Microsoft have just released a checklist of details for their upcoming Xbox 360 interface overhaul, which includes some information that wasn't announced during the E3 conference.

The most interesting of these is undoubtedly the capacity to install your games directly to your hard-drive, as long as you own the original disc; the most obvious benefit of this will be faster loading times.

So now, instead of having to taking up your hard-drive's valuable space with annoying, compulsory installations just so you can play the game, you can choose to install them and actually improve the experience your gaming experience in process!

*wink wink*

Check out the full list below:

* Play from hard drive. Copy your games from the game disc and play directly from the hard drive. Not only will the drive not spin, but load times are quicker, as well. Of course, you will still need the disc in the tray to prove you own the game.

* Access Xbox LIVE Marketplace on the Web. Browse and purchase Marketplace content whenever you want from Xbox.com and it downloads automatically to your console. Purchase that new map, television episode, the latest Xbox LIVE Arcade game or set up a movie to watch when you get home from work.

* Dashboard built into the new Xbox Guide. For everyone who loves the blades interface, it’s not going away; they are now built directly in to the new Xbox guide. Every feature and option is available right from the guide. You can even access your full games library at all times. No matter where you are (in dash or in game), immediately call up your games played list and directly launch a game.

* LIVE Party system. Create a party of up to eight friends, and stay with them from one game to another, or watch a Netflix movie together, or share a slideshow of your personal photos. It works with all Xbox 360 titles, not just upcoming games. LIVE Party allows up to eight people to chat in the dashboard, so you can meet up before playing.

* Xbox LIVE Primetime. This whole new category of games is going to give you more reasons to get online with your friends. Games will support everything you’d expect, like Achievements and leader boards, but many of these games will include real prizes. You can invite your friends, and even set a reminder for an upcoming show. Each game is broadcast simultaneously, so everyone is answering the same questions. Many events will have a live host, calling the shots as they happen.

* Avatars. Your online identity started as a Gamertag - it then grew into a personalized Gamercard. Now, it has evolved even further into avatars. You can express your style, check out new outfits and share this with the community. Avatars will also be integrated into Xbox LIVE Arcade games, LIVE Party, as well as retail games.

* New display support. Because you asked for it, we are adding 16X10 over VGA or HDMI, and support for 1440×900 or 1680×1050.

Tags : Avatars : e3 : E3 2008 : Electronic Entertainment Expo : microsoft : screenshots : Xbox 360 : Xbox Experience : xbox live

Comments

By: Evren On: 03:49 Jul 14th, 2008 Offline	It does look pretty amazing. How long have Sony been working on PShome? Ahaha, I like the avatars, but I wouldnt mind know how much extras would cost. Shiny shiny pretty pretty eh?

By: ManicGamer On: 03:51 Jul 14th, 2008 Offline	... I like the party idea! that seems cool. I wonder if everyone gets charged separately for the movie, or if they share the cost?? The 20-gig owners will be upset to learn that they will need to install two games at a time size-wise... then delete one... to install another... but how does the drive not spin if the disc has to be checked?? Does it only spin once to read the disc initially?? If thats the case then can't I just pop my friends disc in.. install it.. let the game check.. and then eject the disc while my friend goes and does the same across the hall of the dorm/apt/house? .. dont get me wrong... I like the idea.. but unless you own an elite, or pay for the 120gig HDD.. or maybe buy the new 60gig SKU. Perhaps there is progress to be made in the modding community??

By: Samuel On: 04:22 Jul 14th, 2008 Offline	I'm more enthralled by the dashboard/guide merger. I won't have to go back to the dashboard to launch Rez and GWO now. Awesome.

By: boa On: 05:16 Jul 14th, 2008 Offline	This looks pretty cool.