Xbox 360 update due Dec. 4, brings friend list views

The major fall update slated for the Xbox 360 now has a set release date and its first significant feature, Microsoft said today. The upgrade is now set to launch on December 4th and will incorporate Find Old Friends, a new service that will let users browse the friend lists of other gamers on the Xbox Live service. The addition follows in the footsteps of social networking sites and lets users reconnect with people they know without having to guess others' gamertags, the company says. Every feature available with the main friend list will carry over, such as friend and game invites as well as comparing game achievements.

Though the feature will be enabled by default, Microsoft intends to keep information private and is letting users restrict access to their friend lists just to existing friends or to block viewing altogether. Players can set the preferences through the Find Old Friends website today and will have the option of using it through the console when the patch arrives. More details of the fall update will arrive before the end of November.