In a release sent out to press to recap its E3 2011 announcements, Microsoft added a few more interesting tidbits. The first is the addition of cloud storage to Xbox Live, allowing gamers to access their Live account and game saves from any console.
“We are making it easier for you to sign into your Xbox LIVE account from any console at any time to access your game saves and full profile, including items such as Microsoft Points to make purchases, Achievements and friends,” explained Marc Whitten, VP of Xbox Live. “Cloud storage will allow you to enjoy the same great Xbox LIVE gaming experience even when you’re not in your own living room by giving you the option to store your 'game saves' securely in the Xbox LIVE cloud instead of on a portable memory unit or your console’s hard drive.”
Xbox Live is also getting enhanced Facebook functionality for game invites with a new Beacons feature. Players can tag certain titles they’re always ready to play, allowing friends to invite you regardless of what you’re doing at the time, such as watching a film on Netflix.
“By setting a Beacon, you tell Xbox LIVE what you want to play. Then, Xbox LIVE lets you know when friends are playing or want to play the same game. With Beacons, no matter what you’re currently doing on Xbox LIVE your friends know that it’s ok to ask you to play your Beaconed games,” Whitten continued.
Microsoft had a lot of Kinect to get out of its system with its press event, so it’s understandable that these features got left out during the presentation.
