Facebook, Twitter and Last.FM functionality has finally gone live on Xbox 360, Microsoft has confirmed.
"We've just released the latest new features for your Xbox 360. In case you've been off the grid for the past few months and don't know what is in this update, allow me to give you the some of the highlights: Facebook, Zune Video, Twitter and Last.FM," posts Microsoft mouthpiece Major Nelson.
Xbox 360: Social networking
Official trailer
1:09Facebook, Twitter on 360
Xbox 360: Social networking
Official trailer
1:09Facebook, Twitter on 360
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"Here is how to find 'em: Facebook and Twitter will appear automatically on your dashboard in the new My Community channel, Zune Video is in the Video Channel and Last.FM will be found under the Music Channel."
"Assuming you have the latest Xbox 360 system update from Xbox LIVE, these new features will automatically appear sometime over the next few hours," the Major notes.
"Availability of these features will vary by region."
Will be having a shot of Last FM and Twitter when i get home, seen loads of people using Last FM on my Friends list so interested to see what its like.
And I will mos def be trying out the 1080 Zune streaming, if it works this could be the the app I use the most out of all of them!
Last Fm is pretty cool. I've got a 24mb contract with Be with it usually at a steady 17mb speed. Is that good enough for HD streaming? If so I may use it.
They've said you can stream on pretty slow connection (it uses something like 4mb of bandwidth, but don't take this as gospel), so 17mb should be plenty!
Facebook is good for looking at photos, that's all I used it for. Still, it's not really anything to push as a reason for getting a gold sub, especially with the PS3 news today.
Last.fm is good too, but to be honest if I'm listening to music on my 360 I'm streaming it from my PC upstairs.
i don't have any need to use these new features. the 360 is connected to the TV which is also the computer screen for my brothers computer. so all i have to do is switch between inputs, and its there. it might not be the best setup as the tv screen isn't huge, but it works
Does anyone know if you can just choose to listen to one artist? At the moment all I can select is artist stations which have other bands on them. It's not too bad as at least the other artists are of a similar vein but it would be nice to have what spotify does.
Yeah, the streaming works fine in 1080p. I've got a 4mb connection, 3.5mb on a busy day like weekends, and I managed to rent Fighting with absolutely no probs whatsoever.
And to anyone who's interested, theres a sweet 4 min clip of Avatar on Zune marketplace now. Its free, and by streaming you'll get a clear answer on whether you qualify for HD streaming or not.
Does anyone know if you can just choose to listen to one artist? At the moment all I can select is artist stations which have other bands on them. It's not too bad as at least the other artists are of a similar vein but it would be nice to have what spotify does.
You can subscribe to last.fm for something like Ł3/pcm. I think this allows you to get no adverts and select tracks - not 100% sure though.
The good thing about it is finding stuff you've never heard based on stuff you like. I've found a few decent records this way! And it's handy for parties too.
Just tried them all and am leaning towards the general consensus that Facebook and Twitter need better integration with your Live profile. Last FM is cool and something I'll have on when studying.
The best thing though is the HD streaming, which works fantastic for me. Very clear, vibrant picture and sound and definitely something I'll be making use of.
I had the beta preview, it's all a case of style over substance - there's hardly anything on Zune Marketplace. I hoped this would change with the main release but there are still lots of empty categories too (GamerTV anyone?).
XBL is aimed at the US market primarily and everyone else gets crumbs despite paying more for the service.
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