360 Autumn dashboard tweaks detailed

Microsoft has confirmed the new and changed features due to be introduced in its next Xbox 360 operating system update.

Headlining the Fall Update is improved in-game voice chat quality thanks to a new audio codec, as well as a more streamlined Marketplace UI, intended to reduce the number of actions necessary to find and play content.

Also overhauled are the Avatars, changing the user-designed animated characters' proportions in order to make them more suited to use in Kinect titles.

Wireless networking is purportedly improved, more easily offering a list of available connections, while the virtual keyboard has been redesigned, with frequently-used phrases such as logins a priority.

In addition, users can sign out other controllers in-game, intended to de-complicate , for instance, assigning the correct instruments in music games.

US users will also see access to sports channel ESPN 3 and improved Netflix and Zune services for movies and music respectively.

No release date for the new system software has been offered as yet, though Microsoft has already run a closed beta program, and promised to implement further changes based on user feedback.

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