Xbox NXE Fall Update 2009 (with E3 announcements)

[Arwin]

At E3, Microsoft announced several big new features for the Xbox NXE Fall Update 2009. Among those:

- netflix browsing on the 360 including direct play
- 1080p video streaming on the video marketplace which will be renamed to Zune Marketplace (cf Zune HD)
- facebook integration with the NXE
- twitter integration with the NXE
- full game downloads? (a screenshot seems to suggest this, although I missed it in the conference myself)

I think this topic will suffice discussing most of these NXE expansions and don't need separate ones, but if you do please let me know and I will add links to the list above.

 

[RobertR1]

The netflix is a feature that people will clearly appreciate.

Facebook and twitter are huge additions for the social atmosphere MS is trying to create within Live. It's clearly a good step in that direction. Ofcourse if you're not into using them, no one is forcing you. For the millions of facebook and twitter addicts out there, they might like the idea.

I don't have much faith on the whole 1080p video steaming. We'll see. While we might look at it from a technical perspective, the casuals will just see "1080p" and fall for the marketing.

 

[Scott_Arm]

The netflix is a feature that people will clearly appreciate.

Facebook and twitter are huge additions for the social atmosphere MS is trying to create within Live. It's clearly a good step in that direction. Ofcourse if you're not into using them, no one is forcing you. For the millions of facebook and twitter addicts out there, they might like the idea.

I don't have much faith on the whole 1080p video steaming. We'll see. While we might look at it from a technical perspective, the casuals will just see "1080p" and fall for the marketing.

The big thing for me is that it is streaming video that plays instantly rather than a download. I'm much more likely to "rent" movies that way.

Don't care much about facebook or twitter. Facebook is something I'd like to keep personal rather than part of xbox live, depending how the permissions are set. Twitter is just something I don't really use. I follow some feeds using RSS, but I'll never make an account.

 

[DrJay24]

The videos stream now, you just need a buffer to start. I'm not sure MS can overcome the laws of nature and do anything instantly unless they want a ton of interruptions(which Netflix already does).

 

[Scott_Arm]

The videos stream now, you just need a buffer to start. I'm not sure MS can overcome the laws of nature and do anything instantly unless they want a ton of interruptions(which Netflix already does).

Really? I thought they were all download.

 

[Arwin]

Actually, they are download, but you can watch them while downloading, right? (I've never used it, being in the Netherlands where there's nothing really worth downloading on Live). I think maybe the new streaming doesn't actually save the movie to the harddrive.

 

[tha_con]

If it's like the PS3 system, you can start your download and watch it immediately while it downloads, basically, like a buffer, and it is later saved when the download is complete.

I don't have much faith in it, and I'm sure it'll be upscaled video content, so I'm not really interested. A nice feature, but I paid good money for my entertainment set up, I'd like to take advantage of it appropriately, none of these movie services interest me in the slightest because they don't give the audio / visual quality I want.

That's just me personally though, I think it'll do well.

 

[mrcorbo]

If it's like the PS3 system, you can start your download and watch it immediately while it downloads, basically, like a buffer, and it is later saved when the download is complete.

I don't have much faith in it, and I'm sure it'll be upscaled video content, so I'm not really interested. A nice feature, but I paid good money for my entertainment set up, I'd like to take advantage of it appropriately, none of these movie services interest me in the slightest because they don't give the audio / visual quality I want.

That's just me personally though, I think it'll do well.

What makes you think that. It's not like there is a shortage of 1080p content.

 

[silhouette]

360.ign has some more info that they gather from the MS luncheon.. You need 8 Mbps link for 1080p streaming. They also use a new codec that allows streaming right away. During lunch, they launch Dark Knight 1080p instantly (i.e. within 1 second). I think 1080p can be doable in 8 mbps but not the highest quality as bluray especially in the fast changing scenes.

Btw, last.fm is also one of the new NXE features! If I can listen radio while doing other stuff (such as facebook/twitter/etc.), it will be a really neat feature!

 

[silhouette]

oh and I'm pretty sure it was stated by Mattrick that Natal would be bundled with future consoles,

evidently I'm not the only one who heard that

I think he said Natal would be compatible with all 360s they shipped before and they will ship in the future... That does not mean it will be bundled

 

[DrJay24]

What makes you think that. It's not like there is a shortage of 1080p content.

Something has to give if it is streaming, most people can barely get 3Mbps and a BD movie is typically 15-20Mbps. I assume this is just a PR thing, they are trying to go against BD and they think people only respond to the 1080P number, as if they are all created equal.

 

[Tap In]

I think he said Natal would be compatible with all 360s they shipped before and they will ship in the future... That does not mean it will be bundled

yea I thought he said it will be future bundled so I guess we'll know for sure soon enough once someone follows up

 

[Brad Grenz]

Something has to give if it is streaming, most people can barely get 300kbps and a BD movie is typically 15-20Mbps. I assume this is just a PR thing, they are trying to go against BD and they think people only respond to the 1080P number, as if they are all created equal.

Yeah, 1080p or not it is probably going to look pretty crappy, especially against well mastered Blu-ray content.

 

[mrcorbo]

Yeah, 1080p or not it is probably going to look pretty crappy, especially against well mastered Blu-ray content.

It's obviously subjective what you consider "crappy". I have seen enough encodes of 1080p material at DVD bitrates to be satisfied with the results for casual viewing. It doesn't compare with BR content, but I would expect the real target here is cable HD-VOD services and it should compare very favorably to those.

 

[mrcorbo]

Something has to give if it is streaming, most people can barely get 300kbps and a BD movie is typically 15-20Mbps. I assume this is just a PR thing, they are trying to go against BD and they think people only respond to the 1080P number, as if they are all created equal.

My connection (Optimum Boost) is 32Mbps and this service is widely available in my area. Now if only someone would set up a BR streaming service . Even the standard cable modem service is 15 Mbps.

 

[DrJay24]

Sorry, I meant 3Mbps (300kB/s). Where is the standard cable modem 15Mbps and does it fluctuate?

 

[AzBat]

If it's like the PS3 system, you can start your download and watch it immediately while it downloads, basically, like a buffer, and it is later saved when the download is complete.

That's how it is currently on the 360. You start the download & when enough of it has buffered for a no hiccup playback it will let you play it. I like Netflix method better, but even if the Zune Marketplace works just like that I doubt I'll ever pay for individual content(eg rent movies or buy episodes). My Netflix subscription has spoiled me.

Tommy McClain

 

[AzBat]

BTW, they definitely had more to show than what was in the conference. In addition to In Demand full retail games they also announced a Avatar Marketplace where you can buy new clothes, awards & props, etc...

http://kotaku.com/5274407/xbox-360-avatars-getting-new-outfits-props-marketplace

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/01/microsoft-announces-avatar-marketplace-unlockable-apparel/

 

[AzBat]

Marc Whitten open letter...

A Letter from Marc Whitten: Xbox LIVE at E3 2009

Dear Xbox LIVE Members,

Last week we announced that Xbox LIVE has reached a staggering 20 million active members, reinforcing that Xbox LIVE isn’t just an online gaming service; it’s a community. That’s why we’re committed to offering entertainment for everyone on Xbox LIVE, from the core gamers with us since the beginning, to our newest members just learning about all the fun of Xbox 360.

We took a great step toward that goal last November when we re-imagined the Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE with the New Xbox Experience.

I talked then about our commitment to innovation on LIVE, and today we continue to deliver on that promise as we showcase new blockbuster games, technologies and partnerships that will transform the way people think about home entertainment. With Xbox LIVE at the center of your living room, you can watch your favorite movies in instant on 1080p HD and 5.1 channel surround sound with Zune video, or update your Netflix instant Queue and share the fun with a virtual movie party.

You can take your entertainment experiences to the largest social network on the planet with Facebook on Xbox LIVE, and even post a snap shot of your favorite gaming moments through Facebook Connect. And with Twitter, you can stay connected and keep your social circle up to date by reading, posting and replying to tweets right on your Xbox 360.

And for music lovers like me, our partnership with Last.fm will bring personalized streaming radio stations right to your Xbox 360.

We’re also thinking globally, and delivering a custom experience from BSkyB, one of the biggest names in European home entertainment – bringing great local content and live football to our members in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

We’re excited about all the innovations we unveiled today, and I want to share some of the new gaming and community features coming to Xbox LIVE this fall:

•Games on Demand. Xbox LIVE has changed the way you play your games, and now we’re changing the way you access them, with the digital distribution of full Xbox 360 games. The Games on Demand channel will launch with a library more than 30 great games, from classic hits like “Mass Effect,” “BioShock” and “Assassin’s Creed,” to family favorites like “LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga” and “Sonic the Hedgehog.” You’ll have access to a wide variety of great games, downloadable in only a few hours and at the touch of a button. We’ve also added the option to purchase Games on Demand directly with your credit or debit card.
•Great games on Xbox LIVE and Xbox LIVE Arcade. Xbox LIVE Arcade is keeping the fun rolling all summer long. We are continuing our commitment to quality and innovation by delivering five weeks of downloadable blockbusters with the second annual Summer of Arcade – bringing you the biggest and best smash hits of the season including “Shadow Complex,” “Trials HD,” “Splosion Man ™,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™ : Turtles in Time Re-Shelled,” and “MARVEL™ VS. CAPCOM® 2.” And of course I’m excited to see the launch of our beta season of “1 vs 100” today. I’m also already playing a ton of our newly announced game, “Joy Ride,” and I can’t wait for you to experience it this holiday.
•Avatar Marketplace. Since the launch of NXE, millions of Avatars have been created on Xbox LIVE, giving our members a whole new way to express themselves online, in games, and in their social experiences. Starting this summer, you will see some great new ways to make your Avatar truly your own. First, we heard loud and clear from you that you wanted to get new avatar items as awards when playing games, and I’m happy to announce support for in-game Avatar Awardables. Second, you’re going to see some great new options with animated Props and full costumes to add to your Avatar. Finally, we’re continuing that spirit of customization and self-expression with a virtual closet full of premium clothing and interactive props to download and purchase for your Avatar. Whether its game-inspired gear or the latest fashion trends, there will be creative options for everyone to enjoy. You’ll also be able to easily access the new Avatar Marketplace directly through the Avatar editor.
•User Ratings. We’re adding a five star rating system that lets you easily rate any content in the Games Marketplace. Now you’ll be able to show your support for your favorite games and Game Add-ons on Xbox LIVE and also quickly organize by user rating to find the community’s favorite content. This has been one of your most-requested features, and we’re very happy to bring it to you this summer.e
•Performance Updates. We know that the details also matter. That’s why we’re making a series of updates based on your feedback. First and foremost, the entire Xbox LIVE service is being upgraded for improved performance including better guide and friends access. Some other things we’ve done based on your feedback include revamping the friends sorting list, Achievement views and improving our matchmaking support. There’s always room to improve, and your input really matters to us…so keep it coming!
I’ve never been more proud to be a part of this team, and I truly believe that there’s never been a better time to be an Xbox LIVE member – there are more entertainment choices than ever before for our members. With today’s announcements, I can confidently say that an Xbox LIVE Gold Membership is hands down the best value in home entertainment, giving you exclusive access to Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Sky, Last.fm, “1 vs 100 Live” beta, and the best gaming and entertainment network on the planet.

There’s much more to come, and you’ll hear even more details soon. But in the meantime, we hope you’re having as much fun as we are.

See you online,

Marc Whitten

 

[BRiT]

My connection (Optimum Boost) is 32Mbps and this service is widely available in my area. Now if only someone would set up a BR streaming service . Even the standard cable modem service is 15 Mbps.

In my area, Cleveland, I have perhaps the better internet providers around, Cox Communications. Their standard tier is 9Mbps and top tier is 20Mbps. They peak upto 12Mbps and 25Mbps when speedboost is active. I think the other providers have recently upgraded to provide similar offerings. I think Cox Communications has plans to upgrade to Docsis 3.x offerings late this year to be able to offer upto 100 Mbps.

I would really like a streaming BR service.