E308: Major Nelson updates with tons of new dashboard details: install games to HDD & more

by Terrence Stasse { Jul 14th 2008 at 3:58PM }

Things are moving really, really, fast in the world of the 360 right now. After the news that the Dashboard would be receiving a makeover, many of you thought that it was the end of the known world. Luckily, Major Nelson has updated his blog with some of the many new details of the new interface. The first of which is that the blades interface isn't going away, it's now just a smaller part of the larger Xbox Guide.

Even bigger though is the option to install games entirely to the HDD for faster load times and no disc drive noise. However, to get the installed game to boot, the disc has to still be in the drive for an initial check to make sure you still own it.

The new party system that's built into the interface supports up to eight people and allows for chat, sharing of media, and simultaneous launch of games, all for the entire group. As for the so-called Xbox Live Primetime, it's basically a system that allows users to participate in what amounts to virtual game shows, many complete with prizes and a live host.

The last few bits include a few notes on Avatars, including their integration into Arcade games, future retail releases and of course the newly christened "Live Party". Also, for those techies out there, the update will add 16X10 over VGA or HDMI, and support for 1440x900 or 1680x1050. Oh, and you'll be able to buy anything from the Marketplace via Xbox.com too.

Plus the ol' Major promises that there is still more details to be revealed as the update draws ever closer.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Tags: avatars, dashboard, dashboard-update, e3, e3-08, e3-2008, e308, major-nelson

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

C. T. @ Jul 14th 2008 4:03PM

16x10 display support is easily the biggest news here. I've been waiting for this for two years now.

SPK @ Jul 14th 2008 4:07PM

i know! i'm so pumped about that, another unexpected surprise today.

Sean @ Jul 14th 2008 4:07PM

I too have been waiting for 16 x 10 support. 8 person online chat is nothing to sneeze at either though.
I think those two features have been 2 of the biggest requests I've seen.

Does this mean MS is actually listening to us?

SovietSpartan @ Jul 14th 2008 4:24PM

Looks like a culture change for Microsoft, they really have been listening to us gamers. They really see us as the future of their business. Probably why Vista sucks lol.

joey @ Jul 14th 2008 4:25PM

That's what I'm most excited about, too.
Can't wait to get a new monitor.

WTangoFoxtrot @ Jul 14th 2008 5:52PM

ohh yea ! im doing 720p on my 22"LG via HDMI but having the console output at proper 1680x1050 instead would make things a lot less jaggy !!

AoE @ Jul 14th 2008 8:21PM

"Looks like a culture change for Microsoft, they really have been listening to us gamers. They really see us as the future of their business."

Too true SovietSpartan; although I think the 360 when it launched was evidence of that... considering that most of it's most kick-ass innovations were essentially built by the modding community in the previous generation. I suspected they just took a look at the most popular, non-piracy related features modders added to the original xbox, and dog-eared them as the must-include features in the 360.

Either way, it's nice to see that they're still listening to us! Other console mfgs would be wise to follow suit.

Seanbro @ Jul 14th 2008 4:04PM

Glad the blades won't be going away! And running whole games from the HD?!? Awesome!

Gemini Ace @ Jul 14th 2008 4:46PM

How is that great? Not much is going to fit on a 20 gig HDD.

Andrew @ Jul 14th 2008 5:10PM

It's great because you don't have to do it if you don't want to.

Gamertag: GOPAL892005 @ Jul 14th 2008 5:13PM

we'll it does say its OPTIONAL - so if you have a 120GB HDD & dont like to DVD-ROM drive too much, here's a fix for you.

x silence x @ Jul 14th 2008 5:37PM

@Gemini Ace

How is it great?

1) It's optional for you and a must for me. I have a 120gb HDD with 90gb of space left.

2) No more noise coming from my 360 when playing games. No one can deny how loud the 360 can be when the disc spins.

3) Faster load times with less pop in. Minor, but it works for me.

As you can see, there are many reasons why this is a good thing.

Thank you MS!

Sgt Barone @ Jul 14th 2008 4:05PM

i really like the OPTION to install game onto the HDD, especially if you have the 120 GB HDD. the best part about it, is that its OPTIONAL. haha sony!

Sean @ Jul 14th 2008 4:09PM

Plus, it will make playing Final Fantasy that much better.
I can't believe I just said that.

joey @ Jul 14th 2008 4:26PM

Let's hope they keep it that way, OPTIONAL.

Aron @ Jul 15th 2008 10:40AM

awesomeness! best update evarrrr

Ghostbuddy @ Jul 14th 2008 4:07PM

This XBL update clearly makes up for the lack of a spring dash update.

marklar @ Jul 14th 2008 4:07PM

that's the icing on the cake - Microsoft easily wins E3 this year - even before the other press conferences

Phil @ Jul 14th 2008 4:08PM

Out of all of the E3 news, 16:10 support is the only thing that I actually care about.

Neuromancer @ Jul 14th 2008 6:11PM

Don't lie, I know you're excited about that "Youre in the Movies" game.

Phil @ Jul 14th 2008 6:51PM

@neuromancer Actually, yes You're in the movies looks amazing :)

John @ Jul 14th 2008 4:08PM

This new update is blowing my mind. I'm glad we didn't have a rushed Spring update now. :)

I was wondering why we couldn't buy/download stuff from Xbox.com.

This is why I pay (and don't have a problem with it either) for Xbox Live.

Cheburashka @ Jul 14th 2008 4:10PM

I hate the fact that Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are just
unsuccessfullly ripping off each others' ideas: Sony's Sixaxis
controller bombed, Sony's trophies are a lot less interesting and
enticing than gamerscores, and I hope to God that Microsoft's Mii
ripoff fails as well. I'm not hating on them for no reason: I believe
they all had great ideas of their own (Microsofts Gamerscore, PS3's
multi-usage, Nintendo Mii and Motion control), and they should be
trying to meld their ideas with others, otherwise we'll have three
consoles that all do the exact same things. Do you agree or disagree?

AoE @ Jul 14th 2008 8:38PM

I disagree completely. Part of innovation in any industry is "ripping off" the innovations that your competition. Each company is interpreting things entirely differently too. Avatars may physically resemble Mii's, but their implementation seems pretty different from the way Mii's are implemented (also similar in many ways of course, as the root idea's the same). Sure some of the swiped ideas will be crap, but some will be great, and really add to our experience. And some of them, like achievements are more than just a console feature, they're an evolution in _how_ we play games. Remember, at one time high-score lists weren't standard, nor was console online functionality!

Cheburashka @ Jul 14th 2008 9:17PM

I agree with the fact that using existing ideas is the way, but to me, it's really disappointing that the three giants (Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo) are so blatantly ripping the ideas off. For example, what do you think of the trophies? If you are in the majority, you'll probably think they're, as I said, less enticing than gamerscore because of how each is structured: gamerscores can be compared, much like e-penis size. How do you compare trophies? Another example: the Sixaxis. Obviously, a badly-done rip off of the Wiis motion control.

Once again, your point is valid, but I would much rather see these and be acceptive of the "rip-offs" in the next console generation because then, there's a chance that it won't be half-assed.

I now would like to hear your side.

Tim @ Jul 14th 2008 4:12PM

Wow, installing to the hd would be a welcome way to bypass that loud drive. This may actually make me wanna finally bump up my 20gig drive. I'm curious how much space they will take up on average...

webster1990 @ Jul 14th 2008 4:16PM

The discs are about 8GB so i assume it will be somewhere around that mark if the whole game is going to be loaded onto the HDD

Rumble @ Jul 14th 2008 4:15PM

16x10 and HDD install? Yes, please, thank you.

webster1990 @ Jul 14th 2008 4:14PM

Awesome, might actually invest in a 120GB HDD.

Demolition Elmo @ Jul 14th 2008 4:17PM

Off topic: Here's a link to what the e3 bingo card looks like right now
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3494998&l=6d2a8&id=854740021

DaMan09 @ Jul 14th 2008 5:15PM

Doesn't Geo war 2 and Banjo count as secret XBLA games?

Demolition Elmo @ Jul 14th 2008 5:24PM

Sorry, missed them out. Will put it in tomorrows update.

Brian @ Jul 14th 2008 4:25PM

Anyone know if you'll have to purchase the Primetime games or will there be sponsorship tie-ins?

Demolition Elmo @ Jul 14th 2008 4:37PM

I think they're sponsor tie-ins, that way they can afford to give away real prizes.

Cal @ Jul 14th 2008 4:25PM

Yay 8-way chat, but still trying to come to terms with FFXIII on 360 =)))))

AfroCelt @ Jul 14th 2008 4:30PM

im just pumped that they're not nuking the blade system entirely.

joey @ Jul 14th 2008 4:32PM

Will old games support HDD installs?
I meant games out already.

Chris @ Jul 14th 2008 5:43PM

joey yes, major confirmed this all games will support this... its a dashboard enhancement not a game change. so from day 1 all games wil support it

itsburnsie @ Jul 14th 2008 4:34PM

That's the way you do game installs.

I can't believe how much MS is rocking E3. Hat's off. It seems like they are really listening to what their fans want.

will fn b @ Jul 14th 2008 4:45PM

Installing games to the hard drive is pretty much useless unless you have the horrendously overpriced 120gb hard drive

Flippy @ Jul 14th 2008 8:35PM

Tell me about it.

Everything for that crap hardware is too expensive.
After buying a bigger hard drive, wireless network adapter and wireless headset, your screwed.
Feels like you just upgraded an old Dell Optiplex that needs to be replaced soon.
I'll give them big credit for the software development but hell no on the hardware design!

And it's so nice of them to screw dumb consumers over with the whole ms points crap.
What the heck is this a carnival?
Just tell me the price in plain english!

tan @ Jul 14th 2008 4:56PM

i will now upgrade to either a 120gb drive
or an elite:)

i dont care which one

game installs FTW!

SovietSpartan @ Jul 14th 2008 5:07PM

My Xbox 360 was so excited about getting a new heart transplant this fall, while having an orgasm it RROD. Almost 3 years of putting out, and finally crapped out. rAmen.

SToNeP2277 @ Jul 14th 2008 5:17PM

i cant wait for Netflix on live so i can watch movies with my 8 friends.

bigmac375 @ Jul 14th 2008 5:27PM

i wish i didn't break my 120 gig :(

iFester @ Jul 14th 2008 5:29PM

I think I just had a joygasm!

Luay @ Jul 14th 2008 5:41PM

the harddrive thing having the cd in is what kills it for me, i was hoping to have either halo3 or Cod4 saved to drive and then just swap between them but i understand the security check maybe if they could do it so its like 1 scan lasts 24 hours or something that way it wouldn't be that tedious

Chris @ Jul 14th 2008 5:42PM

dear god say MKV and AC3 5.1 AAC 5.1 support then ill be frigging stupendously excited and i will have finally the reason to order 2x 360's for my other 2 rooms.

007craft @ Jul 14th 2008 5:44PM

20gb should be more then enough for installing. Does any1 really play more then 2 games at a time alot? I doubt it. so 10GB or less is all you really need. I have an elite (bought for hdmi port) so it wont bother me and my 120gb hdd. Actually, im only 2gb of 120 used on my hdd, and i could probably clear up 1gb of that by deleting stuff like a few demos i have left on there.