Things are moving really, really, fast in the world of the 360 right now. After the news that the Dashboard would be receiving a makeover, many of you thought that it was the end of the known world. Luckily, Major Nelson has updated his blog with some of the many new details of the new interface. The first of which is that the blades interface isn't going away, it's now just a smaller part of the larger Xbox Guide.
Even bigger though is the option to install games entirely to the HDD for faster load times and no disc drive noise. However, to get the installed game to boot, the disc has to still be in the drive for an initial check to make sure you still own it.
The new party system that's built into the interface supports up to eight people and allows for chat, sharing of media, and simultaneous launch of games, all for the entire group. As for the so-called Xbox Live Primetime, it's basically a system that allows users to participate in what amounts to virtual game shows, many complete with prizes and a live host.
The last few bits include a few notes on Avatars, including their integration into Arcade games, future retail releases and of course the newly christened "Live Party". Also, for those techies out there, the update will add 16X10 over VGA or HDMI, and support for 1440x900 or 1680x1050. Oh, and you'll be able to buy anything from the Marketplace via Xbox.com too.
Plus the ol' Major promises that there is still more details to be revealed as the update draws ever closer.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Reader Comments (61)
Posted: Jul 14th 2008 6:15PM (Unverified) said
Not having to install games, that's one of the things I thought was a good thing about being a console gamer.
Posted: Jul 14th 2008 6:41PM jake18oly said
I can't believe how much info came out of Microsoft's presentation and now hearing this from Major Nelson, Microsoft is really bringing it this year. I don't know that I am overly interested in the game installs. It is a cool idea but it would be even better if you didn't have to get up to swap the discs.
Posted: Jul 14th 2008 7:01PM ShelaMonster said
Does the new Guide remind anyone of good old Cover Flow? Checked out the E3 vids on Marketplace, and the new Dashboard scares me. Sure the one now is pure evil to navigate, but what about camera support on the background of the new one? And custom theme backgrounds. (all the sreenies and vids show plain grey...) Call me stubborn or SOL, but I likes my Carbon theme, so I guess no more going online for me after the upadate... (Rejects Dash update..:)
Posted: Jul 14th 2008 10:20PM GentlemanLoser said
did you read the article you are replying to? it plainly states that the blades aren't going anywhere.
Reply
Posted: Jul 14th 2008 10:28PM SirUrza said
I can't help but feel cheated by this update.. it doesn't seem like it's compatible with our old dashboard themes.
Posted: Jul 15th 2008 7:29AM ShelaMonster said
@Josh-
Watch the vids, sure it is the Dashboard and yes the "Blades" are there, but the layout is absolutly nothing like the current, and therefore could present a issue with current themes and the such...
Watch the vids, sure it is the Dashboard and yes the "Blades" are there, but the layout is absolutly nothing like the current, and therefore could present a issue with current themes and the such...
Posted: Jul 15th 2008 2:52AM notmichaelcera said
we need 1366 x 768 support, 90% of 720p LCDs have a native res of 1366 x 768, the dashboard currently only supports 1360 x 768.
Posted: Jul 15th 2008 2:14AM Sentox said
Games able to be copied to the hard drive.
Now I'm going to have to eat at least one of my hats and concede that pigs fly, as my wallet is raped at NZ$1.92/GB.
Oh MS, how I love and yet doth hate thee.
Now I'm going to have to eat at least one of my hats and concede that pigs fly, as my wallet is raped at NZ$1.92/GB.
Oh MS, how I love and yet doth hate thee.
Posted: Jul 15th 2008 10:07PM andsoitgoes said
I'm with MKV support. Now that I have an HDTV, MKV support would make my day happy plus a babillion to the square root of awesome.
I'd buy an awesome hat, wear an awesome shirt, awesome shoes, shorts and an EXTRA awesome pair of awesome boxers.
It would be awesome.
I'd buy an awesome hat, wear an awesome shirt, awesome shoes, shorts and an EXTRA awesome pair of awesome boxers.
It would be awesome.
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