SEGAbits Forums
Gaming => General Gaming Discussion => Topic started by: Barry the Nomad on September 22, 2010, 03:25:54 pm
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I am happy to announce that we’re doing an Xbox 360 System Update Preview program for our next release, and the opportunity to sign up is now available. The Preview Program will give you the chance to check out ESPN on Xbox LIVE, Zune music, Netflix search, the new Xbox LIVE dashboard, and new updates to Zune video and Family Settings on your Xbox 360*. Much like we did last year, you’ll need to visit the Microsoft Connect site from this link and sign in with your Windows LIVE ID that is connected to your Xbox LIVE Gamertag. Once you complete the survey that is presented to you, the Connect site will notify you immediately if you’ve been accepted. A couple of points before you head off to register:
* We’re looking for multiple thousands of participants, so your chances of making it in are good.
* This is not for Kinect. You will not be receiving a Kinect sensor if you are chosen to participate.
* This opportunity is open to all Xbox LIVE Members in regions where Xbox LIVE is available.
* To avoid any problems, read the survey carefully and double check all the information your provide.
* While both Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver members can sign up, Priority will be given to Gold members in the selection process.
I’ll be sure to updated this post if the program fills up.
Sign up for the Xbox LIVE Update Preview Program
Good luck!
http://mjr.mn/csMPKf (http://mjr.mn/csMPKf)
http://majornelson.com/Default.aspx (http://majornelson.com/Default.aspx)
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I just signed up and was accepted 8-) Mainly because I really want to dick around with the new dashboard. Also, searching in Netflix is a big "want".
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Same for me, but i guess it will be more or less the same dashboard here as we have no netflix or stuff like this :(
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I am looking for someone willing to hear me swear so I can test this new voice chat audio codec they are implementing in the new version. Candidates? :lol:
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I will listen to your crystal clear swears!
I'm looking forward to the menus lying flat rather than receding into an abyss. By the third item, I can't make out what I'm even looking at, so to show the rest of the menu panels is sort of pointless as I'll be moving through the menu anyway.
[youtube:y2t18rnf]FLUOwYX9Ne0[/youtube:y2t18rnf]
[youtube:y2t18rnf]d2a6KBGc0Uo[/youtube:y2t18rnf]
My one gripe is the lack of being able to view your XBLA games in a faux shelf, with 3D rendered boxes and the full cover art as seen in the marketplace rather than a little icon listing. Would make for a nice way to make one feel as though they physically own a game, plus with kinect you could reach out and pull a game off your shelf Shenmue-style. That'd be quite cool.
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It looks the same ol' NXE, except now the sound effects have reverberation for no apparent reason. I'm sure the console will still open up to ads immediately on startup, which is something I'd love to see them change.
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I do not really like anything with this change. Not that I hate it, just that I am pretty much fine with how almost everything is now. I do not want to change how the boot-up logo is either...
Change the load up times for my games and I do not think I will care at all. The microphone quality really needed to be improved a lot though, so I am glad that is being fixed. More customization would be nice too, hate how I have to go past the MUSIC, VIDEO and GAMES section just to see my friends list...
Not going to be apart of this program because I do not want to try out any of those features. I just want to play online. Can I pay less if I do not want to use half of your stupid features, Microsoft?
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It doesn't really make much of a difference to me. That design is terribly similar to the XMB though, even more than the NXE.
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Searching netflix has been in the PS3 version for months, neato feature.
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Well... at least it's good to know I didn't sign up for a world of hurt. I didn't noticed any real change, but it's still in beta, I guess.
I just wish this means they clean up the Marketplace. That thing is unorganized as all hell. I kept seeing games in sections that really should have been somewhere else.
Here's what I would have done: let go of the slide menus and change them into a grid layout. Like Sanus said, no one needs to go through these categories that people don't need to touch. The point is to make things accessible, right? Unless they want to make what you're looking for feel like searching for the Holy Grail (e.g. dropping Gold accounts).
I sort of like how PSN has their layout set up, but instead of having the drop-down menus just have all the features on the same screen more-or-less, then click it and boom - good to go.
A way to organize your own game library would be great, too
Wishful thinking...
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I think the Kinect interface is leagues better. Like Sanus mentioned, it's a grid, too bad it is Kinect exclusive and cannot be controlled via controller.
(http://http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/5753/picture1nw.png)
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Kinect exclusive, eh? Boulderdash!
It is a better design, though. Still curious if they cleaned up Marketplace.
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I'm assuming if you have your 'box set to auto login, you will just have to wave once to get to the Kinect screen. It also looks as though you can customize it, as 8 panels are not enough for all the apps available (I notice ESPN is not there).
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I think the Kinect interface is leagues better. Like Sanus mentioned, it's a grid, too bad it is Kinect exclusive and cannot be controlled via controller.
(http://http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/5753/picture1nw.png)
Hmmm... Do you wave your fingers to confirm menu selections, a la the Eyetoy?
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You just hold your hand over what you want to select for a few seconds. That is what the partial circle around the hand image is for, it also has voice selection features.
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"If you see it, just say it!"
Thanks Ron!
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It's funny how the Kinect home screen resembles the Wii system menu and the actual dashboard resembles the XMB. MICROSOFT COPIES EVERYTHING.
So, when are they actually rolling out the update?
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Home screen also resembles an iPhone app screen :P I've always been a fan of the grid of boxes nav method.
Nelson has said that registration has closed, and last week said that the update would roll out in the coming two weeks. So it'll hit this week or next week. Also, rumor has it that it will support MKV files: http://www.xomba.com/xbox_360_dashboard ... v_playback (http://www.xomba.com/xbox_360_dashboard_update_offer_mkv_playback)
Finally! I can play all the illegally downloaded HDTV shows from my computer without converting them!
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MKV? ARE YOU SERIOUS? BEST UPDATE EVER OMFG THIS IS ACTUAL SHOUTING FFFFFFFFF
Edit: best update ever will also have subtitle support because I am a foreign bastard.
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TVersity lets you stream MKV... has for years. I use PS3 Media Server, plays every file and even lets me add .srt subtitles. I don't know if its only for PS3 or if its just the projects name.
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If I have to stream I'll just use my computer to play the files. It's enough of an electricity sucker. On Xbox I believe you can use Windows Media something.
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I use connect360 to stream from my mac to my 'box. Works like a charm.
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Going live TODAY?! :D
http://www.electronista.com/articles/10 ... ter.today/ (http://www.electronista.com/articles/10/09/29/xbox.360.dashboard.preview.going.up.later.today/)
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20018007-1.html (http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20018007-1.html)
http://www.slashgear.com/xbox-live-prev ... -29105064/ (http://www.slashgear.com/xbox-live-preview-goes-well-live-29105064/)
Can't wait to get home and navigate. Ooooooh!
Best bit of news, in my opinion:
Performance-wise, there have definitely been a few tweaks under the hood. The Xbox Guide is definitively faster--absent now is the lag the previous version suffered from when launching the Guide mid-game. Browsing through the Game Library seems quicker too, and items installed on the hard drive populate the screen with ease.
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Oh snap! *turns on system* It wasn't live this morning when I downloaded the second demo of Vanquish.
EDIT: It's not online yet, not for me anyway.
Another edit: I'm wondering if I wrote the right serial numbers in those boxes ;_;
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Major nelson said this via twitter an hour ago:
If you did sign up and were accepted, you may want to turn on your #Xbox later today ;)
So probably in a few hours?
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I'll keep an eye on it and keep you posted.
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If I have to stream I'll just use my computer to play the files. It's enough of an electricity sucker. On Xbox I believe you can use Windows Media something.
Windows Media Center, you can use it on PS3 too. But it sucks.
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^thought so.
The update didn't show up for me yet. My guess is it will be online sometime during my sleep since that's when the people who run the service are awake.
Edit: The text on https://connect.microsoft.com/XboxLIVEupdate (https://connect.microsoft.com/XboxLIVEupdate) changed for me.
Welcome to the Xbox LIVE Preview!
Welcome to the Xbox LIVE Preview. As a valued member of the program, we're excited to have you here and look forward to your active involvement in this Preview.
Note: Because you are participating in an exclusive pre-release program, you will not be able to voice chat with non-participants during the program period. This will not be an issue when the update launches to all Xbox LIVE users later this Fall. Game chat is expected to function as usual and should not be impacted by this change.
Where to start?
Get familiar with the Connect site.
Xbox LIVE system updates will be arriving shortly, please accept the update to your Xbox 360 when prompted.
Thank you again for your participation. We are looking forward to your feedback and involvement in making Xbox LIVE a success.
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Alright, the update notification didn't pop up but the people at GAF were saying a network test forces the update. And it did. It's downloading. WOOO
Edit: Is anyone up for some swearing tomorrow? The avatar award for Halo Waypoint I used as shirt vanished and is not selectable in the avatar editing screen. BOO.
Another edit: My stolen MKV is not recognized by the console. I suppose it doesn't support it. Boo. :(
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Update arrived! DLing now, startup screen is loads better.
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Achievements seem to load slower, I really don't like the new font they're using. Can a silver account take advantage of all that fancy stuff on the American Marketplace? Mine is a dead zone.
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The bad:
Due to this being a beta, a few things are still WIP. Avatar awards and avatar marketplace items don't show up and party chat is obviously not working. Good thing is, these will all be working again when the official dashboard rolls out, so no biggie. baww, I can't wear my Sonic Adventure shoes!
Indie games that rely on avatars won't launch, however I'm guessing this is a beta thing and it will be ironed out. I tried Avatar Snowball Fight and Avatar Golf, no go. However SASASR plays and features the old school avatars still.
The good:
New intro screen is brighter and quieter. I hated how the old intro had this loud "WHeeeoooWHUM!" which was way too loud, especially when starting up with the volume at normal levels. New intro is more discreet, so no waking the neighbors.
The flat panels are way better. Information is easier to read and sub menus for the game marketplace are slicker. Everything is faster. Pushing the guide button brings up the guide faster than before, both in-game and at the home screen. Bumpers allow for scrolling through menus, hold either bumper and the items shuffle to the left or right.
Sound effects are all tweaked and are softer. Shuffling through games won't give you a headache.
The great:
ESPN is very cool. I'm not big into sports, but I enjoy baseball and golf. The whole interface is very snazzy. VIdeos play before you select them, so you can preview within the menu. VIdeo quality for HD sports is great.
Netflix is much improved. The ability to live search for films and shows makes things so much easier. WIthin minutes I previewed all the Law & Order seasons and added what we haven't watched. I was also able to add shows that are on DVD to my queue. Way better than the official Netflix site.
Based on ESPN and Netflix, I can see that Hulu Plus will be an awesome addition come next year.
Overall, it's a good update. Thumbs up from me.
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There are a couple of downloadable programs to test Kinect. One is called NUI Demo and the other Voice Collection Takehome. I wasn't able to test them as you can imagine.
I hear the voice quality in party chat is really good now, I'd like to try that out.
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I can't say that much as living in italy i can't use most of the new apps, i like the new design even if it looks still a slow to load. What happens to the avatars? looks they grew up lol
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Small system update this morning, the changes I've noticed is a short intro showing off the new features via images and text as well as a few Kinect mentions. Nothing new, I skipped through it by tapping A a few times. Another change is that they're at work on transferring avatar awards. Now when you enter the avatar dress up screen and select awards, you're told you need to convert them and you get a little conversion screen. I assume they're working on stuff still, as mine can't complete the action at this time. But the icons are cute, a little close line going in one door and out another.
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Someone has troubles to download videos or demos? I was going to download Castlevania demo yesterday and when clicked on "download" button it opens and quickly close a popup windows not letting me download anything. that happen from the demo marketplace, if you go on all games list than is ok. buuuuuugs
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Funny. That happens to me as well (tried downloading Quantum Theory demo). It's probably a known glitch!
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No, its your 360 saving your from a shitty game. :)
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It won't let me download Vanquish either. lol, Gears of War clones.
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AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
I already played both demos. OMG, the second (japanese only) one is harder than NIPPLES.
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Nipples on a cold day even? Holy Shit.
Is that up on rapidshare/megaupload or soemthing so us Gaijins can download it yet?
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Silver users can get it from the Japanese marketplace. It's how I got mine. It's loads better than the first demo but I still don't like it. boing.
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having again problem with the new dashboard, there was another update to download today and when i restarted in my dashboard there was basically just 2 channels, my profile and friends. No marketplace, no news, no videos =/ i'm at work now so i can't chek if it solved
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I had that happen to me, it fixed itself when I restarted. Haven't had any issues since then.
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I had the update as well and everything is fine. Too bad the update went live during an online game which resulted in the console being disconnected. :(
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For those who miss the fact that you can't dress up in your awards, it seems you can again! At least now that they have the ability to dress up on XBOX.com
I'm wearing my Ryo jacket again.
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yep it works even from XBL :D
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I can't do it from the dashboard, all my avatar awards appear as "locked" or something like that. Yesterday the site wasn't even working properly for me, I didn't get to try it.
It's been annoying that they're putting out a new build of the dashboard every four-five days though. It didn't happen with the NXE. Kinect tweaking perhaps?
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"Silver" is now "Free": http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a ... -free.html (http://www.digitalspy.com/gaming/news/a283373/xbox-live-silver-renamed-xbox-live-free.html)
MS offering free Kinect DLC: http://www.oss.itproportal.com/portal/n ... ive-users/ (http://www.oss.itproportal.com/portal/news/article/2010/10/21/microsoft-offer-free-kinect-software-xbox-live-users/)
Not too sure how that second one works. Maybe 1 Kinect game = 1 Kinect DLC download? So if you buy two Kinect games, you get two DLC tokens to download free content but can decide which game receives the content. Like if I own Free Riders, but also buy Adventures and Sports, then I could use all three tokens on Free Riders content. Neat idea, better than buying DLC for sure!
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Oh.
PS3 Media Center works on 360. I tried it last time. Pretty good, it never fails to play media for me.
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wow, i like the new xbox.com i didn't noticed it was changed. It loads more faster
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I agree, its much nicer now.