Xbox Live update going live on Tuesday

Xbox Live’s General Manager, Marc Whitten, confirmed that the new update would be released on Tuesday, November 17.  Among the new features, which has already been made available to Beta testers, include Facebook, Twitter, Last.FM and Zune support.

The Dashboard update includes:

• Facebook – Update your status to share what movie, game or entertainment you’re enjoying, connect with friends and view their Facebook stream, status updates and photos on the big screen – all seamlessly integrated and custom-built for Xbox 360. You can even compare your Xbox LIVE and Facebook friends lists to see which of your friends are on LIVE.

• Zune – Zune video on Xbox LIVE offers a full fidelity experience with instant on HD in 1080p and 5.1 channel surround sound. No waiting for downloads or buffering, it’s there at the press of a button. You can also share the experience with up to seven friends through voice chat and Avatar integration on the TV screen – it puts a whole new spin on “movie night.”

• Twitter – Stay in the know by discovering, posting and replying to Tweets right on your Xbox 360. You can even view friend profiles, trends and conversations, or search to see who’s tweeting about your favorite game.

• Last.fm – Discover more music and explore endless personalized radio stations with Last.fm on Xbox 360. Skip, “ban” or “love” tracks to create your perfect mix—we’ve even built in “Gamer Stations” with game-related types of music selected specifically for the gaming community.

• Xbox LIVE will also be debuting “News and More,” a new section of the “Inside Xbox” channel, transforming Xbox LIVE into a full-fledged media portal. With a regularly-updated stream of content from MSNBC, The New Yorker and Dilbert, “News and More” brings the latest in current events, arts and entertainment right to your fingertips.

Xbox Live now has over 20 million active members, with 114% growth in the number of new members joining in 2009. Equally impressive, Live users have made more than one billion downloads.

[via 360Sync.com]

Zune 3 phone: iphone Killer?

You just knew that this was coming, but I'm hopeful that Microsoft actually pulls it off. Specs and a photo of what possibly could be the Zune 3 phone are making the rounds on the Internet. With how popular the iphone is, this was an obvious move for Microsoft, and the hopes that this could be the iphone killer everyone is looking for.

The Zune 3 will have a full touch screen, Wi-Fi, IE, and will be available in 16GB and 32GB flash drives. It will also have a high quality, scratch resistant, touch-sensitive glass, and unlike the iphone, will not be restricted to one cell phone carrier. Nothing about if the phone will be 3G capable or not as of yet.

No word on availability or pricing, but we'll keep an eye out for this one.

Zune 3 Concept [Zune Scene via Crunchgear]

New Zune to have 80gigs: Anyone care?

Looks like Microsoft is preparing a new Zune for anyone who is interested.

Code named Scorpio, this new Zune will have 80 gigs to work with this time around. And should be ramping up production in late July, to target the holiday season. There isn't any word if there will be a European launch of the new Zune, but at least it hasn't been ruled out.

Read the rest after the leap. [Zune Scene via Crunchgear]

Rumor: Flash Zune to Come In 4GB & 8GB Flavors

Zune scene is proclaiming that the unannounced Flash Zune, code-named Draco, is set to come in a Nano-like 4GB & 8GB variety. That is all, thank you.

Lost In Translation: Europe Could Still Get Zune’s This Year

In the ultimate back track, Microsoft talking head Steve Ballmer tried to clarify that they still may sell the Zune in European market this year.

Read this gem here.

"Our primary goal was to get into market, offer some innovation and do some learning. The US is always an easy place to practice, because it is our home market. Over time, we will have various versions of Zune. And, it is obvious that we need to have new services, not just an Internet music store. So far, we have lost money in this business because of our investments. That is why we decided not to enter new markets so far. It will only pay off after we have reached some of the goals outlined. When this will be the case, I cannot tell you today."

Read the rest after the jump. [Zune insider]

EU Gets No Love: Zune Not Coming in 2007

Looks like the folks on the other side of the pond won’t be seeing Zune’s in time for Christmas after all. Steve Ballmer has made it clear that the Zune won’t be shipping over seas until sometime in 2008. So why the adamant statement? It’s pretty simple, really, Microsoft is still losing money on the Zune and it doesn’t make much sense spending more money when they're not turning a profit in the U.S.

Don’t worry E.U., you’re not missing out on too much. I kid, I kid.

Read the entire article after the jump. [i4u]

Zune Firmware 1.4: Out Today

Listen up, Zune users. Word has come down to my ears that a new firmware update for your handy PMP will be available for download today. It’s not a major upgrade, but it does improve the Zune’s shuffling action, which some users have hated on.

Clickity clack for the update. [Cesar’s Zune Insider]

One Million Zunes (Somehow) Sold

Wow!! Talk about a big time shock over the weekend.

Microsoft somehow managed to sell one million Zunes. Robbie Bach, Microsoft’s president of Entertainment and Devices, said that Microsoft had met its goal and that more Zune things will come later this year.

I could understand a smaller company getting excited about hitting this number, but Microsoft? Apple during their Q4 sold 14 million ipods, granted that was during the holiday season but it puts these numbers into comparison. Zune doesn't look so big anymore!!!

Microsoft, you've got a little more work ahead of you.

Zune coders lets Apple know how they feel

In the on-going war between Apple and Microsoft, some pretty funny stuff has come up from time to time. I have to give it to Microsoft's Zune HQ where this sign was spotted at, sitting at the entrance, complete with its not-so-subtle message.

They call it the "iPod Amnesty Bin"!!!

So if you look closely, you'll notice all the full size iPods look like the same 4G model. Oh, and someone also seems to have dropped in a 2G shuffle.

Oh those crazy guys at Microsoft have too much time on their hands.

Zune has an 'Adult Swim' over

If you're a fan of Cartoon Central's 'Adult Swim', Microsoft is introducing a 'limited edition' Zune with all of your favorites. The bad news is that only 500 are being made, and will be given away at a Turner promotional event tonight. The units will have pre-loaded content, including photos, music, and, naturally, such classic shows as Assy McGee, Metalocalypse (rawk), and even a new program titled Lucy, Daughter of the Devil (on screen).

I'm sure one or two of these will show up on ebay.

This is a good move for Microsoft, but they need to work on the Zune itself. The platform hasn't had any updates or improvements since its launch, not good!!!

Microsoft planning the next Xbox?

Is Microsoft planning the next Xbox? Well according to the US patent it is!!!

A patent for a ‘multi-component gaming system’ has been filed by Microsoft and it has led some to believe that MS is designing a new console that will serve as the hub for a network of wireless devices including cell phones, personal media players (the Zune) and PCs.

I'm sure that the Xbox 360 has a few years left before the next system (some are calling it the Xbox 720) comes out from Microsoft.

Read the whole story after the jump.