Yesterday I was able to download the beta of the new Xbox 360 dashboard and for the most part, it’s the same as before. the major difference is that everything has been flattened out so you can clearly see everything in the menu. While this is a small change, it’s welcome because the new look is a lot easier on the eyes. The only other major change is the GUI sound effects which are a lot easier to listen to. It’s obvious that Microsoft is trying to appeal to a family with the new look and so far, I like it.
So, lets talk about the two major changes, Netflix and ESPN:
For all long time we’ve wanted to be able to search for videos from our Xbox and now that’ a reality. Even better, the search function is real time so as you enter each letter of your search you’re being shown what most closely matches what you’ve entered as you enter it. Also, if a movie isn’t available for streaming then you can add it to your dvd queue right from your Xbox. Other than these changes, Netflix also sports the new flat look, which is even more noticeably better here because you can actually look at the movies ahead of your selection.
While there isn’t much here to be excited about except from college football, the idea that I can watch live and on demand games is notable. It’s obvious that in the future they’re going to expand this to NFL games and other sports, but the even more exciting implication is getting ABC, NBC CBs and more available live and on demand on your Xbox. So yeah, I love this! As for everything else, it has the same flat look and softer GUI sounds that I’m liking from the rest of the dashboard.
All in all, strong work from Microsoft here to create a much better dashboard and improved options. I think that when you consider the extra content you’ll have when this releases, the $10 bump for your yearly Live membership might not seem so bad.
Today’s Gaming News
Microsoft Offering $10 Back on $30 XBLM Purchases in October
Red Dead Redempion: Zombie Cougars
In This Video Game, Home Foreclosures Are A Joke
The Xbox 360 Dashboard For Dummies
Microsoft Names New President Of Everything Fun
Gears of War 3 Delayed At Least Five Months
Rock Band 3 Keyboard Bundles Not Available for PlayStation 3
Atelier Rorona: The Alchemist of Arland Review
Playing Just Cause 2 for 1,100 Hours
The 3rd Birhday: Aya’s Lightning Costume
7-11 Getting Exclusive Super Mario DSi in Japan
Pokemon Trounces Yakuza in Second Week
Kid Icarus Could See Gameplay Changes Ahead of Release
Pokemon Helps Keep The DS (Way) On Top In Japan
The 3DS Will Have Firmware Updates
She’s 43, Has Two Kids And Is Ready To Exercise
Why Nintendo Made The 3DS So Powerful
Nintendo Loses A Bunch Of Business Cards
Nintendo Explains The Nintendo 3DS’s Price Point
Final Fantasy XIV Review: In Progress
Is December 7 The World Of Warcraft: Cataclysm Release Date?
Should You Buy an iPad for Gaming?
Massively Multiplayer Online Petz
If You Want, You Can Bail On Blizzard’s Real ID
Thousands Of Starcraft II Cheaters Busted By Blizzard
Kitsu Saga closed beta key giveaway
Medal of Honor Delayed in Japan
Japanese PlayStation Awards to Add “User’s Choice Award” in 2010
Sonic Creator Yuji Naka Dreaming of Dreamcast 2
Blu-Ray Players Now in 17% of U.S. Homes
Luchador Masks No Longer Planned as Lucha Libre AAA Pre-Order Bonus
Super Street Fighter IV Costumes Dated
Man Wins (Ig)Nobel Prize For Swearing
The North Koreans Invade Homefront Multiplayer
Medal of Honor Maker Defends Taliban Renaming, Addresses Free Speech Concerns
Electronic Arts Buckles Under Pressure, Removes Playable Taliban from Medal of Honor
This Is Not A Mass Effect 2 Screenshot (It’s Something Better)
Friends Hear Guy Getting Robbed Over Voice Comms
Medal of Honor: This Is Beard 1
Let’s Call It A Rejection Simulator
World Cyber Games 2010 Kicks Off In LA
Dead Rising Designer On Diatribes And Promises
Beyond Good & Evil In High Definition Looks Like…This
Comic-Con To Stay In San Diego
G.I. Joe Attacks Fresh Ink Online
id’s Willits: ‘Jury’s still out on 3D’
After 13 years, Soundgarden releases its first new album… through Guitar Hero
NBA Elite cover athlete Kevin Durant disappointed with game delay
8 funny ways to really annoy a zombie in Dead Rising 2
DLC-Laden Dragon Age: Ultimate Edition Hitting Shelves In October
Assassin’s Creed Development, The Nightmare Scenario
Online Move Versus Dualshock Play in Killzone 3 Still Undecided
Multiplayer Customization in Action in Call of Duty: Black Ops
Trailers
Earth Defense Force: Insect Armageddon Jetpack Armor Gameplay Trailer
Homefront Multiplayer Debut Trailer