Source: Xbox 360 Spring 2011 update launches May 19

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Even before that new app smell has worn off from Hulu Plus, Microsoft will launch its annual spring update for the Xbox 360 Dashboard. Images sent to Joystiq by a Microsoft tech support employee reveal that the next Dashboard update will begin rolling out on May 19.

According to the documents, the update will be distributed in six separate waves between May 19 and May 30 "to ensure a high quality deployment." Additionally, while not technically part of the automatic update, Avatar Kinect is listed for a May 27 arrival as a separate download.

Aside from offering support for the new Microsoft disc format -- which will "be used in future game titles releasing later in 2011" -- the spring system update will enable PayPal support on the console, extending the payment option "to new international markets." PayPal will be "the only user facing feature" of the update.

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*Update*



New Xbox 360 System Update Starts Rolling Out


>> As leaked a few days ago, Microsoft is rolling out the new dashboard upgrade (2.0.13146.0) starting today. We of course suggest people with a modified DVD FW do NOT update for now until the update has been analysed, but as we know from the beta dashboards this update will probably flash your DVD firmware with a new one (mostly done to support the XGD3 disc format). If you decide to upgrade anyway, we HIGHLY suggest you get your DVD KEY before the update. You can then eventually try to reflash the modified FW after the update is done. But a new modified FW will probably be required (certainly to support those new XGD3 discs).

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I am happy to announce that, as a part of a new Xbox 360 System Update, were expanding our integration with PayPal to allow U.S. and international Xbox LIVE users to make purchases on their Xbox 360 consoles with their PayPal accounts.* Once youve linked your PayPal account to your Xbox LIVE account on Xbox.com, youll be off and running to use it as a billing option, allowing you to buy content such as Microsoft Points, Xbox LIVE Gold subscriptions and Games on Demand titles.

We are rolling out the Xbox 360 System Update gradually to all Xbox LIVE users starting today and throughout the next couple weeks to ensure a high quality deployment. Just like any other update to our service, you will know youve received it when you turn on your Xbox 360 console, connect to Xbox LIVE and receive a notification to download the update. Its important to note that it may take a few days to make its way around the globe. Thanks for your patience if you dont get it right away!

This particular update will also bring an auto-standby feature that places your console on standby if its idle for more than one hour, helping to reduce power consumption. This feature will be automatically enabled after you download the update. You can change this setting in the System Settings on your console.

Finally, thank you to all who participated in the preview program for this Xbox 360 System Update. Your contributions helped us prepare for the updated Xbox 360 disc format capability that comes with this release.

*PayPal functionality will not be available in the following Xbox LIVE regions: Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Hungary, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan