Microsoft releases Spring 2011 Xbox 360 Dashboard update
As noted by Major Nelson, Microsoft today began rolling out its Spring 2011 Xbox 360 Dashboard software update, bringing new features and enhancements to the user interface of the company’s game console.
The first major new feature coming in this update is further integration with PayPal services. Users can now make purchases on their Xbox 360 using their PayPal account. Things like Microsoft Points, Xbox LIVE Gold subscriptions, and Games on Demand can be purchased using PayPal.
Next, Microsoft has introduced a new auto-standby feature on the Xbox 360. This feature will automatically place the console in standby mode if it’s inactive for more than one hour. This feature will reduce power consumption and can be turned off in the System Settings section on your Xbox 360.
This update also adds support for Microsoft’s new Xbox 360 disc format that has been in testing for the past several months. The format is dubbed “XGD3″ and allows up to an extra 1 GB of space on game discs by removing unnecessary sections.
Finally, Microsoft is planning on launching Avatar Kinect, a feature that allows avatars on the Xbox 360 to move based on your actions using the Kinect video sensor. The feature was first announced by Microsoft at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this past January and will be launching on May 27th.