E3 2008 New Xbox Dash, Netflix & More
The topics for tonight’s show are plentiful after Microsoft’s E3 2008 Keynote. A new Xbox Experience & Dashboard, Netflix partnering with Xbox, Lips, Party Chat, Final Fantasy 13 and a host of other news came down just a few moments ago. I’m really excited about some of the things announced today from E3. I was even impressed with what they showed of the new LIPS game. I’m not much of a singer but it could be cool. Or was it the hot chick?
The new experience and dashboard are slated for the Fall and will include a host of new features. Read the letter from Marc Whitten for more. I’m not thrilled about a few of them but here they are for your viewing pleasure. What I’ve come to conclude after reading this is that the Arcade SKU is becoming more and more useless. Get ready to toss it up tonight!
- Play from hard drive. Copy your games from the game disc and play directly from the hard drive. Not only will the drive not spin, but load times are quicker, as well. Of course, you will still need the disc in the tray to prove you own the game.
- Access Xbox LIVE Marketplace on the Web. Browse and purchase Marketplace content whenever you want from Xbox.com and it downloads automatically to your console. Purchase that new map, television episode, the latest Xbox LIVE Arcade game or set up a movie to watch when you get home from work.
- Dashboard built into the new Xbox Guide. For everyone who loves the blades interface, it’s not going away; they are now built directly in to the new Xbox guide. Every feature and option is available right from the guide. You can even access your full games library at all times. No matter where you are (in dash or in game), immediately call up your games played list and directly launch a game.
- LIVE Party system. Create a party of up to eight friends, and stay with them from one game to another, or watch a Netflix movie together, or share a slideshow of your personal photos. It works with all Xbox 360 titles, not just upcoming games. LIVE Party allows up to eight people to chat in the dashboard, so you can meet up before playing.
- Xbox LIVE Primetime. This whole new category of games is going to give you more reasons to get online with your friends. Games will support everything you’d expect, like Achievements and leader boards, but many of these games will include real prizes. You can invite your friends, and even set a reminder for an upcoming show. Each game is broadcast simultaneously, so everyone is answering the same questions. Many events will have a live host, calling the shots as they happen.
- Avatars. Your online identity started as a Gamertag – it then grew into a personalized Gamercard. Now, it has evolved even further into avatars. You can express your style, check out new outfits and share this with the community. Avatars will also be integrated into Xbox LIVE Arcade games, LIVE Party, as well as retail games.
- New display support. Because you asked for it, we are adding 16X10 over VGA or HDMI, and support for 1440×900 or 1680×1050.
July 14th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Speechless. Pumped and chomping at the bit for the games and updates. Can’t wait.
July 14th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
They all look fantastic, though I am curious as to what’s going to happen to all the points you spent on themes and gamer pictures.
July 14th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Looks like some very cool changes are coming down the pipe. Will be neat to see all of this. I’m happy with what I’ve heard so far.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
There’s also optional installs and other cool stuff. http://majornelson.com/
I like the new look as long as I can make the background black.
The avatars is a bad idea, those things literally make me sick. My bro.’s wii was fun but the avatars were super lame.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Oh you already said that, didn’t see it. Damn.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
@dreaded, yep i did lol
July 14th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Ability to install games on the HD and play from that. VERY cool
FF13 to the Xbox too!
July 14th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
I’m pretty excited for all the upcoming stuff (especially games!). Netflix streaming will be great. A dashboard redesign with party system should be nice. I’m not sure about the avatars… might be cool though.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
PS3 is now only a bluray player. lol i am so pumped for all this. i wont have a life when gears and fable come out
July 14th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Hey Deacon, I can’t remember my password and when I tried to reset it, the link in the email brought me to a page that said “Sorry, that key does not appear to be valid.” I have tried a few times, and it is the same thing.
July 14th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
password to here?
July 14th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
I don’t think everyone has to have Netflix, if so what’s the point of watching with friends. Blockbuster doesn’t charge me per person when friends come over. No download to friends to keep, they can only watch as I’m watching it. I think it will be cool and I could see getting my Netflix opened up for this, could be fun perhaps.
July 14th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
If I read the info right the person who has the gamer tag has to have the membership to Netflix as well.
July 14th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Thought they did a great job myself
July 15th, 2008 at 8:58 am
It’s great that the Xbox Live experience will continue to grow and evolve. MS is definitely still moving towards being the hub of a family’s home entertainment experience.
July 15th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Nevermind Deacon. I found it. I dislike having a different password for each account I have online, but it’s safer that way.
July 15th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
At least Microsoft is moving forward & changing things up… Can’t say that for the others.
July 15th, 2008 at 10:13 pm
Man it’s tough to keep up with all these great announcements. When am I going to find time to play all these great games coming down the pipe?