New Xbox Experience: 'Friends Channel' and 'Themes 2.0' screens, details
by Randy Nelson 
{ Sep 26th 2008 at 7:00PM }
click to enlarge
Microsoft's Gamerscore Blog crew has delivered another in its series of glimpses inside the forthcoming New Xbox Experience. This week's update – sadly sans-video – focuses in on the Friends Channel and what MS is calling "Themes 2.0" – 3D UI make-overs that extend beyond simple wallpaper by bringing themed elements into the interface itself.
It's fitting that both NXE elements are in the spotlight together, since one (the themes) directly affects the other (the friends list). You can browse the latest batch of related screens in the gallery below, and read some insider highlights of how this changes the Xbox Experience at the Gamerscore Blog.
Gallery: New Xbox Experience (Themes)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Ignatius @ Sep 26th 2008 7:02PM
Channels? Oh boy...
Vince UK @ Sep 26th 2008 7:11PM
Boy channels? I doubt it.
SoCoolCurt (PSN: KillaKornbread) @ Sep 27th 2008 12:40AM
yea seriously, why are they calling them Channels? i mean i know Nintendo doesn't own the term 'Channels' but they are already using it with the Wii. i thought it was common courtesy to come up with another name for similar products (ex. Achievements/Trophies).
Badboy1979 @ Sep 27th 2008 11:06AM
You have to take into consideration that the idea of calling each section a "Channel" most likely comes from the fact that the console is being output to a TV. An average/casual users would relate better to "Channels" on a TV than say calling them "Tabs" (as someone mentioned below, relates more to web browsers), "Blades" (which they no longer look like anymore), etc.
I know SOME of us are in the habit of just assuming MS copied EVERYTHING (Yes, I believe the popularity of the Wii influenced the creation of Avatars) from somebody else but sometimes we need to use common sense to see if there are any other logical reasons behind their choices. The word "Channel" was not created specifically for game consoles.
Just a thought.
... AND if you're interested in the NXE, they've just uploaded 3 videos that I haven't seen featured anywhere: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/nxe/
If you watch the videos, you'll see some new glimpses of how the menus move. I'm amazed at how the new Friends "Channel" scrolls incredibly fast and it's an early build.
giantenemycrab @ Sep 26th 2008 7:21PM
That theme is cool.
Nick the Hero of Canton @ Sep 26th 2008 7:26PM
I like the orange theme.
Marty @ Sep 26th 2008 7:27PM
The theme 2.0 idea is a lot better than just keeping it with the plain gray into infinity... but I'm still on the fence about whether or not I'm excited about this.
Dirty @ Sep 26th 2008 8:35PM
Im also on then fence. But I really am not a big fan of the setup now, its functional but lacks polish. This will at least be a change of scenery.
riggs @ Sep 26th 2008 11:00PM
im on the couch.....not sure where that leaves my decision though
Azerael @ Sep 26th 2008 11:52PM
How can you be 'on the fence' about excitement? Either you're excited, or you're not excited. It's not a decision, it's an emotion.
In case you were wondering, if you don't know if you're excited; you're not excited.
arrrgh @ Sep 27th 2008 11:15AM
sure has a hell of a lot more polish than the current x-game reject layout
arkweld @ Sep 26th 2008 7:28PM
I'm more excited about this than Home.
Why?
Because I know that the chances of the Live upgrade actually appearing on time (or even at all) are pretty good.
Vince UK @ Sep 26th 2008 7:33PM
Rim shots, cymbal kick.
DarkNessBear @ Sep 27th 2008 5:49AM
This is definitely ugly... More I see it the more ugly I think it is.
Andrew K @ Sep 26th 2008 7:30PM
Channels? Really?
Should call it Station or tabs.
Just stay away from the Wii relations.
Cody @ Sep 26th 2008 7:57PM
The zune has channels...so it's not necessarily based on the Wii.
Stations would be okay...but tabs sound like a web browser.
DJBell @ Sep 26th 2008 11:20PM
I am not so sure on the new friends list. I hope they still have a text based list of your friends.
Roto13 @ Sep 26th 2008 7:37PM
Friends Channel.
*facepalm*
Slayer @ Sep 26th 2008 7:44PM
Guessing this is the 360's answer to the ps3's home?
That guy @ Sep 27th 2008 2:46AM
I see this brought up a fair amount of times...
I don't see it... Can you explain how it has anything to do with it?
Slayer @ Sep 27th 2008 4:36AM
Just a guess man...
E.J. @ Sep 26th 2008 7:51PM
It's ridiculous enough that we're paying for jpeg backgrounds right now called "Themes".
I wonder how much "Themes 2.0" will cost us, now that it contains 3d modeling, graphics and animation.
Hala Madrid!! (PSWii60 Defense Force) @ Sep 26th 2008 8:11PM
You pay for them?
I get 'em for free. The best themes and pics are free.
philmcphail (Free Mr.ESC!) @ Sep 26th 2008 8:23PM
Depends Hala, I mean the only ones I see that are free are the themes/gamerpics over movies, tv shows and the sponsored events, groups, etc. I went and downloaded most of the ones I could get on the marketplace and found that most of them "sucked". Well, they just lacked creativity. Occasionally, we get some good ones like the Hope Runs Deep theme (for free) but those types are pretty rare. All I'm hoping for soon is the ability to add our own gamerpics, now that would be sweet!
Dirty @ Sep 26th 2008 8:33PM
Yes Gamerpics would be sweet. The walrus would definitely make the transfer. Unfortunately I think they dont allow it because people could potentially put explicit material on them.... and they like making money off of them.
Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Sep 26th 2008 10:14PM
Wait? You actually pay for themes? What kind of fucked up individual are you?
Jakka(A tribute to whose who fought and failed during the Epic Flamewar of L.A. Noir) @ Sep 27th 2008 6:39AM
@ Vegeta
Being a strictly(so far) no-dlc person, I once had a spare 200 points from the Terminator offer, and I admit I did buy a theme. That Halo 3 theme sucked compared to free GoW themes though!
Also, it does suck having to pay for themes, but I don't care.MS just let me pick a different picture for every blade as opposed to choosing one for all of them and I'll be happy.
Custom Themes ftw!
ice~ @ Sep 27th 2008 10:33AM
i dont get how everyone is complaining about paying $1-$2 for themes...when i have those spare points...like 120 MS points, and i can't really buy anything, like a rock band song, i'll buy themes, gamer pics on the other hand, i don't buy, because i make my own with the Vision Camera
On the topic of gamerpics, i read on MundoRare that in the 16 page NXE edition of some gaming magazine, a microsoft rep confirmed that gamer pics can put on your shirts, but you have to use an avatar
tmacairjordan87 @ Sep 27th 2008 11:34AM
You know...when you people have a spare hundred or 200 points you uhh..don't have to spend it. There's simply no excuse for wasting money on themes or gamerpics, specially when you can download user-made ones on PS3 for free.
Ayrkain @ Sep 26th 2008 8:00PM
Avenger! Get Birdman coffee!
Kamizar @ Sep 26th 2008 8:04PM
Wii60 anyone?
Metal_Gear @ Sep 26th 2008 8:35PM
Dont say that >_>
Microsoft didn't copy anyone, these were made before the Mii remember? You'll be downvoted and the fanboys will be linking the articles and sites telling you that these avatars are older than the Miis.
Heh @ Sep 27th 2008 12:13PM
^irony
aanidaani @ Sep 26th 2008 8:25PM
Guess the theme in the picture is called "At Home in the Ghetto."
Wiizer @ Sep 27th 2008 12:38PM
DAMN, you beat me to it! I was going more for Ghetto Miis...
LameDuck @ Sep 27th 2008 3:17PM
WEST SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDE *flashes retarded gang signs*
In A World (XBL) @ Sep 26th 2008 8:29PM
Meh... I will be changing it back to the blades if and when possible. I prefer boring menus with lists and columns. I'm really not interested in a pretty looking interface; all I want is the quickest way to get to into the game and send messages. Remember, the shortest way between two points is a straight line.
j.howlett @ Sep 26th 2008 8:37PM
unless you're using a globe
In A World (XBL) @ Sep 26th 2008 8:42PM
True, but if you dig a hole to China that's still technically the shortest distance. Anyways, I do not like this NXE... I am resistant to change...
Gun Barrier @ Sep 26th 2008 8:52PM
You do know that there is a setting to launch games as soon as the box is on right? Completely skips going to the dash.
helluvagood @ Sep 26th 2008 9:08PM
already looking better than the Miis
kevin @ Sep 26th 2008 11:24PM
updates are updates its something new , i could careless if the devil himself made them .
Vidikron @ Sep 27th 2008 12:52AM
I like the look of the new themes.
Obie @ Sep 27th 2008 3:25AM
Geepers! I wonder I sent in the tip for this story? Hmmmm?
Si @ Sep 27th 2008 5:26AM
Looks pretty kiddiefied if you ask me. Looks like Microsoft are trying to just copy Nintendo now, in the hope they can grab some of nintendo's success..
Expect 360 pony stroking soon, with wireless comb...
ice~ @ Sep 27th 2008 10:35AM
that'd be good, i can finally interact with my ponies in Barbies Horse Adventure!!!!!!!!
Badboy1979 @ Sep 27th 2008 11:11AM
I believe you'll still be able to see a icon/textual version when you press the Guide button and the "mini-blades" popup.
I am glad though that from the videos I've seen the Avatar-based friend's list scrolls extremely fast.
OTAM @ Sep 27th 2008 3:27PM
Please don't let this new "dashboard experience" be mandatory to display.
I know I can't get around the actual update,but please don't make me stare at that 2nd grade bullshit every time I load up my Xbox. I'm fine with the regular dashboard,thank you.
Alex @ Sep 27th 2008 4:42PM
Sorry, can't change it that I know of. Got to keep that design once the update is downloaded. Poop, I know.
Alex @ Sep 27th 2008 4:40PM
I'm still not feeling the whole Avatar thing. I'm also not entirely keen on the new look but I will have to cope with it because I can't change to the original design.
Also, what if I use my own images as my themes? Will they work?
Looking back at the image gallery, it saddens me that Avatars are _eventually_ be mandatory to replace gamerpics.