NXE Preview Program - Who's in?

[yeti]

I am!!! Woo-Hoo!! Just got confirmation. Update not available yet but will by on or before NOV 1st.

Here's the gist of the email.

Congratulations on your acceptance into the Xbox 360 Fall Flash Preview Program. As a member of this program you will be receiving the New Xbox Experience (NXE) System Update.

The update will be made available to you on or before November 1st. In order to receive the update, log in to Xbox LIVE with the Preview Program registered console.

In participation with this program, you should not move your storage device (hard drive, or memory unit if you do not have a hard drive) to any other console as it will also update that console. If an unregistered console is updated with the NXE update, that console will not be able to connect to Xbox LIVE until the NXE has been officially released on November 19th.

Please remember that your participation in the Public Preview Program is subject to the Xbox LIVE Terms of Use.

We thank you for your participation and hope that you enjoy the New Xbox Experience.

See you online,

The Xbox 360 team

[King3567]

Lucky bastard...*grumble grumble*

[Telefrog]

Congrats. You are obligated to post pics and impressions now.

[Iron Past]

Wait, this is actually a genious way to beta test before the masses all start red-ringing, isn't it? I mean, people get the update early, so they're happy, and MS can see if any problems arise and have a couple weeks to squash them out. Good for everybody, I guess.

And yes, impressions are a must. :)

[Psykoboy2]

*grumble grumble*

[Haemorrhage]

Damn you!!

[bapenguin]

Wait, this is actually a genious way to beta test before the masses all start red-ringing, isn't it? I mean, people get the update early, so they're happy, and MS can see if any problems arise and have a couple weeks to squash them out. Good for everybody, I guess.

And yes, impressions are a must. :)

From everything I hear this is the final build of the NXE. The only thing they are waiting on to launch it is the actual content (think of it like websites). Functionality wise and bug wise, it's feature complete.

[Xerxes]

I've got nothing. ~_~

[Nura]

I'm in too, just waiting for them to give me the update now :)

[yeti]

I thought it might be ready to drop once I got in from work but alas, it's not meant to be. Ah well. It'll more than likely be Saturday now.

[Maskatron]

Can't wait to test Netflix on this.

[OldJadedGamer]

Nothing for me either.

[Brady]

This is actually the first time in a while I haven't been accepted into a beta. I participate in several of the programs through connect and usually get accepted into closed ones with NDAs invovled..... but somehow I just wasn't cool enough for this one...

poo...

[Mr.Green]

I'm in, suckers!

The Xbox 360 Fall Flash update will be available to you by 8pm PST on October 30th (11pm EST on October 30th, 3am GMT on October 31st).

A little more than two hours to go. I'm so awesome.

[King3567]

I'm in, suckers!



A little more than two hours to go. I'm so awesome.

I'm awesome too! :D *thinks about how he is not in NXE beta* :(

[yeti]

sweet!!! Come on 8pm PST!!!

[Nura]

Sweet, gonna have to stay up abit longer now i guess :P

[LarsenNET]

*grumble grumble*

[Stoke]

Boo, they obviously don't care about the real gamers as they didn't invite me. That's fine, I didn't want this childish piece of crap software update anyway. You guys are so easily amused.
http://www.smileyhut.com/sad/cry.gif

[Nura]

*updating now* :D

Done with the updating, just made my Avatar thing, it went pretty smooth, plenty of options, but abit too "mii" for my taste. Although if they allow us to unlock accessories through achivements i think it could turn out pretty cool.

Flipping through the menu is smooth and i haven't experienced any hiches or anything, and it seems easy to find what you want. I'm currently trying to install some games and such, and see how that works out.

After playing abit, here's a fun question "How do you make the xbox less noisy with out fixing the hardware?" - You allow the user to install the games to the hdd, i'm really amazed as of how silent it is now, when the disc isn't spinning around constantly.

[Dark Prince]

Wow....I hate you guys for getting in...:p

So, here's a question for you if you've tried it out already...

Is it more functional then the blades and do you miss the blades at all?

[Xerxes]

Fuck you MS. ~_~

[Nura]

Wow....I hate you guys for getting in...:p

So, here's a question for you if you've tried it out already...

Is it more functional then the blades and do you miss the blades at all?

Well i kind of miss the blades, but that's because i'm used to those :P

But i find the new menu easy to use, and i bet that in a couple of days i'll have forgotten all about the old blades.

[yeti]

OK, I've been playing around with this for the last few hours and my initial impression is....

Wow, it's fast! Now it keeps up with you as you scroll through your games library or through your achievements or anything else. In fact the only place I came across the lag of old was when creating my avatar and even then it's pretty minimal.

Other good things:
Ability to delete 0 gamerscore games is now here, this is awesome for me!!
New blades are very clean and easy to use.
Lots of new resolutions for people who use monitors.

Bad: 1680x1050 doesn't display correctly, puts borders on the top and bottom and squishes the image (circles are now ovals). Image is very crisp though.
Old themes, some work with the NXE very well, others not so much. Not too much of a deal breaker for me as the only themes I've ever bought are the G1 Transformers and these still look nice.

I'll post more as I play around with it.

EDIT:: a cool new feature is when you boot a game it will tell you how many of your friends are playing that game. Nice.

Just installed Fallout3 and it took less than 5 minutes. Impressive.

[SPBTooL]

Well i kind of miss the blades, but that's because i'm used to those :P

But i find the new menu easy to use, and i bet that in a couple of days i'll have forgotten all about the old blades.
You know the blades have been condensed into the guide right? How do you like the new guide? I normally had my box booting to the dash board. But with everything you can do in the guide now I may switch it to boot to the game.

If you install a game to the HDD does it always use that install or do you have to specifically go the the play from HDD option?

[Bone]

I am so not awesome. I even lied and said I was a Netflix subscriber (which I intend to subscribe for as soon as I have the NXE!).

[Xerxes]

I am so not awesome. I even lied and said I was a Netflix subscriber (which I intend to subscribe for as soon as I have the NXE!).

You aren't the only one brother. I mean had the netflix page up and ready to order if I had gotten in.

[Bone]

They sense our dirty lies and punish us.

[Nura]

You know the blades have been condensed into the guide right? How do you like the new guide? I normally had my box booting to the dash board. But with everything you can do in the guide now I may switch it to boot to the game.

If you install a game to the HDD does it always use that install or do you have to specifically go the the play from HDD option?

The new guide is pretty sweet, it's pretty much a boiled down version of the old ones. You have access to everything there, settings, marketplace and so on. It will ask you to leave the game for some of the options though, fx if you want to go to the marketplace, you'll have to leave your current gamesession.

As far as i can tell, it's default to run it of the hdd if the game is installed. Actully, after checking it out, i don't even think you can run the game of the dvd once it's installed to the hdd (not that anyone would want to do that anyway :P)

[MalReynolds]

Nope ... wish i had i wanna try it

[Norse]

Wow, I never saw any e-mail, but I'm in. I turned on my X360 and it told me there was an update available. A nice surprise..

[Norse]

First impressions: I really like the look and feel of this. I don't even hate the avatar as much as I thought I would.

[Norse]

This is me:
http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/norse360/avatar-body.png

Installing Fable 2 now. I need a bigger HDD now :(

[Stoke]

Wow, I never saw any e-mail, but I'm in. I turned on my X360 and it told me there was an update available. A nice surprise..

You're lying. All your following posts are lies too. You just wanted to make me turn on my 360 and log in to every account I own didn't you? :p

How big of an install is Fable 2?

[Norse]

You're lying. All your following posts are lies too. You just wanted to make me turn on my 360 and log in to every account I own didn't you? :p

How big of an install is Fable 2?

6.8GB. Now I have to boot it up and see if I can spot any loading improvements.

[Telefrog]

This is me:
http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/norse360/avatar-body.png


That would be so much more awesome with a RRoD shirt option. :D

By the way, where's Nura's Avatar? I checked under Nurae, but the only thing that shows up is the default blank graphic.

Edit: Nevermind. I spellz badlee.

[Nura]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/nurae/avatar-body.png
Me!

That's pretty sweet, didn't know we we're able to get that kind of image of our ava.

(i too need a bigger hdd :()

[Mr.Green]

This is me:
http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/norse360/avatar-body.png

Installing Fable 2 now. I need a bigger HDD now :(

God this is awesome! I discovered how to get mine looking at your image properties.

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/mrgreen/avatar-body.png

Where did you get this? I didn't see anything new on my xbox.com page.

[Telefrog]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/nurae/avatar-body.png
Me!

That's pretty sweet, didn't know we we're able to get that kind of image of our ava.

(i too need a bigger hdd :()

Is... Is that a female chest? :confused:

[Nura]

Is... Is that a female chest? :confused:

No! shadows! it's a lightplay and stuff!

(damnit.. now i see it too)

[Restlessavenger]

Wow, I never saw any e-mail, but I'm in. I turned on my X360 and it told me there was an update available. A nice surprise..

I tried that this morning and no such luck. Unless they sent more this afternoon.

[yeti]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/yetixx/avatar-body.png

Me, although my avatar now is wearing camo gear and war paint instead of looking like Frankf from Dead Rising.

[Nura]

img
Me, although my avatar now is wearing camo gear and war paint instead of looking like Frankf from Dead Rising.

oh? my avatar picture updated instantly after i changed it on my box.

[Iron Past]

I had heard that you can put your Gamerpic on the shirt of your avatar, is this true?

[yeti]

I heard that too, but I don't think it is true :( At least I haven't worked it out yet.

[Nura]

I had heard that you can put your Gamerpic on the shirt of your avatar, is this true?

Haven't found any such thing. But you get to make a new gamerpic with the face of you avatar.

[Disgustipated]

Fuck! Knew I shoulda signed up.

[J3DI]

I'll be happy with waiting as long as I know it doesn't take 2 minutes for all my XBLA games to populate :mad:

[bapenguin]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/bapenguin/avatar-body.png

The bap!

[yeti]

I'll be happy with waiting as long as I know it doesn't take 2 minutes for all my XBLA games to populate :mad:

Then you, sir, will be happy. I only have about 35 arcade games (only!) and the list populates pretty much instantly.

Oh and update on the 1680x1050 resolution dabacle. It's only the movie of the globe that's squashed. Games are fine. The black bars just make the image 16:9.

Yeah, it's an ass pain there are black bars, but at least the picture isn't losing anything and all games run, which wouldn't have been the case if they'd have given 16:10 native support since most games are authored in 16:9.

Overall I give the new dash 4 out of 5 yetis. Your milage may vary depending what you want out of it.

[yeti]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/bapenguin/avatar-body.png

The bap!

Stop copying my pose, naddamit!! :P

[Ondo]

Those of us that didn't get in the first time have another chance - Major Nelson announced here (http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/11/07/nxe-preview-part-deux.aspx) that they're adding more people, and will be sending out emails tonight.

[Xerxes]

Didn't happen for me yet I guess. :(

[Mike Kelehan]

Those of us that didn't get in the first time have another chance - Major Nelson announced here (http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/11/07/nxe-preview-part-deux.aspx) that they're adding more people, and will be sending out emails tonight.

...and sure enough, I'm in. Freakin' sweet. I can't wait to play with it.

[Telefrog]

...and sure enough, I'm in. Freakin' sweet. I can't wait to play with it.

Crap! I didn't make the cut again. :(

[yeti]

...and sure enough, I'm in. Freakin' sweet. I can't wait to play with it.

Give us your views when you boot it up.

I've noticed a few changes to it over the weekend. Ton's more options for your avatar and the order of the dash has been changed, specifically before it started on Spotlight and to access Friends you pressed down once and then to access My Xbox you pressed down again. Now it's up for My Xbox and down for Friends which makes a big difference. I'd still prefer it if you could choose your starting blade as I use the My Xbox a lot more than any of the others.

[LarsenNET]

Crap! I didn't make the cut again. :(

Same :(

19th isn't far away though. I'm only concerned about bandwidth with everyone trying to download.

[Inverarity]

Question: I have a 120GB drive on my primary 360, but I keep my profile and my current save files on a 64MB memory card so that I can move between my consoles. Once I install the NXE, I assume the software update will live on the drive of both of my consoles, but will I have to worry about my profile no longer fitting on the 64MB card? The discussions I've seen about the need for more storage aren't really clear on this point.

[Cavalier]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/GorJax/avatar-body.png

I got in this morning. I need a NY Giants jersey :)

[Ondo]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/GorJax/avatar-body.png
So can you choose the number on that jersey, or is 55 the only option?

[Mike Kelehan]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/Mike%20Kelehan/avatar-body.png

Okay, some impressions. At first, I wasn't really happy with it. Some of the new features are fun (it's nice to finally have those 3 year old XBLA demos off of my history), and it certainly looks slick, but I like menus. If I know where to find something, I like to be able to flip through a list and get it. All of the Vista-esque pane flipping seemed superfluous and more style than substance, and I missed the old dash.

Then, I started playing with the new guide, and everything became clear. The new dash isn't for finding your existing content; it's all about discovering new content. The new guide is what replaces the old dash. Everything's organized in it the same way it was in the old dash, except now, you can bring that up anywhere. Whether you're in a game, watching a video, or even in the dashboard itself, you can press the guide button and quickly get whatever it is you want.

Once I understood that, I started to appreciate the new dash a lot more. It's something entirely new, and good to flip through every so often. The thing to get excited about is the fact that the entirety of the old dash has been miniaturized, and you can bring it up any time.

Question: I have a 120GB drive on my primary 360, but I keep my profile and my current save files on a 64MB memory card so that I can move between my consoles. Once I install the NXE, I assume the software update will live on the drive of both of my consoles, but will I have to worry about my profile no longer fitting on the 64MB card? The discussions I've seen about the need for more storage aren't really clear on this point.

I do the same thing. Your avatar will add a small amount of data to your profile (about 64K), but the NXE's 128 MB will live on your HDD. You're fine, unless you decide to boot the system with no HDD installed. I don't know what would happen then.

[yeti]

You're fine, unless you decide to boot the system with no HDD installed. I don't know what would happen then.

Thought I'd try this just now. All it does is boot up the NXE without a user logged in. So it doesn't explode!

[Cavalier]

So can you choose the number on that jersey, or is 55 the only option?

55 is the only option (or I just haven't found a way to change it yet)

[Inverarity]

Terrific! Thanks for the information, folks. Carrying my profile from 360 to 360 has worked really well (although 64MB isn't enough to allow saves for a handful of games) and I'm glad that I'll be able to continue.

I figure that when my launch 360's drive dies (which shouldn't be long, judging from the sound and the number of 'dirty disc' errors I've been getting lately) I'll pick up an Arcade pack with the 256MB card. That way my wife can use the 64MB card and I'll transfer everything over to the 256MB. And the 360 with the dead drive can become a dedicated Media Center client...

[appel]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/appelgren/avatar-body.png

The best thing about NXE so far is the instantaneous load of the arcade games list. Not having to wait a minute for the game I want to play to appear is great!

Haven't really found anything negative about it, except for the extra key press to get to the sign in screen, and that I have to enter my pass code twice. ;)

[Psykoboy2]

I'm in:

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/psykoboy2/avatar-body.png

[yeti]

Just turned the Xbox on and there seems to be some kind of update for the NXE. I'll update as I find out what it was.

Edit 1 Whatever it is it must be big and slow, 73 minutes to update?!!!

Edit 2 Nothing seems to have changed. Must just be some tuning under the hood.

[appel]

73 minutes? Wow, took about 10 minutes for me I think. Was it the download that was slow or maybe it's because I only have the 20Mb HD?

[Virtual Machine]

Put me in the "not impressed at all" category. HATE the avatars, hate the beeps and bloops the interface makes, and find it even stranger when i turn the sounds off (i need some kind of aural feedback to let me know i'm making selections). The guide/blades interface is also ugly as hell, can't stand how it pops up in the middle of the screen.

If the Avatars could be completely disabled, and the guide was implemented more like the old guide, i'd be happier. The interface itself is not bad when it isn't cluttered with kiddie-graphics and lame ass Avatars.

[AgtFox]

Dangit! Where's my invite? :(

[Psykoboy2]

Just installed Burnout Paradise. Took about 6 minutes.

Didn't seem like it did much for the load times....HOWEVER, I don't know if it's just from not having played in a while, but the game looked fantastic, and I think it actually does something to the traffic. I was in a wreck, but cars just kept hitting me AND staying on the road during the incident.

Not only that, during Showtime I could easily see what was down the road, and none of it would vanish on me. Big benefit here with having the game installed rather than playing from the disc.

[Kelegacy]

I want an invite! I have to have surgery next week and won't get to play with it as it's released. :(

[pheriannath]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/pherbear/avatar-body.png

I'm classy like that.

[bapenguin]

I want an invite! I have to have surgery next week and won't get to play with it as it's released. :(

Finally getting that sex change op huh? ;)

[Kelegacy]

Finally getting that sex change op huh? ;)

That's what I meant by "play with it".

[Bone]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/pherbear/avatar-body.png

I'm classy like that.
Lincoln's hat! Too bad you can't wield his repeater too.

[pheriannath]

It's okay, I do in Fallout ;-)

[astranoir]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/pherbear/avatar-body.png

I'm classy like that.

Sweet! Are accessories available for whatever avatar you create, or are they gender specific? (I'd like a monocle and classy top hat!)

[SPBTooL]

Just installed Burnout Paradise. Took about 6 minutes.

Didn't seem like it did much for the load times....HOWEVER, I don't know if it's just from not having played in a while, but the game looked fantastic, and I think it actually does something to the traffic. I was in a wreck, but cars just kept hitting me AND staying on the road during the incident.

Not only that, during Showtime I could easily see what was down the road, and none of it would vanish on me. Big benefit here with having the game installed rather than playing from the disc.Here is a table of games and the time saved by doing installs (http://www.bingegamer.net/2008/so-how-much-time-are-you-saving-xbox-360-nxe-hard-drive-install-chart/). I thought that this listings for Fable II and Mass Effect were interesting and may add support to what you noticed in Burnout.

Fable II 6.8GB The brief pause/lag when accessing inventory menus is gone or noticeably reduced. Loading Home Village DVD 32.5 seconds, HDD 24.5 seconds

Mass Effect 6.8GB No more “Loading” pauses when moving too fast. Elevator load times are identical (hardcoded)

The other interesting thing is Halo 3

Halo 3 6.3GB Load times are worse (10 seconds longer) when installed and at almost every level

[Psykoboy2]

Here is a table of games and the time saved by doing installs (http://www.bingegamer.net/2008/so-how-much-time-are-you-saving-xbox-360-nxe-hard-drive-install-chart/). I thought that this listings for Fable II and Mass Effect were interesting and may add support to what you noticed in Burnout.

It tells me there wasn't much difference in load times, but doesn't go in depth on how the game itself is affected. Given that traffic and such are written from the disc, I'm noticing MORE traffic and traffic that STAYS on the screen when playing from the hard drive.

[Bone]

That makes sense. Maybe the game tries to load traffic from disc, and takes what it can get. I'll have to check it out... in a week, grumble grumble.

[Codicier]

How come Crackdown (and for that matter a bunch of other titles) doesn't support HDD installation? It would be really nice to shave off a bunch of the initial loading from the menus.

[Psykoboy2]

That makes sense. Maybe the game tries to load traffic from disc, and takes what it can get. I'll have to check it out... in a week, grumble grumble.

For those who don't have the NXE and have interest in how the "playing from HDD" changes things....make a list of the games you want to test and put in some time with them this weekend. Get it in your mind of what you are looking at so you can better tell if there is a difference once you start playing without the disc.

Things we already know is that load times are reduced, but not by much, and drive noise is nonexistent. Now we need to find out if the looks improve on anything.

[Psykoboy2]

New wave of invites are going out tonight (http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/11/13/nxe-preview-third-and-final-wave.aspx)...over 10,000 people this time. Check your emails and let us know if you got in.

[AgtFox]

New wave of invites are going out tonight (http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/11/13/nxe-preview-third-and-final-wave.aspx)...over 10,000 people this time. Check your emails and let us know if you got in.
Good...maybe I'll be lucky.

[Kelegacy]

New wave of invites are going out tonight (http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/11/13/nxe-preview-third-and-final-wave.aspx)...over 10,000 people this time. Check your emails and let us know if you got in.

Nothing yet. I doubt I'll get one.

The world hates me. Just cuz I slept with its sister once. Pffft.

[jacob.armitage]

*crosses fingers super hard*

[Murtaug]

The Xbox 360 team would like to welcome you to the Xbox 360 Fall Flash Preview Program.

Yay. Only a few days early, but my wait is over!

[Kenzington4short]

New wave of invites are going out tonight (http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/11/13/nxe-preview-third-and-final-wave.aspx)...over 10,000 people this time. Check your emails and let us know if you got in.

Heh. I wasn't aware of this additional wave of invites going out (or any for that matter). I thought it was odd I received an email invite today. Thought maybe it was a fake or something. Good to hear I'll actually be getting it tomorrow. I'm looking forward to ripping my games and having a quieter 360.

Yay. Only a few days early, but my wait is over!

Hi five! :p

[Uniqueusername]

I'm in.

I'm Silver ATM, so I guess they are scaping the bottom of the barrel... ;)

[jacob.armitage]

well. i've got one. but i already installed NXE the other week, and it doesn't seem i can do this update. oh my silly excitement in wanting to see. guess i have to wait until the 19th (sure hope i can get on then)

[Xerxes]

New wave of invites are going out tonight (http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/11/13/nxe-preview-third-and-final-wave.aspx)...over 10,000 people this time. Check your emails and let us know if you got in.

I go to check my mail. This is a low flow email box with THREE new mail items.
OH MY!!
I look to see who they are from...
ONE OF THEM FROM XBOX!!! OMG OMG OMG...
Look over to the subject....
Xerxes: One week to go: The New Xbox Experience is almost here‏

Seriously, someone at MS needs a fireplace poker jammed in their rectum.:mad:

[jacob.armitage]

got the same email yesterday. It's a shame the invites are tied to our console or I'd happily throw you mine.

[Xerxes]

got the same email yesterday. It's a shame the invites are tied to our console or I'd happily throw you mine.

Lucky you man. :(

[LarsenNET]

10K more and I still can't get in? Fuckers.

Hopefully my Spam filter deleted it and I will get a surprise when I fire it up this evening. I'm not holding my breath.

[DigitalFirefly]

Mine's coming today. I just checked and it's not here yet.

[Kelegacy]

Nothing for me.

Because of that, I'm going to wreak some mother fucking havok today!! RAWWWWRRRRR!

[Iron Past]

10K more and I still can't get in? Fuckers.

Hopefully my Spam filter deleted it and I will get a surprise when I fire it up this evening. I'm not holding my breath.

That's okay, I heard they're taking a bunch more people around Wednesday. It's just a rumor for now, though. ;)

[LarsenNET]

That's okay, I heard they're taking a bunch more people around Wednesday. It's just a rumor for now, though. ;)

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c185/larsennet/fry-see-what-you-did-there-scaled.jpg

[opsin]

Wow. I thought they were well past putting anyone else in, but I jsut got an email saying it'll be available to me in about half an hour.

Nicely done, MS. Nicely done...

[Telefrog]

Hell, yes! It looks like I got in!

The Xbox 360 Fall Flash update will be available to you by 2pm PST on November 14th (5pm EST on November 14th, 10pm GMT on November 14th).

I can't wait to Avatar myself up and see what choices they have for a middle-aged balding Asian man!

[Bone]

New wave of invites are going out tonight (http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/11/13/nxe-preview-third-and-final-wave.aspx)...over 10,000 people this time. Check your emails and let us know if you got in.

*does a little dance... makes a little love... gets down tonight*

I got in, but have to wait until 4PM CST today. Damn Microsoft and my Pavlovian response to them (yes, I'm drooling and pining for soft dog food. Don't ask).

[Psykoboy2]

*does a little dance... makes a little love... gets down tonight*

I got in, but have to wait until 4PM CST today. Damn Microsoft and my Pavlovian response to them (yes, I'm drooling and pining for soft dog food. Don't ask).

YAY!!

Finally more people on my friends list won't be blacked out silhouettes.

[Psykoboy2]

*does a little dance... makes a little love... gets down tonight*

I got in, but have to wait until 4PM CST today. Damn Microsoft and my Pavlovian response to them (yes, I'm drooling and pining for soft dog food. Don't ask).

Do me a favor and check on my Burnout thoughts. Play a little bit of it, both just driving and crashing, and some showtime.

Then do an install and see if you notice any differences like I did.

[bapenguin]

YAY!!

Finally more people on my friends list won't be blacked out silhouettes.

I can't wait to try a full party of 8.

[Psykoboy2]

I can't wait to try a full party of 8.

Ah, 8 it is then. We were talking last night on the show about it and I couldn't remember the full party number. I was thinking 8, but I wasn't sure.

[Bone]

Tonight, party of 8 if you guys can make it. I'm going to test the Burnout traffic both before and after install as you suggested. If I have any patience at all, I'll do the same with a few other games. GTA IV has been tested and confirmed (improvement after install), but I'd like to see it for myself. Just silencing the DVD for the major epic releases will be worth it even without load time improvements.

[SPBTooL]

GTA IV has been tested and confirmed (improvement after install), but I'd like to see it for myself.More than just the install time? Got link?

[Murtaug]

I have not received an email from Microsoft saying I am positively in (and yes, I checked my junk mail). But on connect.microsoft.com it tells me I am invited. I guess I will find out tonight at five, really been looking forward to checking this thing out so here's hoping.

[Restlessavenger]

No love for me. :(

[Bone]

More than just the install time? Got link?

Here's a couple. Including one who claims the pop-in is made worse while load times are improved. Interesting.

Anecdotal:
http://www.gtagaming.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110606

Benchmarked:
http://insidethedigitalfoundry.blogspot.com/2008/11/new-xbox-experience-everything-you-must.html

Nice side-by-side video:
http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/10/31/nxe-loading-time-comparison/

[SPBTooL]

Euro Gamer has an article (http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=290745&page=1) where they tested 10 games between the dvd and HDD. They tested the install times and commented on any noticeable in-game performance changes.

EDIT: Burnout was not included.

[Psykoboy2]

I see a few people on my friends list playing this really interesting game called "Avatar Editor".

Hmmm...

[jacob.armitage]

got my invite and everything up and running today. all in all, not a bad update.

[Bone]

I'm in, working on my avatar. What a fast update! I think it was under a minute before I was watching the NXE intro video.

[Telefrog]

My kids are using it right now.

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/jainaninja/avatar-body.png

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/cameronpirate/avatar-body.png

Must... Leave early... From... Work...

[Xerxes]

I'm in, working on my avatar. What a fast update! I think it was under a minute before I was watching the NXE intro video.

Bone did you get Netflix yet? Turn that application lie into a truth. :p

[Bone]

I definitely plan on it, but maybe tonight or tomorrow. After I check this out I'm going to be back on Fallout (PC) most of the night.

[Bone]

And... hellooooooo to me.

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/xx%208one%20xx/avatar-body.png

[Psykoboy2]

And... hellooooooo to me.

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/xx%208one%20xx/avatar-body.png

It's Lil' Bone.

[Xerxes]

OMG!!!!!

My poker to the ass comment worked (http://www.colonyofgamers.com/cogforums/showpost.php?p=70345&postcount=92).

http://media.ebaumsworld.com/picture/TheCEL/OMG.png

I'M IN!!!!

[Murtaug]

They really need to make it more clear that you can install to the hard drive. It took me a minute to find where to do it. I would have thought it would be an option that came up when you first put in a disc under 'My Xbox': "X To Install to HDD" or something.

I am having some odd issues with it pulling down data from Live, timing out maybe? It really does not seem to effect much, but I will get an error for seemingly no reasons every now and then. I really hope they have Live ready for this come Wednesday.

Netflix streaming is nice, but glitchy. I watched a couple episodes of 30 Rock and Superman/Doomsday no problem, but now trying to watch another episode of 30 Rock I keep getting errors saying my connection speed has changed, and then lots of buffering. Not so fun. Fantastic feature though.

No impressions on HD installs affecting load times, I only tried World at War, and that was fresh from the mailbox. Loading does seem faster, but load times were never much of an issue for me anyway. I did not think I was going to really notice, or care, but the quietness that comes with the install is dramatic.

I think this is the Xbox that should have been released back in 2005.

[Xerxes]

They really need to make it more clear that you can install to the hard drive. It took me a minute to find where to do it. I would have thought it would be an option that came up when you first put in a disc under 'My Xbox': "X To Install to HDD" or something.

I am having some odd issues with it pulling down data from Live, timing out maybe? It really does not seem to effect much, but I will get an error for seemingly no reasons every now and then. I really hope they have Live ready for this come Wednesday.

Netflix streaming is nice, but glitchy. I watched a couple episodes of 30 Rock and Superman/Doomsday no problem, but now trying to watch another episode of 30 Rock I keep getting errors saying my connection speed has changed, and then lots of buffering. Not so fun. Fantastic feature though.

No impressions on HD installs affecting load times, I only tried World at War, and that was fresh from the mailbox. Loading does seem faster, but load times were never much of an issue for me anyway. I did not think I was going to really notice, or care, but the quietness that comes with the install is dramatic.

I think this is the Xbox that should have been released back in 2005.

Any good streaming HD movies?

[Murtaug]

Any good streaming HD movies?

Not quite sure, I have not done a ton with the streaming, it seems to be having issue right now. 30 Rock has been streaming in HD, and looks pretty damn good.

It will test your connection before streaming, then adjust picture quality based on that, so it can kind of depend on your pipe more than their selection. From what I have read, if they have an HD version of that movie/show, you can stream it. But don't take that as gospel.

[Murtaug]

Just tried streaming No Country for Old Men, did not stream HD, not sure if that has to do with my connection, theirs, or if it is just not available.

Trying a couple others, they are not streaming HD for me. Could be my selection, I have quite a few older flicks on there that may or may not be available in HD or that Netflix just does not stream as such.

[Kelegacy]

I hate you guys.

[Xerxes]

Just tried streaming No Country for Old Men, did not stream HD, not sure if that has to do with my connection, theirs, or if it is just not available.

Trying a couple others, they are not streaming HD for me. Could be my selection, I have quite a few older flicks on there that may or may not be available in HD or that Netflix just does not stream as such.

I know the selection is limited, so who knows.

[Iron Past]

I am having some odd issues with it pulling down data from Live, timing out maybe? It really does not seem to effect much, but I will get an error for seemingly no reasons every now and then. I really hope they have Live ready for this come Wednesday.

Haha! Ahahaha! I fully expect Live to be brought to its knees for at least a couple days. For your other stuff, though, remember, this is still a beta (as said by Major Nelson himself). They're rolling out the update trying to get a good handle on every combination of service provider and hardware they can.

[Murtaug]

Haha! Ahahaha! I fully expect Live to be brought to its knees for at least a couple days. For your other stuff, though, remember, this is still a beta (as said by Major Nelson himself). They're rolling out the update trying to get a good handle on every combination of service provider and hardware they can.

I thought he said in his NXE podcast that this was the final code.

[Telefrog]

Me! In all my (non)glory!

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/telefrog/avatar-body.png

[Murtaug]

Me! In all my (non)glory!

Forgot about that.

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/Murtaug/avatar-body.png

[Stoke]

Me! In all my (non)glory!

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/telefrog/avatar-body.png

I don't know why I get this feeling from you since everyone has the same pose but, you look like you're about to do that finger snapping thing. "Oh no you di'int!" :o

[Disgustipated]

I don't know why I get this feeling from you since everyone has the same pose but, you look like you're about to do that finger snapping thing. "Oh no you di'int!" :o

I was thinking the same thing. His dude is a lil' fruity.

[MalReynolds]

got mine today :P but im not really impressed


more so with the Fable dlc e-mail

[Xerxes]

Ummm, why when I put a Netflix movie on Native view, it has his small screen that I have to blow up and it looks all stretched. Is that normal?

[Xerxes]

Also, I either make dream come true, or kill you and clean up my mess, immaculately.
http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/xerxes/avatar-body.png

[Iron Past]

I thought he said in his NXE podcast that this was the final code.

It's final code, but they're still working the optimization, especially for online components. Others that got in earlier waves have had at least one update, and he said they're looking for a representative sample of service provider and hardware.

[Telefrog]

I was thinking the same thing. His dude is a lil' fruity.

Only a "lil' fruity"? :(

I have failed.

Honestly, though, I was pretty surprised when one of the random start selections looked just like me. All I had to do was add the glasses and change the eye color.

[MalReynolds]

creepy ... There watching u

[Telefrog]

creepy ... There watching u

Either that, or there's a preponderance of balding asian guys at MS. :D

[MalReynolds]

well maybe they are ... couldnt get mind to look like me so i went all silly lol

[Orca]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yru_q-47u8

Spun through a lot of the options to show off the speed and different look.

[LarsenNET]

Can you disable autorun?

[Xerxes]

Anyone else having issues with Netflix viewing? Like the 16:9 view cutting out parts of the movie.

[MalReynolds]

so the update is tomarrow ?

[LarsenNET]

so the update is tomarrow ?

This Wednesday the 19th.

[Kelegacy]

Can't wait. I don't know why, other than just messing around and dressing up my avatar. I'm having surgery tomorrow afternoon, so we'll see how well I feel Wednesday. I don't think anything will keep me away from updating.

[Kelegacy]

D...Did somebody just do something for me? I just signed into Xbox Live and my NXE update is downloading. Holy shit. Is someone in this thread responsible for this? Which one of you?

If it is one of you, I need to know so I can thank you immensely. That was probably the biggest surprise I could have received. I shut my Xbox off to go the bathroom and take out trash, come back and turn it on...and this?

Thanks...whoever you are.

[Ondo]

D...Did somebody just do something for me? I just signed into Xbox Live and my NXE update is downloading. Holy shit. Is someone in this thread responsible for this? Which one of you?
I was just about to mention - Major Nelson (http://majornelson.com/archive/2008/11/17/sign-up-for-the-preview-you-re-in.aspx) just announced that everyone who signed up for the preview is in.

[Kelegacy]

Sweet, so I don't have an admirer. Oh well.

Still exploring, got my avatar all made.

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/kelegacy/avatar-body.png

Hmm, that's not the outfit I'm wearing anymore, but can't seem to change the url to reflect the changes. Oh well.

[Food Nipple]

It's no banana suit, but it will have to do.
http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/TheFoodNipple/avatar-body.png

[Alkanos]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/Alkanos/avatar-body.png
Not too shabby looking!

I tried the game install, and while it took a while, it was very nice not to have the vibrating jet engine going all out next to my feet. :D

[Stoke]

Do you see this? This is what I look like in real life, only, dead sexy.

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/Stoke%20Ydral/avatar-body.png

And less emo, but I do need a hair cut and better beard options. Where's the stubble? (I hate shaving)

[Sandman]

this is me....

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/djsandman13/avatar-body.png

[Xerxes]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/USERID/avatar-body.png

[MalReynolds]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/Kaiblaker/avatar-body.pnghttp://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/Kaiblaker/avatar-body.png

[Haemorrhage]

this is me....

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/djsandman13/avatar-body.png

Sandman, wow that's pretty damn good. That is the best representation of self I have seen so far.

[Xerxes]

Sandman, wow that's pretty damn good. That is the best representation of self I have seen so far.

You just wait. One day I'll buy that all white suit, and gloves to match.

[Restlessavenger]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/RestlessAvenger/avatar-body.png

I'm really impressed with the changes they have made to the interface, and the Netflix streaming is awesome.

[TheEvilNarwhale]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/theevilnarwhale/avatar-body.png
It took about 10 minutes for the install. I have been streaming netflix movies all night. I love it.

[Deadend]

Too bad there isn't a way to use gamerpics as t-shirts :(

[MalReynolds]

that would be kick ass

[Orca]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/BigOilersFan/avatar-body.png

[appel]

Too bad there isn't a way to use gamerpics as t-shirts :(

That's a really great idea!

[yeti]

hmmm...dunno why but a lot of my clothing options have gone, all the country football T's have gone, ditto with the cowboy stuff. :(

[muddi900]

MS is in bandwidth saving mode. Everyone who signed up for the preview is in!

First thoughts:

Cross Media Bar
in

3-D*


Regardless of what we initially thought, the XMB is the best interface for controller based navigation. MS thinks so to :D

Installing is more trouble than its worth. I set SR2 for a test run, and its been 15 minutes and only 74 minutes. Maybe modern PC install times have spoiled me!

But, the interface is snazzier, quicker and smoother. Its the first time an MS upgrade is actually more optimized. Nice!


*glasses sold seprately


EDIT: WTF??? I can''t seem to play music during games!!!

[appel]

I can play music just fine when playing games. At least music from my media center computer. Where do you try to play music from and how does it fail?

[muddi900]

Oh, it was just me getting accustomed to the new interface!

Also, I recant my statement, installing is worth the trouble. Slightly faster loading times in SR2 and there was certainly a visible frame rate increase!

[Psykoboy2]

hmmm...dunno why but a lot of my clothing options have gone, all the country football T's have gone, ditto with the cowboy stuff. :(

I was wondering this a few days ago. I had saved two outfits - black hoody & white long sleeve T...I had picked the white long sleeve to wear and when I went to go back to the hoody, it wouldn't let me.

For a while I couldn't figure out why, then I noticed that the hoody had been taken off the rack, as it were.

[Bone]

Because my wife hasn't popped in yet, here's her pic too.

Backseat Killa:
http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/Backseat%20Killa/avatar-body.png

[Psykoboy2]

Did you ever try Burnout?

[Bone]

Heh. Well, I started Burnout, drove around some to get a feel for the traffic, then started the install. As soon as I finished the install, I got an invite from Kielaran and a couple others to play some Left4Dead demo.

And then, time flew by and before long BackseatKilla arrived from work, wanting to see me finish the main quest in Fallout3.

Long story short... no. I haven't run my unscientific anecdotal test yet. Tonight when I get home I'll do it. Question: did your install increase all traffic, or just available traffic during Showtime?

Also, riding the motorcycle, it seems they cut the traffic way down, maybe to compensate for the high speed. Did you notice that too?

[Psykoboy2]

Question: did your install increase all traffic, or just available traffic during Showtime?

Also, riding the motorcycle, it seems they cut the traffic way down, maybe to compensate for the high speed. Did you notice that too?

It increased the traffic in showtime and sustained the traffic in driving and crashing.

As for the bikes...yeah...I don't play with those.

[Mike Kelehan]

Can you disable autorun?

Yes, you can set it so that when you put in a disc, it doesn't automatically boot it.

[Xerxes]

Is the Burnout with the DJ talking over the whole city?

[Xerxes]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/BigOilersFan/avatar-body.png

Who the fuck are you? Toby McGuire? :D

[Psykoboy2]

Is the Burnout with the DJ talking over the whole city?

I think you can change that in the settings. Can't remember.

[National Kato]

Yes, you can set it so that when you put in a disc, it doesn't automatically boot it.

Thank fucking christ.

[Restlessavenger]

Thank fucking christ.

You know you could always do that?

[itchyeyes]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/itchyeyes55/avatar-body.png

[Iron Past]

You know you could always do that?

No, you could set it so that when you started the console, it would go to either the dash or boot a disc in the drive. I've been wanting an option to put the disc in when I'm up turning on the surround sound and changing inputs but not have it start, so that's great. Now they just need to let me pick my own starting blade.

[Restlessavenger]

No, you could set it so that when you started the console, it would go to either the dash or boot a disc in the drive. I've been wanting an option to put the disc in when I'm up turning on the surround sound and changing inputs but not have it start, so that's great. Now they just need to let me pick my own starting blade.

I could have sworn I remembered the same option being available in the old Dashboard. I could be wrong though.

[Aggort]

Nah, he's right, it wasn't. Something that always bugged me if all I wanted to do is put a disc in for later. I'd always have to back out and exit to dash.

This NXE is great though, everything has felt fluid and very quick. I sat around in a party just talking to guys just because we could. It was so nice that I actually enjoyed being at the dash, not that the old blade system was bad, this just makes it pretty ;) I really can't wait to see this party system in full swing.

[Haemorrhage]

https://msxb.hs.llnwd.net/avatar/avatar/Haemorrhage/avatar-body.png

My virtual ME.

[LarsenNET]

How do you delete 0 gamescore games with NXE? I thought you could do that now?

[rinichanraar]

You jerks with your fancy avatars. I'm jealous, but only for today. :p

And... hellooooooo to me.

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/xx%208one%20xx/avatar-body.png

Wow, that's fantastic! It really does look like you! I'm quite impressed. I don't think I'll be so lucky with mine.

[Haemorrhage]

How do you delete 0 gamescore games with NXE? I thought you could do that now?

Go into your Guide, go left to Games, then into Achievements. Select a "0" point achievement game then hit "X" to delete. You can only do it from the guide and not from the dashboard for some crazy reason.

[LarsenNET]

Go into your Guide, go left to Games, then into Achievements. Select a "0" point achievement game then hit "X" to delete. You can only do it from the guide and not from the dashboard for some crazy reason.

Got it, Thanks!

[inmostlight]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/misere/avatar-body.png

I'll probably tweak the clothing and options a bit in the near future. Especially if they add (for free) back those options they apparently removed.

[yeti]

I don't know how, but MS have done it, they have totally sold me on the idea of a clothing shop for my avatar. I'd be willing to pony up some MSP's for premium gear, such as CoG uniforms from GoW, Spartan armour from Halo etc. Not too much however, maybe 200 points for the full chief outfit and then allow me to mix and match as I like.

I know, I know, I shouldn't let myself be suckered in, but dammit, I want some fancy shit for my lil dude.

[Variable Gear]

It would be cool if future Achievements could unlock optional Avatar clothing options, but Microsoft will probably charge for all of it. I just know I won't be buying any of that trash.

[inmostlight]

It would be cool if future Achievements could unlock optional Avatar clothing options, but Microsoft will probably charge for all of it. I just know I won't be buying any of that trash.

Hmm, I was playing around on some of the NXE spotlight screens today, and the one about avatars seemed to apply that new clothes would just appear in our closets every two weeks. I'm sure there'll also be ones that companies charge us for.

I'd sure like a Vault Boy jumpsuit to be unlocked when I play Fallout, though...

[Ondo]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/Peter Blood/avatar-body.png

[Suave Peanut]

"Sup, bitches?"
http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/A%20Suave%20Peanut/avatar-body.png

[BLeeP]

Oh, we are posting these things?

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/Katslover/avatar-body.png

I don't feel that the facial hair is quite right, and on looking again, that looks like a blouse I'm wearing 8-(. I think I'll go fix that.

EDIT: There, that is much better. Though those gloves are questionable.

[Cpl_Punnishment]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/Trak%20N%20Urazdown/avatar-body.png

Here's me.
Scary what a close recreation it is.
Down to the shades I forget to take off all the time cause they are prescription.

EDIT: Netflix is sweet... the kids tested it out this morning with a little James & the Giant Peach action.

[Disgustipated]

Some assholes in IRC are telling me you can only load one game to the HDD total? So if I want to load Gears 2 and Fable II, I can only have one on the hard drive at a time?

[BLeeP]

Some assholes in IRC are telling me you can only load one game to the HDD total? So if I want to load Gears 2 and Fable II, I can only have one on the hard drive at a time?

I think they might be referring to size limits. As in, the standard 20gb hard drive could only hold one game. I could be wrong, but I have yet to hear anything about installation restrictions.

[Disgustipated]

I think they might be referring to size limits. As in, the standard 20gb hard drive could only hold one game. I could be wrong, but I have yet to hear anything about installation restrictions.

Thank god. I knew that shit was false.

[TrackZero]

Thank god. I knew that shit was false.

Then why did you have to ask? :)

[Disgustipated]

Then why did you have to ask? :)

Because pseudopseudo said it so I wasn't fully sure. I was sure, but you can never be quite sure with him.

Surely.

[rinichanraar]

I can finally join in on the avatar-posting!

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/raarbear/avatar-body.png

Doesn't look all that much like me, but it works. Huge gap on the top of the image 'cause she's short. :)

[yeti]

Because pseudopseudo said it so I wasn't fully sure. I was sure, but you can never be quite sure with him.

Surely.

Stop calling me Shirley :P

[Psykoboy2]

I don't know about that restriction, but it won't let me delete CoD:WaW off my system. Keeps giving me an error.

[Haemorrhage]

I don't know about that restriction, but it won't let me delete CoD:WaW off my system. Keeps giving me an error.

Its Microsoft's way of telling you to keep the game.

[alienmastermind]

NXE Is LIVE!! Downloading now... :)

[Bone]

Wow, that's fantastic! It really does look like you! I'm quite impressed. I don't think I'll be so lucky with mine.Thanks Rini! I've had a lot of luck with this and with my Mii as well.

Yours is close, but I think the hair is off. Maybe a ponytail would look more like you (I think I saw you in a ponytail at PAX... once?). Although the girls seem to have fewer options. BK's picture is not quite her either, but as close as we could get.

[SPBTooL]

http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/SPBTooL/avatar-body.png

I realy like the new OS. The new guide is great and the dashboard is fast. I like how the free space on the drive is listed on the bottom of the system settings sheet so there is less drill down. I also like the link to DLC for the game in the drive on the game blade of the guide that takes you to DLC for the game w/o leaving to the dash.

EDIT: The wife and the girls love the avatars. I wish I could do more with it in the dash. Like, maybe, walk it around. But we'll see what happens when games start using them. I think that will pull my wife into playing more.