Avatars & Netflix update

[Conjoshus]

Netflix

You must be an Xbox Live Gold subscriber as well as a Netflix subscriber to use the new Netflix service

Similarly, anyone you share your movie with would also need to be an XBL and Netflix subscriber

Like Netflix's current streaming service, all content will be SD only for now. They could offer HD streams as soon as Netflix is ready to deliver

Avatars

They're not looking to create a "Home-like" environment for your Avatars – that doesn't mean a third-party wouldn't be able to do that, however

You'll be able to keep your gamertag pics if you so choose, though they're encouraging everyone to transition to Avatars
Games can reward you with items for your Avatar (chainsaw, please!)

There will be no increase in the 100-friend cap on Xbox Live this Fall

There will not be any Group (think Facebook) or Clan support in this update – they're hoping the "Party" system will satisfy those requests (spoiler: it won't)


Source: http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/details-on-new-xbox-experience-avatars-netflix-primetime-et/

Well if you can just stick with the gamerpics... then hell yes :)

[Conjoshus]

More Netflix news:


Chatting with Marc Whitten and the entire Xbox 360 team at today's Community Briefing (more Community Briefing details will be coming later today), we were treated to a demo of the Netflix Xbox 360 service and how it works. Specifically, we were shown how the queuing system will be integrated and really, it's rather a straightforward process that utilizes Netflix.com.

First, to connect one's Netflix account to their Xbox Live account, customers will enter a keycode via Netflix.com that'll link the two accounts together. Then, once linked, the Netflix.com queue will instantly appear on the Xbox 360 allowing instant access to the movies. Want to change your movie queue? Simply update your movie queue online and within' 10 seconds, your Xbox 360's Netflix list will update. A very slick process indeed.

Other Netflix details we were able to learn from the Community Briefing was confirmation that only SD videos would be offered and streamed to the console (not downloaded) as the system analyzes which bitrate is the best fit for your connection. Up to eight friends can watch a movie together BUT they all must be Netflix subscribers. Finally, we were informed that Netflix's servers would handle all movie streaming and that they'll significantly upgrade their infrastructure before the Fall release.

Source: http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/07/14/e308-more-details-about-netflix-on-the-xbox-360/

[DarthArcturus]

I'm really loving the netflix system. I have netflix already and while its great service the play now on computer really doesn't suit me because I have to be in front of a TV to watch a movie.

[Conjoshus]

Does Netflix have an option where you can pay as you rent? I don't rent enough to warrant the monthly fee which is why the XBL Video Marketplace worked out so well for my wife and me.

And yes... I rhymed...

[DarthArcturus]

not on netflix.com basic subscription, which is what I have, 5 bucks a month for two movies 1 at a time. It works for me because I take awhile to getting around to watching something I believe it costs 10 bucks a month for unlimited movies a month could be wrong though. but yeah no per movie type deal.

[Conjoshus]

Damn :(

I would have liked to just expand the selection of what's available for a quick download... ah well...

[Luminous]

I love the Netflix connectivity, I have had an account for a couple of years now. I am looking forward to watching movies like that.



Still, I can't stress enough how much I hate Avatars. I am keeping my gamer picture for as long as I can. If I have to get an Avatar I hope I can put a shirt on it that says "These Avatars fucking suck!"

:D

[DarthArcturus]

I love the Netflix connectivity, I have had an account for a couple of years now. I am looking forward to watching movies like that.



Still, I can't stress enough how much I hate Avatars. I am keeping my gamer picture for as long as I can. If I have to get an Avatar I hope I can put a shirt on it that says "These Avatars fucking suck!"

:D
LOL yeah, although it might grow on me it still looks like a lame ass virtual IM program that you can find on the internet.

[jp]

I

Still, I can't stress enough how much I hate Avatars. I am keeping my gamer picture for as long as I can. If I have to get an Avatar I hope I can put a shirt on it that says "These Avatars fucking suck!"

:D



Avatars are fucking stupid. I haven't encountered anyone yet who thinks this is a good idea.

[jp]

From kotaku:



Fans of the current "blades" interface may be saddened to learn that the update isn't an optional redesign, it's a total replacement. They'll still get a taste of the old interface via the new Guide look and feel. Hit the jump for a photo.


:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:

[Luminous]

From kotaku:




:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:


I agree there. So as Josh pointed out, what happens to my themes? Especially the ones I paid for? :redface:

[The Skies]

Avatars are fucking stupid. I haven't encountered anyone yet who thinks this is a good idea.

Hmm...the way we where going yesterday...why not...


I LOVE THEM! YOU STFU! GREATEST IDEA EVARRR!!!

btw I love the netflix thing as well, and I, unlike darth, love watching them on the computer to. I wasent sure how I would when i started it, but it looks good and plus i have a huge arse monitor, so I like that alot. I'll like it on live as well. :D

[jp]

Boo!


The Netflix thing is neat. I can't diss that. Though I doubt I'll be signing up for it as I prefer... another... method... of watching... movies... on 360. :sneaking:

[Bruhaha69]

Yeah, what about the people who paid for themes (as Lum said)? They'd better appear somewhere or refund some points. I never paid for a theme, but I'm sure plenty of people did.

[Advocate]

I like the avatars and carrying them over into games. Also, I think the avatar implimentation is better than the Wii version. Since, Nintendo's refusal to intergrate the wbe with the system. SOOOO ... the 360 has a better chance of it being more awesome. Most people are seeing this as Microsofts answer to Nintendo, while true MS actually understands the net and I think the avatar thing is an idea that has actually YET to be explored fully.

Honestly, I don't have a 360. So me losing my themes is a no big deal. It does suck for the 360 vets though. I feel your pain there.

[Hunter]

I assume the themes will carry over into the new in-game guide.

[Advocate]

Heres a tid bit of info ...



You'll be able to keep your gamertag pics if you so choose, though they're encouraging everyone to transition to Avatars

http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/14/details-on-new-xbox-experience-avatars-netflix-primetime-et/

[Conjoshus]

Yeah.. I heard the current blade GUI will be the new in-game guide (as Hunter indicated).

[DarthArcturus]

so when does the "upgrade" actually come?

[jp]

In the Fall I think they were saying.


Dunno if I want to sign up for Netflix though. I still don't fully see the point in watching a movie with someone online. I didn't get it when Sony said they were going to do it and I don't get it now.

[The Skies]

So we can watch a romance together JP! And talk and laugh at the same time, and be all covered up in blankets and pretend we are next to each other. :x


Ahhh crap, is this suppose to go in the joking E3 thread to? lol.

[jp]

Na, you're OK.


But I'm keeping my distance for awhile. :chu:

[The Skies]

LIES! lol.

Pfft, fine then! :p

[Conjoshus]

Warner Brothers was going to do this with Harry Potter on HD-DVD (actually they did I guess). It's just another feature you don't have to take advantage of... but sometimes it might be a great tool. "This is the part I'm talking about!"

etc...