Here is a real quick look at what is new. It isn't everything, just stuff I thought was relevant.
1. Something that everyone has been waiting for, the ability to download full games to your HDD and play them without a disc. The previous Xbox Live update allowed gamers to download a game to there HDD, but still required gamers to have the disc in the drive. It didn't make much sense. So kudo's and much thanks to the Microsoft and Xbox team for doing the right thing. Now it is time to buy 3-120GB harddrives and up my Gamefly membership to 3 games at once.
2. Netflix-this update is probably a high second on my list of much needed updates. I only had a brief second to check out it last night, but it would appear that the powers that be hit it right on the head with this update. With the new Netflix update, you are no longer required to log on to your Netflix account via your PC in order to add movies or shows to your Instant queue. It can now be done from the comfort of your favorite sitting aperatus. Netflixiciados, a term I just coined and copyrighted, can now browse movies and shows, add and remove items from their queue the same as if they were doing it on their PC. If you use this service you know what I mean and it is a big step forward. Something that is also new, but I am skeptical about is the Party option. Gold members are now able to invite party members to watch a show as a party. Not many details on how that works or if the other members of the party have to have Netflix, but I am pretty sure they do.
3. Games on-demand. This isn't what you think and yet it is. Yes you can now buy 360 games online, but they are games that are already out. The games and prices vary. If you ask me they are still overpriced and would probably prohibit me from buying online. Mass Effect is $19.99 and Assassins Creed is $29.99. Explain that too me. Mass Effect, in my opinion, was a far superior game. Anyways, I hope in the future they offer new releases at a significant discount. I don't get a shiny new case and they are saving tremendously on overhead costs. So if you have 3-120GB HDD's laying around and you don't mind waiting 2 to 3 hours for one game to download, this service will twist your nips...in a good way.
4. The last thing that I thought was interesting was a rating system based on how long you have been an Xbox Live Gold member. The rating system is 1-9 or 10, I can't really tell. Also, there are no specifics given about how the number is determined. You can see the number just above your gamerscore. Needless to say I was more than a little disappointed when I found out I was 2. A two? After all I have done for Xbox....this is what I get? A two? In the end it is just a way to show off how long you have been a member, which I am guessing equates to how big of a stud you are. I did some browsing through my friendslist last night and I was glad to see that most were 2's and there was only one 4 and one 5. Kudos to you guys! NOT!
As I stated earlier there is certainly more to this update than I have covered, such as an Avatar store, updated Visual Display options for those using HDMI, user ratings and some cool user interface improvements that helps make browsing easier. So click here if you have access to gaming sites at work, if not, what I have given you will have to hold you over until you get home.
If any of this excites you, get on Live and look around. Little gems are hidden everywhere. In my opinion this update was a big step forward.
0 comments:
Post a Comment