Xbox 360 Update

A software update improves features and fixes bugs with the Xbox 360 console and associated Xbox Live online service. Many of the improvements focus on the console’s digital media capabilities, such as DVD and music playback, which Microsoft is emphasizing in hopes of expanding the Xbox 360’s audience beyond the traditionally young, male audience for console games. However, the update will be delivered only to customers who connect their consoles to the Internet and sign up for Xbox Live (either the free Silver or subscription-based Gold level of service).

The June 2006 update includes more than 125 improvements and fixes, including in the following areas:

DVD playback. “Bookmarking” will allow users to pause a movie and insert a game, then resume the movie at the same point. The update also enables the console to play DVDs at high resolution (720p) when the console is connected to a compatible display over a VGA connection. Also included are general improvements to the playback experience, such as smoother fast-forwarding.