nxe
Latest
Xbox 360 getting dashboard revision this November?
Let's face it, the New Xbox Experience isn't exactly "new" any more, but it looks like Microsoft may be getting close to another complete revision. If a set of purportedly authentic images that surfaced on Logic Sunrise (and have since been pulled at Microsoft's request) are any indication, it appears that the Xbox 360 dashboard will be tweaked to match the appearance of the new Family Center component that Microsoft recently announced (and is set to launch in November). Those changes include a new horizontal menu system instead of the current slanted design, and some other more minor tweaks like smaller text for the menu options. The image above may well not be the final dashboard, however, considering that some of the other leaked images made reference to Natal instead of Kinect, suggesting that they're from an older build.
Rumor: Images of new Xbox 360 dashboard leaked [update]
Ready for the new New Xbox Experience? French site Logic-Sunrise has posted shots of what appears to be a new version of the Xbox 360 Dashboard interface. This purported UI features a "Natal Tuner" application and a "Natal" setup process (which cutely directs requests for help to the @xboxsupport Twitter account). Since it hasn't been updated with the new "Kinect" title, these shots likely originate from an older dashboard build. It makes sense for Microsoft to ready a new Dashboard -- the console has a new look and a new controller, so it only follows that Microsoft would take that last rebranding step for the next phase of the Xbox 360 life cycle. [Update: The images have been removed from Logic-Sunrise, replaced by a Microsoft takedown notice.]
Xbox Engineering Blog explains smaller game installations
When the last Xbox 360 NXE update reduced the footprint of some full game installations, many assumed that Microsoft had simply employed an advanced mom-packs-your-suitcase algorithm. And while that wasn't the most technically accurate assumption, it didn't stray too far from the layman's truth. "Xbox 360 game disc layouts are optimized for the reading speeds of optical discs drives and attempt to concentrate the game disc data at the fastest read locations on the disc," Thomas Soemo writes on the Xbox Engineering Blog. "This typically ends up creating gaps at the beginning, end, and in the middle of the disc layout where layer 1 transfers to layer 2." Soemo, a senior program manager lead at Microsoft, explains that in creating the update, "we went back and examined how much potential space savings we could deliver to customers by removing these gaps that can occur in the middle of the game code in the disc layout." Removing the gaps benefited not only game installations, but the size of games obtained via Microsoft's Games on Demand service, which uses "the same underlying technology." Also, your mom uses the same underlying technology.
Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm now support Xbox child accounts in US
The man known as Major Nelson has been so kind as to remind us all that child accounts for Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm have now been enabled for US Xbox 360 users. Once granted parental permission, Xbox Live child account holders over the age of 13 will be able to access these applications. The Major reminds everyone to make sure to select automatic logins for all the applications, otherwise you will be prompted for parental permission every time an app is launched. We'd have to agree with his advice. After all, Mom coming in to give you and your friends Tang and lemon squares: Cool. Mom coming in to log you into Facebook: Not cool.
Microsoft reveals usage stats for Facebook, Last.fm
According to Microsoft, nearly two million Xbox Live users logged into Facebook through the console's new built-in social media applications. Based on a vague estimate provided by Microsoft, it appears that around ten percent of all Xbox Live Gold accounts used the application within its first week of availability; however, it's possible many of those users only logged in to see the new feature in action.Microsoft also stated the addition of Last.fm -- a music streaming service currently only available for US and UK gamers -- prompted nearly one million new profile activations. In its first week, Last.fm users streamed "more than 120 million minutes" of music to their Xbox 360 consoles. If we've learned one thing from these numbers, it's that people love to click on shiny new boxes.
Facebook and Twitter coming to Xbox Nov. 17
Xbox owners: You have five days to start thinking of your lives and the lives of others in trivial, 140-character chunks. Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten has told Fast Company that the Dashboard update containing Twitter and Facebook integration will officially arrive on November 17. If the date seems familiar, you're not losing your marbles: The specific timing for the update was revealed and reneged last month. Now, you'd better hurry up and beat the Chatpad rush at the store.
Crackdown HDD installation now available
One of the conveniences introduced by the NXE last year was the ability to install games onto the Xbox 360 hard drive. Unfortunately, a select few games don't support the feature. Chief among the unsupported titles is Crackdown, Microsoft's addicting open-world action game. At least, it was until now, as Major Nelson has informed the masses that a title update is now available on Live that enables HDD installation of Crackdown. Remember agent, installing isn't just for convenience, it's also for saving wear and tear on the DVD drive -- especially in games like Crackdown, which stream data constantly.
Rumor: Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer disables Xbox Live party chat
If rumors circulating around NeoGAF prove true, Modern Warfare 2 developer Infinity Ward won't be allowing the use of the Xbox 360's party chat feature during ranked multiplayer playlists in its upcoming title. Since a distinction in the post is made between different styles of online matches (ranked and social), we presume the function will not be utilized throughout all of Modern Warfare 2's online playlists.Speaking with Joystiq, Infinity Ward community manager Robert Bowling said the company "can't comment on leaks," and was unable to confirm if the feature will, in fact, be disabled. "Players should reserve judgment until they get a chance to experience it for themselves on November 10 instead of viewing it out of context," Bowling added. Have an opinion on the matter? Sound off in the comments. [Image Source: BL4CK HAWK 8]
Forthcoming Xbox 360 update locks out 'unauthorized' memory units
Using a less than official memory unit with your Xbox 360? Then you'll probably want to get your act together before diving into the upcoming preview program for the latest 360 update, as it will apparently lock out any "unauthorized" memory units as it adds all those nifty Facebook, Twitter and Last.fm features. That word comes straight from none other than Xbox Live's Major Neslon, who also warns anyone using said memory units that they'll basically be flat out of luck if they update before backing things up to an official storage device and then go looking for their saved games -- which, you know, would be a bit of a pain.[Via Joystiq]
Xbox 360 Dashboard update 'preview' open for signups
As it has done in the past, Microsoft is offering early access to its next Xbox 360 Dashboard update (which integrates Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm and Zune Marketplace) to those who sign up -- and are then selected -- to preview it. Major Nelson has just updated his blog with word that the signup process has begun for the program, mentioning that Microsoft is looking for "multiple thousands" of users to test out the update. So, sounds like chances of getting in are good.Those wishing to put their names in the hat for preview access can do so by hitting the Microsoft Connect site and filling out a survey. The preview program is being offered in all territories where Xbox Live is available, but keep in mind you'll need a Windows Live ID in order to apply. The Major says those who've been picked will receive an email in about a week; after which the update will be pushed out to their consoles, and they can start bragging about their early access via Twitter and Facebook right from their 360s.If past Dashboard preview programs are anything to go by, everyone who signs up will eventually gain access just prior to the update's release -- which may happen on November 17.%Gallery-65321%
Xbox 360's new Zune, Last.fm, Facebook and Twitter features detailed on video
We just got a pretty detailed look at Microsoft's upcoming Dashboard update for the Xbox, which brings with it the Zune Video Marketplace and Last.fm music streaming, along with Facebook and Twitter social functionality. We were most impressed with Facebook, which includes a feature for spotting which of your Facebook friends have Xbox Live -- a great way to grow that friends list and bring a bit of "synergy" to your life. Last.fm was a bit of a downer, since you can't do anything else while listening to the music, but otherwise there weren't many minuses to the presentation other than the lack of a firm release date. Check out Joystiq's full impressions at the read link before, or watch the whole demo on mind-blowing video after the break.
PSA: Xbox Live Update is ... live
This one is for all the unlucky souls that didn't make it into the Xbox Live Update preview program: Your wait is over! The Xbox Live Update is finally here, and it's here for everyone. That's right, now everyone has access to the update's many riches and wonders, including better (and "exclusive") Netflix functionality, Avatar Awards, Games on Demand, User Ratings and more. And let's not forget you can also purchase clothing for your digital doll.Getting the update is easy. Just turn on your Xbox, connect to Live and BAM, instant update. For a quick look at some of the new features, check out the video above, and find a Netflix video tour after the break.
Xbox 360 'Games on Demand' priced between $20-$30
Microsoft informed us this afternoon that its initial offerings of Games on Demand, the company's selection of downloadable Xbox 360 titles, will be priced between 1600-2400 -- that's $20-30 in American credit card currency. We got a little curious after one price was revealed in a video earlier today, but we wanted to make sure about the rest. We're currently working on getting the full list of prices for each game, but all will be revealed next week when the latest dashboard update goes live, on August 11.
New Xbox update to shrink some hard drive installs
Posters on Cheap Ass Gamer who keep track of Xbox 360 hard drive installs noticed that those who'd been admitted to the dashboard update preview program were seeing games take up markedly less space than before (a fact later confirmed by Digital Foundry). How much smaller? Well, DF noticed that King of Fighters XII and Raiden Fighters Aces went from 3.4GB to 703 and 484MB respectively, post update.By DF's approximation, the update allows the system to be more efficient in selecting what non-essential data it puts on the hard drive. Though that results in a big savings in some cases, there are exceptions. Fable 2, for example, is no smaller post-update, leading us to assume Lionhead needed every inch of the disc for all that GOTY material.
PSA: Xbox 360 Dash Preview invites in the mail [Update]
Update: According to the comments in this story, the Xbox 360 Dashboard Preview has begun to roll out now.If you were quick enough on the draw to sign up, you may notice an email from Microsoft in your inbox today inviting you into the new Xbox 360 Dashboard Preview. The public preview -- which opened up for selected press and MVPs earlier last week -- is not fully live just yet, but Microsoft is notifying users if they were accepted into the program. Unaware of what to expect when the new dashboard hits this August? Joystiq has a lengthy guide with a plethora of videos to show you the ropes for the "New New Xbox Experience." Those guys are swell.
Xbox 360's new Netflix Movie Parties disabled for Starz Play titles?
Ever get a sinking feeling in your stomach, like it's November 2008 all over again? Yes, just like when Sony Pictures blocked its films from Netflix on Demand for a then-fresh New Xbox Experience update, so too are the early adopters of the new Xbox Live Dashboard update seeing select films excluded from the joys of its group sharing "Movie Parties" mode. Our BFFs at Joystiq have done some preliminary testing on the issue, and it seems the common link is that all guilty videos hail from the Starz Play catalog. In other words, you can all but forget about watching Pineapple Express synchronized with your Xbox 360-toting friends and family thousands of miles away -- for now at least. With any luck, like the previous issue with Sony Pictures, this problem will eventually fix itself, and with any luck, it'll be smooth sailing by the time the Xbox Live Dashboard update is officially pushed out to the masses on August 11th. Video proof of the misdemeanor can be seen after the break.
Xbox Netflix Movie Parties: Some restrictions apply [update]
So much for our Friday night plans to give The Iron Giant the ol' MST3K treatment. Just as we were dimming the lights and pulling our headsets close, the fine print struck: "This can't be watched with a party." As it turns out, certain Netflix Instant Watch videos can't be subjected to the new "Movie Parties" feature, included in the next Xbox Live Dashboard update. Pineapple Express and The Legend of Drunken Master are two additional examples of incompatible movies we stumbled across -- there's no way to tell until you select a movie in your queue -- in our preview of the updated Netflix experience (video after the break). One obvious connection is that all three films are licensed under Netflix's "Starz Play" catalog.You'll remember that when Instant Watch first launched on Xbox 360 there was a licensing issue that blocked Sony's Columbia Pictures content, though this was eventually resolved. We've reached out to Netlfix and Microsoft for comment on the current issue. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got to find an alternate use for all this popcorn we'd planned to toss about our living room.Update: A Microsoft spokesperson had this to say: "We are working closely with our partners and studios to deliver Xbox Live Parties for as much content as possible. We offered the Xbox Live Party feature to all content owners, and what's up on the service reflects what the rights holders are comfortable with. We're confident that the community will be pleased with the great selection of Party-enabled content."Additionally, a Netflix spokesperson further clarified, "We're working with Microsoft and the studios to instantly stream as many movies and TV episodes as possible for Xbox Live parties. Certain content providers don't provide rights for their content to be instantly watched in party mode. We're confident that the community will be pleased with the broad selection of movies and TV episodes that are available to instantly watch in party mode."
The new Xbox Live dashboard update preview is... live!
That's right kids. Netflix movie parties, avatar accessories, Games on Demand (though no proper Xbox 360 titles yet -- this is just the preview after all). We just got the update and are exploring right now, so stay tuned. If you're one of the select few, let us know in comments!Some notable bits thus far: Netflix now has way, way more options. You can actually browse content via the app, which is great. As a commenter points out, HD content is now denoted with a tag. There isn't any avatar prop content available just yet -- hopefully we'll get to pick out an awesome gun to carry around soon though. No Games on Demand content from the current gen console is available, but apparently the games will start rolling out in early August (sigh). As we noted in previous posts, the preview doesn't boast any of the Last.fm, Facebook, or Twitter additions yet. We know they're still working the kinks out, but there seems to be noticeable slowdown when shifting between pages, something we've never noticed before in the NXE.
MS opens Xbox Live update preview program
Would you like to be one of the movers and shakers to get the upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update before all the filthy, "regular" people? If so, you'll be happy to know that Major Nelson has just announced an Xbox Live Update preview program. Microsoft ran a similar program prior to the NXE, which allowed lots of gamers everywhere the chance to see all the fabulous updates early.The new update includes plenty of cool new features, including Games on Demand Movie Parties for Netflix and Avatar Awardables, so we know you want in. To register, simply head over to Microsoft Connect, sign in with the Live ID connected to your Gamertag and then fill out the "Xbox LIVE Update Preview Sign Up" survey. The program is open to both Silver and Gold Xbox Live members, though Major Nelson notes that preference will be given to Gold members. If you make it into the program -- MS is accepting "multiple thousands" of participants -- you should be contacted in about a week.Good luck!
