MicroSoft is about to bring age restrictions on the new versions of Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm to their XBOX 360. It will be will be restricted to gamers with Xbox Live Gold subscriptions and will be only for users over 18, at least for now.
Xbox’s “Major Nelson” Larry Hryb says:
“We made this decision because as it stands now, parents aren’t able to use Family Settings to customise which of these applications their children can access. In order to offer an age-appropriate environment for everyone, we decided to turn off these applications for those Gold members under the age of 18. We want to make sure everyone was aware, however, that the development team is working on an update that gives parents the choice of which social applications their children can access.
This means that Xbox Live members between the ages of 13 and 17 will be able to use Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm as long as their parents approve. The team hope to roll this out several weeks after launch and I will update you on the exact date as it gets closer.”
Microsoft and Sky together has launched long-awaited video-on-demand and streaming service for the Xbox 360.
Xbox Live Gold subscribers will have access to 24 channels from Sky and up to 400 movies from the Sky Movies channel. The content is free if you are both a Gold and Sky subscriber. Sky Sports and Sky Movies will also cost extra if you do not already have them.
Sky Player doesn’t require Xbox owners to have a dish installed, but in order to access the service gamers must first hold a gold-level Live membership, currently £40 ($65/€44) per year.
“All live content will be streamed in standard definition, while on-demand content will be sent over in DVD quality”,
Microsoft has announced that its anticipated addition of BSkyB TV programming to the Xbox 360 will begin on October 27th in the UK.
Also Graeme Boyd, Xbox community manager for Europe, announced the news today via Twitter, with an “official” announcement set for next week.
The tweet said:
“October 27 – that’s the date when you’ll be able to watch TV from Sky on your Xbox 360. Channel line-up and pricing to come at launch.”
From Xbox Home,
The Sky Player, Sky TV’s online service, launches on Xbox LIVE this autumn, bringing with it a vast array of channels and programming that you can view live or on-demand. The ink is barely dry on the deal and we’re still finalising the full line-up, but you can reckon on accessing blockbuster movies, Premier League football, absorbing documentaries and the very best of music, the arts and must-see entertainment shows for all the family – all delivered direct to your Xbox 360 without the need for a satellite dish or any other kind of separate plug-in device. A broadband connection is all that’s required.
Another good news for the Xbox fans. According to Microsoft marketing executive James Halton the Xbox people are planning to include Twitter and Facebook support into XBox 360 before this Christmas.
Speaking to Eurogamer at a company event today, Halton told the site Microsoft is targeting an “autumn” date for the integration of the social networking sites, although wouldn’t narrow it down further.
“A lot of the background work’s been done for a lot of the applications that are coming,” he added. “It will be before Christmas.”
Microsoft unveiled Facebook and Twitter functionality for the Xbox 360 at this year’s E3. The services will enable users to link Xbox Live friends with their Facebook profiles, share photos ad status updates and capture in-game moments to upload instantly to a Facebook application.
Another great news for gaming world. XBox is expecting to launch XBox 360 with natal support in 2010 Q3.
For all who are not familiar with the name NATAL.
Natal is a technology in which camera sensors are used for detecting movements made by users( game players in this case ). Then this is turned to video game play back.So the thing we dont need a controller for controlling the game.
Project Natal according to Microsoft:
Introducing Project Natal, a revolutionary new way to play: no controller required. See a ball? Kick it, hit it, trap it or catch it. If you know how to move your hands, shake your hips or speak you and your friends can jump into the fun — the only experience needed is life experience.
Now if that comes to XBox thats good news right?.
Digitimes Report about this:
Aptina Imaging has been selected as the exclusive supplier for CMOS sensors to be used in Microsoft’s Project Natal motion sensor system that will be bundled with Xbox 360 consoles.
“to meet demand for the Xbox 360 game controller, Aptina plans on upping capacity at its fabrication facility in Italy that makes 8-inch wafers and look for a partner in another foundry.”
). Then this is turned to video game play back.So the thing we dont need a controller for controlling the game.
