All over the world, Xbox 360 owners are switching on their machines to find a treat waiting for them: the fall Xbox 360 dashboard update , an overhaul designed for the imminent launch of Kinect .
At least, I think it’s a treat. My (very early) impressions are a mixed bag. While voice-chat quality is definitely much-improved, and menus load up noticeably quicker, I’m not yet sold on the sleek Apple-y look adopted for this version of the dashboard. I’ll probably get used to it.
Perhaps slightly more concerning are the menus, which have already frozen on me half a dozen times, forcing me to go back and try again (accessing my friends list is proving especially problematic). I suspect such kinks will be ironed out swiftly. Also of note: “xbox.com/support” is currently trending on Google – not exactly a great sign.
Still, let’s give Microsoft the benefit of the doubt here, because there’s a lot packed into this update. While it’s really intended as a red carpet for Kinect, it also allows 360 owners to watch ESPN on their Xboxes (U.S. only), or buy music from the Zune Marketplace. Nice .
More realistically proportioned Avatars, the aforementioned superior voice-chat, an in-dashboard keyboard, and comprehensive wireless network support are also part of the package.
[Via Major Nelson ]
