Posted on Wed, Nov 19, 2008
Today, Microsoft took a revolutionary step with their XBox 360 console by giving gamers a brand new dashboard.
The NXE, New Xbox Experience, rolled out this morning and is the first time a console manufacturer has ever taken such a radical step by not only updating features to the existing “OS,” but by completely redesigning the interface. Essentially, they’ve given users a brand new console.
Since the release of the original Xbox in 2001, Microsoft’s goal was to build a community of gamers. Back then I laughed, I probably even LOLed. The whole idea was obsurd to me. Forward-wind seven years, and I am toally involved in a community based upon Microsoft’s vision. Who’s LOLing now? Well, still me – but this time with my good buddies who I met on Xbox Live.
The NXE is expanding on Microsoft’s vision for community based gaming. This time, Microsoft are appealing to more casual gamers (something which is pretty much Nintendo’s territory). They have expanded the community vision beyond gaming, and are encouraging more casual and social interactions.
The new 360 dashboard allows users to come together in groups of several people, shoot the breeze, chit-chat about whatever, and then (as a group) dive into some Gears of War or a far less bloody game of Uno. You can even watch movies together while in a party (which I must admit, I don’t entirely undestand – but I didn’t want to figure it out at 6:00am this morning).
I must admit, I haven’t given the NXE much time. But over the next several days I will spend a lot of time with it. I’ll try to post a more usability-focused review early next week.
My ever-so-brief 45 minutes with it this morning has led me to the following conclusions:
- Netflix subscriptions are about to rocket. Netflix will stream movies directly to the 360 – pretty amazing. The instant stream catalogue will expand over the months, but for 8.99 a month (which includes regular Netflix membership) is a bargain. Can’t wait for the HS stuff!
- People will be getting bigger hard drives. The old 20 gig drive users are going to want to upgrade. With the ability to install games onto the 360’s hard drive, space is going to run out fast. As a side note, this is an extremely easy install. About 8 mins for an entire game. Nice.
- Regular gamers will unite! Now, you don’t have to just meet your buddies within a game. You can meet up with them on the dashboard. Purely social interactions will increase, and bonds between gamers will become closer. Chatting and jumping from game to movie to game while remaining in contact with your party is genius.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, I don’t care. Microsoft’s community vision is top banana in my book. All I can say to Microsoft is “keep on keeping on, nerds.”
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