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The case of the mysterious dash update has been solved
Putting our Sherlock Holmes-like skills to work, we're proud to say that the mystery surrounding the mysterious dashboard update has been solved. Well, more or less solved.Weeks ago, a select few Xbox Live subscribers were prompted to download an Xbox 360 dashboard update while the majority of folks didn't. The update upgraded the dashboard version from 2.0.7357.0 to a newer 2.07363.0. This week, everyone was prompted to download the HDMI audio fixing dash update and, lo and behold, the new dash version is the same as the mysterious update from weeks ago. So, either Microsoft felt the need to do a trial release of the HDMI audio update a few weeks back or just accidentally released it to a select few. No matter the case, all Xbox Live subscribers should now have a 2.0.7363.0 dash version. Mystery solved.
Xbox 360 dash update to bring HDMI audio fix
Those not experiencing audio from their Xbox 360 HDMI connections may soon find their complaints silenced.Major Nelson just informed us that a mandatory 360 dashboard update will be released this Tuesday morning at 2:00AM pacific, and will fix the HDMI audio problems some have been experiencing. As always, dashboard updates will only begin rolling out at 2:00AM pacific, so it may take a while before actually being prompted to download.
Mysterious dash update released. It's a mystery
A handful of loyal X3F fanboys just sent word (via carrier pigeon, no less) that a new Xbox 360 dashboard update has just been released. The update installs the new dashboard version 2.0.7363.0 (replacing the old 2.0.7357.0 version) and has been slowly releasing across all consoles connected to Xbox Live. Here at Fanboy Towers, we have yet to be prompted to download the new update. We are sad. So, what new bells and whistles does the new dash update bring? Well ... we aren't really sure and nobody at Microsoft has announced the update's release. Those who have received it haven't been able to find anything new, so we're speculating that it's one of those behind the scenes / no new features dash upgrades. We'll keep you updated on the update once we're updated.[Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
MS admits to 360 audio problems caused by NXE, working towards a 'solution'
Looks like the audiophiles over at the AVS forums weren't wrong about the New Xbox Experience killing some gamers' Xbox 360 audio (did you really doubt 'em?), because Microsoft has officially acknowledged the problem and promises a "solution" in the near future. "We are aware that a handful of Xbox LIVE users are experiencing audio issues" a Microsoft rep informed Shacknews, promising that they're "diligently monitoring this issue and working towards a solution." According to numerous internet reports, after the NXE update was released a few weeks back, some Xbox 360 HDMI users lost all game audio.Gaming without sound is no fun. Hopefully we can haz the NXE caused HDMI audio problems fixed soon.
Top 10 things to do with the NXE
Now that you have had ample time to mess around with today's newly released New Xbox Experience, we figured we'd point out a few NXE features that you may not have discovered.Major Nelson created a list of the "Top 10 things to do when you get the New Xbox Experience", which pretty much covers a lot of the NXE's new additions and hidden bits. Didja know you can delete your zero Gamerscore games from your profile? Did you remember to look through the new Community Games? What about installing a game to your hard drive? Go get edjumicated!
NXE Netflix activation not working for some [update]
Update: Major Nelson just sent word that the Netflix hiccups some were experiencing earlier today should now be resolved.It looks like the the bad Netflix karma has struck again as we're hearing reports that some gamers cannot get the New Xbox Experience enabled Netflix to work. According to reports, the Netflix activation code the 360 spits out isn't being accepted on Netflix.com, making the entire "watch your Netflix movies on your Xbox" thing a non-reality. We have yet to hear from Microsoft or Netflix regarding the issue that some are experiencing, so you'll just have to sit tight. In the meantime, try restarting your console after installing the Netflix add-on. Some are claiming Netflix activation success after a simple restart.[Via Joystiq, Thanks Scooter]
Reminder: NXE releases early this morning [update]
Update: The New Xbox Experience is now available, ENJOY!We're mere hours away from the public release of the biggest and newest Xbox 360 dashboard update, the New Xbox Experience. The dashboard update will start releasing at 5:00AM eastern (2:00AM pacific) when everyone connected to Xbox Live will be prompted to download the NXE and go through a relatively simple install process. Note that you may not receive the NXE at exactly 5AM eastern seeing that this is a "rolling update" that will take a while to make it to everyone's console. If you're still not sure what's included in the NXE, be sure to check out our comprehensive video analysis of all the NXE features and enhancements. The wait is almost over, the New Xbox Experience is almost here and Avatars, Netflix, and parties are all waiting for you. Our fingers are crossed in hopes that Microsoft's servers can handle the stress and that you, fellow fanboy, come to love the NXE. Bring on the update!
NXE given to everyone who signed up for preview
Major Nelson just sent word that EVERYONE who signed up for the New Xbox Experience preview a few weeks back will be receiving access to the NXE later tonight. That is, if you correctly filled in your console ID.We're told that the NXE will roll out within' the next few hours to every guy and gal that signed up for the preview. True, you'll only be getting NXE goodness a day early, but it's a day earlier then the masses which instantly makes you uber l33t. Now run along and go enjoy the NXE.
New Xbox Experience intro video is triptacular
Behold, fanboys, it's the New Xbox Experience introduction video that you'll be viewing on your own Xbox 360 this Wednesday when the NXE makes its official debut. The video is full of trippy and spectacular visuals (triptacular), a melting logo, some racing, intense tree climbing, a few musical things and a whirly wind of rainbow excitement. It's the NXE, it's exciting and it's an introduction video to the most newest xboxiest experience ... everest? Yeah, we'll admit, the trippy visuals have officially altered our state of mind.
Video: Installing the New Xbox Experience
Our pal Major Nelson just posted a video detailing the New Xbox Experience installation process that everyone will be participating in next week when the NXE rolls out to the general Xbox Live public.The installation process is rather straight forward, sign into Live, download a mini-update, restart, download big NXE update, restart and enjoy the welcome video. (Protip: The NXE welcome video is visually epic.) That's it, NXE installed! All that's left is a quick Avatar creation and then you're set to enjoy all that the NXE has to offer. We're sure your fanboy enthusiasm for the NXE is boiling over ... only a few days to wait!
Reminder: Find out if you get NXE preview access [update]
Update: Major Nelson just informed us that the NXE notification emails are being sent out over the next few hours. Good luck, fanboys!Today is the day that separates the men from the women, the hardcore from the casual and the l33t from the n00b. Today is the day we find out who was accepted and who was denied New Xbox Experience preview access.Sometime in the next twelve hours, Microsoft will be emailing those who were accepted into the NXE preview program which will ultimately give access to the NXE prior to its November 19th launch. NXE access as early as next week. So, for those of you who were able to fill out the survey and sign up, cross your gaming fingers and obsessively check your inbox, because NXE preview notification emails are being sent out today!
HD Netflix set to debut on the Xbox 360
High definition Netflix content streaming is something we didn't think was possible, especially on the Xbox 360. Well, it is possible and HD Netflix streaming is going to debut on the Xbox 360 when the New Xbox Experience releases on November 19th. According to our friends over at Engadget, Microsoft and Netflix will soon announce that Xbox Live gold members will have access to high definition Netflix movie streaming to their 360s come November 19th. HD movie streaming that isn't available with Netflix's current "Watch Instantly" portal, Roku hardware or Samsung and LG's Netflix enabled Blu-ray players. The HD Netflix roll out will be slow at first with approximately 300 movies being available in HD on day one of the NXE's launch. To recap: Netflix subscription + Xbox Live gold + NXE = HD movies and very happy Xbox 360 owners.[Thanks, DeadPlasmaCell]
Surprise! Avatar store coming next Spring
According to the peeps over at VideoGamer.com, Microsoft will be launching an Avatar store next Spring where gamers can purchase and download additional customization options for their 360 Avatars. "The plan of record will be to launch a more extensive Avatar Store from spring time onwards next year," said <a href="http://www.eyewonderlabs.com/ct.cfm?ewbust=0&&file=http://cdn1.eyewonder.com/200125/755069/1021684/NOSCRIPTfailover.gif&&eid=1021684&&name=Clickthru-NOSCRIPT&&num=1&&time=0&&diff=0&&click=http://www.rockstargames.com/midnightclubLA" target="_blank"> <img width="300" height="250" src="http://cdn1.eyewonder.com/200125/755069/1021684/NOSCRIPTfailover.gif" border="0" alt=""> </a> <iframe valign="top" width="300" height="250" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" hspace="0" vspace="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" bordercolor="#000000" src="http://wrapper.teamxbox.com/a?size=300x250&sizew=300&sizeh=250&js=false&pagetype=txb_article&articletype=news%20story&subdomain=news.teamxbox.com"> </iframe> Live EMEA product manager Robin Burrowes. "That store in theory would have branded content in there, game publisher IP stuff in there as well." No surprise there.To be honest, we're still torn about Avatars, the role they'll be playing in our New Xbox Experience, how Microsoft is approaching the monetizing of them and whether or not we'll be willing to pay for a Gears of War 2 t-shirt for our Avatar next Spring. Because ... you know ... an Avatar rockin' a Gears 2 tee would be rather badass.
Were you accepted into the NXE preview? Find out on Oct. 29th
For those of you who were able to register for the New Xbox Experience preview before it closed, circle this Wednesday, October 29th on your daily planner, because that's when NXE preview notifications will be sent out. On his latest podcast, Major Nelson confirmed that emails will be sent out this Wednesday to those who were chosen to participate in the NXE preview. Because - as you should know by now - those who signed up for the NXE preview are not guaranteed entry. Only a few thousand will be chosen. Also note that this Wednesday's NXE emails will only notify those who are accepted into the preview program and will not be the official start of the preview. Downloading the NXE will come at a later, yet to be determined date that will be before November 19th.
NXE: A brief look at Netflix and the XBVM
As is customary every week, the Gamerscore Blog crew just highlighted a New Xbox Experience feature to show off and this week they're talking Netflix and the new and improved Video Marketplace. Their informative NXE blurb doesn't inform us of anything excitingly new, but does reinforce the fact that 10,000 Netflix videos will be available for streaming to unlimited rental Netflix subscribers and that 20,000 pieces of XBVM content is available as well. Check out the NXE screen grabs below and keep those NXE preview fingers crossed.%Gallery-35345%
Get a chance to preview the New Xbox Experience [update]
Update: Hopefully you already registered because, according to Major Nelson, the "preview program is now FULL." That was quick.You were promised the chance and now your chance is here. You (yes YOU) can preview the upcoming New Xbox Experience prior to its release on November 19th. Microsoft is looking for a few thousand NXE preview participants to give the NXE a trial run prior to its official release to, you know, make sure everything is functioning correctly. To sign up for your chance to be selected as a previewer, simply head to Microsoft Connect, register using your Windows Live ID, then click here to fill out the official NXE preview survey. Answer a few questions, submit that sucker and cross your fingers in hopes that you are selected. And just in case you weren't listening, only a few thousand registrants will be selected, so filling out the survey does not guarantee a NXE preview.Note too that those who are selected will not have access to a full-featured NXE. Though, things like Netflix, Live parties and Avatars will be included. Now go, get registered and hope for the best![Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
NXE storage solution: Free 512MB memory card or cheap 20GB HDD
Last week, Microsoft informed us that they'd be offering a "storage solution" to Xbox 360 Arcade and Core owners who didn't have 128MBs of storage to install the New Xbox Experience. We now have those storage solution specifics.Microsoft just launched a new Xbox Storage Upgrade website where Arcade and Core owners can request their storage solution. All you have to do is enter your console's serial number and ID, then the system will check to make sure your console isn't an Elite or Pro. Some are reporting that the system knows if you have a HDD connected and will deny your storage upgrade, so be careful. Once your console is verified to be lacking 128MBs of storage, you'll be given a special offer based on which console you own. The storage solution offers are: Xbox 360 Acade owners: Refurbished 20GB HDD + 3 months of Xbox Live for $30. Xbox 360 Core owners: 512MB memory card for free OR refurbished 20GB HDD for $20 [Thanks, to everyone who sent this in]
A look at the NXE's Marketplace online
With the November 19th launch of the New Xbox Experience, not only will we see a complete dashboard overhaul, but changes are a coming to Xbox.com and the Xbox Live Marketplace. The Gamerscore Blog just posted a image preview of how Xbox.com will look with its enhanced XBLM features, including the ability to browse all XBLM content, purchase goodies using your Microsoft points and queue up downloads that'll insta-download the next time you turn on your Xbox 360. We already know this is going to be an extremely useful XBLM searching tool and one of convenience, thumbs up to the Microsoft peeps.%Gallery-34233%
MS to offer NXE 'storage solutions' to those in need
After learning that the New Xbox Experience and Avatar customization would require, at minimum, a 256MB memory card, it spawned more questions than answers. Would the NXE install take up all 256MB? If so, what about Xbox 360 Arcade owners and their tiny 256MB memory card? Wait, what about Core customers who don't have storage or own a 64MB memory card? What are they to do and is the NXE update a mandatory download? CONFUSION! So, we reached out to. Major Nelson and, thankfully, he cleared up said confusion ... var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/xbox/MS_to_offer_NXE_storage_solutions_to_those_in_need'; "The new Xbox experience will require 128MB of free space. A hard drive is recommended for the optimal experience, to take advantage of some new features, and to be able to enjoy the great movies, TV shows and games available on Xbox LIVE. While we expect the majority of consumers to download the New Xbox Experience without a problem, a small percentage of Xbox 360 owners do not have enough memory to accommodate the update. 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. Be sure to check xbox.com for more details in the coming weeks."There you have it. The NXE is a required dash update, will need roughly 128MBs of storage, a HDD is recommended AND (shocker here) for those who own little or no 360 storage, Microsoft will be offering some sort of "storage solution". We wait for more info ...
Netflix adds Starz and more to streaming library
In preparation for the Fall release of the Netflix streaming enabled New Xbox Experience, Netflix just announced that they're adding additional content to their streaming library including a boatload of content from Starz.Come this Fall, Netflix will add an additional 2,500 pieces of content for streaming (that's 30,000 pieces of content in total), including movies from Starz Play like Spider-Man 3, Ratatouille, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Superbad, and No Country for Old Men. You'll need an unlimited subscription plan to have access to all the Netflix goodies when the NXE releases and, just to whet your appetite, 1,000 hunks of new content are available TODAY with the other 1,500 being added by the time the NXE launches. Happy days!
