NXE Thoughts
I was fortunate enough to get into the 3rd round of NXE invites. You know, the one right before they let everyone in that signed up into the program. While I haven’t had much time with the NXE, I’ve been using it for the past five days. Overall, I love the NXE, but I do have a few thoughts (five, one for each day I’ve been using it.)
1) Netflix streaming drops to low quality after watching an episode in high quality - When I initially launch the Netflix app and select an HD show (say, Heroes), I’m able to stream at the highest quality. After I finish the episode, or if I cut out of the episode and switch to something else, the following item that I watch on Netflix will basically crap out on me. It will determine that my video quality is too low for streaming and basically stutter its way through. The resolution? Exiting and re-entering the Netflix app sometimes does the trick. Other times, I have to restart my Xbox entirely. I have a 10Mb connection and this occurs even when there is no other bandwidth usage on my network.
2) Pop-up blade-styled dashboard isn’t as fast as I hoped - I can’t really hold this against MIcrosoft. When you hit the guide button on your controller, the revised blade interface makes its retouched appearance. I was hoping that it would be a bit snappier, but overall the experience is much quicker than the previous interface.
3) NXE avatar clothes coming in theme packs - While we have yet to see these in the marketplace yet, hopefully Microsoft won’t rip us off too badly in its attempt to monetise the avatars. The built-in avatar clothes selection leaves quite a lot left to be desired (still better than the pick-your-favorite-color shirt of the Miis). As cool as it would be to wear a Halo 4-themed shirt (or maybe even Master Chief armor!!!!11), I don’t know if I am willing to pay $0.99 (or more or less) for each outfit. I’m guessing we’ll see some come packaged with limited editions of certain games or as a preorder bonus. Hopefully companies will just release these for free to build hype for their game.
4) Issue with voice-chatting with old dashboard users - It shouldn’t be a problem considering everyone should be upgraded to the NXE when they sign on to Xbox Live today, but while I had the NXE and others had the old dashboard, private chat was impossible. The person’s voice would speed up then cut out and speed up and then cut out again (think Alvin the chipmunk if he was asthmatic). Perhaps a new, more efficient codec was used to allow for the party chat coming in to the NXE. Either way, it didn’t affect in-game chat and won’t be an issue with the general release of the NXE.
5) Viewing friends in the NXE is inefficient - Every friend is located in their “home” where you can see their avatar and what game they are playing (complete with box art.) While cool the first few times, you’ll definitely be using the old blade-style pop-up (by hitting the guide button) to view your friends list. It’s not that I hate the new style, it’s just a little slower to do things I’m used to doing.
Now hurry up and get Primetime ready, Microsoft!