New 360 Dashboard Coming August 11

Posted by Jeff (3107 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Now you won't have to shame yourself in person to purchase a copy of this.

While the preview program is just getting underway, with early updates rolling out to folks who supplied their console information via survey, the next update to the Xbox 360 dashboard will roll out in force on August 11.

That news comes via a Microsoft press release, which also talks a bit about what'll be in said update. The features have all been previously announced, including the ability to get friends together for group-based Netflix streaming, a feature that I don't quite think I understand yet. When I'm watching movies, I generally want everyone to shut the hell up. Wearing a headset so I can hear a group of people prattle on while I watch something only makes sense if we're watching something that's completely awful... oh. OK, yeah, now I get it. There's some truly awful stuff in the Netflix streaming library, so this makes perfect sense.

The Games on Demand service that lets you purchase digital versions of Xbox 360 games will be part of the update, and Mass Effect is expected to be among the first releases, along with BioShock, Assassin's Creed, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Over 30 games will be available on the 11th.

The marketplace for premium avatar clothing and props will also launch on the 11th, letting you "purchase branded apparel from your favorite fashion labels and Xbox 360 games." Do you think you'll spend money on any virtual gear for your dashboard dude? I've always felt that clothing companies needed to work something out where I could buy clothes in a store and get a download code so my avatar could wear the same article of clothing. Or, alternately, let me preview clothing on my avatar and when I buy it there, send the real-world clothing to me at home. Other than the process of actually creating the digital versions of an entire clothing line, that sort of physical/digital clothing thing seems way more exciting to me than "hey, you could buy a Halo helmet."

Of course, this won't be the full roll out for all the announced dashboard features. Support for Twitter, Facebook, and Last.fm is still in the works along with the video marketplace overhaul that'll allow for 1080p streaming. All of that is pegged for release this Fall.

Staff

#1 Posted by Jeff (3107 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

While the preview program is just getting underway, with early updates rolling out to folks who supplied their console information via survey, the next update to the Xbox 360 dashboard will roll out in force on August 11.

That news comes via a Microsoft press release, which also talks a bit about what'll be in said update. The features have all been previously announced, including the ability to get friends together for group-based Netflix streaming, a feature that I don't quite think I understand yet. When I'm watching movies, I generally want everyone to shut the hell up. Wearing a headset so I can hear a group of people prattle on while I watch something only makes sense if we're watching something that's completely awful... oh. OK, yeah, now I get it. There's some truly awful stuff in the Netflix streaming library, so this makes perfect sense.

The Games on Demand service that lets you purchase digital versions of Xbox 360 games will be part of the update, and Mass Effect is expected to be among the first releases, along with BioShock, Assassin's Creed, Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Over 30 games will be available on the 11th.

The marketplace for premium avatar clothing and props will also launch on the 11th, letting you "purchase branded apparel from your favorite fashion labels and Xbox 360 games." Do you think you'll spend money on any virtual gear for your dashboard dude? I've always felt that clothing companies needed to work something out where I could buy clothes in a store and get a download code so my avatar could wear the same article of clothing. Or, alternately, let me preview clothing on my avatar and when I buy it there, send the real-world clothing to me at home. Other than the process of actually creating the digital versions of an entire clothing line, that sort of physical/digital clothing thing seems way more exciting to me than "hey, you could buy a Halo helmet."

Of course, this won't be the full roll out for all the announced dashboard features. Support for Twitter, Facebook, and Last.fm is still in the works along with the video marketplace overhaul that'll allow for 1080p streaming. All of that is pegged for release this Fall.

Staff

#2 Posted by Hammerjelly (220 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Depends how much the clothes go for. Sometimes I end up with a few extra points. What else am I going to use 40 points for?

#3 Posted by Cerza (1653 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

I am 100% with you on the movies thing Jeff. I hate when other people are talking during the movie I am trying to watch, which is why I usually watch movies alone.

#4 Posted by Snuffy (146 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Eh, I don't really mind for this update.

#5 Posted by StarFoxA (4952 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Too bad my 360 just red ringed.

#6 Posted by JJWeatherman (13986 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Sounds good. Looking forward to the games on demand the most for sure.

#7 Posted by DiGiTaL_SiN (1780 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

I really hate the NXE, I wish they would just drop the whole thing and start over.

#8 Posted by Linkyshinks (9883 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

I prefer silence also, but if I'm watching a classic film with friends I like a little chatter.

#9 Posted by Jixashauser (230 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Whoo, that´s my birthday!

#10 Posted by Vincenzo (104 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

All the cool social media stuff isn't coming til the Fall. meh.

#11 Posted by Dany (7882 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

This might be the way i get to play bioshock.

#12 Posted by FlamingHobo (4433 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

The update is pretty much useless to me probably won't be watching movies with friends over Xbox Live since I would rather watch a movie with friends in person. Not too excited about Games on Demand though, not until it becomes hard to find copies of certain X360 games. As for the Avatar clothing... I'm not too hot on the idea of paying money for virtual clothing I'd prefer clothing to be unlocked by Achievements or something similar.

#13 Posted by lordofultima (6107 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Another new dashboard? Jesus just leave it alone Microsoft! I'm just getting used to NXE and now you're going to confuse me yet again.

#14 Posted by Th3_James (2551 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

>_> my friend already obtained this. Not for retail though. but still, like a week or 2 ago. <_<

#15 Posted by Skillface (532 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

As long as the load times on the dashboard decrease, I could care less about everything else.

#16 Posted by Th3_James (2551 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Theaters are getting on my nerves now. People are always talking and are too loud. I preffer watching movies in my basement, with no light in the room, and my good speakers, and my tv

#17 Posted by Th3_James (2551 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

@lordofultima said:

" Another new dashboard? Jesus just leave it alone Microsoft! I'm just getting used to NXE and now you're going to confuse me yet again. "

i hate the NXE. The latest dash for devs looks so nice, and it is shexy

#18 Posted by Lobster_Ear (273 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Cool, it's on my birthday :)

#19 Posted by phlegms (1607 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Looks Like I'm going to need a bigger hard-drive....as soon as Microsoft lower the price on them that is..

#20 Posted by MattyFTM (13867 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

I'd buy Giant Bomb clothing for my avatar. But any other clothing, no.

Moderator

#21 Posted by ev_rowe (67 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

@Th3_James: Pics or it didn't happen :P

#22 Edited by Th3_James (2551 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

@ev_rowe said:

" @Th3_James: Pics or it didn't happen :P "

i don't need to prove shit. I am not gonna start posting screen caps from my friends development kit, that he shouldn't have. When we chill he will bring over one of his kits, and show me some mods he made, or unfinished builds of games taken off P.N

just forget i said anything..............

#23 Posted by JJOR64 (18222 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

I read about that and I fucking laughed. August 11th is my birthday. Best present ever?

#24 Posted by Parsnip (912 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

I hope the games on demand is an international thing.

#25 Posted by Th3_James (2551 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

if u consider that the best present ever than i feel sorry for you.

an awesome present would be a night club with like all mah friends, and open bar, while i ride around on a polar bear inside the club :D

#26 Posted by Roger_Klotz (714 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

I'm actually excited for the facebook app. I'll probably check it everytime I start my 360.

#27 Posted by LaszloKovacs (1080 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

I got totally excited for this, then realized that Last.FM support isn't in this update. Guess I'm waiting until fall.

#28 Posted by Th3_James (2551 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

umm games on demand, i have a fast connection but 6.5-7.5gb game downloads would take awhile from live. LIVE is fuckin slow.

#29 Posted by Karmum (11470 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Not really even interested in this update, but I did the survey for the opportunity of testing out the new update.

#30 Posted by teh_destroyer (3506 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

@MattyFTM said:

" I'd buy Giant Bomb clothing for my avatar. But any other clothing, no. "

this.

#31 Posted by THESCORCHO (2 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

I think the title of this article is confusing some people. I wouldn't say this is a new dashboard as much as just a fairly big update.

#32 Posted by John1912 (1561 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Really Sonic? I couldnt see that selling back when he was actually popular.

#33 Posted by mnzy (2857 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Will there be thongs in the clothing marketplace?

I wanna show what i got.

#34 Posted by Th3_James (2551 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

i wouldn't buy it using ms points. But why doesn't Giant Bomb have like site achievements

that would be pretty cool. GIANT BOMB GUYS SHOULD DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

#35 Posted by Manatassi (787 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

I'm Angry!!! About this Update!!! Its SHIT I hate it!!! I havent read the article BUT I STILL HATE IT!!!

I feel like Ive been raped by... (looks at title) Microsoft!!!! I refuse to pay $40 for this updatye!!!!

And I hate that they are making all the text in Chinese!!!! And shooting innocent children and bunnies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ANGER ANGER ANGER GRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!

-_-

(yes that was my attempt to blend in.)

#36 Posted by Keeng (990 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

@JJOR64 said:

" I read about that and I fucking laughed. August 11th is my birthday. Best present ever? "

lol It's definitely up there. Dissidia: Final Fantasy comes out on August 25th, my 21st birthday. Totally getting it.

#37 Posted by Video_Game_King (29858 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Wait, how will the Games on Demand thing work? That's what I really want to know. Will it use points? Are they full games? How will they be stored?

#38 Posted by day2daze (178 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

@Hammerjelly:

uh, like save it for something idk actually worth buying...

#39 Posted by CL60 (16906 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

@lordofultima said:

" Another new dashboard? Jesus just leave it alone Microsoft! I'm just getting used to NXE and now you're going to confuse me yet again. "

It's an update..not a new dashboard.

#40 Posted by eXists (120 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

@phlegms said:

"Looks Like I'm going to need a bigger hard-drive....as soon as Microsoft lower the price on them that is.."

exactly my problem too, still stuck on that 20 GB which sux, waiting for the new terabyte? one or the 120 gb to drop more....

#41 Posted by Kajaah117 (1070 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

@Video_Game_King said:

" Wait, how will the Games on Demand thing work? That's what I really want to know. Will it use points? Are they full games? How will they be stored? "

Points AND credit or debit. And the prices will be listed as actual earth money. The games will obviously be stored on the hard drive, and will use the same DRM as other downloadable content and games. Save up for that 120gb.

#42 Posted by Ineedaname (4319 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Here come the adverts?

#43 Posted by Laticsfan (595 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Gah, the only dashboard update I'm looking forward to is last.fm but it's not even in this update.

#44 Posted by agentboolen (1624 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Why would they even allow sonic's 360 game as a digital download?? Its not even a finished game!!! For buying clothes for your avatar I still think this is stupid, if I'm buying clothes it's going to be for me, not my digital avatar!! Oh well Facebook sounds cool, but I would rather be getting hulu though!!!

#45 Posted by agentboolen (1624 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

@Kajaah117 said:

" @Video_Game_King said:
" Wait, how will the Games on Demand thing work? That's what I really want to know. Will it use points? Are they full games? How will they be stored? "
Points AND credit or debit. And the prices will be listed as actual earth money. The games will obviously be stored on the hard drive, and will use the same DRM as other downloadable content and games. Save up for that 120gb. "

Anyone thats going to save up for 120gb hd just so they can give Microsoft more money is out of there freaking mind!!!! Microsoft wants to sell shi*t to me they should being giving me a good deal on a 120gb, not ripping me off!!!

#46 Posted by Death_Unicorn (2816 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Can't wait.

#47 Posted by Doonee63 (88 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Games on Demand seems interesting, but I don't have much space for anything.

#48 Posted by MachoFantastico (3756 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

Where's my Last.FM feature?

The only LIVE Update feature I care about, the rest seem a little on the dull side. Including Games on Demand, my many Rock Band 2 tracks are already taking up some space.

#49 Posted by Kolonel_Kool (313 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

I'm just waiting on the Facebook and Twitter stuff. I'm okay with Avatar Marketplace, if it has stuff that's cool.
Sidenote: I'm watching ZZ Top on WWE Raw. It's just as terrible as it sounds.

#50 Posted by RiotBananas (3600 posts) - 3 years, 10 months ago

@Skillface: Please don't do use the phrase "could care less"

It's "couldn't care less" :)

Also, I doubt this update will change the layout (to those worried) All I will do is add a few more channels (whoops I referenced the Wii!

I wish they would streamline the Marketplaces into one single "Marketplace" which then branched out into Game, Video and Avatar respectively.

Surely that's better?

Microsoft Studios

The publishing arm and primary subsidiary of Microsoft's games division. Most notably the publisher of the Halo and Gears of War franchises.

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