the pen is more powerful than the sword

XBOX Live Update Preview

October 26th, 2009

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So, today was apparently the day the XBOX Live Update Preview went, well, live.  Huzzah!

Since I was the only one in our household willing to actually click through the screens on the XBOX to find our serial number, I was able to sign up to be part of the preview.  Once I signed up, I promptly forgot about it thanks to real life and Netflix.  Oh, that and a fun mini-vacation down to San Clemente.

Anyways, I am now one of the proud members of the XBOX Live community who can use Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm (what’s that?), and Zune-thing on my (ahem, “our”) XBOX.  Fun stuff so far, but I don’t think I’ll be migrating over to the XBOX completely anytime soon for the following reasons:

1. I’m just not on the XBOX as much as I used to be, and I really don’t want to leave a game just to tweet or update my status.
2. I had to dig out my keypad and re-attach it to my controller.
3. If I am on the XBOX, I’m using Netflix or playing DDR.  I dare anyone to try typing a status update from a DDR dance pad…dare…

Here’s a breakdown of my opinions on each item so far:

Facebook

Very pretty UI.  Very pretty!  Scrolling through the different options is fun and truly makes stalking…erm…keeping up with friends easier.  Plus, quickly scrolling through status updates on a large-screen TV is rather satisfying in a lazy way.  I have a feeling people will enjoy this integration.

If your friends are also on XBOX Live, I think you can share game info, compare stats, etc.  Isn’t that what logging in to xbox.com is for?  Well, I guess you can do this through Facebook now, too.

I won’t be using this one often.  I try to avoid the masses on Facebook as it is.  I am weak, however, I confess…

 

Twitter

Now this is the most fun addition for me.  I love Twitter!  I think it’s one of the best social networking-ish tools out there today.  And I love the UI design for the XBOX!  Look at that cute Twitter birdy! *le sigh*

As much as I love Twitter, I won’t be using it  as much on the XBOX, even though there are some things I like about the XBOX version, such as:

1. Twitter’s “Remember Me” option actually works on the XBOX.
2. Tweets are easy to read and scroll through.
3. My avatar is pretty entertaining.
4. I like the Twitter bird…and the moving clouds.

Why I wouldn’t use it:

1. I have to type with the controller or a keypad.  Why would I do that when my laptop is usually right next to me?
2. I’d have to leave a game/movie to tweet.  I might as well pick up my cell phone and tweet while playing…or utilize the aforementioned laptop.
3. I can’t click on URLs and see the cool sites, photos, videos, etc. my contacts are sharing.

So, fun stuff, but not quite enough to keep me glued to my console.  I mean, “our” console…

Last.fm

I have no idea what last.fm is, but if you use it, you can now use it on the XBOX.  Yay for you!

And finally…

Zune (Video)

Alas, I thought this was going to be a full-out Zune integration.  I have a Zune and an amazing Zune Pass subscription, and I was hoping this would usher in the marriage of my Zune Pass and my XBOX.  It was not to be.

The XBOX now integrates with Zune Video, as in…you can now purchase full movies, rent movies, etc. that can then play on your Zune HD, your computer, or your XBOX.  As fun as that is, I won’t be using this feature because of…

Netflix

Netflix integrates seamlessly with the XBOX.  I can stream movies from my Instant Queue and browse new additions at no extra cost to my monthly Netflix subscription.  So, Zune Video?  You’re not for me.  Sorry.

All in all, the additions seem pretty fun.  It’ll be interesting to see what else is rolled out.

In the meantime, I better get back to grading, studying, and longing for the release of Mass Effect 2.

 

P.S. – I was just enlightened as to what Last.fm is.  I’ll still be using my Zune Pass and/or Pandora.

Posted in Fun Stuff, Technology