Microsoft job posting hints at "totally new Xbox Live experience"

Make no mistake, we've seen curious job postings lead to changes in our favorite gizmos before, and hopefully, a recent ad on Microsoft's website is no different. A listing seeking a Program Manager explicitly states that it's looking for someone to "be involved in the next release of Xbox," and wants that very individual to be "part of the Xbox Live team that's responsible for creating a completely new way for mainstream audiences to enjoy the Xbox and Live." Better still, the description suggests that the team would be "building the games, the console interface and logic, and the server support for a totally new Live experience." Granted, there's nothing more to go on than this at the moment, but we can't help but be a teensy bit excited about the notion of an overhauled Xbox Live.

[Via GamesIndustry]

[kal326 @ Feb 18th 2008 4:40PM]

Hopefully they don't get to crazy with the overhaul, nothing much is broken, so nothing much needs fixing. I'm not sure I would like a totally new way to experience Xbox Live.

[Jimbo @ Feb 18th 2008 5:46PM]

Friend, I agree.

But we're dealing with Microsoft, and there will be changes. You can bet your life on it. Sometimes MS hits the ball way out of the park. They really do. But there is reason to fear live is about to get lame.

This is probably just a reaction to the impending Home service, which given the popularity of Sims and Myspace and Second Life, will probably move a lot of consoles (I don't see the appeal, but it's obviously got potential to be a hit). MS likes to follow in everyone's footsteps, which can be confusing.

I think the real story here is that MS is moving to a new XBOX with a CPU that doesn't RROD, blu-ray, hard drive, etc. We see they are not producing as many XBOX 360s anymore. Probably not a good time to get a 360.

[Reginald @ Feb 18th 2008 4:42PM]

"building...server support for a totally new Live experience"

You mean one that doesn't shut down on after a major holiday shopping season.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[gt2378b @ Feb 18th 2008 6:47PM]

Whenever you feel like you can't resist you should, you know, resist. :)

This means you, "I for one..." poster.

[computer.dude.28 @ Feb 18th 2008 6:58PM]

I voted you down.

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Joel @ Feb 19th 2008 12:38AM]

I'm guessing you guys didn't actually try to play games on XBL after Christmas?

[jason w @ Feb 18th 2008 4:44PM]

I would like a VOD monthly fee service that would be great. I think live is well worth the money.

[rick @ Feb 19th 2008 7:16PM]

there is a recent poll that went out to select netflix subscribers that asked if they would like a "fusion" of xblvm and the netflix library!!!!! ZOMG!! that would b amazing!! it would make the fall of the hd-dvd alot more bearable!!

[phanbouy @ Feb 18th 2008 4:47PM]

Qualifications: -Ability to differentiate between Red Ring of Death and the One Ring.

[Ashish @ Feb 18th 2008 4:52PM]

now that toshiba has accepted defeat, things will get much easy for the consumers.

[Maestro @ Feb 18th 2008 5:04PM]

How does Toshiba have any bearing on Live? I'm pretty sure it works just fine without the HD-DVD add-on.

[Reader @ Feb 18th 2008 8:40PM]

Goddamn, you're as bad as the people that bring the iPhone into every post (take that for irony).

[HektikLyfe @ Feb 18th 2008 4:55PM]

Sounds like a portable possibility. New to them.

[one1082 @ Feb 18th 2008 5:09PM]

I think xbox live is pretty rad as-is (minus the holiday connectivity issues). I don't think they need to go too crazy. Improve the overall stability of the machine should be numero uno on the to-do list.

[Esat @ Feb 18th 2008 5:32PM]

Wonder what the salary for that job is?

[Shaun @ Feb 18th 2008 5:38PM]

I'd be interested in hearing what Engadget thinks needs overhauled. There certainly is room for some "tweaking", but an overhaul may spell disaster for a pretty good user experience. Well...except for that whole $50 per year thing. That could use a little overhauling...

[kjb434 @ Feb 18th 2008 6:23PM]

$50 is pretty cheap for a pretty good yearly service fee.

[samphex @ Feb 18th 2008 6:58PM]

are you not remembering ps3's free network?

[dave @ Feb 18th 2008 7:58PM]

xbox live is a lot better than the playstation alternative, though it does have a big head start on sonys network

[Mike Botros @ Feb 18th 2008 5:41PM]

what would be sweet is xbox live and facebook integration. allowing me to see friends' profiles, pictures, and videos on my xbox

[nojok3 @ Feb 18th 2008 6:31PM]

Or, simply a web browser would work fine.

I'm guessing they will be implementing more wireless technology with using your cell phone to use Xbox Live.

[computer.dude.28 @ Feb 18th 2008 7:01PM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyZ4R70j5O0

Facebook works too. I used youtube for the demo to show the flash support.

[MARSHAK @ Feb 19th 2008 1:42AM]

@computer dude

that video shows it working with a media centre PC. which is fine if you have one. but if the xbox 360 has hardware similar to a computer and runs microsoft software, whats the problem with preloading it with (lets be realistic) internet explorer and using a USB keyboard with it?

[toddd @ Feb 18th 2008 5:44PM]

Couldn't this mean it is for an engineer that can find out a way to install a fan and drive the doesn't sound like a friggen 747 taking off?

[samphex @ Feb 18th 2008 7:00PM]

that is a dream that just won't come true..

[waiownsyou @ Feb 18th 2008 5:48PM]

They're finally getting rid of the "Blade" UI of the 360 and using red rings everywhere to match my 360.

[LordPaul @ Feb 18th 2008 5:50PM]

I think the key here is "next release of Xbox"

Sounds like it's possibly a research role for the Xbox 720 (or whatever they call it) version of Live!

[John @ Feb 18th 2008 6:01PM]

Sorry, Engadget, "totally new" just means "up and running." Hate to disappoint.

[Stompntom @ Feb 18th 2008 6:03PM]

XBOX Live Vista

[Dijitil @ Feb 18th 2008 6:06PM]

Just throwing this out there....Could this possibly be a setup for a handheld unit in the xbox line with a revamped iteration of Live tailored for its needs?

[Alex Padilla @ Feb 18th 2008 6:09PM]

I'm guessing downloadable games. Think about it:

1. Next release of Xbox
2. New way to experience Live
3. New games
4. Server support

So, logically (putting the list into sentence form): The new Xbox will offer users a totally new way to experience Xbox Live. For instance, gamers will be able to download new titles via Xbox Live [using a unified server architecture]."

Note about brackets: Xbox Live started out with centralized servers run by Microsoft. In 2004, Microsoft allowed individual developers to maintain their own servers which had to be connected to Xbox Live for game interconnectivity.

[kjb434 @ Feb 18th 2008 6:25PM]

By George! I think he's got it!

[Tim @ Feb 18th 2008 6:33PM]

Good points. Maybe they are working on a more rental/download version of Xbox Live. Bridge that gape between game console and home entertainment center a little more. Xbox Live does a decent job now, but if it can find a way to integrate IPTV and and improved movie rental service, it'd be perfect.

[Insert Name Here @ Feb 18th 2008 6:51PM]

Exactly what I going to say. This could bring some cool functionality, but it could also be Microsoft moving towards all DRM games which I think is scary. Call me old fashioned but I like having a hard copy of my games...

[Ironhide @ Feb 18th 2008 7:39PM]

He is I'm sure. PSN's free network is hardly a good comparison to XBL. When PSN has the same functionality as XBL, then perhaps the $50 a year price might seem high (Mind you, how less than $5 a month is too expensive is positively mystifying), but then, and only then will it be a serious contender.

[Evan @ Feb 18th 2008 7:55PM]

All I can say is that that picture looks ancient. When was the last time there was PDZ DLC?

[willyboy @ Feb 18th 2008 11:26PM]

Yearly salary? 12,900,000 points

[guerilla779 @ Feb 19th 2008 2:46AM]

blubox 720 is on its way

[Steve @ Feb 20th 2008 1:39AM]

Whatever it is, at this point, MS is going to be the online king for quite some time with live.

[Frank Albu @ Mar 8th 2008 9:59AM]

I love this job so I have to go http://www.penplease.com for job hosting.

[Xakuta @ Apr 7th 2008 4:12PM]

Microsoft doesn't need to make many live changes. Just make it break down less, and why don't they go ahead and make it free? It's not like they would go bankrupt...

[Hakudoushi @ Apr 23rd 2008 1:36PM]

xbox liv is down right now =[