Xbox Live Facebook-Twitter update deployed

You have been hearing about it for what seems like an eternity, but today the update to Xbox Live that adds support for Last.fm, Twitter and Facebook integration, streaming HD movies and more is now live on Xbox Live. Simply logging in will give you all these features and more. Hopefully this is the last time we’ll ever have to mention this to you too.

With today’s update Facebook users will be able to update their status to share what they are doing (what movie they are watching, game they are playing, etc.), connect with friends and view Facebook streams, check out status updates and photos, compare Xbox LIVE and Facebook friends lists, etc. in a custom-built interface for Xbox 360. Twitter users can expect similar functionality. allowing you to share tweets and status updates from that popular service.

Microsoft will also launch Zune video in streaming high definition (1080p) with 5.1 channel surround sound - an experience that you can share with up to seven friends. Last.fm support is in there as well, allowing Xbox Live users to explore radio stations, skip, ban or love tracks and more. Finally Xbox LIVE will get News and More, a new section of the Inside Xbox channel that delivers content from MSNBC, The New Yorker and Dilbert.

Get the update by simply logging on to Xbox Live today.

Xbox 360: 10 million strong in Europe

Microsoft announced this week that it has achieved console sales of 10 million across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in just four years.

Microsoft claims that that Xbox 360 is the only console to achieve year-on-year growth across the region this year. Microsoft also claims more than 20 million Xbox LIVE active members worldwide and over 1 billion downloads of content to date, with movie downloads doubling in the last year alone.

“Reinventing entertainment through, play, watch, connect and share. This is the vision that we have for Xbox 360 and today that vision is the reality for 10 million Xbox owners,” said Chris Lewis, vice president Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft Europe. “European consumers are very discerning and demand a connected entertainment experience. That’s why we focused on providing content that is right and relevant for them and entertainment beyond just gaming to movies, music and social networking.

Next week will bring instant streaming high definition movies, Facebook and Twitter integration and a personalized music channel to Xbox 360 owners. Despite today’s news it has to be a bit disconcerting to know that the Wii has returned to the top of the retail charts in Oct. - even after Microsoft slashed the price of its consoles earlier in the year.

Next major Xbox Live update rolls out Nov. 17

We are a mere 5 days away the update from Microsoft that will add support for Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune on Xbox Live. Microsoft passed along a note to say that Nov. 17 will see this update officially go live.

Those have been involved in the beta already know that the updates allows Xbox Live subscribers to connect the dots when it comes to their favorite social networks. Facebook users will be able to update their status to share what movie, game or entertainment you partaking in, connect with friends and view Facebook streams, check out status updates and photos, compare your Xbox LIVE and Facebook friends lists and more. Microsoft promises seamless integration within a custom-built interface for Xbox 360.

Microsoft will also launch Zune video on Xbox LIVE featuring instant on HD in 1080p and 5.1 channel surround sound. You can also share the experience with up to seven friends through voice chat and Avatar integration on the TV screen, which is kind of scary. Twitter integration will also be in the latest update allowing you to tweet and reply to tweets right on your Xbox 360. You can even view friend profiles, trends and conversations, or search to see who’s tweeting about your favorite game.

Last.fm support will be added, allowing users to explore radio stations, skip, ban or love tracks and some special Gamer Stations with game-related types of music selected specifically for the gaming community (Available in the U.S. and UK). Finally Xbox LIVE will get News and More, a new section of the Inside Xbox channel offering a regularly-updated stream of content from MSNBC, The New Yorker and Dilbert.

Look for the update to go live on Nov. 17.

GameFly’s GameCenter App now available on iTunes

Video game rental company GameFly has launched its GameCenter App on the App Store for free. The GameCenter App gives iPhone and iPod touch users access to information from GameFly on more than 5,000 video games across all major platforms including up-to-the minute news, videos, screenshots, release dates, user reviews, gameplay controls, cheats, codes and more.

The app also supports syncing with Facebook and Twitter accounts, allowing you to share information with friends (also sometimes known as spamming). GameCenter is free and available to all iPhone and iPod touch users. GameFly subscribers can use the app to manage their GameQ and member information from within the app, which is a given that i’m a-takin’.

The GameCenter App is available for free from the App Store on iPhone and iPod touch or at itunes.apple.com. A walkthrough of the app can be seen after the break.

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Major Xbox Live title update to be open beta this month

According to MTV Multiplayer, the Xbox 360 title update we have been waiting for will be deployed into public beta later this month. You know, the one offering Facebook and Twitter integration as well as support for Last.fm. This is based on a meeting with Jennifer Puzio-Brookes, an Entertainment Manager for Xbox who was showing off the new features to media. According to her, a public beta will happen this month.

When the full highly public title update featuring all this stuff will be released we do not know. stay tuned.

EA and Double Fine’s Brütal Legend Dem-o-Thon

EA is holding a live event next week to celebrate the release of the Brütal Legend demo. Next Thursday, October 1st all involved will be hosting a Live Webcast from Double Fine Productions in San Francisco in support of the Brutal Legend Demo which will at www.brutallegend.com. This will let fans of the rock and roll action adventure game starring Jack Black and developed by Tim Schaefer a chance to interact with the development team, ask questions, take a peek inside the studio and witness some expected live hi-jinks.
The demo is set for release Oct. 1, on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live.

Double Fine’s “Dem-o-Thon” event will also allow for live questions from the Brutal Legend Twitter stream (www.twitter.com/brutallegend) as well as some other coolness and strangeness including giveaways, a message from Tim’s Swine Flu proofed bunker, spoilers, Live Axe Lessons, and much more.

Be sure to check out this lead-in video starring Tim for a chuckle.

Rockstar confirms GTA Chinatown Wars for PSP

According to the official RockStar Games Twitter account, Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars will be coming to PSP this fall. Several tweets reveal that the game will be released as a UMD and as a digital download via PlayStation Network. The PSP version of the game will be released October 20 in North America and Friday, October 23 in Europe.

No more info was revealed, but what do you expect from three tweets - War and Peace? More information when we have it.