New Xbox 360 Dashboard

Bros123

What does everyone think?
I don't like this avatar thing very much!!

Pics here: http://www.engadget.com/photos/microsoft-giving-the-xbox-360-a-totally-new-dashboard/919561/

Basq

For those who haven't seen it:



Hate it - Nintendo phoned.. they want their Mii's back!

omb0wyn5ehpij9

basquille wrote: »

For those who haven't seen it:



Hate it - Nintendo phoned.. they want their Mii's back!

Exactly what i was thinking!

Bros123

I'm 33.I really don't want to be playing with avatars.

Mr E

Yeah, although you have to say - the interface is pretty slick looking. It'll be interesting to see it in action.

Captain Chaos

The new interface does look good, a tip towards Vista imo. The Avatars are not so good in my opinion, MS please leave them on the Wii or make them optional. If they made them as your gamercard with a pair of arms and legs all the better.

Bros123

Yes,if you had the option of no avatars it might be ok but it seems MS have based the whole interface on avatars.

Fresh Pots

How do you get this new dashboard, does it just appear as an update, I've been online for about half an hour now and still nothing updated:(

Vic Vinegar

I just got out of my cave. Is this actually happening? and soon?

ironictoaster

It looks like Windows Media Centre to me. It's a meh. At least you know that all them gamerpics you bought will be going down the drain and replaced with avatars.

Bros123

lonely_soldier wrote: »

How do you get this new dashboard, does it just appear as an update, I've been online for about half an hour now and still nothing updated:(

When they announced it they said "This Fall".

Fresh Pots

Bros123 wrote: »

When they announced it they said "This Fall".

Ah! Just wishful thinking on my part then. I thought it was out now!

Bros123

lonely_soldier wrote: »

Ah! Just wishful thinking on my part then. I thought it was out now!

I don't know about wishful thinking,I think it looks terrible!!

grimm2005

I like my blades. boooo-urns to the new interface by the looks of that pic. hopefully ther'll be a "classic interface" mode or somthing like that.

creggy wrote: »

It looks like Windows Media Centre to me. It's a meh. At least you know that all them gamerpics you bought will be going down the drain and replaced with avatars.

Do people actually buy them!?

Terminator

The new update will also allow optional HD install of disk games. As an Elite owner this is the best news of the day as far as I'm concerned.

Faster load times, reduced pop-in and more importantly less turbo jet engine noises.

Fol20

I like the new dashboard...the one currently being used is getting rather old.I must admit that i dont like the avatar thing..and what will happen to themes and gamerpics that people have bought over the past few years?

Dman001

Well the old dashboard will still be there, within the new one.

Bros123

Dman001 wrote: »

Well the old dashboard will still be there, within the new one.

The old dashboard won't be there,the new one is mandatory.

-annex-

Bros123 wrote: »

The old dashboard won't be there,the new one is mandatory.

From Official Microsoft Press Release:
Dashboard built into the new Xbox Guide. For everyone who loves the blades interface, it’s not going away; they are now built directly in to the new Xbox guide. Every feature and option is available right from the guide. You can even access your full games library at all times. No matter where you are (in dash or in game), immediately call up your games played list and directly launch a game.

johnny_ultimate

Hmm not really liking this. Haven't seen it in action so this may change, but I really don't like the avatar nonsense: despise Miis, and these don't seem any better. Call me old fashioned, but the faceless user settings are doing me just fine :pac:

Bros123

-annex- wrote: »

From Official Microsoft Press Release:
Dashboard built into the new Xbox Guide. For everyone who loves the blades interface, it’s not going away; they are now built directly in to the new Xbox guide. Every feature and option is available right from the guide. You can even access your full games library at all times. No matter where you are (in dash or in game), immediately call up your games played list and directly launch a game.

Well this is what Engadget are reporting:

Xbox Dashboard / Guide and Live

* "No functionality goes away" in new Dash -- so you won't be missing anything you have now.
* Microsoft's Shane Kim says the company has "no plans to create a [Sony] 'Home'-like environment. ... It's about delivering base functionality at the service level." So it sounds like the avatars won't have a Home-like virtual theme-park to run around in.
* No comment was made about Xbox price drops or how long it will take to get to the all-important $199 price point.
* There will be no increase in your number of Xbox Live friends. Psh.
* Don't like the new Dashboard look or avatars? Sorry, sucka, it's a mandatory update. Hey, at least it's free.
* Microsoft didn't have any comment on what it intends to do about the whole modded controller thing.
* The content Marketplace will be overhauled and revamped to ensure it's easier to navigate and much more scalable for the huge amount of content it's got.

-annex-

Bros123 wrote: »

Well this is what Engadget are reporting:

Xbox Dashboard / Guide and Live

* "No functionality goes away" in new Dash -- so you won't be missing anything you have now.
* Microsoft's Shane Kim says the company has "no plans to create a [Sony] 'Home'-like environment. ... It's about delivering base functionality at the service level." So it sounds like the avatars won't have a Home-like virtual theme-park to run around in.
* No comment was made about Xbox price drops or how long it will take to get to the all-important $199 price point.
* There will be no increase in your number of Xbox Live friends. Psh.
* Don't like the new Dashboard look or avatars? Sorry, sucka, it's a mandatory update. Hey, at least it's free.
* Microsoft didn't have any comment on what it intends to do about the whole modded controller thing.
* The content Marketplace will be overhauled and revamped to ensure it's easier to navigate and much more scalable for the huge amount of content it's got.

You stated that the old dashboard "won't be there". The engadget article doesn't say that at all. The statement I posted comes from Xbox Live General Manager Marc Whitten, courtesy of Major Nelson.

Cow Moolester

Annex is right. The current dashboard will be scaled down and now be the Xbox Guide.

bucks73

It does look a but plain but I am presuming you will be able to change themes/backgrounds. If you cant do we get a refund for any themes and gamerpics we bought? I doubt it.

I would also prefer a gamperic to an avatar any day.

grizzly

Terminator wrote: »

The new update will also allow optional HD install of disk games. As an Elite owner this is the best news of the day as far as I'm concerned.

Faster load times, reduced pop-in and more importantly less turbo jet engine noises.

Yes, this is the best part. It will take away two major complaints compared to the PS3 – A) it being noisier, multiple discs (not really a problem if you can install them all and just keep the first one in the drive).

Dont be at yourself

It takes away two major complains compared to the PS3... by replacing them with another major complaint leveled at the PS3 - installing games to the harddrive!

New dashboard looks good. The blades dashboard was just downright ugly.

ghouldaddy07

never been a fan of the blades myself would welcome abit of a change.

alot of people are speculating that you will be able to say install halo and then no longer need the disc but I wreckon that just means we will get games that need installs+disc ala various ps3 games.

if thats not the case microsoft must be insane and video rental companys are gona make a fortune.:D

DarkJager

"immediately call up your games played list and directly launch a game"

I'm assuming that would be without the disc? If thats true, then it is indeed the most awesome thing ever and I must now go and look for my Xtravision rental vouchers

Fnz

bucks73 wrote: »

If you cant do we get a refund for any themes and gamerpics we bought? I doubt it.

I would also prefer a gamperic to an avatar any day.

Knowing Microsoft, they'll probably charge for these MS Miis™.... with options to spend more points on fancy shirts, hats, jewelery and, of course, fancy pants for said Miis. :rolleyes:

FreeOSCAR

I wonder exactly how they are going to implement the games been booted from the HDD rig marole. How is this going to affect game sales if people can just rent games out and leave them on the HDD? Its not going to be as easy as that.

Only 6 places are getting the Xbox Experience (gameshows etc at launch btw)

They are
--America
--Canada
--Germany
--United Kingdom
--France
....
--Ireland

quad_red

FreeOSCAR wrote: »

I wonder exactly how they are going to implement the games been booted from the HDD rig marole. How is this going to affect game sales if people can just rent games out and leave them on the HDD? Its not going to be as easy as that.

I presume the disc still has to be IN the drive. It'll check the disc is there and then run the game from the HDD.

Maybe?

Fingleberries

I have to admit, I'm curious about the new interface. It'll take some getting used to, but we'll see if it's a goer.

I kind of like my Gamerpic at the moment, but really am not too pushed if it changes to an Avatar. Particularly if they integrate it well into the Arcade games, it could be worth it.

If the Xbox 'Prime Time' quiz show channel, etc. is included as part of your Live Subscription and the games (like 1 vs. 100) are advertisement funded then it could really be a good laugh. It'd be sucky if you have to pay more for this Prime Time on top of Gold, and you buy 1 vs 100 only to have to wait hours to actually have 100 to play against.

For the HDD install, you'll need to have the disc to launch the game and prove you own it. From Major Nelson

· Play from hard drive. Copy your games from the game disc and play directly from the hard drive. Not only will the drive not spin, but load times are quicker, as well. Of course, you will still need the disc in the tray to prove you own the game.

Something that's really sneaked out in all the announcements ... More Portal coming to Xbox Live Arcade this year.... Brilliant stuff!

FreeOSCAR wrote:

Only 6 places are getting the Xbox Experience (gameshows etc at launch btw)

They are
--America
--Canada
--Germany
--United Kingdom
--France
....
--Ireland

Is that true or wishful thinking ...? Great if it is true.


One of the other new things, the NetFlix thing, would be great if only NetFlix were available over here. d'oh!

FreeOSCAR

@Fingleberries. No thats the truth, its in a Eurogamer new article. Probably the one about Xbox Experience. Cant linky it for you as im proxied out in work.

Fingleberries

Cheers for the heads-up FreeOSCAR ... I was able to narrow my Google search with that - here's the link to the Eurogamer article.

Nice one. I can actually see this being a bit of craic as long as it's not another subscription on top of the Gold subscription.

Kinetic^

Oh jesus, this looks horrible. The avatars best be optional.

Fingleberries

Kinetic^ wrote: »

Oh jesus, this looks horrible. The avatars best be optional.

From Joystiq

Avatars

• They're not looking to create a "Home-like" environment for your Avatars – that doesn't mean a third-party wouldn't be able to do that, however
• You'll be able to keep your gamertag pics if you so choose, though they're encouraging everyone to transition to Avatars
• Games can reward you with items for your Avatar (chainsaw, please!)
• There will be no increase in the 100-friend cap on Xbox Live this Fall
• There will not be any Group (think Facebook) or Clan support in this update – they're hoping the "Party" system will satisfy those requests (spoiler: it won't)

Define Encouraging

robinph

Don't like the look of these avatar thingys. I guess they are just trying to appeal to the kids though but as most xbox owners are not kids not sure how well it will go down.

-annex-

Can that eurogamer article be trusted in saying that Ireland is included in Xbox Experience (Xbox Live Primetime, specifically)? According to Joystiq it's only North America, Germany, France, and the UK. Same goes for the press release on Microsoft.com

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/xbox-live-primetime-limited-to-four-regions-at-launch/
http://www.microsoft.com/Presspass/press/2008/jul08/07-14E3ALLUPPR.mspx?rss_fdn=Press%20Releases

Mr E

If you want to see this in action, Eurogamer have a clip up.

http://www.eurogamer.net/tv_video.php?playlist_id=12196

I think it looks incredibly slick (yes, even with the avatars), and it a huge step forward from the blades.

CyberWaste

Fingleberries wrote: »

I have to admit, I'm curious about the new interface. It'll take some getting used to, but we'll see if it's a goer.

I kind of like my Gamerpic at the moment, but really am not too pushed if it changes to an Avatar. Particularly if they integrate it well into the Arcade games, it could be worth it.

If the Xbox 'Prime Time' quiz show channel, etc. is included as part of your Live Subscription and the games (like 1 vs. 100) are advertisement funded then it could really be a good laugh. It'd be sucky if you have to pay more for this Prime Time on top of Gold, and you buy 1 vs 100 only to have to wait hours to actually have 100 to play against.

Can you explain briefly what this 100 vs 1 thing is and this prime time stuff?

Basq

Muchos gracias Dave!

Does like quite sleek.. the avatars are still somewhat nauseating though!

Fingleberries

CyberWaste wrote: »

Can you explain briefly what this 100 vs 1 thing is and this prime time stuff?

MS are introducing a Multiplayer 'Prime time' channel with gameshows and some stuff on it, where you can play as your mii Avatar against other people.

If you've seen the 1 vs 100 TV show on BBC1 on Saturdays, there is one person drawn from a group of 100 to answer questions. The 100 other contestants try to answer them also, if they get them wrong they're eliminated from the quiz. The point is for the 1 to eliminate the 100 and win the prizes.

MS are using this as their first 'Prime Time' gameshow when the service launches - promising 'real prizes'. It's not clear yet if this will be part of the Gold membership (I hope so) or if it will be another subscription (I really hope not).

Eurogamer said that this should be available in US, Germany, France, UK and Ireland. A number of other places aren't mentioning Ireland specifically, so we mightn't even have to worry about it.

We'll wait and see, because we got the Video Market place the same time as the UK. Then again, they got 'Inside Xbox' in the UK with the last update and we didn't. So sometimes MS treats it as UK+Ireland, other times it's UK and Ireland seperately.

robinph

CyberWaste wrote: »

Can you explain briefly what this 100 vs 1 thing is and this prime time stuff?

The 1 v 100 was one of the quiz shows they had on around the UK lottery recently, I guess it's the same as that. You have to keep anwsering questions correctly untill all of the other 100 people are eliminated by answering wrong.

Mr E

Its pretty cool if they start offering free months membership, free points for buying stuff, free marketplace games etc. for doing well in the quizzes.

Besides, I can't imagine they'd be offering anything tangible (i.e. something they'd have to post out to you) but you'd never know.

Fingleberries

I agree - it's probably play for points, or for a free game or something they don't have to physically send to you.

In order for it to work properly, though it would have to be like a TV station and have advertisements during the 'show'. If you have to pay to play the prime time stuff on top of your live sub, I can see it sinking without a trace after an initial take up of curious joes.

silvine

Anyone else disappointed by the lack of clan support?

I like the deal with Netflix. Hopefully someone here teams up and rolls out a similar service.

I'd put money on Microsoft charging us for Avatar clothes etc. I like the idea of winning things in games though.

Any word on what's happening to achievement points?

bucks73

No word on Gamerscore points so I presume theres no change there.

That vid on the new dashboard looks pretty slick alright though Im not gone on avatars. Looks like you will need one though if you are going to be using the different party options.

Kinetic^

Fingleberries wrote: »

Define Encouraging

LOL!!! Like do I get free stuff for using them? :pac:

DeVore

I hate this interface. From a UI point of view it looks awful, noisy, cluttered and scattered. One of the things the "blades" interface did do well was cross connecting and grouping options.

I hate the MS Mii's. I dont really like them on the Wii where at least they fit with the theme of the console. I hate them on the Xbox.

You'll notice that almost nothing in that video talked about "games". Its all about media in the home/frontroom.... which explains the lack of "Clan" support, MS doesnt care about hardcore gamers, they care about the mass-market of video/music/media.

If it kills the ridiculous noise of the DVD player then thats a good thing. Everything else looks awful.

DeV.

bucks73

They have to take home entertainment/video/music seriously otherwise the PS3 will leave it in its wake thanks to the superior hardware. Where it can kick Sonys ass is in the content stakes. MS have said numerous times that they would be concentrating on downloadable material rather than an integrated or add-on Blu Ray player so they have to make sure that the content is of a high quality.

The majority of their briefing yesterday was based on games and they have something for everyone from hardcore gamers to casual gamers to kids/families/music fans and Japanese RPG fans.

Mr E

They're exact line of thinking is this:

"Wow, look how much money nintendo made with this social gaming shit and Miis.... lets copy it and see if we can do the same!"