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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