MILLIONS of Xbox owners have been left with a bad taste in their mouths after the latest console update bombarded them with ads.

While the new updates fix some long-standing issues, the Xbox user experience has also been impacted.

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Millions of Xbox users are left disgruntled by recent update on Xbox 360[/caption]

User experience impacted

Xbox 360 owners booted up their well-used consoles earlier this week to find a new update waiting to be installed.

In the update, Microsoft had finally fixed the heavily complained-about bug where video game box art and thumbnails were stretched or distorted on the home screen, following a previous update in July 2024.

What first felt like an exciting change for the retro console, has left some gamers disgruntled.

While the box art issue was resolved, the update also added sizeable ads to showcase Xbox’s newer products in its ever-growing roster.

Adverts for the Xbox Series X and S consoles now litter the 360’s dashboard alongside a QR code to encourage purchases.

Functionality issues and user complaints

The move by Microsoft to encourage users to upgrade was unwelcome.

One Reddit user shared their frustration: “The fact that they’re still hellbent on changing the Xbox 360’s menu, 20 years after its original launch, is just really funny to me, and the most Microsoft thing that Microsoft could do.”

Another confused user said: “That’s crazy that they’d update the dashboard to advertise the series consoles. Sales are doing so bad they had to go back to 360 to advertise.”

But it’s not all bad, as some gamers welcomed the change.

In contrast, one Reddit user said: “To be honest, I prefer this over the last ‘update’ to the dashboard.

“Fair enough it’s just advertising for their latest consoles, but it feels more “alive” than the last one, if that makes sense. Plus, the game thumbnail isn’t stretched anymore!”

Another added: “At least the game art isn’t stretched anymore.”

Time for change

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Xbox have released nine different types of consoles[/caption]

It has been 20 years since the launch of the Xbox 360.

And since 2005, over 84 million units have been sold, and its popularity and nostalgic value mean the console remains at the forefront of gamers’ minds.

As a result, gamers often return to the console to revisit their once favourite games, to take a trip down memory lane.

The Sun has contacted Microsoft for a comment.

WITH Brits enjoying the glorious sunshine, it’s the perfect time to revamp your garden with an affordable item.

Not only does it give your garden a bit of colour, but it can also attract wildlife.

Home Bargain

The Jardin Hanging Glass Bird Bath is available for just £3.99 at Home Bargains[/caption]

This can help turn your garden into a serene retreat – all at an affordable price point.

Bargain Bird Bath

The Jardin Hanging Glass Bird Bath is available from Home Bargains for just £3.99.

With a stained glass style design featuring flowers and butterflies, it provides a unique centrepiece for your garden.

Not only is the item pleasing to look at, but it can also become a haven for birds to drink and bathe in.

A description on the Home Bargains website reads: “Transform your garden into a wildlife haven with the Jardin Hanging Glass Bird Bath!

“Hand-painted and frost-resistant, this stunning piece invites birds to drink and bathe, adding a touch of charm to your outdoor space.”

Measuring at 21x40cm, it has plenty of space for an array of birds to cool off in the summer sun.

Bird Bath Cleaning Hack

Although bird baths can provide a tranquil paradise for wildlife, they can also become a breeding ground for algae.

However, there is a quick and cheap fix for this problem – and you probably already have it in your home.

According to experts at House Beautiful, throwing a few pennies into your bird bath can help to ward off algae.

One or two penny coins are best, as the copper acts as an algicide, slowing the growth of the slimy plant.

More Garden Buys

If you’re looking to seriously revamp your garden, we have found a range of affordable garden products.

This includes a similar stand-alone bird bath if you want more of a eye-catching feature for your garden.

Home Bargain

The matching Jardin Glass Bird Bath is available for £12.99 at Home Bargains[/caption]

The Jardin Glass Bird Bath features a stand design, rather than a hanging design.

Although it is slightly more expensive at £12.99, the bigger dimensions ensure that your garden is filled with happy birds all summer long.

For those looking for a bit of privacy from their neighbours, there are plenty of solutions.

This £19.99 middle buy from Aldi can help keep you cool, and give you privacy away from your neighbours’ prying eyes.

The Garden Wing Tarp can be easily tied to your garden or patio and is available from July 3.

Once your garden is nice and sheltered, it’s time to buy some comfy and affordable furniture.

The Mykonos Rattan 3 Piece Bistro Set from George Home is retailing for £149.

It includes two rattan-style chairs with cream cushions and a compact matching table.

You’ll have to be quick though, as last year the item sold out in 12 weeks.

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It’s part of a wide range of garden furniture available at Home Bargains[/caption]

MANILA, Philippines — One lucky winner bagged the jackpot prize of the Grand Lotto 6/55 worth over P72 million in the June 30 draw, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced. In its 9 p.m. draw, the PCSO said that the lone bettor guessed the winning combination of 03-54-24-36-18-46. Its jackpot prize amounted to P72,366,751.

INTER play Fluminense tonight with the teams battling it out for a Club World Cup quarter final spot.

And BoyleSports are celebrating game by offering brand new customers a whopping €60 in football free bets plus an extra €10 casino bonus!

BoyleSports are also offering customers an extra 25% boost on their Bet Builder winnings!

Find The Sun’s betting publishing principles here

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You will also be eligible for BoyleSports’ amazing special, which offers all customers an extra 25% on their Bet Builder winnings – claim that HERE*

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Responsible gambling

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• Problem gambling – problemgambling.ie
• Gamble Aware – gambleaware.org

Help with gambling addiction

If you have a problem with gambling, or you know someone who does, help is out there. Extern Problem Gambling is the leading provider of information, treatment, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Ireland.

GLASTONBURY fans have been left bitterly disappointed as the BBC failed to film one major performance.

Iconic band The Searchers performed their final ever gig over the weekend after 70 years of touring across the globe.

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The Searchers played their final ever gig on Fridat at Glastonbury[/caption]

Shutterstock Editorial

But it wasn’t filmed or aired by the BBC[/caption]

It was a momentous occasion for the band and fans were left over-the-moon that they would get to perform at the country’s biggest festival in order to bring their touring career to a close.

However, many viewers were left stunned to discover that the Friday night set would not be broadcast by the BBC.

The band were due to perform on the Acoustic Stage between 8pm and 9pm.

But fans hoping to catch it live streamed on the BBC iPlayer were left fuming when they discovered that there was no dedicated stream for performances on the Acoustic Stage.

Reacting in disbelief, one unhappy fan said online: “Surely The Searchers should be on one of the feeds live, last ever show.”

Before another questioned: “Will the BBC show The Searchers set??”

The BBC went on to clarify why they would not be broadcasting the group’s final ever gig in a statement.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We’ve celebrated The Searchers on the BBC with interviews with the band but unfortunately the Acoustic Stage is an area we haven’t been able to have cameras in throughout the years.”

Sir Paul McCartney was one of the revellers who was spotted in the crowd for the band’s final gig.

The Searchers had long been associated with popular Liverpool music venue The Cavern Club – the same club which gave The Beatles their start in the music industry.

Ahead of the gig, one of the band’s members, Frank Allen, spoke out to share his excitement at appearing at the festival for the very first time in order to close out their momentous career.

He said: “I have played shows across the world with The Searchers for over 60 years; Glastonbury has always been an ambition that has eluded us – until now.

“The Searchers are finally performing at the greatest music festival of them all.

“What a way to round off a tour and a career. I can’t wait to get up on stage and give our fans one final blast.”

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The iconic band have had a six-decade long career[/caption]

A MAJOR road used by thousands of Irish drivers has closed for days.

Dublin City Council has alerted motorists about the temporary closure on their website.

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A major road used by thousands is closed for days[/caption]

Google Maps

Broadstone Place Avenue in Dublin is closed for planned road works[/caption]

Broadstone Place Avenue in Dublin 7 is temporarily closed this week to facilitate planned road works.

The closure is taking place from 8am to 6pm between Monday, June 30 and Friday, July 4, 2025.

And motorists are being warned it will affect the stretch of Broadstone Place Avenue between Royal Canal Bank and White Lane.

Dublin City Council stated: “Broadstone Place Avenue (from Royal Canal Bank to White Lane), Dublin 7.

“Date – Monday 30th June 2025 to Friday 4th July 2025.”

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the duration of the road closure and local access will be facilitated when possible from all closure points.

Traffic marshals will be on-site at closure points to assist with traffic management and ensure access where needed.

For traffic wishing to drive along Broadstone Place Avenue, diversions will be in place.

Clear signage will be installed to direct motorists and road users are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during this period.

Dublin City Council added: “Pedestrian access will be facilitated at all times”.

Meanwhile, a busy Dublin street is also closing as a new rule change comes in.

Dublin City Council has announced that the transformation of Parliament Street will begin on Friday, July 4.

There will be a market held to celebrate the change.

And family-friendly events are scheduled to take place every weekend throughout the month, starting from July 5.

It’s believed that up to 23,000 people pass through the street on a daily basis.

ROAD TRANSFORMATION

This new measure will permanently close the space to traffic, reallocating it to walking and cycling.

It will also provide green and public seating.

The council said: “This space will provide an attractive north-south pedestrian and cycle route between City Hall and Bolton Street.”

It will link with Capel Street as well as between the east and west areas of Temple Bar. 

In May 2025, 90 per cent of respondents to a survey said they were in favour of enhancing public space and enabling two-way cycling.

The presentation to the South East Area committee showed a positive reaction, as the majority said they had a desire for fewer cars and more space for people.

People referenced the success of Capel Street as an example, citing the increased vibrancy, improved atmosphere and greater footfall as positives for local businesses.

SAFER AREA

They mentioned that the proposed measures would make the area safer and more pleasant to walk and cycle through.

It would also encourage families and children to visit, with outdoor seating perfect for socialising and community events.

Works on seating, planting and surfacing will begin on July 7 and will continue through the summer.

It is the third measure in the Dublin City Transport Plan 2023.

PARENTS have slammed a hot air balloon festival, billed as “captivating”, that had no hot air balloons, expensive food and a disappointing Eminem tribute act.

Promising live music and a hot air balloon display Balloons and Beats in Manchester was slammed for being “overcrowded” and “overpriced.”

Instagram/@balloonsandbeatsfestival

Punters were promised live music at the event[/caption]

Instagram/@balloonsandbeatsfestival

Parents were left unimpressed with the festival[/caption]

Parents turning up with their kids for a fun family day out were sorely disappointed by the lack of hot air balloons.

The event was held in Platt Fields Park, Manchester, over the weekend on June 27 and 28 and left punters furious with organisers.

Before coming to Manchester the festival had visited Nottingham and Wrexham, and over the summer will move to Salisbury, Hull, Chepstow and Birkenhead.

Parents were reportedly asked to cough up a whopping £58 for a family ticket admitting two adults and two children to the event.

The event promised to offer “captivating hot air balloon displays, electrifying live music and a thrilling celebration of family fun, infectious rhythms and captivating performances.”

But parents were left furious after it turned out to be the exact opposite.

Attendees said no hot air balloons made an appearance, food was overpriced and the live music was disappointing.

One parent told the Manchester Evening News: “In reality it was just a noisy and overpriced funfair.

“We paid so much for entry but were charged £5 for rides on top of that.”

The event was touted as being perfect for music lovers by organisers.

After being promised live music parents expected local bands to be playing but were left disappointed again with only one stage hosting tribute acts.

Parents left the event early after being offered nothing of what they were promised.

Dozens of parents and punters took to social media to complain about the event, slamming organisers who they claim “mis-sold” the festival.

According to organisers around 5,500 people showed up to the Balloons and Beats festival in Manchester.

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Parents were left disappointed by overpriced food and drink[/caption]

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No hot air balloons were seen at the “hot air balloon festival”[/caption]

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The event promised dozens of impressive attractions[/caption]

Complaints varied from overpriced food and beer to a lack of balloons to promised attractions not materialising.

A foam party, monster trucks, BMX displays and kids entertainers were all promised but not delivered as expected.

One upset punter took to social media to say: “Bought a family ticket on Friday thinking it was going to be amazing had the worst time ever.

“Security on the gate said we couldn’t take food and drink in, it was so crowded and on a boiling hot day queues to get any drinks were crazy.

“We ended up leaving after an hour and was so thirsty and weren’t paying them type of prices.

“Will definitely not be going next year £6 for a small kids slushie was so expensive and line was massive.”

The Sun has contacted the organisers of Balloons and Beats for comment.

CORONATION Street star Melissa Johns has announced she’s pregnant with her first baby with husband Dan Hampton.

Melissa, who played Imogen Pascoe on the ITV soap, shared the news with her fans on social media on Monday.

Instagram/melissa_johns_1

The star posted a sweet clip of her on a sandy beach, as she showed off her growing baby bump in a red and orange floral dress.

Rex Features

ITV

Melissa has campaigned for actors with disabilities to have more roles[/caption]

The parents-to-be then shared a kiss, before they tenderly cradled her stomach and sweetly embraced one another.

A pair of baby booties were placed on the sand, along with a picture of the scan, a soft toy and a mirror with the words “Baby H-J 2025.”

Melissa captioned the post: “Oh Baby. We made a wish and it came true…Baby H-J – we can’t wait to meet you. Forever grateful.”

The happy news comes eight months after Melissa and Dan tied the knot in a lavish ceremony.

The actress and disabled rights activist looked stunning in a white off-the-shoulder bridal gown.

One snap shows the newlyweds jokingly posing with pals during the wedding reception.

While another clip shows the happy couple entering their reception to cheers from their guests. 

The happy couple were surrounded by their loved ones and her ex-Corrie co-stars.

Fellow former Coronation Street actress Bhavna Limbachia also shared multiple snaps from her pal’s big day via her own Instagram.

One snap shared by the Rana Habeeb actress shows her and her actor husband Darren Kuppan posing alongside Melissa and Dan.

Melissa joined the ITV soap in 2017 as Imogen Pascoe, the girlfriend of Kate Connor (Faye Brookes).

The character appeared on and off for almost two years before making her final appearance in July 2019.

Since leaving the soap, Melissa has forged out a successful acting career with her currently starring as regular Miss Scott in hit ITV series Grantchester.

She has also had roles in hit shows including The Interceptor, The Split and I Hate Suzie.

The actress has also made appearances in Casualty, Doctors and Silk.

Melissa is also a disabled rights advocate and often fights for better on screen representation of disability. 

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Melissa has starred in various dramas including The Split and TV series Granchester[/caption]

CONTROVERSIAL band Bob Vylan have been stripped of their US visas ahead of a tour later this year.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau confirmed that visas belonging to the controversial punk duo had been revoked because of “their hateful tirade at Glastonbury”.

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Bob Vylan performing on the West Holts Stage during the Glastonbury Festival[/caption]

Bobby Vylan, the frontman of the band, chanted “death to the IDF” and other alleged anti-Semitic slurs during their appearance on the West Holts stage on Saturday.

The band has subsequently been dropped by reps United Talent Agency after a flurry of talks between bosses.

Christopher Landau, Deputy Secretary, posted on X: “The Department of State has revoked the US visas for the members of the Bob Vylan band in light of their hateful tirade at Glastonbury, including leading the crowd in death chants.

“Foreigners who glorify violence and hatred are not welcome visitors to our country.”

It comes after PM Keir Starmer last night blasted the BBC for allowing the hate-filled rant to be broadcast on live TV.

Demanding an explanation from director-general Tim Davie, the Prime Minister said: “There is no excuse for this kind of appalling hate speech.”

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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KEITH EARLS thanked fans for their support after revealing he had become “tired” and “burnt out” since retiring from rugby.

The former Ireland and Munster winger hung up the boots following the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to New Zealand.

Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Since then, the 37-year-old threw himself into post-rugby work with Eleven14 – a coffee production company the Limerick-native founded.

However, his commitment came at a cost, as he outlined in a lengthy Instagram post last week.

Earls explained: “The last two years since I retired have taught me more than any course, book, or business coach ever could.

“I built something I was proud of. A real business. Real customers. But somewhere along the way, I lost myself in it.

“I was always working. Always thinking about the next move. Saying yes to everything.

“And even when things were going well… I felt tired. Disconnected. Like I was building something for everyone else while missing the moments that actually mattered to me.

“It took hitting that wall mentally, emotionally to realise: The business isn’t my identity just like rugby wasn’t. It’s just a tool.

“Not a badge. Not a burden. Not the full story of who I am.

“Now? I still build. I still care. But it’s different. I’ve started choosing presence over pressure. Structure over chaos. Quiet over performance.

“I don’t need to chase a purpose anymore. Living well is the purpose.

“If you’re tired from building something that’s burning you out you’re not alone. You’re not behind. You’re just human.

“I’m looking forward to building Eleven14 while staying true to my values.”

His honest and open admission prompted supportive comments, both from general fans and former rugby colleagues.

Bundee Aki, Niall Scannell, Simon Zebo, Jack Carty and JJ Hanrahan all commented in support.

Jean-Marie Stander – wife of former Ireland international CJ Stander – said: “Think this is so relatable for many people”.

The outpouring of backing clearly blew Earls away, as he posted a follow-up message to say thanks.

He said: “Just wanted to say thanks for all the messages, shares and replies to my last post.

“Honestly didn’t expect that response, just felt like something I needed to say out loud.

“Things are great. I feel more calm, more clear, more grounded than I’ve felt in a long time.

“I’ve got a beautiful family and great friends. A business I care about on my terms now. Good people around me. I’m very lucky.”