Xbox Live and Netflix Update

[Vampyr]

I love this new update.

You can an in dept list and description here:

http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/sy...es/default.htm

But to outline:

1. Netflix Update: You can now browse the Netflix "Watch Instantly" library and add things to your queue and play them directly from your Xbox. Been waiting on this one for a while.

They also added party support for Netflix. I guess this is cool for some people, but I can personally say I will never utilize it. Why in the world would I want to put my headset on and listen to people talk while I'm trying to listen to a movie? Especially since 90% of the time my girlfriend is on the couch with me.

2. Games on Demand. You can now purchase and download games directly to your Xbox, like Valve's Steam system. I know people have mixed feelings about this...some people think it's stupid to only buy an electronic version of the game, and would prefer to have the disc. On the other hand, you don't have to put the disc in or worry about it getting scratched and losing your game. If Microsoft ever goes out of business you might lose your downloaded games, but...yeah.

I personally like electronic delivery systems. It saves time, and often you can save a lot of money. Steam has some lucrative deals, especially on the weekends.

3. Avatar marketplace. I know there will be mixed feelings about this too - some people hate avatars for whatever reason. I love my avatar. I've already purchased a steam punk suit, steam punk goggles, a Fable 2 top hat, and a light saber. I think I'm going to get the Gears of War Cog outfit and helmet sometime, as well as the little remote control car from Halo ODST. This is a pretty blatant money spinner, but I'm buying into it.


There are also various user interface improvements which make moving around the dashboard and viewing achievements much easier.

[Bond]

The new avatar marketplace is definitely cool. Paying for premium content on top of a premium service is not so cool.

[BreakABone]

I may use the Netflix Party thing, but most likely for like TV shows and stuff.

Movies, I can do without the audience.

Some of the Avatar Marketplace stuff looks cool, but saving for animated batarang if that ever comes out.

[Dylflon]

My concern is that with the Avatar marketplace, Xbox won't bother releasing any free avatar content.

[Jason1]

They need to get this on the superior console, the PS3.

[Vampyr]

Originally Posted by Jason1

They need to get this on the superior console, the PS3.

[Fox 6]

Lets just fix that for you.

Originally Posted by Jason1

They need to get this on the superior console! The PS3? haha

[gekko]

Originally Posted by Dylflon

My concern is that with the Avatar marketplace, Xbox won't bother releasing any free avatar content.

Why? They've mainly been hyping this up as a way to dress your avatar up in brand-name clothes. I'd expect some new clothes, just without the brand name.

Also, the new award system allows games to unlock new clothes for you, which could give you some new stuff, without paying any additional money to wear it.

Originally Posted by Vampyr

I personally like electronic delivery systems. It saves time, and often you can save a lot of money. Steam has some lucrative deals, especially on the weekends.

I've been a supporter of online distribution for the last couple years, and I doubt I'll buy anything from Games on Demand. I like how online distribution is better for the industry, since there are no used game sales, and considerable money is saved by not buying shelf space at stores. However, I haven't seen one single game I can download that isn't the exact same price as it's retail copy.

I won't be buying any games at full price. If I'm saving the publisher money, I want that to be reflected back in my wallet. Give me some games at $40, and we'll talk.

[Vampyr]

Yeah, that is a good point. Everything I've bought digitally has been from steam and it has been extremely cheap.

[BreakABone]

I tried out the Netflix party system with a friend, and its a really cool setup.

You all sit in a virtual living room and watch what's going on screen. You have different emotions your avatar can play out.

I wouldn't use it for a movie or anything, but like a TV show with friends would be awesome.

[Angrist]

I used to like watching a movie with my brother... but now we're half a country apart (2 hours in this case).

Instead of this party system, we would rather use Skype to keep contact while watching (the only trick is to start the movie at the same time).