Joystiq

Xbox Live March schedule: Free Xbox Live Gold, XBLA sale

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:47:00 EST

Major Nelson has dropped a new Xbox Live Marketplace schedule for the remainder of March and beginning of April and, while we knew about most of the major releases already, there's still some surprises to be found. First, the next two weeks will see some nice Deal of the Week promotions, with Virtual On: Oratorio Tangram falling to 800 ($10) and Geometry Wars 2 dropping to a paltry 400 ($5).

Beyond that, Xbox Live Silver members will also be able to enjoy free Xbox Live Gold -- including online multiplayer, Netflix, last.fm, Facebook and Twitter -- from noon ET on April 1 through noon ET on April 5. And, as if all that wasn't enough, Major announced that ten Xbox Live Arcade games will go on sale from April 1 through April 7. The full list of games hasn't been announced, though it will include Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, South Park and Defense Grid. Check out the full Xbox Live schedule after the break.

Continue reading Xbox Live March schedule: Free Xbox Live Gold, XBLA sale

Xbox Live March schedule: Free Xbox Live Gold, XBLA sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Left 4 Dead 2 multiplayer, Last.fm available to silver subscribers this weekend

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:15:00 EST

Microsoft has officially confirmed that the previously European-only Left 4 Dead 2 multiplayer event for silver members will now also occur in the US. The promotion begins this Friday, January 15, at 9AM Pacific and runs (screaming in horror) for 72 hours. During that same time, Last.fm will also be available to silver members.

Now, if one does take advantage of this event, we have a suggestion: Please put on the Morrissey station on Last.fm and contemplate why you own Left 4 Dead 2 with a silver account? No need to answer now, just take your time and listen to some introspective tunes before answering.

Left 4 Dead 2 multiplayer, Last.fm available to silver subscribers this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm now support Xbox child accounts in US

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:26:00 EST

The man known as Major Nelson has been so kind as to remind us all that child accounts for Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm have now been enabled for US Xbox 360 users. Once granted parental permission, Xbox Live child account holders over the age of 13 will be able to access these applications. The Major reminds everyone to make sure to select automatic logins for all the applications, otherwise you will be prompted for parental permission every time an app is launched. We'd have to agree with his advice. After all, Mom coming in to give you and your friends Tang and lemon squares: Cool. Mom coming in to log you into Facebook: Not cool.

Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm now support Xbox child accounts in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Microsoft prepping music streaming service, Xbox tie-in possible

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:29:00 EST

Speaking to the Telegraph, Peter Bale, executive producer of MSN, announced that Microsoft will launch a streaming music service "imminently" -- by the end of July, according to the Telegraph. Bale said the service will perform similarly to Spotify, a streaming music service which offers both an ad-supported listening option as well as a premium subscription with no ads (similar to Pandora in the US), though Microsoft has yet to reveal the business model of its service. Bale added that Microsoft is considering extending the service to the Xbox 360, though he divulged no concrete details.

Having already announced support for another music streaming service on Xbox, Last.fm, it's surprising to hear this announcement so soon after E3. It's not surprising, however, to think Microsoft would prefer to see its own service on the Xbox 360 as well. After all, the company has seen sizable success in renting movies and selling television shows on Xbox Live Marketplace, making music the next logical step.

With Microsoft set to unveil the Zune HD this fall, we wouldn't be surprised to see the new music service tying into the new Zune Video marketplace as well.

[Via Xboxic]

Microsoft prepping music streaming service, Xbox tie-in possible originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:29:00 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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Custom Twitter, Last.fm, Facebook X360s (for MS 'partners' only!)

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:30:00 EST

Microsoft's Major Nelson showed off several consoles that the company will be giving to its new partners, now being integrated into Xbox Live. The Major even noted that he may even "liberate" one and asked if anyone was with him. Um, yeah! Now we want Joystiq integration on Xbox just so we can finagle a console in our blue or yellowy/orangish color.

Also, theft is likely the only way to get your hands on one of these custom consoles (unless you've got a high-level insider at one of the involved companies). The Major makes sure to note, "To be VERY clear ... Those are special consoles made for our partners. They are not for sale anywhere." Hmm, five-finger discount it is.

[Thanks, B. Marriner]

Custom Twitter, Last.fm, Facebook X360s (for MS 'partners' only!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:30:00 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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