Xbox Live avatar will get pets on Dec 3

Microsoft officially confirmed that Xbox Live avatar will get pets companion on Dec 3. The pets range from Large Dog, Pug Dog, Dog in Bag, Cat, Siamese Cat, Long-Haired Cat, Goldfish, Guinea Pig, Pony, Monkey, Bird, and Snake. Should you want one, it will set you back 240 MS point ($3).
It hasn't been clear how you would interact with the pets, but it would be definitely tied to some advertising related product.

Now let's see some readers comment:
feliscele@gamespot

Oh, lemme guess...you'll have to pay 10 MS points every time you want to feed your pet. And if you don't, it'll die! Lovely.

OomJislaaik@kotaku
I suppose a virtual pet for a virtual me was practically inevitable.
You have to hand it to Microsoft, they really know how to milk something.
I can't fault them for that though, if consumers are willing to pay for something like this, then who am I to argue against it. Needless to say, it's an interesting addition to the "avatar dashboard universe", but one I won't be spending money on
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Xbox Live app coming to iphone

A new app called 360 Live is available in Apple Store. Like the name, the app lets you to manage your Xbox Live account from your iphone. Things that you can do are:

• Sign in securely using your Xbox Live credentials. 360 Live automatically retrieves your friends.
• Complete Gamertags management. Add, remove, accept or reject pending requests.
• An organized Friends List. Grouped by status (Online, Offline, etc.)
• Gamer Profile and details including gamerscore, bio, location, country, gamercard, avatar, etc.
• Check your friends' complete games history.
• Compare locked and unlocked achievements per game and gamertag.
• Send and receive messages. You can even send messages to multiple recipients!
• Gamercard coverflow style carousel on landscape mode!

Currently the app itself cost around $1.99, but Microsoft said back then that Xbox Live related application must be released on free of charge basis. So we might expect the price should be free soon.
Nevertheless, it is a good move for integrating Xbox Live into your social life. I expect PSN will also follow one day.

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Banned Xbox 360 modders plan class action lawsuit

Microsoft just banned Xbox 360 modders. It was reportedly around 1 million users, but was denied by Microsoft.
And now they filing a class action lawsuit. Apparently the argument is that Microsoft deliberately timed the ban around Halo ODST and Modern Warfare 2 launch date, because that's the period when users (including modders) most likely to subscribe to Xbox live. And by banning, the fee is not refundable.
And what did Microsoft said?
By modding the Xbox 360 console, they breach the terms of use, and Microsoft is within its legal rights to ban those modders.
Sometimes it just amazing how lawyers are trying to make money. They can even convince people to throw a lawsuit even they are in wrong position.
So modders lesson 101.. Stay away from Xbox Live.
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Microsoft responds to banning "unauthorized" storage device in its upcoming update

At last Microsoft announced a statement on why they start banning all "unauthorized" storage device in upcoming Xbox Live update. Many users angered by Microsoft decision, see it as an attempt to force customers to buy more expensive Xbox 360 storage devices.
The reason is... cheaters.

Microsoft goes to great lengths to protect the Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE service from cheating, which is the primary purpose and use of these unauthorized MUs [memory units]. Unauthorized MUs are not tested for compatibility or certified for safety and compliance standards and thus could damage customer’s Xbox 360 consoles

However, it will probably still not going to cool down the protest. And from personal point of view, it is still pretty weak reasons.

Source: Qj.net

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Xbox Live's upcoming big update sum up.

In June, Microsoft said that Xbox Live will get an update by this fall that includes hi def 1080p video content as well as twitter, facebook, and Last FM integration (only applicable to gold Xbox live members).
However, there are more that previously not mentioned. It will also have "Music marketplace" channel majority for downloadable content of music games like Rockband, Guitar Hero and Lips. It will also provide contents for Microsoft's own Zune handhelds.
"News and more" channel provides user to read from news portal such as MSNBC.com as well as watching news video.
But there is a bad news, the update apparently will lock out any unauthorized storage device. Means that user will forced to use Microsoft's original devices which are pricier. So before any of you update your Xbox Live, make sure you have transferred all your files from your current "unauthorized" storage device to your device. Otherwise you can't access your file thereafter.
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