data and transfer it to an official memory unit or hard drive. Failing that, you could just lift anchor in protest and set sail for Redmond, but we wouldn't suggest doing that unless you're English and living in 1983.

Datel 'disappointed' by Xbox 360's unofficial memory unit lockout originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video Preview: Xbox Live Fall 2009 Dashboard Update, Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and more

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST

The November Xbox Live Dashboard Update -- which brings Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and the Zune Video Marketplace to the Xbox 360 -- will soon be here. Joystiq has nabbed the update early, and we're here to share all of its secrets with you in the only way that we know how: A video tour! Above, you'll find a brief tour of all the new features. If there's a specific feature you'd like to know more about, simply click one of the the words below to watch a more detailed video all about it.

Note: We learned after publication that the abnormally priced movie rental has not yet been released in theaters. As such, it has a higher price.

Facebook

Twitter

Last.fm

Zune Video Marketplace

Miscellaneous

Continue reading Video Preview: Xbox Live Fall 2009 Dashboard Update, Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and more

Video Preview: Xbox Live Fall 2009 Dashboard Update, Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Halo Waypoint detailed, captured on video

Christopher Grant — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:55:00 EST

This way to the Waypoint gallery

With the Xbox 360 Fall Dashboard update preview kicking off today, Microsoft dropped some more details on Halo Waypoint, the Dashboard playpen for the Master Chief enthusiasts among you. The preview video - found after the break - walks you through some of the destination's functionality, notably the "career system" which will track "in-game accomplishments across multiple Halo games." Unsurprisingly, that career will be limited to the Xbox 360-released Halo games: Halo 3, Halo Wars, Halo 3: ODST, and "all Game Add-on content for those titles." Oh, you beat Halo 2 in under 30 minutes? We'll just have to take your word for it.

Halo Waypoint is being developed collaboratively by Microsoft's internal Halo studio, 343 Industries, and Certain Affinity, the Austin-based developer (with some former Bungie staffers) behind Age of Booty. Waypoint will be available November 5 for both Xbox Live Gold and Silver members; however, come November 26 those Silver members will have to pony up for Live if they want to keep their Waypoint access. That's a solid three weeks to determine if the exclusive Waypoint offerings - like the Nov. 7. preview of the "Halo Legends" anime anthology - are worth it. We imagine it will be for the hardcore Halo fan ... but we'd assume they've already got a Gold account.

Gallery: Halo Waypoint

Continue reading Halo Waypoint detailed, captured on video

Halo Waypoint detailed, captured on video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 360 update to add Music Games Store, news section

David Hinkle — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST

Microsoft has revealed new details about its Fall 2009 Xbox 360 Dashboard Update -- yes, the same update set to bring Twitter, Last.fm and Facebook support. New to the list of update features is a dedicated Xbox Live storefront for music games DLC and a specific area of Inside Xbox called "News and More."

The Music Games Store will take a big step toward dealing with the clutter on Xbox Live, offering a one-stop shop for all Rock Band, Guitar Hero and Lips DLC. Aside from the convenience of a single destination for all music game DLC purchases, shoppers will also be able to preview each track from right there in the Dashboard.

As for the News and More section of Inside Xbox, it's described as "a regularly-updated stream of content from MSNBC.com, MSN Autos, The New Yorker and Dilbert." We're totally expecting some Akira-like monstrosity that is equal parts balloon boy, coffee station chit-chat and political cartoons we don't understand; though we're sure in reality the feature will be less scary and far less life-threatening.

Xbox 360 update to add Music Games Store, news section originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Upcoming Xbox 360 update locking out 'unauthorized' Memory Units

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST

Don't worry, folks -- Microsoft knows you really hate those subversive little devils making third-party Memory Units, what with their 2GB and 4GB offerings for the Xbox 360. In an effort to stamp out these Doris Dogooders from your Xbox Live Experience[TM], Microsoft's Major Nelson announced on his blog yesterday that "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."

In plain English, this means that any third-party Memory Unit you might have been using will be rendered useless. Mr. Hryb suggests moving any saves on said devices get moved to an authorized one, unless losing access to "stored profile or saves games" simply ain't no thang for you.

Upcoming Xbox 360 update locking out 'unauthorized' Memory Units originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 360 Dashboard update 'preview' open for signups

Randy Nelson — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:15:00 EST

As it has done in the past, Microsoft is offering early access to its next Xbox 360 Dashboard update (which integrates Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm and Zune Marketplace) to those who sign up -- and are then selected -- to preview it. Major Nelson has just updated his blog with word that the signup process has begun for the program, mentioning that Microsoft is looking for "multiple thousands" of users to test out the update. So, sounds like chances of getting in are good.

Those wishing to put their names in the hat for preview access can do so by hitting the Microsoft Connect site and filling out a survey. The preview program is being offered in all territories where Xbox Live is available, but keep in mind you'll need a Windows Live ID in order to apply. The Major says those who've been picked will receive an email in about a week; after which the update will be pushed out to their consoles, and they can start bragging about their early access via Twitter and Facebook right from their 360s.

If past Dashboard preview programs are anything to go by, everyone who signs up will eventually gain access just prior to the update's release -- which may happen on November 17.

Gallery: Facebook / Twitter on Xbox 360

Xbox 360 Dashboard update 'preview' open for signups originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox removes Nov. 17 release date for Twitter/Facebook from UK site

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST

There are few things we hate bearing more than bad news, but, well, it's kind of our job. So, here we go: Hey Champ. Remember how excited you got when you heard the UK Xbox site had listed a release date for the 360 Fall Dashboard Update, which will bring Facebook, Twitter and a whole slew of other services to the platform? Yeah, November 17 -- that's the one! Well, it looks like Microsoft has decided to strip the site of its specificity. Now, it simply reads "service launches Autumn 2009," just like all the other regional Xbox sites.

Aww, come on, Sport. Dry those tear-flooded eyes. The update may still come on Nov. 17, but now it'll be a big surprise. Don't you love surprises? Well, here's one: You're adopted. Makes that whole "disappearing release date" thing seem pretty trivial, doesn't it?

Oh, man, you're really crying now. Fine, we'll contact Microsoft to see what's going on. Just ... just don't tell your mother about the whole "adopted" thing.

Xbox removes Nov. 17 release date for Twitter/Facebook from UK site originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook and Twitter arrive November 17 on Xbox Live in the UK

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Though Microsoft has been a bit cagey with a solid release date for the upcoming Facebok/Twitter/Last.Fm update for Xbox Live, eagle-eyed UK readers have spotted the phrase "Service launches 17th November 2009" on the UK Xbox website (seen above).

When we recently got to give the services a spin at Microsoft's First Annual Open House, the company wouldn't give us a set-in-stone release date, though MTV Multiplayer were told a public beta for the services would arrive for XBL Gold Members in the "middle-towards-end of October." We've contacted Microsoft for word on when the services will be arriving on this side of the pond, though ... well ... it's the weekend. We'd suggest you don't go holding your breath for that info until Monday.

[Thanks, Scump!]

Gallery: Facebook / Twitter on Xbox 360

Facebook and Twitter arrive November 17 on Xbox Live in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox Dashboard update demo'd on video, hilarity ensues

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST

Out of the bajillion self-involved Tweets which were released unto the internet yesterday, one 140 character dispatch in particular pierced the din -- "I'm tweeting from Xbox Live," exclaimed Andrew Yoon, our correspondent from a future where such technology is within the realm of possibilities.

Fine, he's not from the future -- he was actually tweeting from a Microsoft Open House event where the Fall Xbox Dashboard Update was previewed for a number of outlets. Check out the above video (shot by our cohorts at Engadget) to see the new Facebook, Twitter, Last.Fm and Video Marketplace functionality in action. Make sure you stick around for the last minute, in which the conversation breaks down in a hilarious, Comedy of Errors-esque manner.

Xbox Dashboard update demo'd on video, hilarity ensues originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on: Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune Marketplace on Xbox 360

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:35:00 EST

"Xbox comes from a gaming heritage, and is expanding into a broader entertainment brand," Microsoft's Robbie Bach told us earlier today at its first Open House event in New York. Powering Xbox's expansion into "broader entertainment" is the upcoming Dashboard update, scheduled for beta release later this month. Four services included in the update will expand the 360's social networking and multimedia capabilities: Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune Marketplace.

While each individual service may not offer the same value that Netflix did when it debuted with the NXE last year, it's hard to ignore the breadth of added functionality offered by this new Dashboard refresh. Yes, it's true that the Xbox isn't the most ideal platform to tweet from. And yes, it's unlikely that you'll spend hours sitting in front of your TV listening to online radio. However, each service adds new reason to stay connected to the Xbox ... and adds more purported "value" to that Xbox Live Gold membership.

Continue reading Hands-on: Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune Marketplace on Xbox 360

Hands-on: Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune Marketplace on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 360 system update preps Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm

David Hinkle — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:42:00 EST

If you're playing hooky from work or school today to get in some quality time with Halo 3: ODST, you know that a mandatory system update is putting a pause on your action. Major Nelson reports that the new system update doesn't bring any immediate changes to the Dashboard and only prepares some backend support for the upcoming additions of Twitter, Facebook and Last.fm to Xbox Live later this year.

Oh, and if you do decide to link up your Twitter and Facebook accounts to your Xbox 360 when that update launches, be careful about faking sick when the next Halo rolls out. We'd hate for your boss or principal to find out you're all too well "pwning n00bs!"

Xbox 360 system update preps Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox Live's Twitter and Facebook free for Gold, for trial by Silver members

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:10:00 EST

Always read the fine print. Part of a footnote from this morning's Xbox 360 price cut press release bore this little oh-by-the-way: "Xbox Live Gold Membership will be required for Twitter and Facebook when they are available." When MCV followed up on the tucked-away tidbit, a Microsoft spokesperson suggested that the press release's statement was "inaccurate" and that the company was "still formulating its plans" for integrating the social networking services into Xbox Live. A few short hours later, those plans appear to be formulated.

A Microsoft representative has clarified for Joystiq, "Facebook and Twitter on Xbox Live will be free to Gold members, with a free trial period also available for Silver members." Specific details on what's included in the trial are not currently available, but clearly Microsoft is continuing its policy to reward Gold subscribers for, well, their subscriptions, despite what must be a tempting motivation to make Twitter and Facebook free-for-all features. Social networking's the killer app, after all (right?) -- and Microsoft could use some new ammo in the console war.

Gallery: Facebook / Twitter on Xbox 360

Xbox Live's Twitter and Facebook free for Gold, for trial by Silver members originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interview: Last.fm on Xbox Live

Kevin Kelly — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:45:00 EST

Last week we published the first part of our Last.fm on Xbox Live interview, speaking with Christina DeRosa, a general manager for Xbox Live. Today, we present the second part, a conversation with Orlena Yeung, VP of Marketing at Last.fm. After the break, read Yeung's take from the Last.fm side of the deal, as she discusses a range of topics, including why her company is better than Pandora, its social media plans, and how audio scrobbling works in APB.

Gallery: Last.fm (Xbox 360)

Continue reading Interview: Last.fm on Xbox Live

Interview: Last.fm on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interview: Xbox Live on Last.fm

Kevin Kelly — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST

By now, you're aware of the news that Last.fm is coming to Xbox Live, along with Twitter and Facebook in a social media onslaught. We wanted to find out what that means for the service, so we spoke with Orlena Yeung, VP of Marketing at Last.fm (which was purchased by CBS two years ago for a big chunk of change), and Christina DeRosa, a general manager for Xbox Live, to find out how the experience will work on our consoles.

We've already reported on the planned Last.fm pricing, but read on after the break for DeRosa's take on the Xbox side of things, including her thoughts on a Pandora partnership, how Xbox will enhance Last.fm (Party Mode?), and where the service fits into the Xbox Live music channel that's in the works. (One interesting note: Xbox says that the console won't audio scrobble, while Last.fm says it will. We've reached out to both parties in search of a definitive answer.)

Update: Microsoft got back to us with the following information, "We circled back on this one and can confirm that music played in other parts of the dash will not be scrobbled. In other words, you can't put in an audio CD and scrobble." So, that's a bit of a bummer.

Gallery: Last.fm (Xbox 360)

Continue reading Interview: Xbox Live on Last.fm

Interview: Xbox Live on Last.fm originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last.fm on XBL: free to gold subscribers, 3 hours per month for others

Kevin Kelly — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:45:00 EST

Microsoft announced at their E3 keynote last month that Last.fm would be coming to Xbox Live. We're working on an interview with key players at both Last.fm and Microsoft to bring you more details about the collaboration soon. However, we can share one tidbit: today we spoke with Christina DeRosa, a general manager for XBL, and she let us know who the service will be available to.

"Silver users will be able access what we're considering a trial period of three hours a month, which comes with video advertising. Gold users will have unlimited ad-supported access, so they can use it 24 hours a day. There will also be a premium offering on a subscription basis from Last.fm, that will be commercial free and will also have more sophisticated personalization features, like Loved Tracks."

Last.fm's subscription prices are currently $3.00 US (€3 EU or £3 GBP) per month, so you'll have to shell out an additional $36 a year if you want to avoid the ads and have full access to their service. You'll also need a Last.fm account, in case you haven't set one up already. Luckily, that part is free.

Gallery: Last.fm (Xbox 360)

Last.fm on XBL: free to gold subscribers, 3 hours per month for others originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pachter: Last.fm, Twitter the most important features of E3

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST

What was the biggest news of E3? Was it the PlayStation Motion Controller? Project Natal? The triumphant return of Samus? According to Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter, it was none of the above. As part of the Gamasutra Analyze This feature, Pacther stated that he believes the biggest announcement was actually Microsoft's injection of Last.fm, Facebook and Twitter into the Xbox 360 dashboard.

Pachter states that Microsoft's announcement was "far and away the most important one of the show," and one that the media failed to latch onto. Pachter says that Microsoft's ultimate goal is to solidify the Xbox 360 as "a functioning computer that happens to be located in the living room and is connected to the television." The Facebook, Last.fm and Twitter applications open the Xbox to the internet -- if only in a limited way -- moving it one step closer to the mythical, do-everything set-top-box we've been hearing about since the days of WebTV.

The analyst makes this point in reference to Apple, which hasn't managed (successfully) to do the same thing with AppleTV. Granted, that doesn't make much difference to gamers, but from a pure business perspective, we can see Pachter's point.

Pachter: Last.fm, Twitter the most important features of E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook on Xbox Live: What it is, and what it isn't

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:30:00 EST

We have a tendency to lose our focus when confronted with the adorable, spritely Felicia Day. As a result, our attention was diverted from her presentation about the upcoming Facebook functionality that's coming to the Xbox 360. In order to discern the console capabilities of the popular social network, we chatted up Facebook developer Gareth Davis. The highlights of his explanation of the service can be found after the jump!

Continue reading Facebook on Xbox Live: What it is, and what it isn't

Facebook on Xbox Live: What it is, and what it isn't originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook, Twitter on Xbox Live this fall

JC Fletcher — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:56:00 EST

Felicia Day (of The Guild) just demonstrated a new Xbox Live version of Facebook. Facebook on Live uses NXE-style navigation, allows you to view both of your Xbox friends and your Facebook friends in the same interface. Most interesting: the ability to post text and even screens from in-game. So now, not only will you get to voice chat with annoying jerks on Live, you can see what they're playing and read about their chemistry exams or whatever.

Also: Twitter is coming to Xbox Live! We'd say more about it, but that isn't in the spirit of Twitter.

Gallery: Facebook / Twitter on Xbox 360

Facebook, Twitter on Xbox Live this fall originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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