I currently own a PS3 and they do upgrades pretty often, but nothing like this. Link Images of New Interface Although I do like the fact that they are always outdoing the competition and definitely can't wait to see what they unveil this coming year. I would really love a brand new interface and definitely the ability to watch good High Quality downloaded movies, through a Netflix or something. Microsoft debuts New Xbox Experience (NXE) Are you Experienced? You soon will be. By Mike Smith Turn on your Xbox 360 today, and you may be in for a surprise: your console will automatically download and install an entirely new dashboard for free. Finally fed up with the gibes that have been slung at the 360's clunky interface over the years, Microsoft debuted its so-called "New Xbox Experience" today, dramatically overhauling the console's look and feel, and adding loads of new features to boot. We've been playing with it for a few days now, and here's what you can expect. Avatars This is the feature of the NXE you'll notice first -- after the bizarrely abstract intro movie -- and it should be familiar territory if you've ever played with Nintendo's Mii creator. Once you've assembled your avatar, it becomes your visual representation to your friends and in certain games. The range of apparel and features isn't overwhelming, but more is coming, although new kits might well require payment. All the same, the large, attractive avatar graphics are definitely a cut above the old thumbnail Gamerpic system. New interface Gone are the "blades" of the 360's old interface -- in their place is a new system that scrolls both horizontally and vertically. It's far better, turning the dashboard from a geeky, high-tech puzzle into a clear, bright and clean interface. In fact, we'd go so far as to say it's the most usable front end out of all three consoles. It still supports themes, so you can change the look if you want, and if you still hanker for the old look, the mini-menu pop-up you get when you press the 360 controller's Guide button still mirrors the old-school blade layout. Better performance If you're accustomed to pauses and stuttering when using the Xbox dashboard, get ready for a shock. The NXE is impressively smooth, hopping from category to category without so much as a hiccup. Streaming music or videos from a network-connected PC is vastly improved as well. Netflix streaming One of the NXE's most touted features comes courtesy of a brilliant deal between Microsoft and Netflix. But unlike the rest of the NXE, you're gonna have to drop some coin to get it working, as it requires both an Xbox Live Gold account ($60/yr) and a Netflix subscription ($4.99/mo and higher) that allows streaming. It's not quite as tightly integrated into the experience as many of the other new features -- it requires you to queue up movies and TV shows from a PC rather than from your Xbox, for instance. Video performance in our tests was excellent, and so was the image quality, although surround sound isn't supported yet. The range of streamable content isn't enormous, but you'll find something here to enjoy. A good selection of family-friendly content makes this a handy feature if you have kids in the house, and a handful of shows, including hit TV series Heroes, come in high-def; a nice touch if you have the speedy connection it needs. Community games Although it's lower-profile than the Netflix feature, the addition of a Community Games channel is sparking interest among gamers looking for something beyond the high-budget, high-polish experience provided by most commercial titles. Simply put, the Community Games feature offers bedroom Xbox developers the chance to get their works out to a paying public without much expense or hassle. Think of it as a cross between the Xbox Live Arcade and Apple's App Store. There's already a selection of titles to try, but it will take some time before this feature really demonstrates its value. Installing games The NXE lets you copy games from DVDs onto a 360's hard drive and play them from there (the Sony PS3 already does this). This increases game load times, but not dramatically. What emphatically is noticeable is that the 360 doesn't have to spin the DVD while you're playing, making it a much, much quieter experience than normal. Oh, and before you get any ideas about renting games, installing them, then taking them back to the store, you still need the DVD in the drive to play. Sorry.
I wish there was a way to play without having to switch the DVD but I understand their need to keep people from renting/ripping the games to their drive. Hell even a product key system would be great. Maybe a USB 6 disc changer would work, I'd pay for it. Why should I have to get off my ass to play a different game?
I remember reading about some software a while back that let you stream Netflix (and other stuff) on your PS3/360. So that's already there...sort of. Didn't really care, so I don't really have all the details unfortunately. Most of the rest is probably already somewhat available or a part of Home (along with other features). Too bad Home will never be released. Ever.
I personally hate the sh_t out of dumbass avatar-based Live experience. Is this optional? Or, are they force feeding this on all 360 users? Dumbass fracking avatars. What am I...a 3rd grader?
Why the hell would you create a 360 vs PS3 thread out of this? It makes no sense. There should be just discussion on the update. Which is pretty sweet, BTW.
Doesn't the new update cause the RROD on launch 360s? I heard that a lot of people who downloaded the new update came up with the RROD.
Repost: http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=157935 Though Japan is unlikely, 360 will probably win the US console war.
I bought a PS3 not too long ago. I love it. I've had a 360 since launch day. I love it. They're both great at different things. I love the controller on 360 for FPS but for third person games and sports games I prefer the PS3 controller.
Exact opposite here. PS3 = Tons and tons of use, including Blu-ray movies. Wii = Good for when lots of people are over. 360 = I only use it when I want to play Castle Crashers. I just bought Gears of War, so I'm sure I'll play that for awhile, but in general... yeah. Yay PS3.
So you don't play MGS, Uncharted, and Heavenly Sword? I've said this before, I think people who play FPS will prefer the 360 to the PS3. I concede that, but honestly I personally don't enjoy FPS and I like action games and blue-ray + free online. That's why I choose PS3. To each his own.
