YouTube user and Xbox 360 mod expert iTzLuPo has posted a video revealing what is purported to be the latest Xbox dash upgrade. He says a friend who wishes to remain anonymous tipped him off to the new look and tools. We’ve already seen the Windows mobile UI refresh and heard Kinect voice commands will be improved, but the video offered a few more details. Unfortunately, it’s been pulled (the above image is not from the video).
As per usual, you’re advised to take everything you seen with a grain of salt. That said, there are a few new features that deserve mention, many of which were hinted at during Microsoft’s E3 press conference, but since then we’ve heard very little.
- Discoverable: A new application called Discoverable shows up in the video and is a service that helps “companion devices” find your Xbox. Smartphones and Bluetooth devices would connect to your console seamlessly. We heard earlier this summer that Windows 8 would integrate Xbox LIVE as well, so maybe there’s some sort of PC-connectivity that will be part of this as well.
- Skype: ITzLuPo insists that Skype will be woven into Xbox and will appear in the dashboard. It will integrate with LIVE.
- Beacons: These let you update your social sites (Facebook and Xbox LIVE are specifically mentioned) in advance with what time you plan to play.
- Kinect: Kinect voice command will be more extension and have more gestures you can use.
- YouTube: YouTube will be available via the dashboard, as will Bing search.
The upgrade is allegedly going to be available in late August or early September. Since the videos were posted, iTzLuPo says Microsoft was none too pleased and asked him to remove the information.
