Xbox User Interface Updated

Before joining Directions on Microsoft, Rob worked at Microsoft for 14 years where he designed technologies for Microsoft products and... more

The latest Xbox updates delivered through Xbox Live occurred in Dec. 2011. Xbox 360 consoles that are connected to the Xbox Live service have their system software automatically updated semiannually and at other times when patches are required. Microsoft typically uses the two regular updates to substantially change the look or features offered in the Xbox user interface. The Dec. 2011 additions include the following:

A refreshed Metro-style user interface, with a look similar to Windows Phone and the upcoming Windows 8, replaced the previous Xbox user interface, improving organization and navigation and adding full Kinect voice command and gesture support.

New television, movie, and music services became available from the first group of several dozen new partners. (For a chart of the content partners, see “Xbox Live Content Partners“.).

Bing search integration lets users find games, movies, television shows, and music that are available through one of Xbox Live’s services or already downloaded to the Xbox hard disk. Searching by voice command is supported with Kinect. The exclusive use of Bing on the Xbox could help Bing gain search market share.

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