EduTech Posted October 20, 2008 Posted October 20, 2008 Hi all, I think its time i actually made a post on here regarding the new dashboard, so here you go. Microsoft has redesigned Xbox 360 frontend, the New Xbox Experience, which will be released worldwide on November 19. The update, in case you're not savvy with this news stuff, adds a completley redesigned menu system, Avatars, the ability to install games to your HDD and more. It looks good. The update allows MS to easily tweak the frontend when future changes are required, rather than relying on quarter-yearly updates. http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/6319/screenshot205097thumb30hz0.jpg Dashboard The new Dashboard uses a 'Twist User Interface', as already used in Windows Media Center and Zune. The scrollable categories on the new Dashboard are Videos, Games, Primetime, Community, Game, Primetime, Spotlight and My Xbox. My Xbox is the main category. This is split into Disc In Tray, your gamercard, Games Library, Music Library, Video Library, Photos Library, Windows Media Center and System Settings. Spotlight is Microsoft's way of flagging up new and interesting content, "the key things the services have had to offer for some time" says Xbox Live chief Steve Willett. Primetime will host the 'special' games such as 1 vs. 100 and in the future, Xbox trivia quizzes, amongst others. This is described as 'appointment type gaming' where you have to be online at a certain time to take part. Game shows you new and interesting games, similar to the way Spotlight works. Each featured game 'slide' will have a small animation to go with it. Community will become an extension of your old Friends List. You'll see all your online friends on this page. More specifically, you'll see their avatars. Video will have the Netflix partnership, so will advertise all the movies you can rent and download. There will be an 'Instant Queue' that will allow you to instantly launch any movies in your queue, and you can rearrange the order of the films. Xbox Guide will be altered too. It's been transformed into a smaller, streamlined version of the old Dashboard as you remember it. This is where you can access Marketplace, played music from your HDD, check your profile and so on. You can still use your old Dashboard themes. You can still use your old Gamerpics too, though Microsoft will encourage everyone to switch over to the gaming avatars. This will be done through stuff like 1 vs. 100, where gaming avatars will (presumably) be compulsory for entry. Word is also coming through of a slight tweak to the achievements system, with 'medals' acting as graphical representations of achievements on the Dashboard. This could be someone misinterpreting the current achievement graphics or it could be Microsoft's attempt to dash Sony's recent 'Trophies' implementation. Avatars Avatars are going to be extremely customisable, with a huge range of items available for your avatar from launch. To replace the old system of unlocking gamerpics for certain achievements (Seriously... in Gears Of War, for example), it seems you can now unlock clothing for your avatar instead. Avatars will be used in almost all Primetime games, such as 1 vs 100. Installs Installs will reduce load times, as the 360 will read the game from the HDD rather than the disc. Not only will this cut down on time spent watching loading screens but should also help games that struggle with 'texture pop-in' (Mass Effect being an obvious example). Reading from the HDD will also cut down on '360 noise', as it won't have to spin the disc to read it. No more whirring jet noises as your 360 winds into life. To prevent piracy, your 360 will check your game disc is in the drive before loading from the HDD. You won't be allowed to remove your disc from the 360 while playing from the HDD (though we're not sure why you'd want to). For multi-disc games such as Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon, you can choose with discs you want to rip to the HDD. You'll need to have the correct disc in the drive for each disc swap though. The install will be faster than on PlayStation3. Microsoft's mostly commonly touted example is Devil May Cry 4 - it's a 4 to 5 GB install that takes 10 minutes on Xbox 360 as opposed to 18 to 20 minutes on PlayStation3. Installs are NOT mandatory. Extra Info Asked about a keyword search in Marketplace, Microsoft say "there's nothing to announce." You'll be able to browse Marketplace and purchase items from Xbox.com. The Xbox 360 logo in the corner gently ripples outwards. Hardly the deal breaker if you weren't sold on the Dashboard before but a nice touch nevertheless. The reason there's so much 'empty space' on the Dashboard is Microsoft has to allow for those playing their 360 on 4:3 480i TV sets. This will squash everything up and make the layout much tighter. 'Quick Launch' lets you switch between Xbox Live Arcade games without having to quit back to the Dashboard first. Marketplace news: Microsoft has offered a glimpse at what the brand new Marketplace on Xbox.com will look like when the New Xbox Experience hits. Xbox.com currently doesn't have Marketplace but the plan is that you'll be able to buy stuff through that website as well as on Xbox 360's online Marketplace store. Xbox.com will be undergoing a revamp to reflect the dashboard changes regardless, and here are the images Microsoft released to show us what to expect Images below: http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/2242/screenshot6602ck0.jpg http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/9600/screenshot6601ja8.jpg Within the next 2 weeks, Microsoft will be giving awat NXE codes which will give the lucky gamer the new expeirience ealier then everyone else. which is always nice as we know how much everyone likes to get toys before everyone else. Will keep you all updated. James.
mcloum Posted October 22, 2008 Posted October 22, 2008 question is can people with modded fimrwares still update to this...time will tell:ear:
EduTech Posted October 22, 2008 Author Posted October 22, 2008 Yes you will be able to upgrade to the new dashboard. once you have done that though dont be suprised if you get banned! if your console has not been flashed with the latest firmware!! James.
mcloum Posted October 22, 2008 Posted October 22, 2008 sweet, i dont play online anyway but its something im looking at in the future, saves going across the city to play my uncle at Fifa I only flashed it a few months back and i got the firmware from xbins (stealthed one) so should be ok....touch wood
EduTech Posted October 22, 2008 Author Posted October 22, 2008 Yh you should be ok then, tbh if you do get the download.. but you dont play online.. you will be fine anyway... and at least if you do get banned you can still play like you normally would as you dont play online and thats the only feature you would loose. If i get told anything in advance about a console ban patch then i will let you know.. as this should be discussed in the next meeting... James.
Ric_ Posted October 22, 2008 Posted October 22, 2008 The scrollable categories on the new Dashboard are Videos, Games, Primetime, Community, Game, Primetime, Spotlight and My Xbox. So they aren't pushing 'Primetime' then?
CHR1S Posted October 22, 2008 Posted October 22, 2008 Sounds interesting, will there be any codes going for us EduGeekers?
JJonas Posted October 22, 2008 Posted October 22, 2008 (edited) I would also be interested in testing it early - My 360 is coming to work with me on the last day of term. Cant wait to see the kids faces when they see I am running the new dashboard Edited October 22, 2008 by JJonas
EduTech Posted October 22, 2008 Author Posted October 22, 2008 If i do get any NXE Keys, i will be either giving them to the EduAdmin's and they can think of a way to give them out fairly. or i will just do it myself. sure we will find away.. Hopefully i have enough to give everyone who has asked for one.. one.. James.
CHR1S Posted October 22, 2008 Posted October 22, 2008 If i do get any NXE Keys, i will be either giving them to the EduAdmin's and they can think of a way to give them out fairly. or i will just do it myself. sure we will find away.. Hopefully i have enough to give everyone who has asked for one.. one.. James. How does bribery take your fancey?
EduTech Posted October 22, 2008 Author Posted October 22, 2008 er! depends what ur offering.. Some peope ay will do anything just to get something nice and early
john Posted October 22, 2008 Posted October 22, 2008 Just remember who is your friend Mr James I have a shiny Xbox 360 at home which would like it
Butuz Posted October 22, 2008 Posted October 22, 2008 I hope it actually is a good improvment because the old Xbox interface was just so damn perfect right out of the box that there must be a high risk of actually runing it / making it worse. Jets hope the new dashboard doesnt turn into a "vista" huh! Also I hope it has built in web broser as the xbox really needs it Butuz
EduTech Posted October 22, 2008 Author Posted October 22, 2008 for the comment about the web browser... it does not have that. as for it turning into vista, i have been using it now for 4/5 weeks and have not had any problems at all found a few bugs.. and they have been put right. cant argue James.
pscott Posted October 22, 2008 Posted October 22, 2008 I've been looking foward to this update, any chance of getting the early version would be massively appreciated!
binky Posted October 22, 2008 Posted October 22, 2008 Any idea how to actually get the NXE keys anyway?
mcloum Posted October 23, 2008 Posted October 23, 2008 Aye would also be nice gonne try Live this weekend i think....risk getting my console banned but oh well
TechMonkey Posted October 23, 2008 Posted October 23, 2008 Ohhh EduComp. But don't tell anyone. Another site I frequent was offering up COD5 keys and it got swampped with people wanting them. Was hilarious to watch as the regulars were throwing in red herrings
EduTech Posted October 23, 2008 Author Posted October 23, 2008 Yh would be nice and tbh i would try and keep it to members registered before the start date as then we all know its not just people coming on here just to get a key. If i do get enough, i will just PM everyone in this thread with a key early christmas present of EduTech - as for using xbox live with a flashed console, as long as a stealth firmware has been used and its the most up to date you will be ok pal. James.
clarky2k3 Posted October 23, 2008 Posted October 23, 2008 Would be the best xmas pressie ever! I cant wait for the new xbox experience. The inclusion of ripping games to your HDD is the best feature.
EduTech Posted October 24, 2008 Author Posted October 24, 2008 NXE - What You Want to Know: Netflix and Video Store We’ve all been there. You’ve just popped some popcorn, put on your flannel pants with the puppies on them (don't fake like you don't have them), wrapped yourself in a comfy blanket, and parked yourself on the couch. Remote in hand, and Dolby 7.1 ready to blast, you reach for the familiar red Netflix envelope sitting on the coffee table – only to discover that it’s already open, and you’ve already watched the DVD! Your girlfriend/boyfriend/wife/husband/roommate/dog forgot to put it in the mail. Frustration sets in. http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/2717/nxe1ir5.jpg http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/4198/nxe2tg3.jpg Relax - it’s time to get comfy again and turn on your Xbox 360. On Nov. 19, all movies from your Netflix instant watch queue will be instantly accessible and playable on your Xbox 360. All Xbox LIVE Gold members with a Netflix subscription will be able to instantly watch more than 12,000 movies from the Netflix library at no extra charge. On top of that, you no longer need to put on make-up, "acceptable" clothing and shoes to drive to the rental store. Xbox LIVE Video Marketplace offers more than 20,000 pieces of HD and standard definition content, and will have a new sleek look and feel that makes you feel like you’re browsing shelves right in your own living room. You’ll be able to see hi-res box art for all the movies and TV shows you love, plus read all the information that would usually be on the back of the DVD box. In total, when the New Xbox Experience launches, you will have a massive library of more than 30,000 HD and standard movies and TV episodes at your fingertips. This gives me another reason to spend a quiet night in with Clive Owen, Cillian Murphy, Christian Bale, oh the list goes on... http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/83/nxe3ky5.jpg Regards James.
tech_guy Posted October 25, 2008 Posted October 25, 2008 Tsk, all these people who have nicked my avatar......
JJonas Posted October 25, 2008 Posted October 25, 2008 The New Xbox Experience Preview program - Xbox Lives Major Nelson may be worth its own thread
EduTech Posted October 25, 2008 Author Posted October 25, 2008 (edited) Yh was going to sort that out today with my own version, as i was emailed this last night. Will get that sorted this morning James. EDIT: So you know that invitation has now expired.. just speaking to major will log on to the microsoft connect and get mine sorted just waiting for phone call back from my manager for a list of codes. Edited October 25, 2008 by EduTech
EduTech Posted November 1, 2008 Author Posted November 1, 2008 Ok as some of you might be aware the NXE Beta releases were given out Yesterday.. Unfortuantly some people have put this on the internet available to download. WARNING: If you download the update before the 19th Nov then you wont have any Xbox Live access until the 19th . Microsoft might also ban you for a longer period of time if you download and install this on your console early with out offically being given the download from Microsoft. Regards James.
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