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NXE Avatars get URL'd
Avatars may be doing more than just meandering about on-screen when the New Xbox Experience launches on November 19. Our sister site, X3F, has learned that the virtual paper dolls will also each be given their own unique URL pointing to a PNG-format graphic of their full cute and cuddly self, along with two smaller icon-style versions as well. Numerous Microsoft employees appear to already be taking advantage of the service, including Major Nelson and Xbox Live front man, Aaron Greenberg. However, plugging in our own gamertags into the service simply returns an original Xbox logo, which while nostalgic, is considerably less exciting. As for why, we assume Microsoft plans to use the graphics on its own sites and forums, or perhaps as part of a larger social networking scheme, assuming this feature doesn't get dropped as well.
MS: Primetime will not make NXE launch
Speaking to Eurogamer, a Microsoft representative confirmed that the massively interactive game channel dubbed Primetime will not be available when the New Xbox Experience releases on November 19th. The MS rep also mentioned the possibility of a few other promised NXE features not being available day one of launch. Sad face. Though, Microsoft is making it clear that Primetime and other features will be added to the NXE, mentioning that they'll have the "flexibility to roll out features and updates dynamically, unlike in the past where we were on a more biannual schedule." So, no prize winning Primetime on November 19th, but it'll come ... eventually.
Unique NXE Avatar URLs discovered
An anonymous tipster has informed Xbox 360 Fanboy that Avatars -- the cute, customizable user characters that will launch with the New Xbox Experience -- will each have their own unique URL (which won't open in Firefox or Safari, by the way). The URLs in question lead to PNG files of a users Avatar. The URLs lead to images of at least three sizes, as demonstrated in the image above. The Avatars belong to Microsoft's Trixie and Chris Paladino by the way (we tried plugging in one of our own gamertags and were greeted with nothing but the original Xbox logo). There is a full body image along with two smaller images of user created Avatar Gamerpics. All of them are stored at the site avatar.xboxlive.com, which currently leads to a blank page. Will these images be part of a broader social networking platform? For now, we'll just have to wait until Microsoft decides to share more about the NXE.
Xbox Live Primetime won't make NXE launch
Trivia junkies will have a bit longer to get their buzzer fingers in shape (at least one part of you will be!) as Microsoft has revealed that Xbox Live Primetime won't be making it in time for the New Xbox Experience launch next month. According to Forbes, Microsoft says it needs the extra time to "ensure a smooth launch of the system's new user interface." Primetime won't be happening until springtime.Poor NXE. First Primetime gets limited to four regions at launch, then we hear movie sharing won't make the date and now Primetime will be altogether absent. By the time Nov. 19 rolls around, is the New Xbox Experience just going to be a bunch of stickmen avatars wandering around an empty gray box? We certainly hope not.[Via MCV]
Major Nelson teases early NXE access for some
Major Nelson's latest podcast hints that at least some Xbox loyalists will get to test drive navigate the New Xbox Experience before the general public (at least those with enough storage space) gets its hands on it Nov. 19. Speaking about the NXE during his show, the good Major said, "You want to get your hands on it and I don't blame you, because you'll enjoy it. In fact, if you want to get your hands on it, let me just say this: keep an eye on my blog next week. If you want to get your hands on it early, that's all I'm going to say."F5 keys at the ready! [Via GamePlay Unlimited]
Major Nelson awarding a select few the NXE prior to its official release [update]
Update: Just to be clear, Major Nelson says to visit his website NEXT WEEK for the NXE giveaway surprise. So, don't be disappointed if there is no NXE handout this week.Thanks to the handy transcription of GamePlay Unlimited, we now know that Major Nelson will be giving a few lucky 360 fanboys the chance to download the New Xbox Experience prior to its official release on November 19th. Word comes from his latest podcast, where Major and E have a brief discussion regarding a listener receiving the NXE before anyone else. E inquires about the possibility of a MajorNelson.com visitor winning the chance to download the NXE early, to which Major answers, "that's pretty much what I'm saying." We don't know how or when, but we guess a few lucky MajorNelson.com visitors will be getting the NXE before it releases to the masses, allowing them to get a head start on their Avatar customization.[Via Evil Avatar]
Xbox 360 community games: 48 hours from submission to release
In its latest developer diary, Microsoft's Gamerscore Blog highlights the NXE Community Games Channel, which we've heard about since February 2008. The separate channel will let theoretically anyone who submits a game and passes peer review to sell their title to other Xbox 360 owners (with Microsoft, unsurprisingly, taking a little bit off the top). What is surprising to us is that the peer review process there's only 48 hours between the time of submission and release on the channel, a much shorter time frame than Microsoft's weeks-long certification process for Xbox Live Arcade games and title updates. Video embedded after the break; the New Xbox Experience launches November 19.
Video: XNA community games on the NXE
Just posted over on Major Nelson's website is a fresh New Xbox Experience video that takes a look at community games and the system that'll be used to bring content to the Marketplace. In the vid, Major sits down with the XNA community team's Kathleen Sanders to discuss the process, who can create games and what we should see heading into November 19th. It looks to be quite the democratic process and one that should bring new experiences and possibilities to the 360.
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]
Microsoft's NXE storage solution: Free 512MB memory card or $20 for 20GB HDD
Since the New Xbox Experience requires 128MB of free space, Microsoft is offering a storage solution for those who may lack the proper storage with either (a) a free 512MB memory unit or (b) a 20GB hard drive for $19.99. If you purchased an Xbox 360 console with no memory solution (i.e. no hard drive or memory unit), you can enter both the 12-digit serial number and the 12-digit Console ID here to see if you're eligible for the offer. We're not sure if there might be an issue with replaced Xbox 360s and proper serial numbers; if you're one of the eligible few, let us know your experiences in the comments below.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Movie sharing not part of NXE launch
Despite originally listing the ability to share Netflix movie rentals among the New Xbox Experience's list of features, it looks like any cross-Xbox Live watch party we had planned for the fifth season of Hawaii Five-O will have to wait.The movie sharing feature won't make the service's November 19 launch; however, it could conceivably be added in at a later date says Albert Penello, group marketing manager for the Xbox 360. Penello told MTV Multiplayer that such capabilities are "certainly the aspiration" which we're pretty sure is marketing manager for "we're working on it." It's not like there won't be plenty to take in once NXE is released though, for the time being, it looks like any DVD launch parties (even those for swank 70s cop shows!) will be single living room affairs. Sorry, Grandma!
Rumor: Associated Press dates Home for Nov. 19
An article purported to be from the Associated Press has been floating around today that very casually dates PlayStation's Home for November 19 -- coincidentally, the same day as the New Xbox Experience launch. The origins of this version stem from The Inquirer ("Sony, Microsoft begin battle of virtual worlds"). It's also interesting to note that the article does not mention NXE's simultaneous launch date. When you search the AP website, however, you will instead come across a "Sony, Microsoft virtual communities to start" from the same day (via Yahoo!). In this version, Home is "dated" for "later this year," while NXE is coming November 19. Both pieces also use the exact same quotes from Enterbrain's Hirokazu Hamamura, Sony's Ryoji Akagawa and Microsoft's John Schappert. It's likely that the former piece was an earlier, now-corrected draft from the AP or a gross misread by The Inquirer (and subsequently propagated from there). It should also be noted that at Sony's Tokyo Game Show press conference this weekend, the company announced an open beta for Home would be launching in Japan this month and end in November. We've gone ahead and contacted Sony and AP to confirm.
Microsoft not committed to biannual 360 dashboard releases
For the first two and a half years of the Xbox 360's lifespan, owners eagerly looked forward to regular "spring" and "fall" updates, packing more functionality into their consoles through (what Microsoft marketing would later call) the "magic of software." With the absence of a spring update this year and the subsequent announcement of the New Xbox Experience we wanted to know if Microsoft would return to the biannual updates ... So we asked John Schappert during our sitdown earlier this week in Tokyo. He said, "I don't know if we're going to tie ourselves to a spring fall release schedule" and continued, "I like staying focused on bigger, more impactful releases ... maybe it'll be twice a year, maybe less frequently, to-be-determined." Speaking of what those future updates could consist of, Schappert said that Microsoft is asking itself, "What's the next big launch? What do we bring? When can we bring it? And how can we do it in a big way?"The NXE is certainly a bigger, more impactful release. We're assuming, however, that Microsoft doesn't plan on reinventing the wheel every couple years in which case what "big" functionality should we expect in future Dashboard updates, regardless of when they're released? No, really, we're asking you.%Gallery-27601%
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%
Joystiq tries out the NXE, the news is good
Joystiq -- otherwise known as the lucky bastards currently at the Tokyo Game Show -- have gotten a chance to try out the New Xbox Experience. There are some quibbles, namely that you still can't set your default online status and some elements -- like Netflix -- are oddly placed. Even with the quibbles though, the pros seems to outweigh the cons. The NXE is fast, Avatars are easy to create, and the new party system allows players to jump from game to game with ease. Best of all, according to Joystiq, is the new guide, which recreates the original Blades system. The guide allows all the same functions as the current dashboard, even allowing you to launch another game from within one already being played (and allowing you to take your party with you).It all sounds pretty sweet to us. Oh, and it's fast. Head over to Joystiq for their full impressions.
NXE requires 128MB space, MS to offer 'storage solutions'
Microsoft has released an official statement stating that the New Xbox Experience will require 128MB of free space (a hard drive is recommended to "take advantage of some new features"). The company also said that "a small percentage of Xbox 360 owners do not have enough memory to accommodate the update" and will be "offering storage solutions to the Xbox LIVE community." Details are promised in the coming weeks, so for now we're left to wonder how Microsoft plans to provide solutions other than the current option of purchasing a memory card or hard drive. Full statement after the break.
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 ...
TGS 08: John Schappert on NXE, Halo 3: Recon, and Xbox in Japan
Following his TGS keynote, Microsoft's John Schappert crammed himself into a stuffy hotel room with about a dozen representatives from various gaming outlets, including yours truly. Tasked with peppering Schappert with questions, we asked about the sales figures he cited in the keynote (were those worldwide figures?), the decision to delay the Halo 3: Recon announcement from E3 to TGS (do the Japanese even play Halo?), the spring / fall update schedule, and Microsoft's plans to delist XBLA content (don't hold your breath). Instead of reading our condensed version, we've embedded the audio below for your listening pleasure. [MP3 download]
Joystiq hands-on: The New Xbox Experience
The past several weeks have seen a lot of updates concerning the Xbox 360's upcoming interface redux, the New Xbox Experience. Yesterday, we learned that it will launch globally on November 19. We've had the opportunity to take it for a test drive in its current state (Microsoft says that new builds are produced every Friday) in order to prep you for some of the features you haven't heard about. The highlights begin after the break.%Gallery-27601%
Avatar customization and NXE requires 256MB storage [update 3]
Update 3: Clarification! Major Nelson clears the the confusion.Update 2: Some clarification. The release mentions that (at minimum) a 256MB memory card is required for the NXE and Avatar customization, BUT doesn't say how many MBs out of the 256MBs are needed for the update itself. Technically, the update could use up only 150MBs leaving 256MB memory card owners with some extra storage. What's guaranteed is that 64MB card owners or those who have no storage medium are out of NXE and Avatar luck. Update: Upon further investigation, Microsoft's press materials state; "The New Xbox Experience is available this fall through a free download to anyone with an Xbox 360 system, a broadband connection and a storage device of either a hard drive or 256MB memory unit or larger." So, we guess the entire NXE update will require an additional 256MBs of storage and Avatar customization will be a part of the NXE package. Ninja-snuck in towards the bottom of Microsoft's TGS08 press release (the one that talks up the New Xbox Experience), we spotted a curious disclaimer regarding Avatar customization and it requiring 256MB of HDD / memory unit storage. Verbatim, the Avatar disclaimer reads "customizing avatars requires a 256 MB memory unit or greater" which really isn't that big of a deal, unless you are a Core or Arcade 360 owner. 256MB of storage would mean that Core owners are totally out of Avatar customization luck (though, we doubt they care) and Arcade owners would have to max out their bundled 256MB memory card. That means our Arcade friends would have to choose: Avatar customization or saving game progress. Decisions, decisions ...
