re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

Xbox.com Getting a Major Update Tomorrow

From tomorrow, Xbox.com is undergoing a substantial makeover, with a cleaner, fresher look, increased functionality and even a browser based version of the Xbox Live Avatar editor, meaning that you can fiddle with yor online identity while you're at work. Just don't get caught.

Here's a rundown of some of the most significant improvements being implemented:

• Browser based Avatar editor: Edit your avatar and preview avatar items before purchase
• Combined views for messages, friend and game requests
• Improved notification of your account subscription
• Leverage Family Reports to understand what your family is doing and how they are using Xbox Live
• Play web games with your Xbox Live friends on the web or on Windows Phone 7
• Marketplace: More powerful search and more intuitive ways to browse and filter

Sounds pretty good to us. Tomorrow (that's October 20th), from 0500 ET/0200 PT/0900 GMT Xbox.com and the Xbox forums will be temporarily offline while the little techno imps make the upgrades to the site (using magic), after which time, the new Xbox.com will be up and running. Huzzah!

<img src="http://imgur.com/fZNAO.jpg"/>

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

Really? Who gives a fuck about their avatar?

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

Lord knows I don't.
http://avatar.xboxlive.com/avatar/De...vatar-body.png

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

I like mine, thank you.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

:wave:

I would love to have an easier interface to fiddle with myself at will. Wait...

Also, it's just one facet of the update and it ties in with the new Kinect/Family-XBL-Gold-Bundle/Let's-get-you-closer-to-the-marketplace-for-wayward-purchases Xbox.com update.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

I'm with you on this one. Free avatar rewards are all well and good, but I'll never pay real money to dress up my virtual doll. :shrug:

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

I only like my avatar because I've gotten some snazzy avatar rewards from playing several Lips titles (including the 80's themed one I imported from Europe). But if it wasn't for free or earned stuff, I'm sure he would be like everybody else.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

It's up, and it's MUCH improved. The moment you pick an avatar item, it shows it immediately loaded to your avatar. It's a really good system; you see things on your avatar much quicker than you would on the 360.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

you say virtual doll...i say beloved friend that is always there when you want her, dresses however you want her to (whether you are feeling in the mood for a French maid or tatooed emo-punker, never talks back and never lets you down. sigh.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

So...who wants to chip in a dollar or two to get this man the real blow up variety? :D

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

Depends. Do you think he'd post a bunch of questions on how to properly inflate and use it in this forum or in Other?

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

:lol:

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

^^ Oooh, oooh, I don't!

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

I figured that would be the exact reason to go ahead with the plan.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

Kinect Review Embargo is apparently a red flag according to this outlet.

http://gamrconnect.vgchartz.com/thread.php?id=118111

You gotta wonder why they wouldn't want to send out review copies. I think Dance Central has the potential to be the Rock Band successful if it truly works.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

I take exception to this final paragraph:

Now the Kinect may or may not suck. And it's fair to note that Sony was more than generous with the Move hardware and games and allowed advanced review after 9/1, almost a month before launch. But it's not always a bad sign that there are no advance reviews. Activision won't allow any advance reviews for any games, including CoD MW2 and Starcraft II, both turned out ok and raised no concerns.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

Though Kinect is a brand new thing that is a question mark in the mind of many people. CoD:MW2 and Starcraft II were both huge established IPs that everyone fully expected to do well. Blizzard's marketing campaign could have consisted of them just saying "Starcraft II. 10 years after Starcraft. Give us money bitches." and it still would have sold.

Kinect doesn't have that kind of hope.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

As I said, it might raise a few eyebrows to not have any advanced reviews, but for a game site to claim that it's usually a bad sign when a publisher won't allow early reviews is disingenuous and irresponsible. In movies that is the case. In game marketing, it's becoming standard operating procedure.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

I do, I do!!

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

I have to agree. This is exactly the type of product that would benefit from early positive reviews unless the product ain't so good. Plus it costs a shitload and most people wont take a chance unless there are some reviews out there even if thwy are mediocre.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

Compare apples to apples. Kinect is a 1st party hardware product. Compare it to how other companies (Sony and Nintendo) deal with their releasing of new hardware products. Activision is software and that is treated differently.

Historically, when Microsoft clamps down on hardware pre-launch information the result is an underwhelming product. Origami and Kin are two examples that come to mind.

Given the economic climate with consumers being more discerning how they spend their holiday season dollars and the increased number of devices vying for that dollar, it makes no sense that Microsoft would keep a tight lid on something that is so exciting. Unless it isn't so exciting.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

Oh, it's exciting!

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re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

Dammit! I wish I worked from home so I could upload the SNL Oprah's Favorite Things parody. I'll hook that shit up later. You're welcome in advance.

re: The official Xbox 360 thread - the console of choice on nuclear submarines
 

What's stopping them from selling that shit on Ebay the next day? I know i would :)