Xbox’s New Focus On Media

On the night of December 6th, Xbox released a new Dashboard update to the public with a fresh new interface and a plethora of new features. I’ve been able to spend a lot of time with the new additions, and I can say that the update is brilliant. But it seems as though they’re just getting started.

Everything in the update is tied together with Microsoft’s “Metro” interface that they’re making an effort to put in every operating system they’re creating, noting that it’s also found in Windows 8 and Windows Phone 7. It’s made up of grids of tiles that display big, contextual pictures and icons of what you want to navigate to. It’s fast, straightforward, and though I don’t own a Kinect myself, probably fantastic for controller-less navigation. That seems to be one of the biggest concerns here: a greater, widespread use of Kinect’s capabilities. Every element and feature is now able to be navigated to without having to pick up a controller, though you still can if you’d like.

Xbox is pushing their motion and voice-controlled system to the point that you may think about getting one, just because it’s nicer to navigate with, compared to using a controller. I borrowed a Kinect for a short period of time this past summer, and I’m confident that Xbox bringing a consistent system-wide interface will change the thoughts about it being just for gimmicky, sweat-worthy games.

In fact, your current TV service could potentially be controlled with your hands as well, considering the addition of new partnerships with live television providers. I’ve been using my Xbox as an AT&T U-Verse set top box for a while now, as they’ve been partnered with each other for more than a year. But now U-Verse, Verizon’s FiOS, and more are also taking a look at Xbox’s technology and will be tweaking their interfaces accordingly for both Kinect and controllers. Currently, the interface for U-Verse looks like any other box in the house, but soon, according to AT&T, it’ll be completely revamped and more confluent with the rest of Metro.

But the new content doesn’t stop there, as services including— but not near limited to— iHeartRadio, YouTube, and HBO GO are adding more of a new dimension to what Xbox can do. Most apps are still rolling out, and will continue to do so through the beginning of 2012, but there’s no doubt that more and more sources of what we love will hop on the bandwagon long through the 360’s lifespan. It’s overall quickly becoming apparently that Xbox is not only trying to compete in the video game market, but also with companies like Roku, Google TV, and Boxee.

This step seems extremely logical in the big picture; Microsoft already has their boxes in millions of homes and has now upgraded them compete in other markets. Why wouldn’t they? They had already been edging towards a full media-consumption box for your living room, but now with sections of the dashboard completely devoted to it, it’s a powerhouse that not too many other devices can currently rival.

The update also includes cloud storage for game saves, Beacons, and Xbox Companion for WP7 users.

Hopefully in the future, Microsoft will continue to accept more partnerships and also open up its App Marketplace to developers. But until then, anyone with an Xbox should be delighted with the new refresh. It’s slick, quick, stylish, and functional. The only thing you might not like is that new Netflix app. Just try to tough that one out long enough to navigate to Mad Men.