The lovely folks at Microsoft have stated that they plan to squeeze a few more years out of the XBOX 360. This is supposed to be done thanks to the plethora of “software+services” add-ons that they include in the XBOX 360. Enhancements like Windows Media Center extension, Netflix, Zune Video, Twitter, Facebook, Last.FM, and others have made this simple little box into the center of the living room universe.

I have to say that I’m quite impressed with the new life that the XBOX 360 is given each update. Granted there are some features I think should be better if I ever really hope to use them (looking at you Facebook and Twitter), you have to admit that the XBOX 360 is making it easier to stay in front of your TV screen and still be able to connect (or is that Kinect?) with your friends, even if their on MSN Messenger.

With each coming of the Fall, there’s much anticipation for what updates the XBOX 360 will get. Many of these additions were announced at the E3 event in June, and many details have been fleshed out over time. Now we’re getting down to the wire with the final full public release. While a hard and firm date hasn’t been set, you have to imagine it will be before the November 4th release of Kinect.

Today marks the day that select individuals become involved with the public preview of the Fall features for the XBOX 360. The public preview doesn’t include Kinect functionality, but it does has all of the main enhancements that everyone can expect to receive soon enough.

What I would like to do now is give you a tour of some of the highlighted features of the upcoming Fall update. Specifically, I’ll be discussing Zune Video, Zune Music and ESPN. I’ve included screenshots and video footage so you can see exactly how each feature works. You have to pardon the ghetto nature of my videos, but you definitely get a feeling of how each feature will operate when the update goes live to everyone.

Also, please note that these videos, photos and my review are based upon a beta preview of the XBOX Live Updates. Remember, changes can still be made and implemented before the final launch of the product.

*Keep scrolling down the blog, ladies and gentlemen! =) 

Table of Contents:

• Zune Video on XBOX 360 (article)
• Zune Music on XBOX 360 (article)
• ESPN, Dashboard & Conclusions (article) 
• See all videos via our YouTube playlist (youtube)