The new Xbox 360 dashboard came out yesterday and it sucks. The only cool part is the free Netflix movies on HD.
Microsoft has unveiled its XNE (New Xbox Experience). I’m hating the XNE because it’s harder for me to navigate than the original dashboard. If I want to watch my Dark Knight trailer, it takes me about 15 seconds to find it. First I have to click on “video marketplace”. Then go to a different folder called “Downloaded Content”, then go to another folder called “All Files”. The old dashboard had an easier interface and I could play the trailer within 5 seconds. It’s a chore finding your downloaded files.
It also seems like the new dashboard has more advertising, featured as “spotlights”. I don’t need to click on spotlights and then get asked to pay for the video or download. I pay $60 for Xbox Live every year and they’re still trying to make more money off me. PS3’s online service is free and the ads aren’t as annoying.
I also didn’t like the fact that Microsoft tried to copy WII’s character design for their “avatar”. You have a choice of cartoony characters. And of course, you can customize it to look like you by changing the facial features, clothing, etc.
One feature that I liked was the Netflix movies. If you have Netflix, you can access free HD movies, such as Pan’s Labyrinth and my favorite documentary, King of Kong. I didn’t have patience to try and download a movie but now I’m wondering how often the movie will stutter if it’s streaming or how long it’ll take if the whole movie needs to be downloaded.
XNE is a disappointing upgrade. I expected easier navigation for the new dashboard and all I got was a worse interface (never had problem with the first) and some crappy ads disguised as cool features. I’ll give it more time but for now, this is one shitty upgrade.
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Mark Bruno
Nov 20, 2008 -
I have to disagree. I think the new interface is much more intuitive than the old blades design; to me at least, everything is much easier to find.
And I love the new avatars.
But more to the point, HDD game installs, 8-way chat and streaming Netflix are the features that I’m happiest about. Also, remember that you can avoid the new GUI and go straight to a menu box. That should mean that it won’t be too horrible a transition for some.
John Spartan
Nov 20, 2008 -
I liked the old blade designs. It utilized much of the screen and was very straight forward. The new layout uses 3d images and larger icons, so it’s harder to navigate.
There’s got to be an easier way to find your friends, because the avatar takes up a whole screen PER PERSON. I’d have to scroll INDIVIDUALLY one by one to find someone.
But Microsoft does have the old blade style back in some form, and that is when you press the Xbox menu button on your controller, that interface has the same format as the old blades.
Sure the new dashboard has some new cool features, but the navigation is cluttered more so than user friendly.
Reboot
Nov 20, 2008 -
It looks to much like the Wii. I stopped doing online stuff with the 360 because of ads and cost of everything. This was before the new interface i dont think i would like it. looks horrible.
I think im just going to stick with the Wii and PS3 now. 360 is starting to look like its going to have the same fate as the Dreamcast, good system, bad choices made by the big-wigs.
Cricket
Nov 20, 2008 -
Xbox 360 is a good system but Microsoft’s biggest mistake was releasing it early so it can be on the shelves before PS3.
Most of my friends who has a 360 has gotten the red ring of death (RROD). I think I got about 3 RROD’s and it’s a pain in the ass calling MS customer service since it takes at least 20-25 minutes to report the problem so they can fix it.
Elijah
Nov 23, 2008 -
I’m loving the new dashborad its really slick and fresh overall…