XBOX 360 Fall 2007 Update Impressions

The XBOX 360 Fall 2007 Dashboard update was unleashed upon the world today and it is probably the best update ever for Microsoft’s box. I was very impressed with the changes made. Performing the update also reminded me how easy and relatively painless it is to update the console compared to a System Update on the PLAYSTATION 3. I guess if there is anyone who should be good at patching, it would be Microsoft.

Here were some of the key changes which I appreciated:

– Improved Dashboard performance
– Added DivX/Xvid support.
– Improved organization layout of most blades
– Friends of Friends

Full change log can be found here.

I never realized how slow the Dashboard was until I used the XMB on the PLAYSTATION 3, but with the Fall update it is easily on par. The initial load time appears to have increased slightly while the menus were populated, but that is a minor inconvenience. Now the Dashboard never screen tears either. On top of technical optimizations, a slew of sensible organizational layout tweaks were made. I love the new Marketplace organization.

First of all, kudos to Microsoft for getting DivX support in before Sony. I did doubt its arrival since there was no announcement of such a deal between DivX and Microsoft unlike with Sony and their press release. I tested the DivX support quickly with an episode of Bleach I had on DVD. To my disappointment, the top and bottoms were cut slightly and regardless of the aspect ratio settings, I could not get it to fit properly. I am sure it is not a widespread issue, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

I tried streaming video from my HP MediaVault, but despite both devices being DLNA compliant, I was not able to detect the Media Vault with my XBOX 360. This, I blame Microsoft for since the PLAYSTATION 3 is able to recognize it and its files with ease. I just wish DivX support will be implemented soon and it works well. TVersity, your days of use are numbered. Such a hassle at times.

I actually tried Friends of Friends and I can see how this would be useful.