Microsoft, under the current Xbox LIVE update preview program, has just announced that all unauthorized memory units and devices will be banned in the upcoming update. The upcoming update will also integrate with Twitter, Facebook and Zune.

This is a huge blow to manufacturers like Datel, who sell a 2GB expandable memory card for only $15 more than Microsoft’s official 512MB memory unit. This huge difference in price and value is sure to upset many consumers who use third party memory units to save their Xbox 360 downloads, gamesaves, and more. Datel also manufacturer’s the XPORT, XSATA, Transfer Kit, as well as Max Memory, although the XPort might not be affected Microsoft cannot detect it as even being a memory storage device. 

A Microsoft spokesman says they are only going after memory units that are plugged in front of the console, not unauthorized hard drives.

A representative from Datel says the company is ”disappointed” with the issue, noting that “Microsoft (is) taking these steps to prevent customers from exercising their freedom of choice”

Larry Hryb (also known as “Major Nelson"), director of programming, Xbox LIVE, stated on his blog that all unauthorized storage units would stop working with Xbox 360 after this update. Nelson suggested that users should save their profile and saved games on an ‘authorized (ie, much more expensive) Xbox 360 Storage device’ before taking the update. Users with unauthorized units will no longer be be able to access their user profile as well, and saved games will be barred.  He neglected to mention that users are not required to download the update if they choose not to.

Posted by admin on 10/20 at 08:46 AM
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