The Xbox 360 has seen a lot of updates. For a while it received annual Spring and Fall updates Dashboard refreshes, but with the introduction of the NXE, these updates slowed. The latest iteration came with the launch of the Kinect and offered a few ancillary services such as Twitter and Facebook connectivity. The next update sounds like it will deal with the inner workings of the system in a more direct way.
Xbox brand guy Major Nelson took to his blog with the amazing site header earlier today to announce that they are now accepting beta applications for the next Xbox system update. The beta is open to US Xbox Live members. Here are some details regarding eligibility straight from the man himself:
- We’re looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good.
- This opportunity is open to Xbox LIVE Members in US region only*.To avoid any problems, read the survey carefully and double check all the information you provide.
- While both Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up, priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process.
The big news here is the beta will include testing of an “updated Xbox 360 disc format.” Huh? Blu-ray is the first thing to spring to mind, but that has already been debunked and wouldn’t make sense as it would require new hardware. A copy of Halo: Reach that utilizes this new format will be sent to all accepted beta testers.
So what does this mean? Probably not too much. Rather than offer higher density discs or faster loading, this update is probably related to increasing security and thwarting piracy. What do you think? Is there more here than simple security concerns?
Update 03.30: Digital Foundry reports that the new format will add an additional 1GB to game discs. This would raise the maximum capacity from 6.8 GB to 7.8 GB.
[Source: Major Nelson]
