The “Break it Down” Blog

Microsoft is going to be releasing a fall firmware update for the 360, and while nothing official has been reported, this is the rumored list so far:

• Compatibility with 3rd party wireless controllers
• Compatibility with messenger pad
• Xbox Live Vision firmware upgrade, sharper image filtering
• Many more Vision Cam settings
• Screensaver settings - when away from Xbox 360, screensaver will play for optional time, before screen goes dark
• Xbox Live Arcade blade - where you can download, play and learn about Xbox Live Arcade
• Brand “web based adver-games” flash games which aren’t downloaded, but are playable bite sized games, accessed via Xbox Live Arcade Blade
• Screensaver option in Themes and Gamer Pics option in Marketplace blade
• Functionality with Messenger, works with chatpad
• XNA Game Launcher for those that have the program, options
• Language, time and date settings
• “advertising opportunities” in gameplay
• Xvid support
• “favourites” option via Xbox Live Arcade, can rate according to preference
• IPTV Functionality - support for TiVo like PVR options. Will be able to record TV direct. Options include source by channel, director, actor and distributor
• Filter friends list, will be able to filter friends via games
• Clan support - will be able to launch clan games direct from dashboard, can “fold” friends into clan category in friends list
• Better translations in settings and other options for Japanese, German and Spanish languages
• Quick option to delete via X Button in memory viewer.
• Option for having downloadable In-game content not inform when completed download
• Option for having video content not inform when completed download
• Faster settings for viewing unfinished video content downloads
• Option in Games tab - beta and others, will be launcher for MMO and multiplayer betas
• Option in Marketplace Games tab, search by letter, can be inputted via text pad or console
• Smarter game settings - you can be messaged via publishers about in-game content for your games
• Picture in picture functionality for DVD Drive and some other updated settings
• Improved USB Keyboard settings
• Improved voice chat settings in game and from dashboard
• Faster response times to Redeem Code settings
• Option to play a Redeemed Code game straight after redeeming code
• Console will now recognise low Hard Drive space, will inform you immediately if can’t download current item, will automatically download next available that is able.
• Increased space size for gamerpics and dashboard themes
• Themes can now be animated
• Themes may now have sound effects
• Better slideshow capabilities, options added. sound effects and integration with Hard Drive/ PC music capable.
• Estimated timer for downloads, informing how long download will expect to take

And more rumored support I read was Facebook-esque social networking additions, making it easier for friends and friends-of-friends to network via XBox Live. There are privacy requirements, like allowing “full visibility” of your profile is dependent on your age and so on.