Crave

The Xbox 360's Netflix integration is improved, but you still can't search for specific titles.

(Credit: Dan Ackerman/CNET)

Xbox 360 owners who fire up their console today will be prompted to download the new Summer 2009 dashboard update. Among the highlights of the new software is updated Netflix functionality ("Party Watch" mode and the capability to automatically add new and popular movies and TV shows to your queue directly through the onscreen interface), more avatar customization options, and larger selection of games on-demand (digital download of full Xbox 360 titles formerly available only on disc). A full list of features can be found at the Xbox Web site.

Inside the Summer 2009 Xbox 360 dashboard update

On the Netflix front: Microsoft is now touting the fact that the 360 is the only gaming console on which Netflix's streaming videos are available. Such an exclusive deal would seem to quash rumors of the service popping up on the PS3 or Wii. (Of course, the PlayOn software continues to be a work-around.) Meanwhile, users upset with the fact that they're still unable to search the Netflix library through the 360's dashboard will be happy to hear that search may be added in the coming months.

Microsoft touted the integration of Facebook, Twitter, and Last.fm for the Xbox at its E3 media conference earlier this year, but those features won't be added until later this year. The same goes for Zune Video Marketplace, which will replace the Xbox's existing (non-Netflix) video offerings and tie in with the new Zune HD, also due in the fall.

We had no problem updating our Xbox 360 to the new dashboard earlier this morning--just turn it on, and you'll be prompted for the automatic update (assuming, of course, that it's hooked up to an Internet connection).

For an in-depth look at the new dashboard, check out Dan Ackerman's preview.

As first outlined at the E3 video game industry trade show in June, Microsoft is readying an update to the dashboard software that runs on Xbox 360 game consoles, as well as the Xbox Live online service.

While it's not as radical a change as the fall 2008 dashboard update that added avatars and Netflix streaming, there are a lot of improvements to current features, as well as a few new ones. The dashboard update will be available for 360 owners on August 11th, but we were able to download an early version for a test drive.

Included were notable features such as the Avatar Marketplace, for buying (via Microsoft Point micro-transaction) clothing and accessories for your avatar, and the Netflix Party Mode, for watching a streaming Netflix movie along with online friends.

Missing from our early download, however, were the much-anticipated Twitter and Facebook apps, as well as the Games on Demand service for Xbox 360 games. Currently only older original Xbox games are available (also not available -- any of these Five classic adventure games that need to be re-released as digital downloads).

Click through to the gallery below for our walkthrough of some of the new Xbox 360 dashboard features.

Inside the Summer 2009 Xbox 360 dashboard update

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The Logitech diNovo Mac Edition Keyboard is meant to be a viable alternative for shoppers looking to replace the keyboard that comes with their Apple computers. As you'd expect, the layout is all Mac-centric, with shortcut keys for volume, eject, and screen brightness, as well as specific buttons that open OS apps like Dashboard, Spaces, Expose, and iTunes. The keyboard is easy to type on thanks to Logitech's PerfectStroke key design, and the overall design is nothing short of sexy, but we can't help but point out a few shortcomings.

Most importantly, the limited features just doesn't warrant the inflated price tag. At the time of the review, the retail price weighed in at $99 retail. To put it into perspective, you can purchase the Apple wired keyboard for $50, or pay $30 more for the wireless version.

The Logitech diNovo, however, fails to prove its worth by omitting integrated USB 2.0 ports, illuminated keys, and/or rechargeable batteries. Finally, while we personally found the keyboard comfortable over long periods of typing, those suffering from wrist pain will find themselves wanting to adjust the angle of the keyboard; unfortunately, the diNovo rests at a fixed position.

Read our full review of the Logitiech diNovo Keyboard Mac Edition.

On November 19, Microsoft is rolling out its most ambitious Xbox 360 system update yet -- an entirely new dashboard that bears little resemblance to the series of panels users currently use to navigate the gaming console.

Dubbed "The New Xbox Experience," this ground-up overhaul of the system's front-end interface also introduces several new features--most notably an avatar system to represent users online and the addition of streaming video content from Netflix, similar to that offered by the Roku Netflix settop box.

Others have gone into great detail about all the design and functionality changes, so having lived with the new dashboard update for the past week, we'll instead present some initial impressions--the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The new dashboard divides content, settings, and functions into eight categories, each represented by a horizontal row of boxes. The new look is clean, easy to navigate, and aesthetically pleasing, although it all seems designed to push the maximum in Xbox marketing materials and advertising come-ons to the user.

I smell a hint.

While nothing has been confirmed by Microsoft, a suspicious Xbox Live in-dash ad definitely points to November for the long-awaited dashboard relaunch. CNET sister site GameSpot reports that an ad for Rock Band 2 blatantly claims to "Check out the New Xbox Experience coming in November!"

We first learned details about the brand new Xbox Live dashboard at this summer's E3 2008 press conference, where it was also announced that the new interface would support personal avatars--think Nintendo Mii characters--and Netflix streaming capabilities. Other new features offered by the update will include the ability to completely install a game onto the system's hard drive, which will drastically reduce the strain on the console's DVD drive and potentially decrease loading times.

The Xbox 360 recently saw a price drop, making the entry-level system the lowest priced next-generation console on the market. We hope to have more information on the highly anticipated dashboard update when Microsoft makes an official announcement.

The future is now.

(Credit: Kotaku.com)

With Sony releasing version 2.40 of the PlayStation 3 firmware today, it's no surprise that talk about a new Xbox 360 dashboard update has surfaced.

Aside from the normal list of technical updates, this rumored dashboard update will supposedly incorporate an entire new graphical user interface as well. Right now, reports point toward a sort of 3D experience, deviating from the current "blade" system. There's also talk that this alternative GUI will take advantage of some sort of motion-control device yet-to-be-announced by Microsoft.

Kotaku describes the new interface as a nod to the control scheme in the film Minority Report--and now it seems that they were really on to something. They're reporting that the company responsible for the new dashboard design involves the man who actually helped create the motion-controlled effects in the 2002 film. Small world.

We'll get you the latest details on the rumored new Xbox 360 interface as they come. While you're waiting for that, why not tell us what you'd like to see in it?

Starting December 4, Xbox 360 owners will be able to download the latest dashboard update from Microsoft. While we announced earlier in the month that this update would allow users to download original Xbox titles, this update will also add various additional features to the console's interface. Since dashboard updates are only released bi-yearly, they are usually packed with a hefty amount of changes and this fall update is no different:

• Xbox LIVE Arcade hits: Best-selling Xbox LIVE Arcade games like Marble Blast Ultra and Lumines LIVE will be available at permanently discounted prices.
  
  
• New video features: Support for full-screen video previews and, more importantly, support for the DivX video codec (version 5.0 and higher).
  
  
• Inside Xbox: A direct newsfeed from Microsoft outlining up-to-the-minute information regarding Xbox LIVE and the Marketplace.
  
  
• Enhanced parental controls: New features include a timer that can limit the amount of time a child can play per day or week.
  
  ... Read more

Microsoft has announced that the next dashboard update for the Xbox 360 will add the ability to download original Xbox games to your hard drive. Sounds like owners of the 20GB may want to consider upgrading.

Starting December 4, Xbox 360 owners will have the option of shelling out 1,200 MS points (that's $15) for each game they'd like to download to their hard drive. As of right now, there's no word on the average size of these games so we're left wondering exactly how much space we're going to need to free up and whether or not buying these older games used is a better option (you can still find most of these games for under $15 used).

While there's no word yet of other enhancements the fall update will feature, you can see a list of the first round of games appearing on Microsoft's new service after the jump.... Read more