The fall update for Xbox 360 launches today. Here are some of the new features:

• Dashboard Redesign - The dashboard has been changed to use Microsoft's current Metro interface. This includes updates to most/all current apps. Additionally, Kinect users have many more capabilities for gesture and voice control.
• Bing Search - Users can search for content wherever it may be available. For example, searching for a show or movie will bring up any current location (whether it be in Zune/Netflix/etc.).
• Roaming Profiles - This feature replaces the necessity of recovering a profile to a console. One can simply log in on another system.
• Cloud Storage - Essentially, this functions like a digital memory card that you can access from anywhere. However, it is a Gold exclusive feature. Users who let their memberships expire will still be able to access those saves, but can't upload new ones.
• Beacons - These are similar to game invites, but are persistent. It is possible to flag interest in a game or application and have it come up where relevant. For example, a user will be notified when someone on their friends list starts a game that they have set.
• Xbox Companion - Windows Phone now features an app that can be used to integrate with the Xbox. It can be used to search for content, make purchases, view friends list data, and even control the system to a degree.

In addition to the update, a large number of entertainment applications are starting to roll out. Check the link for all the various apps for different countries and their estimated release. It would appear that many of them do require a Gold account to use, although this doesn't appear to be detailed.

Update: While not as capable as the Windows Phone one, an official app has been introduced for iOS.

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An update regarding the recent PSN downtime has been posted today on the official Playstation blog, indicating that the reason for the downtime is due to an unauthorized intrusion into Sony's network. Patrick Seybold, Sr. Director of Corporate Communications & Social Media, has released an official statement to notify PlayStation Network and Qriocity customers that the intrusion occurred sometime between April 17th and April 19th and it is believed that user account information was compromised. Here is an excerpt from the statement that details what information they believe has been stolen:

"Although we are still investigating the details of this incident, we believe that an unauthorized person has obtained the following information that you provided: name, address (city, state, zip), country, email address, birthdate, PlayStation Network/Qriocity password and login, and handle/PSN online ID. It is also possible that your profile data, including purchase history and billing address (city, state, zip), and your PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained. If you have authorized a sub-account for your dependent, the same data with respect to your dependent may have been obtained. While there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, we cannot rule out the possibility. If you have provided your credit card data through PlayStation Network or Qriocity, out of an abundance of caution we are advising you that your credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may have been obtained."

The full statement can be found here. Oh, and for those who don't care about their personal information being stolen and just want back online, Sony also indicated that they intend to have PlayStation Network and Qriocity services restored within a week. Unfortunately, this also seems to be the first opportunity users will have to update their PSN passwords. In the meantime, it might be a good idea for PSN customers to update passwords on any sites that share the same email and/or username as their PSN accounts.

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Currently in the process of rolling out worldwide, the spring update for Xbox 360 brings a few new things to the console:

• PayPal - Previously introduced in a limited capacity on Xbox.com, users will now be able to access PayPal on their consoles as a billing option. Several excluded regions are listed in the link above.
• Auto-standby - A new option to reduce power consumption, this feature will put the console on standby if it is idle for over an hour. It will be active by default after obtaining the update, but it can be turned off in System Settings.
• New disc format - This new format is not only said to improve copy protection, but it will also clear up disc space for developers. Reports say that it will result in an extra gigabyte available to use.

This update is said to be launching in waves over the next few days, so it may take some time to show up for most console owners.

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