Xbox 360 dashboard update to enable 3D interface - Killing PS3 v2.40
By Dave Parrack
Playstation 3 fans are like pigs in mud today after their beloved console received firmware update v2.40, which saw a whole host of features added to their machines. However, rumours emerged today over the long-awaited next Xbox 360 dashboard update. If the speculation proves to be true, this could wipe the smile off the faces of Sony and the PS3 fanboys quick-sharp.
As we’ve discussed at length over the last few days here on Blorge, the PS3 firmware update v2.40 has now been released, and it includes many of the features demanded by Playstation 3 owners since the console was released. This includes the new in-game XMB, and the heralded Trophies system.
Either by sheer coincidence or some clever marketing by Microsoft, talk of the next big Xbox 360 dashboard update has spread like wildfire across the Internet today, and almost taken the focus away from the PS3 update. So what is all the fuss about?
The next Xbox 360 dashboard update is going to be big, with Hexus listing over 80 new features or options being added. Most of these are small and quite insignificant, and as diverse as new payment methods for international users, to new effects for the Xbox Live Vision and dashboard background. Wholly underwhelming I’m sure you’ll agree.
But one in particular is causing huge excitement. Kotaku are reporting that a second interface option is going to be added, which utilises the as yet unannounced motion-sensing controller to navigate. What’s more, the interface will be 3D, replacing the cluttered blade system with one more in keeping with the system in futuristic Tom Cruise movie Minority Report. Oh yeah, now we’re talking.
If this all seems a bit far-fetched, then be in no doubt that the technology already exists, and has been demonstrated at trade shows just this year. While it had nothing to do with the Xbox 360, it did show that its possible to recreate the Minority Report navigation system.
This also means that the long-rumoured motion-sensing controller is a reality and must be very near to being announced. The Wii Remote-style controller could add a new element to gaming on the Xbox 360, and give the console a much-needed boost in demographics, adding a whole layer of casual gamers to the more traditional hardcore Microsoft fanboy.
There has yet to be a date set for this Xbox 360 dashboard update, and the 3D interface is just a rumour at this point in time, but if and when it happens (E3 possibly), it will up the stakes yet again.
Related:
Stumble It!
Tips N4G
July 2nd, 2008
WE NEED HOME NOW
July 2nd, 2008
Wow, sounds cool; the current system is just fine though.
July 2nd, 2008
I’ve got no complaints about the current system, it’s easy to navigate through etc. But hey, any sort of update I am open for. nonetheless, I bought my 360 to play games with, not look at the pretty dashboard.
July 3rd, 2008
One feature that I did not see listed is support for .srt or .sub files when streaming video content from a computer.
If they somehow fail to include this in the update I will be extremely disappointed. Being forced to reencode media through TVesity that the 360 supports natively just to see the subtitles seems unacceptable considering the PS3’s support for separate subtitle files.
I honestly could care less about all of the other features listed - they need to add support for seperate subtitle containers.
July 3rd, 2008
lol Ivan_psp is going to have a fit.
July 3rd, 2008
As a PS3 owner this doesn’t upset me at all. But then again I haven’t seen it yet either.
July 3rd, 2008
But wait, DAVE PARRACK is supposed to be a PS3 fanboy… ????
July 3rd, 2008
“Playstation 3 fans are like pigs in mud today”
Not me Dave. 2.40 whilst nice, is nothing I’ve been waiting for with baited breath.
“Kotaku are reporting that a second interface option is going to be added, which utilises the as yet unannounced motion-sensing controller to navigate.”
Oh so what you’re saying is that the few thousand people that buy into the motion device MS crank out can use the 3d interface?
Fact is, this is just clever marketting by MS. A 3d interface adds nothing and a flat 2d interface is easier and faster to navigate. Don’t get me wrong its ‘cool’ and all, but i’d rather use the d-pad to rip across a menu then down to my game/.
July 3rd, 2008
lol this has nothing to do with this article, but i thought this was hilarious: check it out!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAyBaNwDX8c
July 3rd, 2008
DAVE PARRACK!
Why would a 360 dashboard update “wipe the smiles” off of PS3 owners? Does the dashboard update seek and destroy PS3 consoles? Does it make all new titles next year 360-exclusive? Why would this affect PS3 owners at all?
-Arvis
July 3rd, 2008
Haha Bourne I followed your link, was pretty funny.
July 3rd, 2008
god help us all if what Arvis says will come true. Microsoft is up to nicompoopery, theres only one person to battle Bill Gates and his evil sex slave: master chief…and that person is….SOLID SNAKE….or possibly Ivan_psp… i reckon we should all make a list of sites Ivan_psp visits, because ive seen him on ANOTHER blog.
July 3rd, 2008
exactly..i am right!…the stupid dash board is not user friendly…thats why there making the update
July 3rd, 2008
Bourne,
I’m surprised Ivan_PSP isn’t more famous/infamous. I’ve seen him plastering his drivel all over the internet for literally about a year now.
-Arvis
July 4th, 2008
Lol i love lies from Xbox 360 owner. Microsoft is done with dashboard updates. The Xbox 360 dashboard for me is not a problem is kind of design by an idiot. Is complicated sometimes not user friendly 3D interface another gimmick. My only wish is for Microsft to become a game developer of good games instead of just a publisher is pathetic…
July 6th, 2008
wasnt this technology show cased for PS3 using PS Eye, which detected hand motion and head motion
July 22nd, 2008
PS3 owners Ahhhh there there is it better than your system, as if it makes any difference to you unless you have shares in the company..
Great Update, the 8 party anywhere will be big.
Final Fantasy on 360 November will be HUGE for Xbox with Gears 2 FF etc all coming..