New XBOX Experience - General Discussion

[KaneRobot]

FAQ/Stuff that people keep saying every single page:

1. "I HATE THIS, I WANT THE BLADES BACK":

Press the guide button.

2. "WTF, WHERE IS MY GAMERPIC?":

Press the guide button. Among other things.

3. TO DELETE DEMOS/GAMES WITH ZERO ACHIEVEMENT POINTS IN YOUR HISTORY:

Guide Button > Left Arrow > Achievements > select game with score of 0 > X button.

4. HOW TO INSTALL TO THE HARD DRIVE:

My XBox > Y button on left-most box > Install to hard drive (game must be in tray for both installation and gameplay).

5. "THE OLD THEMES LOOK LIKE CRAP NOW":

Yes, they do. Wasted money. Pony up for the new overpriced "premium" themes and you'll get something that fits the new layout a bit better. And something that gives your friends list a customized background.

6. QUEUE UP MARKETPLACE DOWNLOADS VIA XBOX.COM SO YOU CAN SHOP THROUGH YOUR PC:

http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/ (USA link)

Pre-release stuff:

Confirmed during the TGS presser, the update will be lauched on November 19th.

I actually got an invite during this second round of emails. There probably isn't much for me to discuss at this point but if I see anything cool I'll update here.

UPDATE 11/2/08 - Info from early NXE user:

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5056339&postcount=685 (thanks gordojones88)

------------------------

UPDATE 10/20/08 - Memory upgrade program now live:

Link (http://www.xboxstorageupgrade.com/hh/web/home/hhauthentication.jsp;jsessionid=6C557D90871149DD94 B97CBE7A62BE52?ssLocale=en_US) if you want to try to nab a cheap 20GB hard drive or free 512MB memory card.

------------------------

UPDATE 10/10/08 - For the 0.5% of you who do not have a hard drive or memory unit larger than the old 64 MB model: (Via X3F)
At 128MB, the New Xbox Experience will be too big for some Xbox 360s to handle.

The entry-level Arcade box has no onboard hard drive, but Microsoft has promised to release 'Storage Solutions' to help out those who will otherwise miss out on key features.

Speaking to Xbox 360 Fanboy, LIVE's Major Nelson said, "To help ensure all Xbox LIVE members are able to download the New Xbox Experience and enjoy its new features, Microsoft will be offering storage solutions to the Xbox LIVE community. We are not sharing details of this offering yet."

------------------------

UPDATE 10/8/08 - DVD vs. Hard Drive load times video:

Keep in mind that MS said it'll have a greater effect on older games - the game used in the video is GTA4 so you won't get a major difference.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/275585.html

(thanks bubbafett4hire)


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UPDATE 10/1/08 - Interactive preview videos

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/nxe/

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UPDATE 9/26/08 - Themes and Friends Channel pics & info

Via Gamescore Blog:
http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2008/09/26/ntmsxe.aspx

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UPDATE 9/25/08 - ExpertZone points status & Avatar customization video

FYI for all those who have access to ExpertZone, the points you earn don't carry over to the new site so you have to use them before Nov. 3rd or you lose them. (Thanks to life.exe)

Avatar customization vid: http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2008/09/19/561157.aspx (thanks Prime)

------------------------

UPDATE 7/31/08 - Leaked/rumored Avatar customization list:

Hats:

* Black Baseball Cap
* Baseball Cap
* Flat Cap

Hair:

* Side Parting Hair (and with hat)
* Slicked Parted Hair (and with hat)
* Clean Cut Hair (and with hat)
* Compact Hair (and with hat)
* Crew Cut Hair (and with hat)
* Slicked Hair (and with hat)
* Ponytail Hair (and with hat)
* Swept Hair (and with hat)
* Flat Hair (and with hat)
* The Captain Cut
* Old Hair (and with hat)
* Bun Hair
* Thick Hair
* Pig Tails
* Hair Layered with Fringe Hair Tied On Top
* Bob with Fringe Hair
* Spiked Hair
* Studious Hair Number 66
* Shaped Hair
* Basin Hair

Eyes:

* Happy Eyes
* Sharp Eyes
* Half Moon Eyes
* Focused Eyes
* Harmless Eyes
* Passive Eyes
* Relaxed Eyes
* Surprised Eyes
* Soft Lashes
* Restful Eyes
* Monday Morning Eyes
* Bold Eyes
* Soft Eyes
* Funky Eyes
* Wild Eyes
* Comforting Eyes
* Droopy Eyes
* Content Eyes
* Slim Eyes
* Excited Eyes
* Eagle Eyes
* Polite Eyes
* Rested Eyes
* Puppy Eyes
* Rounded Eyes
* Strong Eyes
* Boxed Eyes
* Thin Eyes
* Studious Eyes
* Tranquil Eyes
* Dark Eyes
* Dot Eyes
* Tilted Eyes
* Delicate Eyes
* Almond Eyes
* Wavy Eyes
* Thick Lashed
* Eyes Wide
* Awake Eyes
* Calm Eyes
* Slender Eyes
* Kind Eyes
* Drowsy Eyes
* Acorn Eyes
* Sunset Eyes
* Genial Eyes
* No Features

Eyebrows:

* Normal
* Straight
* Arched
* Studious
* Curvy
* Large
* Familiar
* Thick
* Small
* Angled
* Big and Flat
* Delicate
* Small and Thin
* Short and Thick
* Straight and Thick
* Half Moon
* Soft
* Strong
* Monobrow

Ears:

* Fantasy Ears
* Butterfly Ears
* Round Ears
* Elven Ears
* Long Ears
* Prominent Ears
* Shapes Ears
* Small Ears
* Spiked Ears

Nose:

* Define
* Boxer's Nose
* Curved
* Drooped
* Angled
* Hooked
* Bulbous
* Large
* Sharp
* Perked
* Rough
* Rounded
* Small
* Straight
* Long
* Tiny
* Wide
* Soft

Mouths:

* Spiked Puzzles
* Gentle
* Small and Rounded
* Curvy
* Deep Lips
* Smirk
* Grin
* Vibrant
* Unhappy
* Cheeky
* Lined
* Cute
* Fearsome
* Tongue Out
* Teethy
* Full
* Happy
* Open
* Bunny
* Vampire
* Wide
* Small
* Locked Teeth
* Glamor
* Thin Lipped
* Square
* Thick Lipped

Chins:

* Jaw Stubble
* Large
* Thin
* Long
* Chiseled
* Rounded
* Sharp
* Square
* Small
* Wide

Accessories:

* Funky Shades
* Hip Watch
* Sports Wristband
* Gold Ring
* Silver Ring
* Watch With Leather Strap
* Plain Bracelet
* Pink Bling Ring
* Green Bling Ring
* Cool Earrings

Tops Etc.

* Zip-Up Jacket with Chain Power T-Shirt (Green)
* Power T-shirt (Purple)
* Red T-shirt
* Polo Shirt
* Studious Checkered Shirt
* Blue Shirt Black Jacket with Zips Alt T-Shirt
* Manly T-shirt
* Cheap T-shirt
* Green Flowered Vest
* Tight T-Shirt (Orange)
* Tight T-shirt (Blue)
* Move T-Shirt Open Neck
* Navy Top
* Grey Shirt
* Yellow Cardigan with Green Vest
* Cowgirl Shirt
* Black Crop Top with Sweat Bands
* Short Brown Jacket Tight
* Green Flowered Vest

Bottoms Etc.

* Blue Jeans
* Grey Skirt with Thread Detail Three Quarter Length
* Camo Trousers
* Short Frilly Black Skirt
* Layered Black Skirt with Belt Denim
* Short Shorts
* Hawaiian Hotpants
* Grey Jogging Bottoms
* Turn-up Surfer Shorts
* Fitted Black Trousers
* Polkadot Skirt
* Jeans with Pattern Detail
* Jeans with Side Stitching
* Beige Chinos
* Brown Trousers
* Faded Jeans
* Navy Jeans
* Brown Camo Jeans
* Surfer Shorts

Shoes:

* Formal Shoes
* Orange Sneakers
* White Trainers
* Hiker Trainers
* Brown Decks
* Light Loafers
* White and Red Trainers
* Orange and Blue Trainers
* Dark Brown Decks
* Sky Blue Decks
* Orange Decks
* Pink Decks
* Brown Sandals
* Black Boots with Buckle
* Sports Trainers

Gender and Basic Options:

* Male Body
* Female Body
* Male Body Head
* Texture Head

Neutral Animations:

* Closet Examine
* Lower Closet Examine
* Shoes Closet Examine
* Upper Closet
* Spin Animation
* Creator Walk On
* Creator Walk Off
* Creator Look Down
* Creator Look Left
* Creator Look Neutral
* Creator Look Right
* Creator Look Up
* Creator Turn Left
* Creator Pick Me Start
* Creator Pick Me Stop
* Creator Pick Me
* Generic Clap
* Generic Stand 0
* Generic Stand 1
* Generic Stand 2
* Generic Wave
* Generic Celebration

Male and Female Animations:

* Angry
* Confused
* Idle Looks Around
* Idle Check Nails (female only)
* Idle Shifts Weight (female only)
* Idle Stomp Spider (female only)
* Idle Stretch (male only)
* Idle Turn Around (male only
* Laugh
* Sad Cry
* Shocked Surprised
* Yawn

------------------------

Original Post

Major Nelson (http://majornelson.com/) posted a few screenshots of "what themes could look like" with the upcoming dashboard revamp:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2674936568_0f9af1cea9.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2674486108_e1bb0a4947.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/2674936544_e92598b786.jpg

Not bad. At least they aren't useless.

[fart_bubble]

looks better than the way they integrated now

[SynGamer]

Not liking the harsh transition in the Gears theme. I really like the other two though, they actually look like wallpapers, props.

[KillJoi99]

Actually that looks way better than it does now. When seeing the new dash now I think it looks boring without one. But wouldnt they have to recode for every them so it works right with the dash and then reup it? If thats the case they better support old themes and have this ready for when the new dash hits.

[KaneRobot]

looks better than the way they integrated now

I'm loving how the Halo 3 one looks...I think the Gears one is messed up - there should be stuff where the gray area is - if it were corrected that would look good as well. The Viva Pinata one looks like crap. Obviously it'll vary from theme to theme, but if this is how they decide to do it, they definitely could have done a worse job.

[CouRageouS]

Thats what I had expected. I just hope the new interface stays clean like this without all the ads.

[fart_bubble]

I'm loving how the Halo 3 one looks...I think the Gears one is messed up - there should be stuff where the gray area is - if it were corrected that would look good as well. The Viva Pinata one looks like crap. Obviously it'll vary from theme to theme, but if this is how they decide to do it, they definitely could have done a worse job.

but if they had it so the theme would stretch the full screen in the part that the GOW one shows, it would look really cluttered and make your eyes bug out. With having the gray bar, it will make it easier to navigate that part of the dash.

fuck, I still don't think I worded that right

[SoulReaver]

Wow the new interface actually looks nice now.

[Soodmeg]

This new xbox dashboards scares me.

[doubledown]

When is the new dashboard supposed to arrive? I like it more now :)

[fart_bubble]

When is the new dashboard supposed to arrive? I like it more now :)

fall, when ever that is

[tokitoki50]

I hope it's early in the fall. My avatar needs some RB2 clothes. =P

And the themes look decent. I really like the new interface personally. I just hope it isn't as laggy as the blades were.

[Soodmeg]

I wonder if they are going to be any free onces.

All my themes are from movies and games that gave them to me for free.

[Davideo]

I'd have to say that is the most obvious way for them to be... Most themes had multiple backgrounds, I wonder how if it'd still switch through those since there are no "blades".

[doubledown]

Ok, so basically...all the new features hit this FALL. I believe I read Netflix is late fall also. Hopefully we get them sooner.

I also would assume the current themes would work....maybe it will randomize the blade pictures.

[Soodmeg]

I just hope to god that the thing works fucking faster than the one now. To me it always seemed like the dashboard lag a little to much.

[SoulReaver]

I'd have to say that is the most obvious way for them to be... Most themes had multiple backgrounds, I wonder how if it'd still switch through those since there are no "blades".
Different picture for each category?

[xcoax]

I do in fact fear change when it comes to this dashboard. This is the first time I've actually seen it and it doesn't look half bad. I don't see where they're going to be able to fit all the TMobile ads though...

[ryanbph]

looks good, the sooner the better...

I thought I had heard/read that the netflix will start up as soon as the new dash goes live. I don't see any reason why they couldn't do that.

[KaneRobot]

I guess Major Dickhead has an alias.

I forgot about ads. That takes some of the appeal away from those screenshots since you know the final product won't look as clean as that.

Most themes had multiple backgrounds, I wonder how if it'd still switch through those since there are no "blades".

True, but you're still moving right and left. I would assume they'd just put some quick change/fading effect on each background as you shuffled through them.

[thrustbucket]

I didn't see a thread focussing on this, just lots of threads that mention it. So I think we need one where we can speculate and post what we know.

Gametrailers has a direct feed walk through of it that's pretty thorough.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/36412.html

[DestroVega]

when is this supposed to happen? I am really interested in 1 vs. 100 live and how that works... I love the show and always thought there should be live versions of game shows online.... christ, the 3DO had one!

[KillJoi99]

when is this supposed to happen? I am really interested in 1 vs. 100 live and how that works... I love the show and always thought there should be live versions of game shows online.... christ, the 3DO had one!
Fall, everything new interface and new to the XBOX dashboard system is just outlined as fall. So that could mean anywhere from September-December. Its very vauge, but at least theyve put some timetable onboard instead of PS3 and Home.

[woodcan]

I'm scared.

I want my laggy dashboard to stay.

Honestly, I like the modern/cover-flow look but it sure doesn't sound/look like it's going to be easier to navigate and find things but the opposite.

[Salamando3000]

There seems to be a lot of empty space in the new design. I'm also curious how this'll affect the themes we already have for our 360's.

[tokitoki50]

There seems to be a lot of empty space in the new design. I'm also curious how this'll affect the themes we already have for our 360's.

These builds have no ads. Expect that to change.

[Chase]

Well, at least my Ghost in the Shell themes will still work.

[DCriminal]

The bit about the guide at the end saves the redesign in my opinion.

[CYRiX]

This dash sucks =\

[TheEyecon]

i like the current one better

[KingBroly]

Nelson had some concept shots of how theme pics could be used on this new dash...do not like it one bit. A lot of empty space in this dash. Not even non-usable, just empty.

[Salamando3000]

After looking at it again, I hate how they seem to make the "active" window the one on the far left...IMO, would've been better if they kept the active one in the center (and made it slightly larger), with the ones you've passed/are coming up to to the active window's left/right (respectively)

[Draekon]

The new dashboard looks horrible.

[thrustbucket]

I'm scared.

I want my laggy dashboard to stay.

Honestly, I like the modern/cover-flow look but it sure doesn't sound/look like it's going to be easier to navigate and find things but the opposite.

It's hard to see, but it looks like pressing the guide button will bring up what resembles the old dashboard, at any time, anywhere.

So for those that like the old way better, it looks like you can still just hit the guide button as soon as your 360 powers up and do it the way you use to.

[VipFREAK]

Only gonna get worse...

[lmz00]

I wonder how big the file will be. I like the dashboard just the way it is, though.

[life.exe]

I like it better than the current version, more simplistic and modern. Dont like the "avatars" though.

[LinkinPrime]

Here's some additional pics:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.xbox360fanboy.com/media/2008/07/dashwiththeme-1.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.xbox360fanboy.com/media/2008/07/downloadnewdash-1.jpg
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.xbox360fanboy.com/media/2008/07/playnowviva-1.jpg

Not bad...except for the Mii's...:puke:

[JohnnyFoxDarko]

Ahem.

I can't wait till my Mii has Gears armor. 8-)

[SoulReaver]

So did we ever get clarification if other users who don't have Netflix can still watch videos with you if you have the Netflix service?

[LinkinPrime]

Ahem.

I can't wait till my Mii has Gears armor. 8-)

If they allow that, it'd be pretty cool...but it seems that they all have the same typical shirt and pants templates.

[ryanbph]

So did we ever get clarification if other users who don't have Netflix can still watch videos with you if you have the Netflix service?


if it is true or not I don't know, but unclegamers E3 podcast stated they asked, and they were told everyone needed a netflix account. To me the way it was worded at the press conference, "being able to stream it to your friends" and the talk about people watch movies together, it would make sense that you could stream it to your friends w/o them having netflix but having a gold account.

[tokitoki50]

If they allow that, it'd be pretty cool...but it seems that they all have the same typical shirt and pants templates.

Remember when the avatar stories first leaked? They had one pic where the dude was in a bunny suit. I definitely think it's possible that they might have some crazy clothing options, especially for achievement unlockables.

[SNAKE EYES EX]

I think this interface looks great.

The blades were great for a console with 100's of piece of content, not 1000's. It was a great interface for 4 million hardcore gamers, but it's not great for 40 million consumers. This is far more organized and friendly interface.

As long as it's fast I won't feel like I lost anything.

[sendme]

so will the ones we have now work on the new dashboard?

[Danil ACE]

Did anyone else notice the heroic map pack being 150pts?

[Jesus_S_Preston]

I JUST want to be able to keep my gamerpic. The avatars are so fucking ugly.

[SpazX]

I'm not really a fan of the avatars either, but otherwise the interface looks pretty snazzy.

[Chase]

Remember when the avatar stories first leaked? They had one pic where the dude was in a bunny suit. I definitely think it's possible that they might have some crazy clothing options, especially for achievement unlockables.

It is going to be hilarious to encounter a clan of Furries.

[tokitoki50]

It is going to be hilarious to encounter a clan of Furries.

haha, oh god.. Well better than a troop of flying penises from second life I guess.

[Chase]

Remember when the avatar stories first leaked? They had one pic where the dude was in a bunny suit. I definitely think it's possible that they might have some crazy clothing options, especially for achievement unlockables.

haha, oh god.. Well better than a troop of flying penises from second life I guess.

True, true.

I call rabbit...

...

*flees*/*hops away* :-#

[Kyattsuai]

I'm sure at the very least they'll let you wear gamerpics as pictures on a T-shirt, or some insane full-back tattoo.

[DaveD]

People still play Halo?

[KillJoi99]

Did anyone else notice the heroic map pack being 150pts?
Really? Last I saw it was lowered to 600 MS Points for E3 week. If this is the case, Ill buy it right now, theres not much I can do with the 220 points Ihave right now anyway.

[KillJoi99]

so will the ones we have now work on the new dashboard?
Thats what MS is saying.

[KillJoi99]

The more and more I see the new blades in action the happier I am with the new system. Now that I see how themes look on them, Im pumped for the new update. I like most of you do not want an avatar, unless I can curb stop people in the community lobby.

[Corvin]

Count me in the minority but I kinda like it. I'd rather keep the gamertag icons than have a second Mii character.

[Nelo Ice]

new details
http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/891/891275p1.html

Speaking of which, all the themes and gamerpics you have already purchased will work in the new interface. Each channel will display the images that previously were housed on the blades, but on the upper half of the screen only rather than the full screen (see image below). Gamerpics will also still work alongside your avatar.


Whitten said the main channels of the new interface won't be cluttered with ads. Instead there will be a new section – the Spotlight Channel -- dedicated solely to marketing and advertising from Microsoft and its corporate partners. You might see info about an upcoming online event or a pitch for an upcoming third-party game in this section. The Games Channel is where you'll find the game-related content formerly associated with Marketplace. It has four sections: Browse Games, Top Downloads, New Arrivals and Major's Picks. From here, you can browse and buy Xbox Live Arcade games, Xbox Originals and downloadable content.

In order to make use of this function, you'll need to have the retail disk in the tray so the machine can authenticate the game. It will briefly spin up and then spin back down again when the hard disk takes over. If you want, you can even copy one disk of a multi-disc game to the hard drive. The payoff? Up to 30 percent quicker load times.

One of the coolest changes to the Dashboard is a major behind-the-scenes shift. Currently, if you're playing, say, Assault Heroes 2 with a friend online and want to switch to Carcassonne, you have to exit the game, go to the dashboard, start up the new game and re-invite your friend. With the new Party system you can bring up the guide in Assault Heroes 2, choose Carcassonne and take your whole party to the new game right from there. It's a huge change that should make playing games online with friends much more streamlined.


also major nelson confirmed MS is working on unlocking avatar clothing by unlocking achivements
http://www.gamespot.com/video/0/6194493/videoplayerpop?rgroup=e32008_live

[tokitoki50]

Whitten said the main channels of the new interface won't be cluttered with ads. Instead there will be a new section – the Spotlight Channel -- dedicated solely to marketing and advertising from Microsoft and its corporate partners.

That's HUGE. I'm really glad they decided to do this.

Also Unlockable avatar clothing = sexy.

[davyd]

Really? Last I saw it was lowered to 600 MS Points for E3 week. If this is the case, Ill buy it right now, theres not much I can do with the 220 points Ihave right now anyway.

Well...it's free, so don't go giving away your points. ;)

He was referring to the first screenshot, which shows the map pack at 150 points. I really wouldn't put it past them to start charging for something that was previously free, but there's probably a simpler explanation.

[porieux]

I'm kind of amazed at how blatantly they copied both Nintendo's Miis and Apple's CoverFlow.

Anything has to be better than the current system as far as themes go; I have almost never seen a theme that didn't look like a complete visual clusterfuck.

The party system is definitely cool though.

[Rig]

The 360 has been out, what, like three years?

All that time, and their current dashboard still isn't bug-free. There are still lockups and such, especially when the Guide button comes into play.

I hate to see them jump to a new dashboard, because they will almost certainly bring new bugs and shit right back to this new dashboard. And with their two-a-year updating system or whatever, it means we get stuck waiting for them again.

However, seeing that in motion looks promising...if only because it looks (and sounds) like the ads will not be pasted all over. I hate the Avatar looks though. Unlockable clothes will be cool, but I hope we don't see the option to purchase clothes.

[supermodestmouse]

i like the idea of customizing the avatar, but am waiting for the period when the cooler things are going to cost money and the lame things are going to be free.

looks cool, but can get very cumbersome very quickly. guess we won't have a choice though eh?

[RelentlessRolento]

I don't like avatars as well, but this should fix alot of complaints that were associated with the current dashboard. Think of it as MS's version of the XMB since it works exactly the same way.

[dastly75]

As long as it's fast, functional, and stable, I don't really care how it looks.

[Aleryn]

Hate the look of the new design so far, looks like a slightly glorified Media Center. A lot of WASTED space, and entirely too much priority afford to fucking aesthetics. Wish they'd just leave it the hell alone, it's VERY nice how it is... AND FUNCTIONAL.

[SynGamer]

Hate the look of the new design so far, looks like a slightly glorified Media Center. A lot of WASTED space, and entirely too much priority afford to fucking aesthetics. Wish they'd just leave it the hell alone, it's VERY nice how it is... AND FUNCTIONAL.
And extremely laggy...

[kaptinmorgan]

it looks sleek, but i'd rather have my gamerpic than an avatar, i guess we'll see what happens

[Corvin]

Whitten said the main channels of the new interface won't be cluttered with ads. Instead there will be a new section – the Spotlight Channel -- dedicated solely to marketing and advertising from Microsoft and its corporate partners.

That's awesome!

[KaneRobot]

People still play Halo?

Yeah. A lot of people. Props for being so very original with your jabs, though.

[KiLL3r]

The Dashboard looks a lot better with themes. Have they confirmed anything about Gamer pics?

[KillJoi99]

Hate the look of the new design so far, looks like a slightly glorified Media Center. A lot of WASTED space, and entirely too much priority afford to fucking aesthetics. Wish they'd just leave it the hell alone, it's VERY nice how it is... AND FUNCTIONAL.
Its called dead space, and it makes it look good not nearly as damned cluttered. Plus when you add a theme it spices it up more.

[thrustbucket]

Hate the look of the new design so far, looks like a slightly glorified Media Center. A lot of WASTED space, and entirely too much priority afford to fucking aesthetics. Wish they'd just leave it the hell alone, it's VERY nice how it is... AND FUNCTIONAL.

Blame apple for that. That is true of them, and their sales numbers show that's what people like. (I don't)

That gamespot video should alleviate most people's concerns. Larry specifically mentions they know a lot of "hard core gamers" won't like the avatars, as this thread proves.

[KaneRobot]

Count me in the minority but I kinda like it. I'd rather keep the gamertag icons than have a second Mii character.
Bingo. I'm coming around on the dash layout...the themes make it look acceptable and the navigation is fine. If they actually live up to the "no ads" thing I'll be impressed.

[tokitoki50]

I really don't see why there is so much hate on the avatars idea. It's not like you have to doll them up, spend money on them, or really do anything with them. Gamerpics are still there, why not just enjoy the gimmick?

[Monsta Mack]

Screw the re-design. Make ALL my games backwards so I can ditch my og XBox. Bastards.

[KaneRobot]

Couple of bits from Joystiq...not much really new but a decent summary of the last day:


"There's nothing to announce" right now regarding a keyword search for the Marketplace. Let's hope they either a) add one in or b) drastically improve how we find things

Playing games from the hard drive will work fine for multi-disc games; in fact, you can pick which discs you want to rip (for example, we're superstitious and we'd only rip odd-numbered discs). As an example, we were told that Devil May Cry 4 is approximately a 4 or 5GB installation and took about ten minutes.

You'll need to keep the disc in the drive the entire time. This is about speeding up load times (and hey, bonus tip: no more noisy DVD drive while you're playing!)

The alerts look the same – actually, like the entire interface, they look sharper, cleaner. Oh, and the sound is the same.

Yes, you can still use your gamertag pics and your themes (in fact, they look a lot better now!)

[bamajeep]

I wonder if you can make your avatar say things like the OP's "Welcome to E3"? Maybe your motto?

[KaneRobot]

I wonder if you can make your avatar say things like the OP's "Welcome to E3"? Maybe your motto?

Yep.

[Nelo Ice]

so if it takes 10 mins to install dmc 4 then why does it take 30 mins to install dmc 4 on ps3? :lol:

[homeland]

so if it takes 10 mins to install dmc 4 then why does it take 30 mins to install dmc 4 on ps3? :lol:


Because the blue Ray drive doesn't read as fast as the 360's regular dvd drive.. not sure what that has to do with the new dashboard design though.

[Nelo Ice]

its part of the update
http://www.gamespot.com/features/6194093/index.html?tag=top_stories;title;1

[homeland]

ooh. my bad, I knew that. Just half awake. Yay working midnights. =\

[Spybreak8]

At first the new dash looked applish and stupid but I'm warming up to it since I watched that gamespot video. Hehe Finish Gears 2 on Insane and get an unlockable chainsaw rifle for your avatar haha. GTAIV, turn your avatar into a zombie if you killed a Rockstar. I just wish that a lot of games that are arealy out might use this like they're doing with trophies with the PSN. Mass Effect, get ME armor, or helmet, if beaten the game on Lvl 60 haha.

[Nelo Ice]

i think it would be cool if u get 1k/1k on a game u unlock a special avatar char from that game
like if u got all the achievements in gears 2 u unlock a marcus avatar with his gear and everything

[Ex~]

For all those of you who actually bit on buying this useless 65kb packages of nothing, do any of you know what happens to them come the fall update?

If your gamerpic is replaced by avatars, then all the gamerpics microsoft is selling become that much more useless. And seeing as the themes weren't designed for this new dashboard, those become useless too.

I'm surprised I haven't heard more uproar over this. Is there a simple solution they've already announced? Or does it turn out nobody has actually fallen for buying this useless crap so nobody even bothered to think about it?

[ninja dog]

punishment for buying that shit. That's what you get for buying your ultra cool Master Chief gamerpic brought to you by Mountain Dew 360 Gamerfuel Doritos inc.

[Lokki]

Supposedly you can keep the gamerpics or go to the avatar. They also have something in the works for the themes from what I've read over on the xbox.com forums.

[Matt Young]

I've only downloaded free themes and pics. I was tempted to bu the Lost ones, but didn't.

[mogshaz]

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190617

I think there is no uproar because the themes won't become useless.

[Ex~]

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190617

I think there is no uproar because the themes won't become useless.

Hmmm. Not bad, but half the themes are designed to fit in with the particular caveats of the old dashboard (sides cut off by blades, open spaces in a few particular places).

I guess the gamerpic probably goes up on the little gamercard thing on the top right hand corner (where all the XBL Party gamerpics go).

Side note: I wonder where they're going to fit all the obnoxious ads in.

[thrustbucket]

Side note: I wonder where they're going to fit all the obnoxious ads in.

They said there will be one section that's like "what's new" that will have adds in it, or something.

Did we really need a third thread on the new dashboard?

[LinkinPrime]

Here it is:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.xbox360fanboy.com/media/2008/07/dashwiththeme-1.jpg
Yes, you can still use your gamertag pics and your themes (they look cleaner and more crisp now, an example of what it could look like is above) -- example of a gamerpic in action is in the top right corner of the image above
http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/07/18/almost-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-xbox-experience/

[Razzuel]

I hope we still have the option of using the blade dashboard. The new dashboard and the avatars look really lame.

[Nelo Ice]

Hmmm. Not bad, but half the themes are designed to fit in with the particular caveats of the old dashboard (sides cut off by blades, open spaces in a few particular places).

I guess the gamerpic probably goes up on the little gamercard thing on the top right hand corner (where all the XBL Party gamerpics go).

Side note: I wonder where they're going to fit all the obnoxious ads in.

this

Speaking of which, all the themes and gamerpics you have already purchased will work in the new interface. Each channel will display the images that previously were housed on the blades, but on the upper half of the screen only rather than the full screen (see image below). Gamerpics will also still work alongside your avatar.


Whitten said the main channels of the new interface won't be cluttered with ads. Instead there will be a new section – the Spotlight Channel -- dedicated solely to marketing and advertising from Microsoft and its corporate partners. You might see info about an upcoming online event or a pitch for an upcoming third-party game in this section. The Games Channel is where you'll find the game-related content formerly associated with Marketplace. It has four sections: Browse Games, Top Downloads, New Arrivals and Major's Picks. From here, you can browse and buy Xbox Live Arcade games, Xbox Originals and downloadable content.

[Ex~]

so if it takes 10 mins to install dmc 4 then why does it take 30 mins to install dmc 4 on ps3? :lol:

Seriously, doesn't it make you laugh?

Even with Sony having the Blu-Ray drive, they were the first to have the need to download a game to the hard-drive, thus completely negating the effect of having the Blu-Ray drive in the first place. It would be just as easy to install one disk, and then swap out and install a second disk, if a game is so large it requires more than one disk.

With disk-download, there is absolutely no reason whatsoever to use Blu-Ray for games, and a big reason not to: because it takes forever to download with such a slow speed drive.


Thus, Blu-Ray has been rendered entirely useless, and a bit of a burden, for use with games. At least it's a good deal for a movie-player.

[elwood731]

Thus, Blu-Ray has been rendered entirely useless, and a bit of a burden, for use with games. At least it's a good deal for a movie-player.

This is not entirely true. An argument can still be made by the developers of a game like Resistance that because their game takes up 20GB or whatever it does, that they can install 8GB of that and simply access the other 12GB from the disc. That's something that can not be done using DVD.

The installing of games to the hard drive is more ominous for disc based media in general, than for the Blu-ray disc. This is the second step they're taking towards a day where you can only download your games directly from Microsoft and Sony.

[strdr4]

man. I want the new xbox version now. Playing without the jet engine will be nice plus less heat in my room.

[Ex~]

This is not entirely true. An argument can still be made by the developers of a game like Resistance that because their game takes up 20GB or whatever it does, that they can install 8GB of that and simply access the other 12GB from the disc. That's something that can not be done using DVD.

The installing of games to the hard drive is more ominous for disc based media in general, than for the Blu-ray disc. This is the second step they're taking towards a day where you can only download your games directly from Microsoft and Sony.
Why would you want to do that? If you can't get it below 18GB, you can simply use 3 DVDs, download 11GB from the first two disks, and then access the remaining 9 from the third. You could probably do that in the same time it takes a blu-ray drive to download the 8GB you suggested, and have the benefit over said example as there would be even fewer load times. Of course, it's just as easy to download the whole 20GB, and then do away with any need to load anything from the disk at all.

Of course, there's an entirely separate issue with Hard Drive size. As long as Microsoft is stupid enough to charge ridiculous amounts for tiny amount of hard drive space, it will be a burden to have to download large amounts of memory to a small disk.

But that's an entirely separate issue with Hard Drives. Going on Newegg I immediately see a 1TB hard drive for under $200. A 500GB hard drive could fit 20 extraordinarily large games on it and still have space for XBLA games and the like, and could be had for around $75, with per gigabyte cost going down and down exponentially as time progresses.

[thrustbucket]

man. I want the new xbox version now. Playing without the jet engine will be nice plus less heat in my room.

DVD drives generate almost no heat. Not compared to the CPU and GPU.

[Corvin]

I wonder with this update if they'll let us change our wallpaper per page/area if there is such a thing.

[Chase]

I don't believe Microsoft. I know they're going to insidiously force people to adopt Avatars.

[Kaijufan]

Has there been any talk about Microsoft adding XBLA game gifting similar to the Wii Shop Channel with this new update?

[Nelo Ice]

per gaf

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=12063385&postcount=1

About the avatars, Larry says: "If you don't like the avatars, they're not required. You can use your gamer pictures. E adds: "Your existing gamer pictures and themes still work. They're not going away." Pretty good news I guess, for some.

They also talk about HDD game installs. According to Larry it works really "slick" with multi-disc games. E says that if you have a four disc game for example, you can choose to only install two of the discs to your HDD.

And yes, the LIVE party system will work with every Xbox 360 game that supports multiplayer. And as Toothpick points out, you can chat with 8 people in your party and be in different games.

[Spybreak8]

A bit like you stated before but the more I read you don't have to use Avatars the happier I feel. lol
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=193664

[RichMeisterMan]

I think the avatars are ok...I mean, hey...they look a hell of a lot better than the miis.

I'll probably get one depending on what all they affect. I don't want to associate these cartoony things with my games, like I hate how in Zelda on the wii your stupid mii shows up in the saved game area. It's an eye sore and is out of place.

However, if it's just going to dance around my dashboard I think it could be cool. I am not going to pay any money for clothes to put on it though. Charging for crap like that is wack.

[thrustbucket]

They can charge for what they want, and some of the Wii-type crowd will buy it. Good for them.

But I do like the prospect of unlocking clothes/props for your avatar with achievements. Could get really cool.

[Richlough]

They should make it so the Avatars wear a t-shirt with your Gamerpic on it .

[RichMeisterMan]

They can charge for what they want, and some of the Wii-type crowd will buy it. Good for them.

But I do like the prospect of unlocking clothes/props for your avatar with achievements. Could get really cool.

Yeah that's right, I remember hearing about that. It would be sweet to get them some spartan or gears armor.

[LinkinPrime]

Rumored avatar customization:

Rumored Avatar Customization Options
Hats:


Black Baseball Cap
Baseball Cap
Flat Cap

Hair:


Side Parting Hair (and with hat)
Slicked Parted Hair (and with hat)
Clean Cut Hair (and with hat)
Compact Hair (and with hat)
Crew Cut Hair (and with hat)
Slicked Hair (and with hat)
Ponytail Hair (and with hat)
Swept Hair (and with hat)
Flat Hair (and with hat)
The Captain Cut
Old Hair (and with hat)
Bun Hair
Thick Hair
Pig Tails
Hair Layered with Fringe Hair Tied On Top
Bob with Fringe Hair
Spiked Hair
Studious Hair Number 66
Shaped Hair
Basin Hair


Eyes:


Happy Eyes
Sharp Eyes
Half Moon Eyes
Focused Eyes
Harmless Eyes
Passive Eyes
Relaxed Eyes
Surprised Eyes
Soft Lashes
Restful Eyes
Monday Morning Eyes
Bold Eyes
Soft Eyes
Funky Eyes
Wild Eyes
Comforting Eyes
Droopy Eyes
Content Eyes
Slim Eyes
Excited Eyes
Eagle Eyes
Polite Eyes
Rested Eyes
Puppy Eyes
Rounded Eyes
Strong Eyes
Boxed Eyes
Thin Eyes
Studious Eyes
Tranquil Eyes
Dark Eyes
Dot Eyes
Tilted Eyes
Delicate Eyes
Almond Eyes
Wavy Eyes
Thick Lashed
Eyes Wide
Awake Eyes
Calm Eyes
Slender Eyes
Kind Eyes
Drowsy Eyes
Acorn Eyes
Sunset Eyes
Genial Eyes
No Features

Eyebrows:


Normal
Straight
Arched

Studious
Curvy
Large
Familiar
Thick
Small
Angled
Big and Flat
Delicate
Small and Thin
Short and Thick
Straight and Thick
Half Moon
Soft
Strong
Monobrow


Ears:


Fantasy Ears
Butterfly Ears
Round Ears
Elven Ears
Long Ears
Prominent Ears
Shapes Ears
Small Ears
Spiked Ears


Nose:


Define
Boxer's Nose
Curved
Drooped
Angled
Hooked
Bulbous
Large
Sharp
Perked
Rough
Rounded
Small
Straight
Long

Tiny
Wide
Soft


Mouths:


Spiked Puzzles
Gentle
Small and Rounded
Curvy
Deep Lips
Smirk
Grin
Vibrant
Unhappy
Cheeky
Lined
Cute
Fearsome
Tongue Out
Teethy
Full
Happy
Open
Bunny
Vampire
Wide
Small
Locked Teeth
Glamor
Thin Lipped
Square
Thick Lipped

Chins:


Jaw Stubble
Large
Thin
Long
Chiseled
Rounded
Sharp
Square
Small
Wide

Accessories:


Funky Shades
Hip Watch
Sports Wristband
Gold Ring
Silver Ring
Watch With Leather Strap
Plain Bracelet
Pink Bling Ring
Green Bling Ring
Cool Earrings

Tops Etc.


Zip-Up Jacket with Chain Power T-Shirt (Green)
Power T-shirt (Purple)
Red T-shirt
Polo Shirt
Studious Checkered Shirt
Blue Shirt Black Jacket with Zips Alt T-Shirt
Manly T-shirt
Cheap T-shirt
Green Flowered Vest
Tight T-Shirt (Orange)
Tight T-shirt (Blue)
Move T-Shirt Open Neck
Navy Top
Grey Shirt
Yellow Cardigan with Green Vest
Cowgirl Shirt
Black Crop Top with Sweat Bands
Short Brown Jacket Tight
Green Flowered Vest

Bottoms Etc.


Blue Jeans
Grey Skirt with Thread Detail Three Quarter Length
Camo Trousers
Short Frilly Black Skirt
Layered Black Skirt with Belt Denim
Short Shorts
Hawaiian Hotpants
Grey Jogging Bottoms
Turn-up Surfer Shorts
Fitted Black Trousers
Polkadot Skirt
Jeans with Pattern Detail
Jeans with Side Stitching
Beige Chinos
Brown Trousers
Faded Jeans
Navy Jeans
Brown Camo Jeans
Surfer Shorts

Shoes:


Formal Shoes
Orange Sneakers
White Trainers
Hiker Trainers
Brown Decks
Light Loafers
White and Red Trainers
Orange and Blue Trainers
Dark Brown Decks
Sky Blue Decks
Orange Decks
Pink Decks
Brown Sandals
Black Boots with Buckle
Sports Trainers

Gender and Basic Options:


Male Body
Female Body
Male Body Head
Texture Head


Neutral Animations:


Closet Examine
Lower Closet Examine
Shoes Closet Examine
Upper Closet
Spin Animation
Creator Walk On
Creator Walk Off
Creator Look Down
Creator Look Left
Creator Look Neutral
Creator Look Right
Creator Look Up
Creator Turn Left
Creator Pick Me Start
Creator Pick Me Stop
Creator Pick Me
Generic Clap
Generic Stand 0
Generic Stand 1
Generic Stand 2
Generic Wave
Generic Celebration

Male and Female Animations:


Angry
Confused
Idle Looks Around
Idle Check Nails (female only)
Idle Shifts Weight (female only)

Idle Stomp Spider (female only)
Idle Stretch (male only)
Idle Turn Around (male only

Laugh
Sad Cry
Shocked Surprised
Yawn



http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/07/31/rumor-avatar-customization-options-discovered/

I was hoping for masks/helments...

[Richlough]

I hope they let you make them on Xbox.com so it will be easier to do .

[tokitoki50]

I bet that's just the basic list. There's still going to be downloadable/unlockable avatar clothing.

[SpazX]

I bet that's just the basic list. There's still going to be downloadable/unlockable avatar clothing.

Yeah, unlockable will be awesome, but I wonder how much they're going to charge for DLC clothing.

[dmaul1114]

Redesign looks good, can't wait for the Netflix integration as well. Already have an account but haven't used the instant viewing as I hate watching movies on my pc or laptop.

Still hoping for an option to turn off the friends online popups while leaving the achievement earned pop ups. Hate having all the friend online notifications pop up when playing single player games.

[Ex~]

Is there a date for this yet? Even rumors of a date?

[SpazX]

Redesign looks good, can't wait for the Netflix integration as well. Already have an account but haven't used the instant viewing as I hate watching movies on my pc or laptop.

Still hoping for an option to turn off the friends online popups while leaving the achievement earned pop ups. Hate having all the friend online notifications pop up when playing single player games.

I was thinking the same thing the other day. I hate that it's all-or-nothing.

[thrustbucket]

Is there a date for this yet? Even rumors of a date?

No. But the constant mention of "late fall" I guess means November?

[Chase]

I'd dig Castle Crashers themed Avatar content. I would love to wield a trout sword in M. Bison's outfit. :D

[LinkinPrime]

I'd love it if they had over the top costumes but it seems like they're just going to have "skins" for the typical shirt and pants template.

[ryanbph]

No. But the constant mention of "late fall" I guess means November?


I have no proof, but i bet it comes out at least a week before gears of war 2 if not sooner. The party system would be key for that game, and I would imagine they would like a week if not more to work out any bugs. I am pretty sure ron workman, formerly of destructoid, mentioned sept when he was on the allgames podcast a week or so ago. Maybe it wasn't him, but I am fairly certain it was on that show and not some other one I listen too. He is a rather well informed blogger.

[Agrippan]

I'm liking it solely because it looks like they're doing away with the ads that clutter up the blades. That may just be wishful thinking, though.

[Ex~]

I'm liking it solely because it looks like they're doing away with the ads that clutter up the blades. That may just be wishful thinking, though.
They say they're going to restrict ads to one certain marketplace blade, but take that with a truckload of salt.

[Littlefields]

Leaked Pictures. Edit: May or May Not be legit. Sorry

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/5494/avatarpage11ux9.th.jpg (http://img257.imageshack.us/my.php?image=avatarpage11ux9.jpg)

http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/2012/avatarpage2vf6.th.jpg (http://img360.imageshack.us/my.php?image=avatarpage2vf6.jpg)

Source:
http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/08/03/source-first-images-from-360-avatar-creator/

[tokitoki50]

I don't really get what I'm looking at in those pictures. There's a bunch of arrows and checkmarks that seem out of place.

[Littlefields]

Who knows? Just read carefully and found out they might not be legit.... :roll:

[KillJoi99]

I see no Baird from GOW option. These avatars are going to blow more than a Harlem prostitute.

[LinkinPrime]

Here's a video that goes into the customization of your avatar:
http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2008/09/19/561157.aspx

[orntar]

that's looks pretty sweet actually. i like.

[Mrcapcom]

Yea looks really good I can't wait for the update is it still rumored around nov?

[chubbyninja1319]

They're saying November. I'm looking forward to this as much as any game this Fall, sadly enough. Well, maybe not as much as GH:World Tour and GoW2. But, it's pretty damn close.

I'm anxious to see how gamerpics and themes will work.

[cochesecochese]

I'm getting wet for it as well. I really want to start installing games to the HD. The other options seem nice too I guess.

[chubbyninja1319]

Sadly, i'm probably most excited for the avatars. Some people hate 'em. I love 'em.

[LinkinPrime]

The latest OXM (GoW2 Cover) says that MS still has yet to reveal 2 secret features from the update. This was from the rumor section so take it for what it is.

[LinkinPrime]

According to some dahsboard advertisement, the NXE is scheduled to hit in November:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/09/newxbox.jpg (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/dashboard-ad-new-xbox-experience-coming-in-november/)

[life.exe]

According to some dahsboard advertisement, the NXE is scheduled to hit in November:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2008/09/newxbox.jpg (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/24/dashboard-ad-new-xbox-experience-coming-in-november/)


My guess is November 3rd. That is when the new ExpertZone is going to be launched, so they might launch together.


EDIT: FYI for all those who have access to ExpertZone, the points you earn don't carry over to the new site so you have to use them before Nov. 3rd or you lose them.

[fart_bubble]

the only thing is that the new Scene It is going to be using Avatars and that comes out October. Though then again, they could be releasing everything in tiers or some support won't be useful till the NXE (or what ever you want to call it) is launched.

Also, is there any idea on when the community games are going to be released other than "this holiday"?

My guess is November 3rd. That is when the new ExpertZone is going to be launched, so they might launch together.


EDIT: FYI for all those who have access to ExpertZone, the points you earn don't carry over to the new site so you have to use them before Nov. 3rd or you lose them.

Whats the Expertzone? Never mind, figured out that is that retail site

[xcoax]

EDIT: FYI for all those who have access to ExpertZone, the points you earn don't carry over to the new site so you have to use them before Nov. 3rd or you lose them.

Thanks for pointing this out! I'm going to have to cash out soonish because I've been saving up for the new stuff coming this fall.

[Gourd]

Really /really/ excited about the HD install feature for games. Looking forward to playing Mass Effect again with possibly shorter load times.

Edited: Urk. Is this just about the avatars? Well, I guess those are okay, but hardly the feature I'm looking forward to.

[Spybreak8]

Yea installing Mass Effect to a hard drive would eliminate texture popping no?

[Gourd]

Yea installing Mass Effect to a hard drive would eliminate texture popping no?

That is what I am hoping. And shorter elevator rides.

[Spybreak8]

Nah I'm pretty sure that's hard coded into the game, your elevator wouldn't go faster sorry.

[Kaijufan]

Nah I'm pretty sure that's hard coded into the game, your elevator wouldn't go faster sorry.
It's possible Bioware will patch Mass Effect to shorten elevator rides if the game is running off the HDD.

[KaneRobot]

Updated with info on the Friends channel and how it ties in with the upcoming new "dynamic" themes that will be available.

[doubledown]

My guess is November 3rd. That is when the new ExpertZone is going to be launched, so they might launch together.


EDIT: FYI for all those who have access to ExpertZone, the points you earn don't carry over to the new site so you have to use them before Nov. 3rd or you lose them.


I thought this was MS way to weed out the garbage...who knows. They require people to re-register also I believe.

[Lokki]

My guess is November 3rd. That is when the new ExpertZone is going to be launched, so they might launch together.


EDIT: FYI for all those who have access to ExpertZone, the points you earn don't carry over to the new site so you have to use them before Nov. 3rd or you lose them.

That's good to know. I do have some points to use up over there.

Thanks for the heads up.

[dastly75]

Looks like the Zune service is going down for maintenance on Monday in addition to XBL. Perhaps the new XBL will have some sort of upgraded Zune integration. I hope so.

[lilredvampy]

expert zone still does not do wal mart right? no one likes wal mart lol dont blame them :)

[doubledown]

Apparently nothing new will come of this....I'm assuming it is background stuff to get everything prepared for the full roll out eventually.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/26/microsofts-xbox-live-zune-services-to-be-down-simultaneously-t/

[thrustbucket]

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/nxe/

A little sample of how it will look and work.

[ZombieOverlord]

When is this new look for the dash and xbl supposed to be out? all i hear are rumors. can anyone confirm anything? i'm just eager to see what it will look like


sorry if there's already a thread for this. didn't look too hard for one....:roll:

[Pure Apathy]

Probably in November.

[Bretters]

The only official confirmation so far is that you will be enjoying the new xbox experience this holiday season. I don't believe they have ever announced a date on updates until it's very near (within a week) or it's already live.

Personally (just based on the more believable sources and past updates), I think it will be out during the last week of November.

[greyzieoriental]

all rumors lead to next month

[bubbafett4hire]

As many of you know with the new dash coming out in November MS has added the option to copy your game onto you hard drive for faster load times
Game Trailers.com did a little Hard Drive to DVD comparison to see the difference in the load times.

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/275585.html

Looks promising from many aspects, for me elder scrolls 4 is sure to be loading a lot faster come November. But this is still nothing new and just another example of MS copying the home brew community as this style of game loading is all to familiar from the Xbox 1 days of booting them from your hard drive but still a great add-on for many

[eswat]

I'm sure this is going to help Oblivion and Fallout 3. But personally I just want to get rid of the disc spinning noise. Don't really care for slightly-faster loadtimes.

[glockant]

imo, it'll be out before Gears 2.

[Sharp Katana]

Fall 08, but like everyone else mentioned before me, probably November

[KaneRobot]

November 3rd has been said a few times, but nothing is for sure yet.

Thread for the update is here, by the way:

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190633

[lordwow]

Maybe add a question mark to your title...?

[munch]

Maybe add a question mark to your title...?

Seriously. I came in here thinking there was a definite date.

[Zowsky]

well isn't the new Scene it suppouse to be using the Avatar system and thats scheduled to come out this month?

[HotShotX]

well isn't the new Scene it suppouse to be using the Avatar system and thats scheduled to come out this month?

As we've seen with Fable II, developers aren't against disabling features on launch day, and re-enabling them at a later date.

~HotShotX

[vherub]

would this also keep the system temp down?

[lolwut?]

Not as fast as I thought it would be, but loading doesn't irk me too much. It's the less stress on the laser I'm looking forward too. I'm sure my 360 will enjoy it's vacation from reading the CoD4 disc over and over...

[aniousjoe]

iirc, it should only help older games (first gen. most likely) when it comes to loading 'cause newer games are already optimized for loading

[dastly75]

Unsurprisingly, not a huge improvement but doesn't hurt to have the feature. The minor improvement is nice for frequently played games + the lack of disc noise as eswat mentions.

[Kaijufan]

It's confirmed to be November because a Rock Band 2 ad on Xbox Live says something along the lines of "Enjoy the new Xbox Experience this November".

[cochesecochese]

The fact that it only helps loading times with older games is fine with me. I have a huge backlog to plow through.

[ninja dog]

Hate it how they say Fall and mean the last day of Fall.

[fart_bubble]

Hate it how they say Fall and mean the last day of Fall.

They have till December 21st before they miss their Fall window. Have a hard time seeing this thing not being released by then

[Corvin]

The fact that it only helps loading times with older games is fine with me. I have a huge backlog to plow through.

I picked up a 120gb drive over the summer just so I can do the installs. It sucks you still have to use the disc but it will cut wear and tear on the system way down.

[gindias]

Is this going to cut down the noise from the DVD drive, I feel like I have a 747 in my fucking living room. Wife wont let me bring the Elite into the bedroom because its so loud, thankfully my PS3 is quite so I can still game with that.

[KaneRobot]

Is this going to cut down the noise from the DVD drive, I feel like I have a 747 in my fucking living room. Wife wont let me bring the Elite into the bedroom because its so loud, thankfully my PS3 is quite so I can still game with that.
Well...uh, yeah, not using the DVD drive for games would cut the noise down. But just playing off the disc like normal, no, there won't be a difference.

Also, you need to tell your wife to invest in some earplugs. It's loud but it's not so loud that it should be banned from a room.

[Spybreak8]

Yea that video was pointless, why didn't they show the feature with something like PDZ or something.

[hufferstl]

They have till December 21st before they miss their Fall window. Have a hard time seeing this thing not being released by then

They have since changed their official stance to "Before year end" not fall. Anyone think they are holding onto this for when PS Home launches?

[fart_bubble]

They have since changed their official stance to "Before year end" not fall. Anyone think they are holding onto this for when PS Home launches?

Major Nelson said that they went with using end of the year because Fall lasts different periods for different parts of the world (makes sense). And really, between what I said and "end of the year" is a matter of what, 2 weeks?

[Gourd]

Awesome. I was honestly just hoping that the HDD access would prolong the life of my system. I've put the 360 aside until the fall update for exactly that reason.

My last 3 360s died due to DVD drive failures, so...

[StealthSoul]

iirc, it should only help older games (first gen. most likely) when it comes to loading 'cause newer games are already optimized for loading

I'd love to try this with Oblivion, that has really long load times so I hope it works well with this feature.

[cochesecochese]

I picked up a 120gb drive over the summer just so I can do the installs. It sucks you still have to use the disc but it will cut wear and tear on the system way down.

Vastly. I also opted for the elite just for installs. I'm really excited for this feature.

[KaneRobot]

A bunch of preview videos are linked from the current dashboard now. Most are the ones you may have already watched on the xbox.com site.

[Smiles Davis]

Have had several people express a real interest in the netflix streaming feature of the new XBE when I told them about it. With several gaming on PS2 systems, I imagine this feature plus recent price drop will result in a good season for Microsoft.

[Poor2More]

The card that comes in the case of NBA 2k9, also says enjoy the new Xbox experience with Netflix this November

[Richlough]

November 19 per TGS press conference .

[Nelo Ice]

yay
John has announced that the release of the New Xbox Experience - in 24 countries, localized in 19 languages, is coming to everyone on November 19th.

[cochesecochese]

Hot shit!

[niceguyshawne]

Can't wait.

[fart_bubble]

I just hope that game show channel is launched on day one

[D4rkewolfe]

I just hope that game show channel is launched on day one

That is also I've been looking forward to as well! Though I don't see it on launch day ready...I dunno, maybe the week after...hopefully I'm wrong

[fart_bubble]

That is also I've been looking forward to as well! Though I don't see it on launch day ready...I dunno, maybe the week after...hopefully I'm wrong

If its late, hopefully they will still keep the whole free aspect of it that they said when they announced it

[lolwut?]

Nice! Definately looking forward to messing around with the new interface.

[bubbafett4hire]

The one dis advantage of this whole HDD loading is that i smell exploits in the works. You may need to have the disc to verify the game, but by allowing a item to run freely from the HDD with just a media check to verify its contents can only lead to more exploits on the system not to mention i am sure this will pave the way for more a**holes to mod games like halo and COD4 with it running from the HDD... only time will tell

[doubledown]

Yeah, Novemeber 19th is a decent date. I just installed PlayOn on my Pc which stream Netflix/youTube/Hulu and more to my 360/PS3....there is a 45 day trial, then $30 after that. I may not pay the fee now since I will be getting the Netflix for free via MS. I have a feeling it will be free by some other 3rd party soon also.

[xcoax]

So November 19th... the day that xbox live will almost surely crash and burn for at least two days. Sweet.

[Over easy]

Good to know the date. I may just wait to grab the new update if Live seems to busy.

What Microsoft can do is let people download it earlier, and would only work when November 19 comes along (similar to what Steam does with games).

[tenzor]

Good to know the date. I may just wait to grab the new update if Live seems to busy.

What Microsoft can do is let people download it earlier, and would only work when November 19 comes along (similar to what Steam does with games).

don't think that would work since this new dashboard update is probably going to overwrite the existing dashboard.

[KingBroly]

That is a little late, I think. It should be there for Gears 2. Also, if you have an Arcade w/o a Hard Drive, you have to constantly re-download the update every time you turn on your 360. People are going to be pissed because of that.

[bubbafett4hire]

That is a little late, I think. It should be there for Gears 2. Also, if you have an Arcade w/o a Hard Drive, you have to constantly re-download the update every time you turn on your 360. People are going to be pissed because of that.

yes and no if its anything like the last dash update from the spring it will most likely be written to the internal memory of the CPU dash storage area once more giving us a different kernel version number and dash version number, and the guys over at xboxhacker something new to play with.

[BoneMonkey80]

I have a experience question maybe someone can help me

I bought a xbox 360 arcade about a month ago and I love it I do NOT play games online and i do NOT have a hardrive the memory card that came with the bundle is enough for me

Now when experience comes out will I be able to install it on my arcade system even though I don't have a hardrive?

[Goodeye]

You will be able to download and install the update. You will not how ever be able to use the "download game to system" feature to install your disc games to the system, that is until you get a hard drive.

You need the memory card to get onto live as it has your profile. The NXE will be installed to a small memory card that is used stricktly for stuff like this etc.

[62t]

The one dis advantage of this whole HDD loading is that i smell exploits in the works. You may need to have the disc to verify the game, but by allowing a item to run freely from the HDD with just a media check to verify its contents can only lead to more exploits on the system not to mention i am sure this will pave the way for more a**holes to mod games like halo and COD4 with it running from the HDD... only time will tell

expect to be banned from live if you are using any exploit.

[bubbafett4hire]

expect to be banned from live if you are using any exploit.

Oh i was not speaking for myself just stating that it might happen with items running from a HDD, that flying warhog crap pissed me off in Halo 2

[xtreme_Zr2]

So November 19th... the day that xbox live will almost surely crash and burn for at least two days. Sweet.

Sadly, I feel there is some truth to your statement..

We got 3 days without live for a "maximum of 24 hours" preparing for the fall update..:roll:

Although, I think it'll be pretty sweet when the new dashboard is up!

[frsoccer44]

Wow I thought this whole avatar thing was gonna be really gay, but I think I may actually enjoy this... Thanks for the update

[BoneMonkey80]

will this update be available on the xbox website ? so i can download it and burn it on a cd ? and update my xbox that way

cause my xbox can't go online :-(

[SynGamer]

will this update be available on the xbox website ? so i can download it and burn it on a cd ? and update my xbox that way

cause my xbox can't go online :-(
Any particular reason why it can't?

[chubbyninja1319]

will this update be available on the xbox website ? so i can download it and burn it on a cd ? and update my xbox that way

cause my xbox can't go online :-(

my friend JUST got an arcade 360 today and I was wondering if there was a way for him to get the update. I think if you can't get online, you be's screwed son.

[rapsodist]

will this update be available on the xbox website ? so i can download it and burn it on a cd ? and update my xbox that way

cause my xbox can't go online :-(

If you don't have internet, take your Xbox to a friend's house and update it there. I'm sure you have a friend who'd let you do that, right?

[bubbafett4hire]

this link if for the old fall update from 07 but i am sure they will update it once the new dash is out http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/systemuse/xbox360/console/systemupdates.htm

[bubbafett4hire]

http://xboxlive.ign.com/articles/918/918113p1.html

October 9, 2008 - Part of Microsoft's push at the Tokyo Game Show this year has been the so-called "New Xbox Experience," which is another way of describing the Xbox Live Dashboard overhaul scheduled to go live on Nov. 19. And Microsoft is so excited about the Avatars portion of the updated service that it plans to force all users to adopt one of the cutesy, non-threatening personas.

In a meeting with journalists at TGS this week, Microsoft's group product manager for Xbox 360, Aaron Greenberg, said all users will be required to choose an avatar as a visual representation of themselves when they boot up the new dash.

"We're forcing you to have a visual representation of yourself," Greenberg said, when asked if he thought hardcore gamers would be put off by the requirement. "But you can make a pretty badass avatar."

However, that doesn't mean you have to use your new friend, or even take more than half a minute creating him or her. At the outset of the Avatar creation process, you'll be greeted by a cavalcade of pre-made Avatars who'll romp onto the screen for your choosing.

If you like, you can pick one of these templates and customize it to your liking. Or, if you're the Scrooge McDuck type, you can just button mash until an Avatar is picked and filed away. If you so desire, you never have to use your Avatar again, as the same functions that are in the Guide currently will be available in the NXE.

When the service launches next month, all the accoutrements available for your Avatar (haircuts, clothing, etc.) will be gratis. But when asked if that will continue indefinitely, Greenburg said Microsoft is keeping its options open. So if you're planning on outfitting your character with Armani suits and Ray-Bans, be prepared to possibly pay for the privilege down the line.

[BoneMonkey80]

Any particular reason why it can't?

Where I live I get free WIFI internet for my PC so If I want my xbox360 to go online I have buy a xbox 360 wifi adaper that I can't afford right now :-(

I can't take it to a friends house cause he lives in a shitty nieghborhood and I dont want to get robbed

Looking at the xbox website seems I can download the update burn it on a cd and do it that way ....

[cochesecochese]

If you have a CAT5 cable you can bridge your 360 to your PC and connect for the update.

[Goodeye]

If you have a CAT5 cable you can bridge your 360 to your PC and connect for the update.


And not to be rude but if you don't know what CAT5 cable is it's an ethernet cable the larger looking phone plug;)

[BoneMonkey80]

how do i connect my xbox 360 to my pc as a bridge i have a cat 5 cable somewhere!

[dastly75]

I believe you need a crossover cable in particular. Google it and/or buy it from monoprice.com

[BoneMonkey80]

I have the cat 5 cable right here my computer connects to the internet using wifi I dont have a router or anything please help me out so i can get this update lol

[tokitoki50]

You need to bridge your wifi connection and etnernet connection on your pc. All you do is go to "My Network connections" highlight both, right click and then click bridge connections.

If it doesn't work for you there's tutorials all over the internet.

This update looks badass.

[BoneMonkey80]

OMG IT WORKED! Im on live right now THANK YOU ALL SOO MUCH! I even updated my console :-)

even got a gamer card :-)

[JJSP]

At 128MB, the New Xbox Experience will be too big for some Xbox 360s to handle.

The entry-level Arcade box has no onboard hard drive, but Microsoft has promised to release 'Storage Solutions' to help out those who will otherwise miss out on key features.

Speaking to Xbox 360 Fanboy, LIVE's Major Nelson said, "To help ensure all Xbox LIVE members are able to download the New Xbox Experience and enjoy its new features, Microsoft will be offering storage solutions to the Xbox LIVE community. We are not sharing details of this offering yet."

That could be interesting. Free memory cards for everyone!

[dastly75]

That could be interesting. Free memory cards for everyone!

Wow awesome.

[SynGamer]

I'm guessing online storage...would be the easiest route.

[KaneRobot]

That could be interesting. Free memory cards for everyone!

That would be a huge pain in the ass. I bet they'll do some kind of online storage.

[BoneMonkey80]

I'm guessing there going to lower the price of hardrive ?

[SynGamer]

I'm guessing there going to lower the price of hardrive ?
That would be great, but i'm expecting them to lower the prices for the memory cards first.

[BoneMonkey80]

This is actually a great update playing games from your hardrive will save wear and tear from the dvd drive

I got get a used hardrive now lol

[JJSP]

I assume it's been covered, but Major Nelson is reporting that you'll be able to queue up downloads via the Marketplace on Xbox.com. Your queued downloads will begin as soon as you turn on your 360 - should make it a lot easier to browse the Marketplace rather than go through countless menus on the dashboard.

[Littlefields]

Dunno if this has been answered already, and I'm pretty sure I know the answer to it. Will downloads automatically stop again when your playing online games? Or will they actually let you play while downloading now?

[bamajeep]

would love to see them lower the price of the HDD, but I'm not expecting it

[thrustbucket]

Dunno if this has been answered already, and I'm pretty sure I know the answer to it. Will downloads automatically stop again when your playing online games? Or will they actually let you play while downloading now?

They will never let you play while downloading. There is a good reason for that. Hurting your bandwith affects the quality of service for everyone else you are playing with.

[Spybreak8]

I assume it's been covered, but Major Nelson is reporting that you'll be able to queue up downloads via the Marketplace on Xbox.com. Your queued downloads will begin as soon as you turn on your 360 - should make it a lot easier to browse the Marketplace rather than go through countless menus on the dashboard.

Yea that is awesome, here is gamerscore'a blog with screenies ^^
http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/archive/2008/10/10/nxemkplwb.aspx

[Corvin]

Yeah, he mentioned that a few months back. Another nice feature. Unfortunately if you want it to download you'd have to leave your system on. Otherwise it just grabs your queue the next time you turn the system on.

A permanent low power mode like the Wii would be awesome for this... if the 360 wasn't a piece of shit. I wouldn't dare leave mine in that mode if they offered it.

[cochesecochese]

I assume it's been covered, but Major Nelson is reporting that you'll be able to queue up downloads via the Marketplace on Xbox.com. Your queued downloads will begin as soon as you turn on your 360 - should make it a lot easier to browse the Marketplace rather than go through countless menus on the dashboard.

That is pretty fucking awesome. Although...if the marketplace had been laid out better I probably wouldn't be so excited for this.

[Demolition Man]

Has any details on a new backwards compatability update surfaced yet? It seems that whenever there is a major update to the system that an BC update follows.

[thrustbucket]

Has any details on a new backwards compatability update surfaced yet? It seems that whenever there is a major update to the system that an BC update follows.

I have no links but they have kind of hinted that they are done with BC updates.

[Spybreak8]

Yeah, he mentioned that a few months back. Another nice feature. Unfortunately if you want it to download you'd have to leave your system on. Otherwise it just grabs your queue the next time you turn the system on.

A permanent low power mode like the Wii would be awesome for this... if the 360 wasn't a piece of shit. I wouldn't dare leave mine in that mode if they offered it.

Haha yea like a remote start, I can see it now "start up your 360 across the globe with the power of xbox.com" haha

Edit: Looks like Sony will be launching Home the same date as the NXBE:
http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News-214100.aspx

[defmonkey05]

You know, I'm not even worried about the people that don't have a harddrive for the dash update.

Most of us here know better to get a arcade and some of us either have one cuz our 20gig bricked on us and we kept the hdd.

The only people that M$ is trying to cover are the hockey moms and the joe six packs that bought their dumbass kids the arcade with no real knowledge of why you don't buy a core.

[Demolition Man]

I have no links but they have kind of hinted that they are done with BC updates.

You are fucking kidding me..... :bomb:

At least they should of gotten Midtown Madness 3 to work on the 360. Seeing that it is a Microsoft title and all. Or at least make a new Midtown Madness game for the 360... in either case they gave the fucking middle finger to all MM fans.

[Ogrekiller]

From neogaf:

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=338760

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/hardware/memoryupdate/default.htm

http://www.xboxstorageupgrade.com/ (http://www.xboxstorageupgrade.com/hh/web/home/hhauthentication.jsp?ssLocale=en_CA)

Should be in general I guess. Move if needed. All credit goes to BakedPigeon of Gaf.

Only arcade and core models work for this deal; otherwise you get this message:

"According to our records you own a console which has enough memory to connect to Xbox LIVE and live the new Xbox Experience. The next time you turn on your Xbox 360 console and connect to Xbox LIVE you will receive the update. Have fun!
If you feel you are receiving this message in error and own an Xbox 360 or Xbox 360 Arcade console please validate your serial number and reenter it here. Xbox 360 Pro and Elite consoles come with enough memory and are not eligible for this upgrade."

If your 360 does not have enough memory for the NXE update; then Microsoft provides you with 2 options (update: there seem to be different versions on the deal depending on which console you have):

For the Core:

1. A refurbished 20gb HDD for $19.99

2. A free 512 Mb mem card.

For the Arcade:

1. A refurbished 20gb HDD with 3 months of XBL for $29.99



Console serial and id needed.

From the official website:

How do I locate my Console Serial Number and Console ID



Each Xbox 360 console has a unique, 12-digit serial number and a separate 12-digit Console ID . The Console Serial Number and Console ID are both located in the System Information area of the Xbox 360 Dashboard:

Turn on your Xbox 360 Console
Scroll right to the System area. This may also be System Settings depending on your version of the dash
Select Console Settings
Select System Info
Write down your Console Serial Number and Console ID

Please confirm if legit, and post if you find any discreptancies with the offer. Prices may be different as well depending on region. I have not personally tried out this offer and I am only going by CAG and Gaf accounts.

[KingBroly]

Note I found about this here: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=338760

2 websites:
Storage website: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/hardware/memoryupdate/default.htm
Program website: http://www.xboxstorageupgrade.com/hh/web/home/hhauthentication.jsp?ssLocale=en_US

Breakdown
- Supposed to be for Core/Arcade owners with no hard drive (I smell exploits)
- You can get a 512mb Memory card or a 20gb HDD for $20
- You need 128mb or less space on your HDD/Memory Card for it to work

If anyone wants to try this, spill the beans, as people might be able to get free Memory cards.

[cochesecochese]

Stolen shamelessly from GAF (sorry for not asking, BakedPigeon)

Arcade owners, head on over to the XBox Storage Upgrade website (http://www.xboxstorageupgrade.com/hh/web/home/hhauthentication.jsp) and enter in the necessary information. You will then be able to choose from a free 512 mb memory unit OR a refurbished 20 gig hard drive for $19.99. Choose wisely.

I'm pretty sure MS can verify only Arcade units are doing this by SN so let's please only use this program if we need it. Thanks.

Note to mods: I searched but didn't find anything on this. I was unsure if this should go in the NXE thread (easily bypassed) or whether it deserved it's own. Feel free to lock/move/merge as necessary.

[JGonspy]

Finally, owning a Core system is good for something.

[Gamehead]

Wow, seems like a nice fix to the arcade owners storage problem, but how will MS spread the word about this to people that don't frequent message boards?

[thrustbucket]

Wow, seems like a nice fix to the arcade owners storage problem, but how will MS spread the word about this to people that don't frequent message boards?

I am sure there will be ads on live.

[GuardianFlash]

when is the Xbox 360 update? Next month? End of this month?

[aniousjoe]

well, have a hdd from an old pro i use on my arcade... i wonder if it's better to get a hdd from this to sell it, or just keep another memory card for free. ideas?

update: they knew i had a hard drive, so the program was a no-go for me

[Ogrekiller]

when is the Xbox 360 update? Next month? End of this month?

Nov 19th

[SynGamer]

This is bullshit. So MS lowers the price on the 20 GB HDD and offers a free 512MB memory card for people who bought the cheap version, while those of us who bought the HDD-equipped 360's get nothing...

[JGonspy]

Never mind, I apparently have the requisite memory storage options that came with the Core. That is: nothing.

[Hybrid5006]

Sweet! Where is the console id?

[BoneMonkey80]

crap I want the 20 gig hardrive but I don't have a credit card :-( I have a arcade model with 256 meg memory card

I guess im going to get the free 512 mb memory then buy a used hardrive from someone in the trading
forums

* UPDATE

its only giving me this option :-(

a used hardrive and three months of live for 29.99 :-(

[johnnypark]

Keep in mind, they're doing this so that customers who can't do the mandatory update can still use their system. I wonder how much this is costing them... since they didn't made the HDD standard due to system costs on the original Xbox.