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New Xbox 360 Dashboard: You Don't Have to Use It

xboxfocus.com — So, for all of you who hated the new dashboard, here's some good news: it's optional. You can still use the blades if you don't like it, so Microsoft is giving you some option.

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  • Danhrules, on 07/21/2008, -14/+191But really, you do still HAVE to use it. I'm sure many people would prefer an option to either use the Old or New design. I, however, am looking forward to the new dashboard!
    • seldon452, on 07/22/2008, -4/+27so... it might be said you welcome our new dashboard overlords???
    • exomni, on 07/23/2008, -2/+4Did you even read the article? You can't use the "old design", the "old design" is gone. What this article says is that the "blades" idea is still in use on the Xbox Guide, which now pops up as a little box in the middle of the screen.
      • daRoach, on 07/23/2008, -0/+5Can I use the old original Xbox alien green design? I miss that.
    • smellytim, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1kinda like u could play mgs4 in first person if u wanted, but yeah right
    • nickerbocker, on 07/26/2008, -0/+1 I'm more looking forward to Netflix streaming.
  • spaceman255, on 07/21/2008, -25/+127I am also looking forward to the new dashboard. It looks Slick!
    • liljay2k, on 07/22/2008, -1/+2When will it be available for download? November?
    • jpaolini, on 07/22/2008, -2/+8Somewhere around there liljay2k.

      I'm really looking forward to the 16:10 AR support.
    • Inohavehalos, on 07/22/2008, -2/+6Avatars are definitely not, though.
      • daRoach, on 07/23/2008, -0/+3Really? You're not looking forward to playing dress up with your avatar doll? I hear there's so many different hairstyles you'll spend more time with that than actually playing games. (And who says girls aren't the demographic for games marketers?)
    • DragonForce4, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1hopefully they don't abuse the avatars, otherwise it might not be that bad
  • Pinkorpse, on 07/21/2008, -29/+2Yes
    • BuddingMonkey, on 07/22/2008, -1/+7No
    • pogobouncepogo, on 07/22/2008, -1/+7Maybe
    • TomRemixed, on 07/22/2008, -1/+7So
    • GJBlizzard, on 07/23/2008, -2/+2YES! I'm so glad I don't have to use a system that I've only seen demoed for 2 minutes and never actually tried myself before!
  • Masna, on 07/21/2008, -56/+16How could you not want to use the new dashboard? It's amazing.
    • AzzidReign, on 07/21/2008, -15/+7Prepare to go far, far, far below the threshold.
    • Masna, on 07/22/2008, -26/+6The guy at the first post said the same thing I said in my above post, but I'm getting dugg down. Digg... really?
      • Managua8Green, on 07/22/2008, -13/+5Just shut up.
      • tehknotte, on 07/22/2008, -2/+32One thing I learned on digg is never question aloud your burial.
      • ScionX, on 07/22/2008, -0/+27You answered your own question. You're being buried because you're repeating something someone already stated.
      • Brad324, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1The ways of the bury are unpredictable.
        Buryjesus works in mysterious ways. Never question his motives.
    • lysdexic, on 07/22/2008, -4/+21If I wanted to see weird 3d bobble headed people, I would have bought a Wii. That's how.
    • sethorama99, on 07/23/2008, -2/+1How are you getting dugg down so much? Oh yeah, 90% of diggers are petulant whelps.
    • doubledmateo, on 07/23/2008, -0/+0Okay, seriously, what's 'amazing' about this new dashboard? It looks really ugly. I like the current one becuase it's convenient and attractive looking. The new one is convoluted and embarrassing. I do not want a retarded looking avatar. It's such a lame idea, and just doesn't coincide with the demographic of the 360 at all. Keep that crap on the Wii.
  • Ducttape21, on 07/21/2008, -10/+61There were only two things that caught my interest regarding the 360 dashboard update. Netflix and 8 person chat. Other than that, I'll have to see.
    • endlessoul, on 07/22/2008, -1/+7Uno Rush and 1 vs. 100 look like possible winners.

      I mean, Uno today is a perfect game.
    • NikkiA, on 07/22/2008, -1/+11You don't think the ability to install games to the HDD will be a big deal? It'll certainly make it a lot easier to 'fire up the console for a quick blast of ...' than it was.

      it might also mean those that paid for the Elite have something to actually justify the 120GB drive now - and it will naturally drive sales for the new 60GB xbox, and the 60GB and 120GB drive upgrades.
      • pixelate, on 07/22/2008, -0/+3'Fire up the console for a quick blast of whatever was already in the disc drive'? Sweet!
      • NobleShit, on 07/22/2008, -0/+3To put it more clearly, you still have to put the disc in the tray. Installing the game just speeds up loading times, which are fairly short anyway...
      • lcmatt, on 07/22/2008, -1/+5By rights it should also reduce texture pop-ins which seem to plague most 3rd party unreal games.
      • DragonForce4, on 07/23/2008, -0/+3Intalling the game also means the disc doesnt have to spin so loudly =D
      • GeneralFailure0, on 07/23/2008, -0/+3Do we know yet how much the 60 gb hard drive is? I still don't want to spend an outrageous price on a proprietary hard disk.
      • cj5430, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1I believe its $99.99
      • Shaflugi, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1Plus, I don't have to deal with disc read errors in the middle of GTA4 missions.
      • doubledmateo, on 07/23/2008, -0/+0Sound reduction would be fantastic. I can't wait for this feature. The 8 person chat thing should be great too. They can keep the lame avatars though. Two steps forward, one step back. Sigh...
  • santasing, on 07/21/2008, -21/+13I like the new dashboard better. I think the current one is way too cluttered and fugly (the blades part is good though).
  • TheHal, on 07/22/2008, -3/+110Yea... I don't know if the poster actually read that article...
    • ByteGuerilla, on 07/22/2008, -8/+2Mhmm. We knew this from announcement day, and it's not the same. Not by a long shot. I want my blades how they are now, with the themes I bought for them, and not just a single theme image with massive square option images cycling in front of it.
      • qbthemc, on 07/23/2008, -1/+3LOL you actually bought themes. YOU ARE A LOSER.
      • BforBusiness, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1the pictures will change while you are on the my xbox channel, major nelson confirmed this.
  • kahleeb, on 07/22/2008, -23/+11This is actually not completely true. You will only have limited access with blades on the Guide button. I had MS confirm this for me in a behind closed door meeting. The new interface for the dashboard is horrible.
    • vawksel, on 07/22/2008, -4/+11I had MS confirm to me in a behind closed door meeting that you won the "he Biggest Douche in the Universe" award, previously held by John Edward.
    • sethorama99, on 07/23/2008, -0/+2I had Microsoft type me up a voucher for free software and hardware for life on their invisible typewriters.
      • 1timeuser, on 07/23/2008, -0/+2I demand to see these invisible typewriters and the little gnomes that operate them.
  • CollapseControl, on 07/22/2008, -11/+30New or old, doesn't matter to me, if you know what you want to do with the 360 you will be able to do it. IF you just want to play disc based games, which is the main reason for the 360, then it's simple, insert disc. If you want to play Arcade games, you go to the games section. If you want to watch videos, you go to the video section. It really can't be THAT complicated for a gamer.

    If you can complete all these crazy new complicated games that have been coming out in the past decade, going through a new 360 Dashboard shouldn't be a problem, at least I hope not if you consider yourself a gamer or tech saavy.

    I personally can't wait to get the update, or even just see more details of new features that will be included. I'm looking forward to the 8 Player Party Lobby Chat, that is perfect for dealing with a lot of friends at once. The rip game to HDD should be interesting to use. The avatars, I hope that developers take onto this and we will be able to customize our guys with items to let friends know what we are playing. Like if I purchase Gears 2, I would like the game to unlock a Gears of War 2 T-shirt I can put on my guy. That way when people sign on, they know what game I plan on playing. I would like an option to even customize an Avatar with an Achievement pic as well.

    There are plenty of 360 gamers who are looking forward to it and others who aren't, and i'm gonna bet that a few days after the new update, not that many gamers will be wanting the old dash back.
    • ut2k4king, on 07/22/2008, -8/+3It's not about just being able to access the games from the dashboard, it's enjoying the interface that gets you there. Hell, if it were just about playing the games Microsoft could have just hooked us up with a terminal screen and a list of commands for launch disc and invite to party chat. The blades system, while not perfect, wasn't so much of a waste of space as the new "Flip3D" Dashboard they're releasing. From a UI designers point of view it's a nightmare. Ideally you want to have the most space used in the most efficient and eye pleasing way possible. There's just so much wasted in this new design I can't find myself looking forward to it.
      • Noobcamper, on 07/22/2008, -1/+4I dont think your comment is fair, we have not seen enough of the new dash to make a fair judgement
    • Klisk, on 07/22/2008, -6/+3So does this mean that all my Xbox themes are worthless now?
      • Noobcamper, on 07/22/2008, -3/+6It has been said more then once, your themes will still work with the new dash... same with gamerpics
      • Kazbaeden, on 07/22/2008, -6/+3You shouldn't be paying money for that ***** anyway nubbie.
    • PixelEater, on 07/22/2008, -6/+2Collapsed due to wall of text.
    • jdaniel284, on 07/22/2008, -2/+2Where do I go if I want to see huge Burger King and Dodge commercials plastered all over the wallpaper I paid $5 for?
    • Dracusis, on 07/22/2008, -3/+5"if you know what you want to do with the 360 you will be able to do it"

      Yet I still can't play BluRay movies, or play online without having to pay some silly fee, or upgrade the HDD without emptying my piggy bank, cause they're all thing I really want to do with my 360.

      • gwolf, on 07/23/2008, -4/+3Interesting point, doesn't this make BR irrelevant where games are concerned? I am not all that upset over not having to buy movies at twice or three times the price.
      • damndj, on 07/23/2008, -0/+3Sounds like someone should have bought a PS3.
      • NismoDrift, on 07/31/2008, -0/+0agreed. should of looked into the console before buying.
    • doubledmateo, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1Okay, I don't think many people are complaining that the new dashboard isn't going to work as well, or that it'll be too difficult. I think everyone is excited about the new features, it's just that the look of the UI is just such a drastic change and not too attractive. The current one (depending on the theme you use) is fairly elegant, while the new one looks clunky and, frankly, embarrassing. Considering the audience of the 360 it seems like a bad idea to try and emulate a more Wii-like interface.

      Just keep it simple and elegant. I think that will appeal better to the majority of gamers.
  • acevoncash, on 07/22/2008, -3/+79this is not true. there will be a 'guide' interface that can be pulled up over the top of the new dashboard, even the article says this. The submitter was mistaken.
  • Aorawn, on 07/22/2008, -15/+9Dugg for Microsoft giving choice to customers.

    Now only if their Windows divisions could catch up to their 360 and Zune divisions in terms of quality and customer service.
    • Boktai1000, on 07/22/2008, -1/+7Did you read? There is no choice, you HAVE to use the new dashboard, unless you don't plan on using Xbox live and receiving the updating, oh and that means you wont be able to play newer games either because they will most likely have this update on the disc. When you press the Xbox button on the controller, instead of that side blade coming up, it will be a miniature guide that resembles what the blades used to be, a mini in-game dashboard. You will still have to use the new dashboard.
      • Noobcamper, on 07/22/2008, -3/+0but that guide dashboard, can do everything the existing dash can do now, which is pretty awesome. Basically you can access the dash without leaving the game
      • MWeather, on 07/22/2008, -5/+1Wow, I wish PS3 had something like that! Wait...
    • Tahiri, on 07/22/2008, -3/+5The Zune division sucks. Call me when you can use it as a USB harddrive without installing the 50 meg client and hacking the registry.
  • BradOFarrell, on 07/22/2008, -6/+80I call ***** on any 3D avatar that puts it's hand one it's hip and leaves on leg playfully tilted to the side. Not only are you making me play as a demasculizing cartoon character, you're making them stand like a sassy black woman. Sttttooooppppp.
    • justinlarsen, on 07/22/2008, -3/+2Sassy as ***** that is.
    • lordtyros, on 07/22/2008, -0/+23Oh no he didn't...
      • Shawn4168, on 07/23/2008, -0/+3*snap left*
        *snap right*
        *snap left*
      • BradOFarrell, on 07/23/2008, -0/+0you forgot *move head in a circular motion*
    • SSCrow, on 07/22/2008, -0/+1The male characters had a different pose.
    • cvesper, on 07/22/2008, -0/+3How did you end up transposing "one" and "on"?
      • BradOFarrell, on 07/22/2008, -0/+3Corrected the wrong typo, *****.
      • hagfish70, on 07/22/2008, -3/+4How do you end up being such a internet grammatical *****? Arggg, you people make my blood boil! Go get an editing job and leave the internet alone.
      • cvesper, on 07/23/2008, -1/+1How was that being an *****? I just thought it was interesting that it happened. I spose u wud rahter intrante wood b lik thiss?
    • hagfish70, on 07/22/2008, -3/+8What this world needs more than anything is more sassy black women! You sir should be buried.
      • arcticblue, on 07/23/2008, -1/+5No, the world doesn't. I used to be a waiter and some of the worst customers I ever had were sassy black women that brought their 3+ kids along. There's always something wrong that they want to bitch at you about and they would always keep telling me I got their order wrong when I knew it was right just so they could get it for free.
      • WillPwn4Food, on 07/23/2008, -1/+0hows about we stay on the dashboard topic =P
    • DavidGX, on 07/23/2008, -1/+1Oh no he.. aww beaten to it. Paying attention ftw!
  • Aldanga, on 07/22/2008, -2/+31Read the article, people. It doesn't say you can refuse the update. You still have to get the update. However, as Major Nelson said, you can 'leave your game disc in' and access the old Blade interface via the Guide Button. In this manner you can avoid using the dashboard altogether.

    But you still can't refuse the update.
    • StokieBread, on 07/22/2008, -0/+9He doesn't say that at all, no where in that article do I read that the old blades will still be there, what he does say is "All the features seen today will be moved to the new guide level" so the features remain but the look of it will change to the new design, he also says "We've taken those blades and moved them to the Guide. Every single function that you can do today in the Dashboard you are going to be able to do in the New Xbox Experience in the Guide." so he is again saying the features will be moved over to the new guide.
      • AzzidReign, on 07/22/2008, -5/+2No, the blades will be there. In retarded, wii-like form though.
      • estvir, on 07/23/2008, -1/+1How they hell are they 'Wii-like' in form? Retard.
    • estvir, on 07/23/2008, -1/+3Oh no, your life is over.
  • yifanlu94, on 07/22/2008, -12/+3I don't really like the new interface, I always thought that: IF ITS NOT BROKEN, DON'T FIX IT!
    • Kazaki, on 07/22/2008, -1/+4I've always wanted to beat that saying down to it's last breath and stand over it as it slowly dies, gasping for air. It shouldn't be about what is and wondering why, it's about what isn't and wondering why not.
    • rrife, on 07/22/2008, -1/+4Well it's not that it's broken, it's that over 50% of the screen is unused for content.....not that the new system is any better, but it at least has the potential to provide more content on the screen.
    • Tahiri, on 07/22/2008, -3/+5It is broken though.
    • bjs3171, on 07/22/2008, -0/+2that's a really dumb saying. if something can be improved, it should be. one never knows they want improvements, untill they get them.
  • AlphaX9, on 07/22/2008, -16/+1Yeah I told everyone on the forums but they didn't believe me...n00bs!
  • ShaKtiMaaN, on 07/22/2008, -4/+6I'll admit, I do like the more robust guide a lot better than trying to rifle through the slow "slidey" interface to play music. As long as the new dashboard is fast and quick, I'm fine with it.
  • jmbrysk, on 07/22/2008, -2/+32This is sort of misleading. The "New Xbox Experience" is going to be there when you turn on the system, there's no avoiding that. However, the ingame guide was updated to include all the features of the original blade system.

    Personally, the guide on my Xbox is laggy enough. It's unnecessary to add more bloat to it.
    • endlessoul, on 07/22/2008, -0/+7I agree 100%. I have +30 games in my Games section. It takes a full 2 minutes for all of the game listing to load with all their icons.

      If the new dash can manage to eliminate that, then bring it on. Here's hoping they started from scratch and got rid of loading where it should never appear.
      • SgtQuackers, on 07/22/2008, -0/+3Something most be wrong with your console. I have 60+ games and it take about 15 seconds to load all the games with their icons.
      • endlessoul, on 07/22/2008, -0/+1SgtQuackers, that could be possible. I've had some hard drive issues where DBZ: Burst Limit refused to save, and Halo 3 often starts up skipping where the Gregorian chants and the Bungie symbol appear. Takes a bit for my DLC maps to load, too.

        I want to get a new hard drive, but they're so damn expensive.

        I've already had it sent back for a new disc drive.
      • eyesmell, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1there's also a way to clear the 360's cache. A quick google should show you how it's done. That may help speed things up.
    • SgtQuackers, on 07/22/2008, -0/+5From what Microsoft has said the new dashboard is faster at loading and will not have those same problems. We will have to see if its true but it sounds good.
    • Myonosken, on 07/22/2008, -7/+2Laggy? I dunno about anyone else but I've never had any lag in it.
      • joegibes, on 07/23/2008, -1/+1HAVE YOU PRESSED THE GUIDE BUTTON?!
  • ubergeek09, on 07/22/2008, -5/+29Inaccurate. But the new update looks flipping awesome.
    • acevoncash, on 07/22/2008, -3/+14why are you digging him down?! he is right! It IS inaccurate.
  • davidkeithjones, on 07/22/2008, -5/+7The update will be heavy. I wonder how machines will brick from failed updates.
  • BoonTobias, on 07/22/2008, -10/+6it's cool how they took a more vistalike approach to this
    • ExRe, on 07/22/2008, -4/+4They took one of the most useless things (flip 3D) and used it for everything!

      Way to ruin a UI.
  • CptSaladin, on 07/22/2008, -3/+3I really don't appreciate the author's diction. I don't know, I just feel like this is another step toward the happy wacky video game world that has lost all credibility and significance, as was recently presented at E3.
  • Firespray1138, on 07/22/2008, -2/+12I don't consider that optional if in order to use the old blades system you have to use the Guide Button which is essentially a stripped down Dashboard. I like the new dashboard but those stupid ass avatars just kill most of it for me. If I wanted a avatar, I would have bought a Wii.
    • wheezy360, on 07/22/2008, -2/+4So, the lack of avatars was originally your deciding factor in buying a 360? Seems kinda silly to me. No? People with such vehement opposition to frills like that which in no way affect their in-game experience are just so damn hilarious to me. Go ahead and let a little avatar spoil everything else for you. It's totally your choice.

      VVVV Same goes for you, Psythik.
      • doubledmateo, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1For me they aren't going to ruin my life or anything, but they definitely annoy me. Currently when I boot up the 360 it looks nice. It's going to be annoying to have those lame ass avatars all over the dashboard. No going to ruin my experience, but I don't see this new look for the dashboard as a positive thing at all. Hopefully it all runs smoothly.
      • Firespray1138, on 07/25/2008, -0/+1Yes because I specifically stated that not having avatars made me buy a 360 and having them makes me want to sell/trade/throw/destroy my 360.

        I like the Xbox, I hate the PS3, the Wii I'm not willing to buy.
    • bjs3171, on 07/22/2008, -4/+2you really buy systems for the stupid side applications they have? I originally bought the Wii for the control scheme, and games. The Mii's are cute, but honestly I could care less about them. I later saw the error in my ways, and traded for an xbox. I could still care less about the lack of Mii's, nor will I really care if they're implemented. The game shows, however, could be interesting.
      • wheezy360, on 07/23/2008, -0/+2You mean you *couldn't* care less. You couldn't care less because you don't care at all. Saying you could care less implies that you do care.
  • Psythik, on 07/22/2008, -5/+47My only complaint is with the Miis. If I wanted something stupid and useless like that I would have bought a Wii.
    • bjs3171, on 07/22/2008, -7/+5You can have your avatar participate in game shows. That's already far more useful than anythign the Mii's do.
      • CarnivalOfDust, on 07/22/2008, -1/+5Wow, you and Firespray1138 have some lovely hivemind going on.
      • Myonosken, on 07/22/2008, -2/+2@carnival: Firespray said "I like the new dashboard but those stupid ass avatars just kill most of it for me. If I wanted a avatar, I would have bought a Wii."

        BJ said "You can have your avatar participate in game shows. That's already far more useful than anythign the Mii's do."

        That's the complete opposite....
    • Chris1280, on 07/22/2008, -0/+3heck its mainly optional dressing them up. there just an easy way to identify using parties.
    • Shaflugi, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1Why are you complaining? You don't even have to make one!
  • rumblpak, on 07/22/2008, -0/+6Not really true though. What MN said was that you would be able to do everything in game from the guide and you never have to see the dash. I like the current dash; I just wish it were faster at doing some things. I hate windows media center, the ps3 dash, and the psp dash. Why did microsoft have to copy their opinion on how to make a theme. Simplicity isn't always the best option, I like having information at my fingertips without having to navigate 16 menus to find some stupid function. The only reason I will be getting the fall update is for backing up games to the hard drive which was by far the best announcement.
    • arcticblue, on 07/23/2008, -0/+2My 360 got the RROD last fall and I've been using my PS3 since. I got a new 360 last week and I got to say that I think the PS3's interface is better. It's cleaner, faster, and not smothered with advertisements. Themes are free and you can also make your own themes. When I first got the 360, I thought the interface was great, but they are trying to do too much with it now. They've outgrown the blades and it now has a very cluttered feel to it. Also, the fonts look like ***** and need to be fixed ASAP.
  • JasonCox, on 07/22/2008, -0/+15I dont get why with the power of the Xbox we have to have Mii looking 'avatars'; I'm know we cant have avatars on par with lets say the characters in GTA IV, but maybe with The Sims 2 (while not a 360 game, every here has probally played it and gets the idea).
    • 1807, on 07/22/2008, -4/+1Never played Sims ANYTHING
    • bradleyland, on 07/23/2008, -0/+2I'd like to be able to pick a character from a game, like my R6:V2 character.
  • luke16, on 07/22/2008, -5/+6Will the Netflix streaming movie thing be available in Europe?
    • spilk, on 07/22/2008, -0/+5unless you can sign up for a netflix account in europe, i doubt it
    • Balloondoggies, on 07/22/2008, -0/+5probly as soon as Netflix starts shipping movies to Europe.
    • Jethris, on 07/22/2008, -0/+9Hey, you guys get better cell phones. We get Netflix. Fair trade, I'd say.
  • Scheissen, on 07/22/2008, -3/+7Most people liked the new dashboard. It's the damn avatars that people have a problem with.
    • ExRe, on 07/22/2008, -3/+4What is the problem with those? Just ignore them, like I've ignored the Mii's on our Wii.
  • Memnochxx, on 07/22/2008, -2/+4Not true, and we already new about this. The blade system as we now use it will be placed in the guide, a small little grey piece of *****. I want it to be my colorful dashboard. /And/ you won't be able to use any of the new features from the guide. So if you want to use the new features which come out with the new dashboard - you have to use the new dashboard. And I hate it. Marked as inaccurate.
  • TremorX, on 07/22/2008, -4/+14I can't wait!

    ...for my Xbox to come back from being repaired, that is.

    :(
  • Reno582, on 07/22/2008, -2/+4I hope this means music player access from original xbox games.
  • Cossa, on 07/22/2008, -3/+2Has anyone found any information on whether you can share music for these 8-person Live Parties? I think that would be nifty.
  • timsline, on 07/22/2008, -1/+1It's amazing seeing this much choice being given to the consumer. I can't wait to try out the new dashboard, but I'll probably skip on the avatars.
  • spilk, on 07/22/2008, -2/+4Avatars are optional. This has been repeated numerous times.
  • jondayz, on 07/22/2008, -0/+45If it doesn't have the ninja "whoosh" sound, I'll boycott the ***** out of it.
    • DragonForce4, on 07/23/2008, -0/+2WHOOSH!
    • exomni, on 07/23/2008, -0/+9"Ninja sound" is an oxymoron.
      • joegibes, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1It's the sound of a katana slicing through one's neck.
    • bradleyland, on 07/23/2008, -0/+2If you start from the right, go quickly to the left (LB), then back to the right (RB), it sounds a bit like the transformer sound.
  • bcos, on 07/22/2008, -0/+2Good thing the current dashboard will be the in-game guide. If I had to use that community page to invite a friend into my CoD4 game, I'd be pissed.

    For that matter, did the person that designed the community page ever play Live? I just shuddered when I saw that. The rest of the dashboard looks great, except for the community section.
  • stormbarrier, on 07/22/2008, -2/+7I've never seen so many people cry over additional functionality before. This update isn't taking away any functionality; it adds new features and puts a new look on it. If you don't like the avatars, don't customize them. It is kind of like punching yourself in the face, don't do if it is that bothersome.
    • Balloondoggies, on 07/22/2008, -2/+5but but but I like punching myself in the face....I hope my eyes swell enough that I don't have to look at the new interface.
    • doubledmateo, on 07/23/2008, -0/+0Granted it isn't the end of the world and we'll all get used to it, but it still is a really ugly interface. Aesthetically it just seems like a huge step back. That and the lame looking avatars are just an easy way for MS to cash in on more micro transactions. If those little bastards pop up on my screen (for example to tell me someone is online, or inviting me to a game) I'm going to be very sadface.
  • bjs3171, on 07/22/2008, -1/+4what's the problem with the new dashboard. all they've done is slimplify how you get to each category, and cleaned up the look a little. If someone can't figure that out, i have no idea how they get past the first level of any modern game.
    • doubledmateo, on 07/23/2008, -0/+0It isn't a navigation issue. Some people just find it too be an extremely lame looking and ugly interface.
  • PRGUY85, on 07/22/2008, -1/+13The New Dashboard is a way of Microsoft to update their console through software giving it a quasi-Windows Media Center or Zune interface in a way with Cover Flow in there. I think it's a better way to browse the System in a visual and hopefully organized manner. Let's hope they have an alternate view for going through content since going through a "filmstrip" or the Cover Flow line searching for 1 movie/game among thousands will get annoying. Here's hoping for alternate view + Search.

    Also, on his latest podcast Major Nelson said you won't lose your gamerpics or themes AND that avatar is optional too. That's great news for people not wanting to do an Avatar to replace their gamer picture. You still will have to watch other friends' avatars I suppose but if you absolutely hate the idea you can just use the gamer picture and be done with it.

    As for the Xbox Guide having the same functionality as the current blades, I think its a great idea yet may prove to be too cluttered or too full of options for what its suppose to be a quick place to do stuff. Either way its helpful to have it there, so kudos to Microsoft.

    I don't know what is the hatred of many just toward the visual feel of the New Dashboard since other than that, we are getting better features across the board including higher resolution output, installing games to harddrive as an OPTION, watching Netflix and participating on new types of online games like the 1 vs 100 thing. Sure, Avatar look like Miis but they are OPTIONAL and the Dashboard is now different than what we are used to (no more Ads everywhere were confirmed by Major Nelson too).

    I can't see how gamers can be hating Microsoft for adding extra (handy) features, a new visual way of browsing content and trying to compete with new community based features like Avatars, Primetime and Xbox Live Party.

    Here's to companies upgrading the functionality of a 3 year old console without making me buy a new one.
    • maxsunset, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1He mentioned there will be no more ads on the guide, but that statement doesnt necessarily apply to the dashboard, FYI.
      • PRGUY85, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1Hmmm I will have to listen to it again. I really thought he said there will be only Ads on the Marketplace.
  • Synn, on 07/22/2008, -3/+6Is it just me or does the new interface look like a combination of the PS3 and Wii interfaces?

    (It probably isn't just me, but I like being cliche.)
    • Noobcamper, on 07/22/2008, -2/+5I think it looks more like the zune/ media center interface
  • RavenRed, on 07/22/2008, -8/+1is this coming out for the wii to?
  • Lawr, on 07/22/2008, -4/+1***** duh. this was reported on the day of the MS' E3 press conference.
  • neil1492, on 07/22/2008, -2/+3Are there really people are actually so stubborn to not want to change at all. I can't wait for this update.
    I find it sad that so many people have a 360 just for playing games. I have mine on almost all the time either watching movies/tv shows/podcasts, listening to music, playing games, etc.
    • baldbean, on 07/22/2008, -0/+1dude, your xbox is on the way to RRoD... Mine did and all i did was play games.
  • endlessoul, on 07/22/2008, -1/+1Here's a feature I would love but haven't seen yet:

    Search.
    • GeneralFailure0, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1What would you search for exactly?
      • endlessoul, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1Items in the cluttered Marketplace, items on my hard drive.
  • viacombusta, on 07/22/2008, -0/+1I personally can't wait for the update. Netflix, a slicker interface, avatars, friends going with you wherever you go, a calendar with trivia games and prizes. Making something already great even greater.
  • reaper527, on 07/22/2008, -1/+2"You can still use the blades if you don't like it, so Microsoft is giving you some option."

    not true. buried as inaccurate. the official "solution" if you don't like the new dash is to "keep a disc in the drive at all times so you never see the new dash, and hit the menu button for the old dash menu in game".
  • AZRoboto, on 07/22/2008, -0/+7Inaccurate.

    You do have to use the new one. You can't use the old dashboard. You can use a new Guide, however, that is modeled after the old Dash.
  • inajeep, on 07/22/2008, -0/+1It's faster, less button pushes to do things and no ads. Those little things make up for an avatar that I can play dress up with if I feel like it.
    • IronPwnage, on 07/22/2008, -0/+1I've never had any ads :( Seriously, on my profile where the ads should be, there's just a blank box. But whenever my friends come round and use their profile the ads are there! It makes no sense!
      • Memnochxx, on 07/22/2008, -0/+2That's because you have a child account.
    • exomni, on 07/23/2008, -0/+1It's faster? Man, you sure are lucky you got to try it out earlier than all of us.
    • WillPwn4Food, on 07/23/2008, -0/+0dude... i LIKE the ads =[
  • mikeonthewatch, on 07/22/2008, -10/+0Looking for hardcore gamers, who like to join a fresh team of bloggers at supergeekynews.com If you like to join and express your views about the latest games out on Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Wii, PC or any other platform email us at admin@supergeekynews.com

    Cheers
  • Tobind, on 07/22/2008, -1/+1I just hope it'll separate marketplace games I've bought from the trials.
  • P3NGUIN8, on 07/22/2008, -1/+0Im looking forward to the new dashboard even thought i dont have a 360. i think it looks better than the old interface that microsoft had for like 3 &1/2 years. i think the new interface looks more user firendly fo those people who r just buying a 360/ havent use one before. the theme looks way more modern and i Love It! i never understood really how the original interface worked. also i found it kinda complicated
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