The problem discovered is an issue related to video playback, as analysis provided by Eurogamer’s Digital Foundry have shown evidence that video playback quality is worse after installing the new dashboard update, compared to playing videos with the older build.

Problems noted include video content being ‘forced to run at limited range RGB levels’, along with a drop in color quality, with one screenshot provided showing black colors being changed to grey. One particularly worrying aspect of this issue, is that it was apparently already discovered in the dashboard beta program, but the feedback from testers didn’t gain enough momentum it seems and were included in the final build that Microsoft released to the public.

So far, Microsoft are yet to comment on the problem, but we have a feeling they will be issuing some sort of official statement before the end of the week. Considering that this is just related to video playback though, some of you may argue that this isn’t really a major issue since it doesn’t affect gameplay in any way. If you use your Xbox 360 to watch a lot of video content though, it may become a frustrating problem.

We’ll let you know if Microsoft release a statement regarding this, but in the meantime, let us know if you have noticed the differences in video quality between the two dashboard builds as well. Is this a big deal for you or not?

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Starting from tomorrow, Microsoft will be introducing Xbox 360 gamers to their new ‘Metro’ style user interface, which replaces the old New Xbox Experience format with a fresher, slicker horizontal, Windows Phone / Windows 8 interface.

Mostly importantly, you’ll be pleased to know that the new update is noticeably quicker than the previous dashboard performance, and Engadget has already sampled the new build and have completed their review which we can share with you.

We told you that Kinect voice integration is one of the main features of the update, while other subtle changes include things like ‘My Xbox’ being changed to ‘Home’ on the dashboard, and friends being changed to ‘social’. Bing search is now fully integrated into the dashboard as well, even allowing the user to search Bing using Kinect if he or she wishes to.

Interestingly, Engadget claim that the installing the new dashboard update to your Xbox 360 will also improve on your systems overall bootup time. According to their test, their Elite console booted up in 22 seconds to the home screen, a full 3 seconds quicker than it took on the older dashboard.

Check out their review above for the full lowdown, there’s also some great preview images if you have no idea how things will look once you’re updated. Expect the update to roll out tomorrow, but there’s no specific release time yet. For those of you who have a PS3 as well, do you prefer the Xbox 360 interface between the two or does Sony’s XMB still win over a matter of preference?

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As far as we’re aware, Microsoft has yet to confirm the news themselves officially, but it is being widely reported that the company will drop the new dashboard update on Tuesday December 6th.

If this is the first time you’ve heard about a new update on the way, we can tell you that the new build will introduce a Windows Phone 7-style interface to Xbox 360 owners, while adding significant feature improvements as well.

Features noted so far include total Kinect integration on the dashboard allowing you to navigate through the menus hands-free, and also the rollout of new TV and movie services giving Xbox 360 users a much more on-demand media service straight from their consoles. Users will also get YouTube and Microsoft Bing search support, while confirmed TV services so far include the likes of BBC iPlayer, HBO, Lovefilm and Channel 4′s 4oD service.

We expect Microsoft to officially announce the date later on today, but it does seem apparent that December 6th is the date to look out for, according to a report by Kotaku. Based on leaked images and videos which have already surfaced, the new update is looking very slick indeed and it is one which Xbox 360 owners should start getting excited about. The idea of controlling the entire dashboard using your voice-only is a pretty impressive feature, one which Kinect owners cannot wait to try out we’re sure.

If you want to have a sneak peek of the new update, you can check out a video again here – it’s well worth spending a few minutes of your time to check this out. If you have already seen glimpses of the new update yourself or indeed sampled it on your console via Microsoft’s beta program, let us know your thoughts on the incoming update.

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As with their previous dashboard updates to the Xbox 360, Microsoft are once again allowing a select number of participants to preview the new build before everyone else, in a special beta program that Microsoft are now opening up for register.

If you have been following our coverage of this incoming update, you may have seen the leaked video that became available last week or so, which gives you a detailed tour through some of the new features contained in the update, not to mention giving you a look at the brand new Windows Phone 7-style, tiled user interface.

Microsoft’s Major Nelson has given information on how to enter the beta for the Xbox Live fall update, and you’ll need to have your Hotmail account handy if you haven’t registered for the service before. Once you have created a Microsoft profile and filled out the lengthy forms, you just have to sit back and wait for Microsoft to inform you on whether you have been accepted into the public preview or not.

If you do get in, it will obviously be a pretty big deal, as the update itself may not go live until the end of November, so it is definitely worth trying your luck. One thing to note though, don’t worry if you notice some errors while going through the application process, as you can imagine how many users are trying to do this at exactly the same time, so just keep trying and eventually you will get to the end of the registration.

How excited are you about trying out the new dashboard update before everyone else?Did you have any problems on Microsoft’s program portal?

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That means that the new update for Microsoft’s console could be landing on Friday, November 25th according to Gigaom who state that this is the date in which Microsoft has apparently ‘targeted’ for release.

Thanks to the new report, we now know that Microsoft will be focusing their update not only on the new Windows Phone 7 style interface, but also with Silverlight features in mind which could provide new functionality and gesture controls for Kinect. Like we mentioned in the leaked video report, Microsoft’s Bing search will also play a key part in the next dashboard update, while fans of watching video content on the Xbox 360 will be pleased to hear that more services will be added to the console as well.

UK consumers should get BBC, LOVEFiLM, Channel 4 and Channel 5 apps as part of the video update, while those of you in the US will be able to enjoy content from the likes of Comcast, Verizon and HBO. Microsoft has yet to say a word on the dashboard update, but after the leaked video and this solid report dishing the dirt on new features, it’s safe to assume that the update is definitely on the way soon.

Are you ready to see a complete UI overhaul on the Xbox 360 dashboard, or do you prefer the existing layout. Once again, if you haven’t seen the leaked ‘Metro’ video showing the new UI, you should definitely check it out as it hasn’t been removed yet. We’ll inform you once we hear any official details from Microsoft regarding the update.

What features would you like to see in the Black Friday update?

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