Xbox 360 Dashboard Update: 'Bing' Search, Family Entertainment and PayPal Features (VIDEO)

By Elton Jones, Christian Post Reporter Monday, October 03, 2011

Microsoft's upcoming dashboard update for its video game system, the Xbox 360, is set to introduce a host of new features.

The update was recently shown at the video game expo E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo). Microsoft showed off the dashboard updates' new look and features that is said to be coming later this year. Microsoft's "Metro" design will be used as the update's physical appearance. This signature look was previously seen in Windows Phone 7 devices and the company's preview of Windows 8. Rather than the current panel-based dashboard, the new update will integrate Windows Phone 7-style tiles for users' listed content.

Kinect-based motion controls will allow users the chance to browse through their content by waving their hands in front of their television. Voice controls will also be featured on the update. Users can now give voice commands and give the names of movie titles and video games they wish to view to their XBox 360.

The content on the system will split up into several different categories. Featured family entertainment, such as animated films and E-rated video games, will be much easier to find now due to the included "Bing" search engine. This web browser will also provide users with news on whatever games, films and music they have saved to their system.

PayPal services are also expected to come with the dashboard update. The online pay service will now let XBox 360 owners purchase all types of game- and video-related content through their PayPal account.

A Bloomberg report noted actual details of the Xbox LIVE TV service, which is said to be incoming next week. Microsoft is said to be signing agreements with Comcast and Verizon in order to get cable television content for their new service. Bloomberg stated that "Microsoft also expects to sign deals with Time Warner Inc. (TWX)’s HBO cable channel, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Crackle streaming service, NBC Universal’s Bravo and Syfy channels and Lovefilm UK, a subsidiary of Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN)."

The dashboard update is said to be hitting the system on Nov. 15. Below is a leaked video of the upcoming update and its added capabilities.