The NXE

Perhaps it's just me, but has anyone else noticed that since the NXE update, things seem to be a little slow.... I realise that there is a bit more stuff being shoved down the broadband pipe but I do find myself getting bored waiting for things to load, particularly the "get demo" links on game marketplace. I just want to see an ad in the main dash, click and get it, not wait for 'featured downloads' to load, or the background. No big deal really but the new system seems to be slower than the old one, perhaps this will get fixed in time. This little gripe extends itself to the friends list and generally to other sections too (guide button).

Don't get me wrong, i prefer the NXE to the old system, but I wish it was faster. My internet is blazing along at a steady (fast) pace, so it can't be that.

It also 'feels' like there is less new content, I am sure some geek will post up some stats that say otherwise, but I always remember there being new stuff to look at, now there seems to be the same old shit day after day. Perhaps the inclusion of community games has slowed the addition of arcade titles, don't know. But I do know that the community games for me anyway are a waste of time and although are a nice touch, they are generally shit, lets face it.

Also does anybody else seem to look at their friends list less with the NXE? Yes it's very cute seeing ya mates wave at you in groups, but I do tire of scrolling through seemingly identical little characters (lack of clothing options) to see who's on and playing what. I have started using the guide button to look at things the old way more than I thought I would.

The NXE is certainly cool, but I am looking forward to a major update in the future, there is bound to be one at some point as with all software.



See picture above for an early pic of what we could expect from the avatar side of things.... so where is this stuff, i want the fucking rabbit costume!

Shake it Baby!

The following has been snatched from MAJOR NELSON'S SITE
Earlier this week, we delivered the free Holiday Theme for Xbox LIVE members, If you missed go ahead and grab it but keep an eye out for the Xbox LIVE Holiday Snow Globe, which has just released in many regions. When you launch the snow globe, it will automatically populate with your friends avatars. You can shake the globe with A or press X to stir in another random set of friends. You don’t have to download it, it will just appear in the Spotlight channel* when you are connected to Xbox LIVE. With Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa just around the corner, this will give you a chance to enjoy a little Holiday spirit with your Xbox LIVE friends in very NXE way.

*When it will appear in each region is up to your local Xbox LIVE programming team.

Make your own themes!

Grab a copy of Adobe Illustrator and get some vector graphics on the go! they look cooler on the NXE than photographic styles!

Top 10 things to do when you get the New Xbox Experience

1) Create (or Customize) your Avatar – You can spend as much (or as little) time as you want in the Avatar Editor to personalize your little guy/girl

Bonus: When you are done with #1, be sure to take a Gamer Picture of your Avatar. In the Avatar editor, choose Gamer Picture. You can use the controls to move your avatar around, zoom in and out or even change the background color (press Y)

2) Explore the all new dashboard. (hint: use the trigger and bumpers to quickly scroll up and down or left and right)

3) PAR-TAY! Check out Xbox LIVE Parties and chat with up to seven of your friends. Go to the Friends channel…choose a friend who is online and press Y to get the party started. You can also hit the Xbox 360 Guide button > Party >Start a Party. Once you do that, send off invites to your party (since one does not make a very good party…does it?)

4) Themes. While any themes you work will NXE, check out some of the new themes via My Xbox and select your profile (second slot) and then change theme. Xbox 360, Spectrum, Day and Night are new themes that available as part of your NXE upgrade…check them out.

5) Marketplace on Xbox.com. This new feature lets you search, browse, and purchase games and videos while you are away from your console. You can also perform account management functions like changing your billing information, viewing your purchase history, and downloading items you already own.

6) Netflix – not in the UK yet!!!! Dammit!

7) Install to / Play from Hard Drive. With the game in the tray, return to your dashboard. (pressing the guide button then Y works as always) then go to My Xbox. From here press Y, which will bring up a new menu which will allow, among other things the ability to install a game to your hard drive.
Hint: You can still use the Xbox 360 guide while installing a game to keep in touch with your friends or start a Party.

Bonus: Before you do #7, be sure to set up what happens when you turn on your Xbox 360. My Xbox->System Settings>Console settings. Then choose Start up to to choose Disc, Xbox Dashboard or Windows Media Center. Once you are done there…check the option right below it: Autostart. This tell your Xbox 360 what to do when you insert a game. The choices are enable or disable. I have mine set to disable so I can easily use install to hard drive.

8) Delete Zero Gamerscore games. You can remove any games from your games played list that you have earned no achievements or gamerscore. Press the Xbox 360– guide button, navigate left to the games section and choose Achievements. From here choose the game with zero gamerscore you want to remove and press X (Delete Game History.)

9) Press the Xbox 360 button on your controller to see the all new Guide. The team has added more functionality than the old guide, while making it more responsive. It’s a quick way to check your messages, see who is online or start a party.

10) Take a look at Community Games in the Games Marketplace. For the first time in the history of console gaming, thousands of games developed by the creative community will be available to the public.