Fall Xbox Updates

exit2dos · #1 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Here is a look at some additional features you will find interesting:

· Play from hard drive. Copy your games from the game disc and play directly from the hard drive. Not only will the drive not spin, but load times are quicker, as well. Of course, you will still need the disc in the tray to prove you own the game.

· Access Xbox LIVE Marketplace on the Web. Browse and purchase Marketplace content whenever you want from Xbox.com and it downloads automatically to your console. Purchase that new map, television episode, the latest Xbox LIVE Arcade game or set up a movie to watch when you get home from work.

· Dashboard built into the new Xbox Guide. For everyone who loves the blades interface, it’s not going away; they are now built directly in to the new Xbox guide. Every feature and option is available right from the guide. You can even access your full games library at all times. No matter where you are (in dash or in game), immediately call up your games played list and directly launch a game.

· LIVE Party system. Create a party of up to eight friends, and stay with them from one game to another, or watch a Netflix movie together, or share a slideshow of your personal photos. It works with all Xbox 360 titles, not just upcoming games. LIVE Party allows up to eight people to chat in the dashboard, so you can meet up before playing.

· Xbox LIVE Primetime. This whole new category of games is going to give you more reasons to get online with your friends. Games will support everything you’d expect, like Achievements and leader boards, but many of these games will include real prizes. You can invite your friends, and even set a reminder for an upcoming show. Each game is broadcast simultaneously, so everyone is answering the same questions. Many events will have a live host, calling the shots as they happen.

· Avatars. Your online identity started as a Gamertag - it then grew into a personalized Gamercard. Now, it has evolved even further into avatars. You can express your style, check out new outfits and share this with the community. Avatars will also be integrated into Xbox LIVE Arcade games, LIVE Party, as well as retail games.

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

Some of the features in the new Xbox experience (8 person chat, VGA support and more) - Xbox Lives Major Nelson

exit2dos · #2 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 02:37 PM

TBH, I haven't turned my Xbox on in months. I've got some friends who play everyday, so I just thought I'd post some info here that I send to them in case others are interested.

**SuperFly03** · #3 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 02:40 PM

So really there wasn't much benefit to copying the games to the hard drive. Yeah somewhat faster load times... but I wonder how much faster given the HDD in the xbox is slow. Also, will it copy the entire game and eat up 6-7GB per game?

Not sure why their VGA support was so strange... but I'm glad they fixed it (shouldn't have been a problem in the first place), same with HDMI.

Interesting additions all in all.

**MeltDown** · #4 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 02:45 PM

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Originally Posted by StupaFly007

So really there wasn't much benefit to copying the games to the hard drive. Yeah somewhat faster load times... but I wonder how much faster given the HDD in the xbox is slow. Also, will it copy the entire game and eat up 6-7GB per game?

Given how noisy the 360's DVD drive is, it might be worth it to some people for that, especially with the 65nm CPU and GPU versions where the cooling system is quieted down.

Lionhardt · #5 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 03:19 PM

Wow this is amazing. Honestly, I don't play it much at all in the summer, but dude this ****ing owns. OMG. OWNED!

1680 x 1050 support is orgasmic.

**SuperFly03** · #6 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeltDown

Given how noisy the 360's DVD drive is, it might be worth it to some people for that, especially with the 65nm CPU and GPU versions where the cooling system is quieted down.

When I upgrade to Jasper I will consider it since I believe the 60GB version will be Jasper.

With a 20GB HDD you are talking about getting 1-2 games max. Hell, after all the updates and shat my 20GB drive only has around 12GB free.

**Clue69Less** · #7 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lionhardt

Wow this is amazing. Honestly, I don't play it much at all in the summer, but dude this ****ing owns. OMG. OWNED!

1680 x 1050 support is orgasmic.

According to some folks, 720p was just fine.

**MeltDown** · #8 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 07:21 PM

720p is just fine on a TV... but who the heck has a 720p monitor that connects via VGA?

Lionhardt · #9 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clue69Less

According to some folks, 720p was just fine.

My xbox is on my 22" 1680 x 1050 monitor at like 1280 x 1024... it sucks./

**JKflipflop** · #10 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 10:33 PM

Nice. Now they just need to drop the stratospheric prices of the 120GB hard disc down from $180. That's just rediculous.

**randomizer** · #11 (**permalink**) 07-14-2008, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeltDown

Given how noisy the 360's DVD drive is, it might be worth it to some people for that, especially with the 65nm CPU and GPU versions where the cooling system is quieted down.

Amen to that!

**YMAA** · #12 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 05:21 AM

Nice set of updates, really. I wish the PS3 didn't need a DHCP monitor, it'd be nice to use an HDMI -> DVI cable I have laying around to go to my PC display natively.

**randomizer** · #13 (**permalink**) 07-15-2008, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YMAA

Nice set of updates, really. I wish the PS3 didn't need a DHCP monitor

A modemonitor!