New Xbox Experience (and a Friends Request)

I’ve Been Avatar-ed

Microsoft launched the UI refresh of its Xbox game console today and as soon as I had a minute this morning I loaded the update and finally created my very own Mii Avatar.  I think it does looks a little like me… only younger and thinner, perhaps me ten years ago.

I did try to make my avatar a little more realistic but it seemed to want me to look young and hip which I can’t complain about.

BTW:  I really like these avatars.  I think this is what you should look like in online worlds like SecondLife.  Maybe Microsoft will create an online world your avatars can wander around in.

NetFlix is the Real Benefit

I’ve been looking forward to this update ever since the announcement of Microsoft’s partnership with NetFlix.  We’re big fans of NetFlix here in the Flukerbacher household and I’ve been using their “watch online” feature ever since it launched (its the main thing I use our only remaining PC for these days).  I noticed this morning when I went on the NetFlix website that a whole new collection of movies have been added, apparently to coincide with the Xbox launch, making the prospect of watching NetFlix movies through my Xbox even more attractive.

The new UI is nice and, for the most part, easier to use.  It seems to put more of an emphasis on your regular activities, instead of the products and services they want you to spend money on, which is refreshing.

Won’t You Be My Neighbor Friend?

I’ve never really taken advantage of the social gaming side of the Xbox, but with the new UI and Avatars I really would like to.  So I’m finally getting around to looking for real world friends on Xbox.  Anybody out there?  How about a nice game of Uno, Catan or Carcassonne?  Please look me up: Flukemeister.