Whirlpool

Thread continues from:
/forum-replies.cfm?t=976243&p=-1#bottom

Thread is for general discussion of Microsoft's Xbox 360 gaming console (and associated games and accessories).

Enjoy,
Zepth

Probably a dumb question, but I bought some a head-set with voice chat to use on the 360. It's fine for online gaming for voice, but is it possible to use it as a simple headphone so I don't disturb the family late at night?

Is it even possible to run a headphone directly from the xbox console or controller just for in-game sounds?

Not sure if I should ask this here or another thread but just wanted to double check that if I brought this copy of GTAIV from play asia it will work in my australian 360.

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-dw-49-en-70-2hcw-4-6.html

TLF writes...

Not sure if I should ask this here or another thread but just wanted to double check that if I brought this copy of GTAIV from play asia it will work in my australian 360.

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-dw-49-en-70-2hcw-4-6.html

yes it will work on any pal xbox 360 system (green tick)

GeEkNeRd writes...

Is it even possible to run a headphone directly from the xbox console or controller just for in-game sounds?

Couldn't you just plug a pair of headphones into your TV?

GeEkNeRd writes...

Is it even possible to run a headphone directly from the xbox console or controller just for in-game sounds?

No.

To use headphone on a console you need:

Audio OUT (HDMI,Red/White,Optical) -> Reciever/ Sound system/TV -> Headphones

GeEkNeRd writes...

Is it even possible to run a headphone directly from the xbox console or controller just for in-game sounds?

I use this:

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/487860450da792b82740c0a87f9c075b/Product/View/P6573

I plug in the left and right audio from the 360 component lead into one side and my regular headphones into the other. Works great.

posted in the last page of the other thread
what do i have to look for to make sure im getting a Falcon?
..................................................................
A lot # of 0744 or higher. HDMI should be printed on the box too... look out for arcades though that are old consoles packed into new boxes. My brother got a lot# 0804, but the manufacture dates is 11/2006.
Anything with a manu date of later than September 2007 should be a Falcon.

i bought an arcade from kmart yesterday and i was checking to see if it was the good ones or not. It didnt say anything about HDMI and it did say 203W on the box sticker.

however, it does have hdmi, it was manufactured in jan 08 and came from lot 802. the power supply also says output DC: 175W max which from my research this is good.

from my research so far it seems i have got a good one, am i right?

thanks

mattf89 writes...

I plug in the left and right audio from the 360 component lead into one side and my regular headphones into the other. Works great.

How do you adjust the volume this way? does the jack have a slider on it?

quick question, i know this has been posted plenty of times before, but i am new to xbox and need advice :)

where can i get a cheap but good xbox 360 vga hd cable? i want to connect my x360 to my 22" pc lcd. thanks

WarriorZ writes...

from my research so far it seems i have got a good one, am i right?

Yup, you got a good one. There was a period where they had 203W on the box, but had the 175W power brick inside.

Definately a good one there though. Cool.

:)

Reply to Kal from the previous thread here /forum-replies.cfm?t=976243&p=52#r1036

Bioshock is a MUST BUY for the 360.

360 Arcade now $349 RRP http://www.xbox.com/en-AU/hardware/default.htm

Wasnt it selling for 280 ?

Are people interested in the Falcon due to less heat and therefore less prone to RROD or more so due to the ability to 'backup' games?

I'm asking because I'm interested in getting a 360 but my main concern is the RROD. I just hesitate to purchase a product that has such a high failure rate and it seems the Falcon doesn't reduce the stats on that as much as I would have liked. I hear Jasper is the next model and meant to be released this year. Is this something that could be announced at E3 or do they not mention models and SKU's in this way.

powerball writes...

Is this something that could be announced at E3 or do they not mention models and SKU's in this way.

They mention SKU's this way but no new models. At E3 the rumour is for new 60gb models replacing the 20gb ones currently, however this is just likely to be a new hard drive put on rather than a new revision.

In any case if a new revision is coming you're going to have to wait for it to be finished then for it to flow through the chain replacing all the old ones. We get new stuff very late in Australia and i'd say if rumours of a new revision started tomorrow you'd be looking at 8+ months till you see them here.

WarriorZ writes...

i bought an arcade from kmart yesterday and i was checking to see if it was the good ones or not. It didnt say anything about HDMI and it did say 203W on the box sticker.

however, it does have hdmi, it was manufactured in jan 08 and came from lot 802. the power supply also says output DC: 175W max which from my research this is good.

from my research so far it seems i have got a good one, am i right?

thanks

That is really strange about the 203w on the box sticker but the 175w on the actual supply and the 08 manufacture date tells me you're very very likely to be safe.
You can also check the CPU fan with a flashlight – although it's tricky to spot it

powerball writes...

I'm asking because I'm interested in getting a 360 but my main concern is the RROD.

They want the 65nm falcon due to RROD, piracy is infact LESS likely on the newer models.

Farmer_Ted writes...
At E3 the rumour is for new 60gb models replacing the 20gb ones currently

Ahh, I see. Thanks. I guess I will at least wait to see what is announced at E3 then out of interest. Since the hard drives are so expensive for a relatively small size, are you able to install your own hard drives or is this not feasible?

Scott L writes...
They want the 65nm falcon due to RROD

Thanks. Are they any stats on the failure rate of the falcons? I know some people are still experiencing the RROD I'd just like to get an idea of percentages.

powerball writes...

Thanks. Are they any stats on the failure rate of the falcons? I know some people are still experiencing the RROD I'd just like to get an idea of percentages

Nothing official but I can speculate from the forum posts I've seen it's substantially better, still possible to break (definitely) but not as common

Scott L writes...

That is really strange about the 203w on the box sticker but the 175w on the actual supply and the 08 manufacture date tells me you're very very likely to be safe.

yeh i hope i am safe, dont want any more problems on my shoulders, i was reluctant to buy an x360... i wanted ps3 instead but the xbox price was nice.

You can also check the CPU fan with a flashlight – although it's tricky to spot it

yeh i tried that, wasnt able to tell which heatsink i had :(

btw, anyone know where i can get an xbox vga cable today? i want to use it to connect my pc lcd to my xbox, i really dont want one off the net and need it asap. thanks

WarriorZ writes...

btw, anyone know where i can get an xbox vga cable today? i want to use it to connect my pc lcd to my xbox, i really dont want one off the net and need it asap. thanks

You can pick them up in Target/Kmart/Big W/ Dick Smiths.. If you're after an unofficial one I'm not sure. When I bought an official one from Kmart last year it scanned through as being only $4.95!!! :-D

Scott L writes...

That is really strange about the 203w on the box sticker but the 175w on the actual supply

It has been mentioned that the old 203W brick pin configuration will fit and power a "Falcon" board BUT the 175W pin arragement will not phycically fit into the original board.

Hence why some boxes state a 203W power supply, while the actual box contains the newer 175W brick.

MayorQuimby writes...

You can pick them up in Target/Kmart/Big W/ Dick Smiths.. If you're after an unofficial one I'm not sure. When I bought an official one from Kmart last year it scanned through as being only $4.95!!! :-D

:O thats such a bargain! i wouldve bought 5+ of them. l'll check those stores now.

kwicksandz writes...

How do you adjust the volume this way? does the jack have a slider on it?

Unfortunately not, but the standard volume level is fine for me.

I recently lodged my tax, and with my return im currently contemplating either a pro, or an arcade if i can get my hands on a hdd when i get it, there's a few games im dying to try out on 360, ive had a wii since launch and there's just some titles and games that are just pure console.

So im after some help and tips in what i should look for when i go to get a Pro/Arcade to make sure i get one of the newer models that have less known issues, RROD is the one concern i have about the system but its not detering me. Just after a little advice for the main things that should tip me off at the counter, if i go to Big W or Kmart etc.

Tw34k writes...

Just after a little advice for the main things that should tip me off at the counter

In most cases, if the box advises HDMI, your very much on track.

Apparantly there are a few packages getting about, with the "Zepher" motherboard, which is still HDMI compliant but is shipped with 203W power supply rather than the latest "Falcon" that ships with 175W power supply. Both these board are HDMI compliant.

There is also a few posts of people buying at recently dated packs, but getting an older model. This is most likely repackaged stock from a slower selling region, containing a non-HDMI motherboard and 203W power brick.

I would simply look for a retail box that states HDMI (that garantees either a Zepher or a Falcon) and if it was not on the actual unit, return to place of purchase becuase it is was sold without an advertised feature.

I've searched and could find anything in whirlpool or google.

There is a gamer picture that I want but it's only available in the US Market place. I have a US account and wondered if I buy it will I then be able to use the picture on AUS account?

I can use the free gamer pictures without a problem but I'd rather not buy one and then be able to use it.

Yes you should be able to use the picture on your AUS account, as long as it was purchased on the same 360 or the US account is logged in on another controller.

You can get 100 free US XBOX Live points here. You can only add the points to a US account.

Rex Nebular writes...

Yes you should be able to use the picture on your AUS account, as long as it was purchased on the same 360 or the US account is logged in on another controller.

Thanks for your help and the link. I'll post back when i find out how it goes.

http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/13/xbox-360-goes-60gb-20-gigger-going-for-299-while-supplies-last/

Wonder how much a 60gb drive by itself will cost..

Rex Nebular writes...

You can get 100 free US XBOX Live points here. You can only add the points to a US account.

Well it took a while but I finally got my gamer picture which works and so do the points!

Thanks Rex!

Looks like the 20gb will be phased out and the new 60gb model is absoloutely identical except for the drive.

May be worth considering still getting some of the ultra cheap 20gb models, the game.com trade in is exceptionally cheap, it's only 40gb more space which will probably never be used.

I found a better solution. I plugged headphones into the left/right audio leads from the xbox360 since I wasn't using them. My regular 5.1 sound comes from the optical audio output.

As has been mentioned in the thread there is 25% off at playasia.

Can I buy Asian/European/region free games to work on my Aus 360?.

Can someone clear this up for me?

2fast4u writes...

Can I buy Asian/European/region free games to work on my Aus 360?.

Yes.

Look at the description of the game you want, and if it has a big green tick under the PAL section, then it will work no problem.

eg: http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-fc-49-en-70-26ra.html

GeEkNeRd writes...

Yes.

Look at the description of the game you want, and if it has a big green tick under the PAL section, then it will work no problem.

Thanks.

Is it fair to say that the retail price of the 360 arcade package is aroud $300?

tekNique writes...

Is it fair to say that the retail price of the 360 arcade package is aroud $300?

Isn't that the K-mart sale price? RRP is $350 now.

Rysup writes...

Isn't that the K-mart sale price? RRP is $350 now.

yeh

i wouldnt be suprised if there is a 360 arcade price drop soon with some places selling below the RRP

tekNique writes...

Is it fair to say that the retail price of the 360 arcade package is aroud $300?

Yes, it should be fairly easy to find at that price from now on.

WarriorZ writes...

i wouldnt be suprised if there is a 360 arcade price drop soon

It just officially dropped from $399 to $349 RRP and is selling from $278 in stores. I can't see another drop in the immediate future.

Probably a silly question as I'm coming late into consoles – how's the 360 perform as a dvd player? Is it multi-zone?

I've heard the dvd is noisy – is this true with movies?
Will it play divx, either streaming or from a disc?

hopeless writes...

Probably a silly question as I'm coming late into consoles – how's the 360 perform as a dvd player?

It's alright. If you use VGA it upscales which is nifty. It's not multi-region.

I've heard the dvd is noisy – is this true with movies?

It's not that bad because it doesn't have to spin the disc very fast.

Will it play divx, either streaming or from a disc?

Yes it will to both.

hopeless writes...

I've heard the dvd is noisy – is this true with movies?

Will it play divx, either streaming or from a disc?

Its not multiregion unless you get the dvd modified or flashed. As for a dvd player, wouldn't use it myself for a dedicated media player as its been said many times before, you will probably get distracted by the dvd player noise during movie playback.

That said, I still have my old xbox 1 and that makes a great media and streaming media player.

"Finally, the 360 will support the 16:10 aspect ratio over VGA or HDMI, and work in 1440 X 900 and 1680 X 1050 resolutions." – AWESOME :D

News from Microsoft at E3

http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/microsoft-details-other-360-improvements-including-hard-drive-g/

"Microsoft sure had itself a doozy of a press conference this year, but there's still more in store for Xbox 360 users than what was detailed during the keynote. First off, with the upcoming update, Microsoft will let users store and play back games from their hard drives. You'll have to have the disc in your drive for piracy reasons, but it won't be spinning during game play, which means quieter gaming and quicker load times (and more 60GB sales, we thinks, how convenient). Next up, Microsoft will let users make Xbox LIVE Marketplace purchases on the web, which are then automatically downloaded to your 360 for your enjoyment when you get home — or walk across the room. The old "blades" Dashboard interface will be moved to the new Xbox Guide, which will provide a quick way to access everything on your 360. Finally, the 360 will support the 16:10 aspect ratio over VGA or HDMI, and work in 1440 X 900 and 1680 X 1050 resolutions."

Cant say im a fan of this new dashboard design,

ben ben26 writes...

Cant say im a fan of this new dashboard design,

Neither. Looks vastly more suited to the Wii.

7H3 G4M3 writes...

store and play back games from their hard drives

Now I'm glad that I have a 120Gb, but it sounds like there's some good stuff in store for all of us.

I like the new dashboard look, looks sleeker. Also excited about 8 person chat now... =)

Love the new dash look looks like a cross between Microsoft's Media Center interface and Apple's Coverflow.

Avatars look cool too, and apparently are very easy to integrate with games (both on disc and XBL). Good job MS.

Shame it's not a multi-region dvd player. That's a showstopper for me! Boohoo...

Unless it's super easy to flash the drive?

saunderez writes...

Love the new dash look

You got a link? i haven't been able to find shots with my poor google skillz...

Loading games to the hard disk! about time, I am totally buying an Elite in a few months when fable comes out :)
EDIT: Quiet 360 oh boy this is such a good idea.

Deus Sceleris writes...

You got a link? i haven't been able to find shots with my poor google skillz...

http://www.engadget.com/photos/microsoft-giving-the-xbox-360-a-totally-new-dashboard/919562/
:)

7H3 G4M3 writes...

Microsoft will let users store and play back games from their hard drives. You'll have to have the disc in your drive for piracy reasons, but it won't be spinning during game play, which means quieter gaming and quicker load times

That's a huge +... Now all they need to do is make the pricing of their HDD not so insanely overpriced! I've got a 20GB but technically it's only 13gb :-s... Still great news. I wonder if all games will support this feature??? Would like to replay Lost Odyssey with faster load times!

MayorQuimby writes...

Now all they need to do is make the pricing of their HDD not so insanely overpriced!

+1 to that. If they make the 60Gb hard drive under hundred bucks, ill def get it.
Fingers crossed for resonable price :D

It used to be possible to purchase the bigger hard disk (not from MS but drive only from WD), put it inside the same casing the 20gb is in (open it up) and then install some kind of special software on it and bam you got a 120gb

I don't know much more than that but it was possible.

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360limitededitionredwirelesscontroller/

New red controller, looks snazzy :D

iB3nji writes...

http://www.engadget.com/photos/microsoft-giving-the-xbox-360-a-totally-new-dashboard/919562/
:)

Many thanks, though i wish i hadn't seen it. I prefer the blade tbh. It looks too "community", if you know what i mean... What am i going to do with all my themes, all on the Guide blade instead?

MayorQuimby writes...

Would like to replay Lost Odyssey with faster load times!

laughs. Load 4 discs on the hdd? Around 30GB gone straight away? I think i'll only do this for the games i play the most [online], so Halo 3 and BF: BC...

7H3 G4M3 writes...

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/x/xbox360limitededitionredwirelesscontroller/
New red controller, looks snazzy :D

Red controller + Play and Change for US$65? They'd best not shaft us and make it $100 here...

Deus Sceleris writes...

laughs. Load 4 discs on the hdd? Almost 50GB gone straight away?

lol? Yikes... How does 8GB x 4 discs = 50GB? Perhaps you could fill me in on that one? Also, it might be possible to load 1 disc at a time.

Deus Sceleris writes...

They'd best not shaft us and make it $100 here...

And you expect them not too? Cmon they shaft us coz they get away from it.

But if it is under 100 ill be getting one.

Like the news from E3 regarding the Xbox, certianly glad i bought my xbox 2 weeks ago.

Roughly how much space would one game take up on the hard-drive?

GeEkNeRd writes...

Roughly how much space would one game take up on the hard-drive?

Anywhere from 4 to 9 GB

edit: (more fore multiple disc games of course)

Deus Sceleris writes...

What am i going to do with all my themes, all on the Guide blade instead?

I'm almost willing to put money on being able to use existing themes as replacements for the background shown. As you scroll through the options on the vertical menu (which are essentially the blades )the background changes as usual apart from new "blades". Really all it looks like they are doing is reorientating the existing sytem.

EDIT: Stumbled upon the new Guide

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o177/dvasj2/Picture6.png

That's where ya blades went :p

FFXIII is coming to our console.

Thats fantastic news!

MayorQuimby writes...

How does 8GB x 4 discs = 50GB?

When you forget you suck at math... So i'll rephrase that as "around 30GB". That sounds about right no?

Original Banjo Kazooie coming to XBLA!!!!!

-Screams like a schoolgirl-

vortex writes...

Anywhere from 4 to 9 GB

Ok, thanks for the answer.

How long until the update takes effect? (I don't want to wander too far since I'm on dial-up during the day.)

GeEkNeRd writes...

How long until the update takes effect?

Between September and November. This is the Fall Update we are getting for missing out on the Spring Update.

ooo, bit touchy there M Q.
He answered your question of How does 8GB x 4 discs = 50GB? by saying that you get that when you suck at maths... meaning himself, that's why he recalculated it at around 30 Gig....lol

Just looking at the shots of the "new" dashboard... I don't like it (in the Pauline Hansen lingo...lol). As was said earlier, looks like it belongs on the Wii.

:)

BigD! writes...

Just looking at the shots of the "new" dashboard... I don't like it (in the Pauline Hansen lingo...lol).

Hmmmm...yes. We fear change. (in the Garth, of Waynes World, lingo)
By the way, thanks for bringing back memories of the flame-haired vixen. Why did you do it. Why! Please explain. lol.

So I guess when we all upgrade to 120gb hd's, then we have to re-download all our game addons? Is there another way to transfer the data via PC?

GeEkNeRd writes...

So I guess when we all upgrade to 120gb hd's, then we have to re-download all our game addons?

Nope, the drive comes with a transfer kit which is a painless procedure requiring only the 360. I did it myself earlier this year.

saunderez writes...

Nope, the drive comes with a transfer kit which is a painless procedure requiring only the 360.

Oh brilliant! Thanks saunderez.

This is a real leap forward for M$ and the 360.

Has anybody done a upgrade of an 20gb drive pack with one of the WD 120GB drives?

Because I'd love to know if the 120GB WD SATA 2.5" drives from MSY where the right ones... at $58 I would do it tomorrow!

(http://msy.arpatubes.net/display.php?type=product&query=2288)

Note: for people who don't know... this involves flashing the WD 120GB with a new firmware, so you could brick the drive if it was the wrong one!

vortex writes...

Has anybody done a upgrade of an 20gb drive pack with one of the WD 120GB drives?

I did and it works but the drive I used failed :(

I've still got the Security Sector stashed somewhere if you need it though, so just whim me.

EDIT: The drives needs to be a Western Digital BEVS. I can't remember where I bought mine from but I found it on StaticIce.

I ended up buying a 120GB from the States for ~$160. Problem is the Transfer Kit disc is NTSC which wouldn't work for anyone who doesn't have an NTSC console.

saunderez writes...

EDIT: The drives needs to be a Western Digital BEVS. I can't remember where I bought mine from but I found it on StaticIce.

I might drop by MSY on my way home and have a look... it's a damn cheap upgrade if they are. Isee on StaticIce that BEVS are fairly common, and about that price... so it's a good change they are indeed BEVS drives.

If it don't work... well I've been meaning to upgrade my laptop hdd anyway.

saunderez writes...

I ended up buying a 120GB from the States for ~$160. Problem is the Transfer Kit disc is NTSC which wouldn't work for anyone who doesn't have an NTSC console.

I wasn't aware the transfer kit is region locked? WTF.

Picked up my pro today, on special at Big W which wasnt to bad price wise, also bonus cause of staff discount :) it has hdmi which is a bonus, i had to go down to eb to get Assasins Creed, game ive been wanting to play since i first saw it.

I was a bit miffed to find out that it was pre-owned when i got back home, it was on sale for half price, which works out to be the standard retail price (no shock there) but it wasnt till i opened it i see the lovely pre-owned sticker on it,

oh well my fault for thinking i could get a new game at eb, im happy with it but gesh i feel like its going to take off when theres a disk in the drive, oh well thats why tvs have volume i guess hehe.

Scott L writes...

I wasn't aware the transfer kit is region locked? WTF.

The cable wouldn't be... but apparently the disc is... bit dumb really... who cares if you use the disc in different regions.

Personaly I'll just re download everything... I've really only got a couple of gig of DLC and my quota can live with that hit.

Scott L writes...

I wasn't aware the transfer kit is region locked? WTF.

I'm not sure but I think it is. I'll have a look when I get home if I can find it, I might have just assumed it was and did it all on my NTSC console.

So much good news so far. Happy!

Can't wait to get home and get more details.

vortex writes...

I might drop by MSY on my way home and have a look

I'd be interested to hear how you fare. Got an official 120Gb on my Pro, using the "spare" 20Gb on an Arcade atm. With HDD installs on the horizon, I'd be keen to give this hack a go.

saunderez writes...

Nope, the drive comes with a transfer kit which is a painless procedure requiring only the 360. I did it myself earlier this year.

Unless you bought the Elite instead and had to call up Microsoft twice to order the cable...

7H3 G4M3 writes...

"Finally, the 360 will support the 16:10 aspect ratio over VGA or HDMI, and work in 1440 X 900 and 1680 X 1050 resolutions." – AWESOME :D

AWESOME +1

Just saw the dash redesign. Not bad i guess but holy shit the avatars are fugly.

jdrew writes...

Not bad i guess but holy shit the avatars are fugly.

I don't get the backlash. Miis were good idea because they were a standardised avatar for games that require it's usage. These are highly customisable versions of those. It makes sense for XBLA games to use them as they won't have to be taking up space with their own character creators. For instance, last weeks Golf: Tee It Up! could have easily used the Avatar interface rather than the piss poor character creator it does use.

I don't get the hate at all, everyone seems so insecure when it's pretty clear there is a lot of potential here. There has already been talk of games having Avatar accessories as rewards. How cool would it be if when you completed Gears of War 2 you unlocked a black bandana and chainsaw gun? Or when you completed the new Naruto game you unlock Naruto's signature orange jumpsuit and forehead protector. The possibilities are endless.

saunderez writes...

How cool would it be if when you completed Gears of War 2 you unlocked a black bandana and chainsaw gun?

I think MS will insist on more family-friendly unlockables for avatars.

The only thing about the Avatars im concerned about and not real concern but wishful thinking is that it doesnt need MS Points to customize. Thats the only thing about the Xbox i dont like is for simple things like gamer icons and theme's you have to pay for. I understand paying for some maps, and i understand things like GH DLC songs, but for pictures and themes seem a bit rough, albeit only like $2, its so cheap it should just be free.
So im afraid the Avatars are all going to look generic, if you have to pay for unlockable items, besides the one's you get from ingame.

saunderez writes...

I don't get the backlash. Miis were good idea because they were a standardised avatar for games that require it's usage.

I think it's just because it's a compleate reimaging of the 360 :) It could be taken as a move away from the male 25+ age bracket the 360 is popular with and more towards the family market (i.e. the market the Wii has gone after).

Personaly I think it's a good thing, I like the blades and the interface of the current box... but the design is very wastfull of space and doesn't lead it's self to large amounts of content. It remains to be seen if teh new design is better, but I'm glad to see that Microsoft is willing to put the resources into making major changes to fix an problem rather then just band-aiding it.

BTW: they have said you can stick your GamerPic rather then using the Avatar.

saunderez writes...

I don't get the hate at all, everyone seems so insecure when it's pretty clear there is a lot of potential here.

I hope so, it's just that the ones so far are ugly bobble headed freaks. Something like a smaller scale LittleBigPlanet would have blown my socks away.

My disk drive started buzzing very loudly when playing crackdown. Restarted the game and it was back to normal. Should I try to replace the console? If so should I try to get the store to replace it (its less than a month old, I got it at toys r us) or get ms to repair it?

Did anyone see the new dashboard?

I personally think it looks quite nice, but these changes are all rip-off's from other gaming consoles.

Avatars from the Wii, the dashboard from Aero/Apple's Cover Flow and the whole 'live party' thing from the PS3's home :(

Ah well, it looks very nice though. It brought the good bits of different consoles together, and I like it better than the current dashboard :)

Your opinions?

EDIT: and the support for 16x10? BE GONE BLACK BARS! :D

Finally, no squished media! :)

As lojng as the avatars can be similar to characters you play I have no problems.

EG, Miis look like the other characters in Wii games in general, so they fit that market.

Xbox ones should be able to look like the GoW guys, Halo characters, perhaps some battlefield-ish looking ones, etc.

EG make the avatars match the market.

vortex writes...

I think it's just because it's a compleate reimaging of the 360 :)

I see it more of an extension. As I used in my example, games like Golf: Tee It Up! require you to create an avatar in game anyway. Lots of games require this. Standardising this is a good thing, particularly when it comes XBLA games.

Hellman109 writes...

make the avatars match the market

Yeah, I'd have a scantily clad DOA babe with enormous.. potential.
Or a chem-addicted vault-dweller.
Not fussed either way.

saunderez writes...

I see it more of an extension.

Oh it is an extention, but when you take the Mi... Avatars along with the new dash you get the strong impressition that MS is aiming them at your family market then at your GoW playing, coke swilling, pizza eating market.

I don't mind... but I can understand why some people might be a bit put off.

In fact I think that it demostrates just how smartly the 360 environment works. Microsoft has managed to make some MAJOR changes that will affect games... all without having to patch any games at all. Just goes to show what a well developed HAL and SDK can do for you.

vortex writes...

Oh it is an extention, but when you take the Mi... Avatars along with the new dash you get the strong impressition that MS is aiming them at your family market then at your GoW playing, coke swilling, pizza eating market.

The thing is, they've already targeted and won the "GoW playing, coke swilling, pizza eating market". Judging from the next 12 months of games we are going to get that isn't going to change. Broadening the scope of the console is an excellent decision and one that may give the console a big leg up over the PS3. You're probably right though. I think the new interface is absolute sex, and reckon there will still be different themes. Microsoft loves micro transactions too much to drop them altogether.

Just goes to show what a well developed HAL and SDK can do for you.

Indeed. Just when Sony has almost caught up with in-game XMB Microsoft lets you do everything you can do from the dash in game via the new Guide. It's the first time this year that I've felt Microsoft has actual direction with where they want the interface of the 360 to go. Kudos.

saunderez writes...

It's the first time this year that I've felt Microsoft has actual direction with where they want the interface of the 360 to go. Kudos.

Yeah it's looking win-win. Great gaming line up on the way with very appealing dash updates etc too. Im chuffed.

OMG. Geometry Wars 2. LOCAL 4 PLAYER MODES!

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/geometry-wars-2-available-aug-6-features-4-player-modes/

saunderez writes...

I think the new interface is absolute sex, and reckon there will still be different themes. Microsoft loves micro transactions too much to drop them altogether.

It strongly reminds me of my iPhone and Touch interface.

The avatars also remind me of those characters in Everybody's Golf; I wish you can choose avatars like Altair from Assassin's Creed, Baldur from Too Human etc., etc. instead of cutesy mutants from Tweeland.

Lord Panda writes...

It strongly reminds me of my iPhone and Touch interface.

Agreed. As I said before it seems to be a cross between the Media Center/Zune interface and Apple's Coverflow. This is a good thing IMO. All I really want is the option to have a black background and I'll bet set.

I wish you can choose avatars like Altair from Assassin's Creed, Baldur from Too Human etc., etc. instead of cutesy mutants from Tweeland.

I reckon there will be, in the leaked pics of them from the Intelliresponse survey there were Avatars wearing different outfits. Microsoft has pretty much said developers will use outfits as rewards in their games.

WOW... just WOW!!!

honestly, i expected them to maybe announce one big thing... but ALL THAT in one go!! great day to be a 360 owner.

I see that the 360 will be getting 16:10 support.

"· New display support. Because you asked for it, we are adding 16X10 over VGA or HDMI, and support for 1440x900 or
1680x1050."

Goodstuff :)

the interface looks quite cool. i hear they are focusing on making it fast, so that is wonderful.
http://www.joystiq.com/photos/new-xbox-experience/920164/full/

Jigsta writes...

I see that the 360 will be getting 16:10 support.

"· New display support. Because you asked for it, we are adding 16X10 over VGA or HDMI, and support for 1440x900 or
1680x1050."

Goodstuff :)

when? how? l'd love to have 1680x1050 for my 22"

7H3 G4M3 writes...

If they make the 60Gb hard drive under hundred bucks

Well they dropped the price of the 120 gig drive to $149.95 US :-)

WarriorZ writes...

when? how? l'd love to have 1680x1050 for my 22"

I think the announcement was on major nelsons blog. So it will probably come out with the new UI update.

Source is here: http://majornelson.com/

This is great news for me. Being relatively new to the 360, I've been thinking that the 'layout' was a big basic. Bit fugly. It does the job in a round about sort of a way, but an update like this is just what it needs. It might be a bit of an Apple ripoff, but to be honest that's the best move they could make. Like Apple or not, it's hard to deny they do have style.

Jigsta writes...

I think the announcement was on major nelsons blog. So it will probably come out with the new UI update.

can you update your xbox? like the psp?

l'm new to xbox and have never updated or done anything to it, so excuse my noobism

WarriorZ writes...

can you update your xbox?

Yes. It's pretty easy to do.

WarriorZ writes...

l'm new to xbox and have never updated or done anything to it, so excuse my noobism

If you're connected to XBL – or there's an update on a disc – X360 will automatically notify you there's an update available and will ask how you'd like to proceed.

Lord Panda writes...

If you're connected to XBL

havent tried that yet, hopefully on the weekend i can have some time to play around with it online, l'll most likely grab a copy of gta IV aswell :)