E3 2009 – Microsoft Press Conference: Part 3 – New Dashboard Features

So now that we have seen what great games Microsoft has lined up for the future, its time to move on.

Part 3 looks at the new features that are being added to the dashboard, and boy oh boy have Microsoft been busy. From social networking, to sharing, they have added a lot and it’s pretty impressive to say the least.

Click through now to see what Microsoft has in store for the near future.

Tune In

Ok, to kick it off, Microsoft announced that they will be adding a new feature to the dashboard together with LastFM, which will give all gold members access to different radio stations at their own convenience.

Best part is, as long as you are a gold member, it is going to be added for sweet-nothing, really, absolutely free.

Feeling Left Out

The next announcements don’t affect us here in South Africa, which is a real shame because we don’t have proper Xbox Live support (it’s about time don’t you think), so I will skim through them quickly.

There is now a fully functional Netflix browser being updated, which now allows Netflix members to instantly play any videos that they want to watch. Microsoft also announced the the UK is going to be getting SkyTV at no additional cost, and that it is the first time that a function like this is being added for viewers, without the need to purchase any additional hardware.

Zune Video is also being added to the dashboard, and will be adding a service to the already existing video service on Xbox Live that is going to give members instant access to 1080p video. We can only dream.

Social Networking Comes To Xbox Live

Microsoft have obviously been watching world trends, and social networking is definitely the in thing at the moment.

Microsoft announced that they are brining two huge social networks to Xbox Live, namely Facebook and Twitter. Both services will have their own sections on the dashboard and allow features like instant updates as well as things like photo album viewing and all the other devious ways that connect you to all your friends while simultaneously destroying your real social life.

Next Up

Okay, so we have looked at the games and new features for the dashboard, so what’s left? Only the biggest announcement, that’s what.

Last Updated: June 2, 2009