The rumour doing the rounds on various gaming forums at the moment is that the list of new features and tweaks that this Autumn's Dashboard update is set to give has been leaked. Most tellingly, the rumour makes an appearance on the official Xbox forums, with no rebuttle from Microsoft yet to be witnessed.

Including a mass of updates, the biggest feature is the promise of Xvid support, which seems oddly timed consdering the 360's own online video service already bringing in huge heaps of cash.

For gamers, a new feature in the Games tab promises to be the source of all those future MMO beta tests that PC gamers are regularly treated to. Plus, there's the promise of online only Flash games to test your metal at, a welcome addition considering how much improved the Flash platform is in these modern times.

Whether the list will transpire to be a load of old rubbish remains to be seen. But if it's a mere hoax, it's quite an elaborate one.

The list in full...

* Compatibility with 3rd party wireless controllers
* Compatibility with messenger pad
* Xbox Live Vision firmware upgrade, sharper image filtering
* Many more Vision Cam settings
* New screensaver settings - when away from Xbox 360, screensaver will play for optional time, before screen goes dark
* New Xbox Live Arcade blade - where you can download, play and learn about Xbox Live Arcade
* Brand new "web based adver-games" flash games which aren't downloaded, but are playable bite sized games, accessed via new Xbox Live Arcade Blade
* New Screensaver option in Themes and Gamer Pics option in Marketplace blade
* New functionality with Messenger, works with chatpad
* New XNA Game Launcher for those that have the program, new options
* New language, time and date settings
* New "advertising opportunities" in gameplay
* Xvid support
* New "favourites" option via Xbox Live Arcade, can rate according to preference
* IPTV Functionality - support for TiVo like PVR options. Will be able to record TV direct. Options include source by channel, director, actor and distributor
* Filter friends list, will be able to filter friends via games
* New clan support - will be able to launch clan games direct from dashboard, can "fold" friends into new clan category in friends list
* Better translations in settings and other options for Japanese, German and Spanish languages
* New quick option to delete via X Button in memory viewer.
* Option for having downloadable In-game content not inform when completed download
* Option for having video content not inform when completed download
* Faster settings for viewing unfinished video content downloads
* New option in Games tab - beta and others, will be launcher for MMO and multiplayer betas
* New option in Marketplace Games tab, search by letter, can be inputted via text pad or console
* Smarter game settings - you can be messaged via publishers about new in-game content for your games
* Picture in picture functionality for DVD Drive and some other updated settings
* Improved USB Keyboard settings
* Improved voice chat settings in game and from dashboard
* Faster response times to Redeem Code settings
* Option to play a Redeemed Code game straight after redeeming code
* Console will now recognise low Hard Drive space, will inform you immediately if can't download current item, will automatically download next available that is able.
* Increased space size for gamerpics and dashboard themes
* Themes can now be animated
* Themes may now have sound effects
* Better slideshow capabilitiesm new options added. New sound effects and integration with Hard Drive/ PC music capable.
* New estimated timer for downloads, informing how long download will expect to take

Source: Xbox.com

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