Xbox 360 firmware preview preps for updated disc format

Microsoft is preparing for a new Xbox 360 update, to test an "updated Xbox 360 disc format." The company is taking sign-ups for interested parties now, so check it out.

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Microsoft is getting ready for a new Xbox 360 firmware update, and is once again requesting testers for its System Update Preview program. Xbox Live programming director Larry Hryb (aka "Major Nelson") posted the details on his blog. This update is said to prepare for an "updated Xbox 360 disc format," though Nelson was vague on differences between current 360 discs and the new ones.

This update might also be the one to raise the Friends List cap above 100. The limitation was due to the legacy of the first Xbox, and the company couldn't expand it without shutting down multiplayer servers for Halo 2. Now that the servers have been closed, there shouldn't be anything standing in the way of the long-awaited Friends List expansion. Of course, don't take that as a guarantee.

Microsoft is seeking "multiple thousands" of US-based participants for the test. Silver members are allowed in, but Gold members will take priority in the selection process. Those selected will get a copy of Halo: Reach, plus "other possible rewards." If a free copy of a game sounds like apt pay for being Microsoft's guinea pig, sign up to be considered.

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    March 29, 2011 3:30 PM

    Comment on Xbox 360 firmware preview preps for updated disc format, by Steve Watts.

    • reply
      March 29, 2011 3:34 PM

      Has the friends list thing been rumored anywhere else? Or is this just wild speculation by Mr. Watts?

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      March 29, 2011 3:40 PM

      Free copy of Reach? Signed up!

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        March 30, 2011 2:15 PM

        Yeah, I know. I haven't gotten around to picking up that game yet... so that would work out nicely.

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      March 29, 2011 3:42 PM

      Brb resubbing for gold and applying.

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      March 29, 2011 3:46 PM

      FYI you'll need your Console ID and Serial Number to complete the process

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      March 29, 2011 4:00 PM

      Went to sign-up and stopped abruptly after reading "You acknowledge that due to the unique nature of pre-release software update programs, there is a risk that this software update may impair your console's functionality or even render it inoperable." No mention of whether or not they'd replace a console which became 'inoperable'. I wouldn't be so skittish except that this update will be essentially beta testing firmware. I don't feel like running the risk of bricking my 360 and then having to replace it on my dollar. My 2cents.

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        March 29, 2011 5:46 PM

        While I wouldn't risk it, I am sure it's just them covering their ass in case it did happen. I would imagine they tested it enough in-house that it's not a significant risk of killing a console.

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        March 29, 2011 5:59 PM

        This risk exists any time you turn it on and they push a dashboard update anyways. :p

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      March 29, 2011 4:18 PM

      he he he....firmware :)

    • reply
      March 29, 2011 4:21 PM

      Not for Canadians.

    • reply
      March 29, 2011 5:39 PM

      [deleted]

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      March 29, 2011 5:45 PM

      Did anybody discuss yet what this disc format is, I assume the reason why they are giving out boatload of copies of halo reach is because it is using the new disc format as a test bed for this firmware update.

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        March 29, 2011 5:47 PM

        I don't think the change will be too drastic. As it is, X360 discs are formatted to 6.5 gb at maximum capacity. I assume they'll change it something close to DVD9's capacity, probably to 8.9 GB.

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          March 29, 2011 6:05 PM

          [deleted]

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            March 29, 2011 7:29 PM

            Fuck you, FMV games need to make a comeback.

            • reply
              March 30, 2011 2:17 PM

              Yeah dude, I've been waiting for a sequel to Sewer Shark FOREVER!!

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            March 29, 2011 9:30 PM

            the entire C&C franchise (except Generals) would like to have a word with you

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          March 29, 2011 7:32 PM

          hell no. the new format has got to be seated in anti-piracy. i'm calling it.

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            March 29, 2011 7:40 PM

            That's what I'm thinking.

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            March 29, 2011 7:50 PM

            It seems to be a little late in the game for something like that, but I wouldn't be surprised.

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          March 29, 2011 7:52 PM

          I'd go with this. The digital signature tracks on each layer are most likely being consolidated and reduced in size. I doubt they'll change anything else about XFS.

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            March 29, 2011 8:10 PM

            I agree with these answers but I was mostly hoping for what shirif suggested in hopes of benefiting textures. Hopefully we find out soon what exactly this "disc format" is because i'm pretty curious.

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              March 29, 2011 8:21 PM

              Extra space on the disc benefits everything: textures, audio, video files. Depending on the disc layout, it can even improve streaming loading times.

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          March 29, 2011 10:13 PM

          Wait, what? Xbox uses DVDs but not the entire 9.6gb of it? Really?

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          March 30, 2011 2:34 AM

          [deleted]

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            March 30, 2011 2:44 AM

            You'd have the first bit of the disc in the old format and it would patch the machine's firmware, then the rest of the disc in the new format, I guess.

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              March 30, 2011 2:50 AM

              [deleted]

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                March 30, 2011 2:56 AM

                They could probably include a standard DVD data portion which would contain the firmware update and then the rest of the disc would be the 360 filesystem. They already do something similar to this on all 360 game discs. Toss one into a DVD player and see what happens.

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                March 30, 2011 9:24 AM

                You'd have to download an update for it to work, or they store the update data on disc if it's small, kind of like how PSP games do that.

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        March 29, 2011 7:45 PM

        [deleted]

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          March 29, 2011 7:46 PM

          [deleted]

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            March 29, 2011 7:58 PM

            lol, i had to ponder long and hard to figure out how to reply back to this but all I could come up with was that it sounded damn good and most definitely go down nicely with a nice tall cool glass of budweiser.

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        March 29, 2011 7:59 PM

        prolly new drm checks to detect custom firmwares

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        March 29, 2011 9:10 PM

        hd-vmd compatibility. lol not possible.

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        March 29, 2011 9:54 PM

        Blu-Ray lol

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      March 30, 2011 3:03 AM

      As someone who isn't US-Based.

      boohiss :(

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        March 30, 2011 5:27 AM

        I was in the beta for the NXE and I'm in the UK so who knows maybe they'll extend it...? Anyway Halo Reach really? I would have been happy with Combat Evolved but sure more Halos for everyone!

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      March 30, 2011 8:47 AM

      DVD18?....or bring back HD-DVD? Dear MS, please stick it to Blu. Thanks.

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