' DesignInteract.com has an interesting look at the design of the Xbox 360 user interface '
Designing the interface for the next-gen console took 2 years of hard graft according to the article.
Russ Glaser is group user interface design manager at Microsoft, and it was his responsibility for the design of the user interface. Where the Xbox was simply for gaming, the Xbox 360 will act like a media hub where people will be able to store their photos, music and an other media files, so understandably a lot more thought and care had to go into the design.
' DemonWare provides a complete range of network tools for studios and publishers working on multiplayer titles '
DemonWare announced today that it is providing support for the Xbox 360 and multiplayer titles being released on the platform. Having worked closely with Microsoft for the last 6 months on the 360 dev-kits, DemonWare is the first network middleware company to offer a full next-gen solution to developers and publishers for networking and all technical aspects of online gameplay.
' Jason Dunn with Digital Media News and Views got some hands-on time with the Xbox 360 during a recent Windows Vista event on the Microsoft Campus '
He came away from the event with some interesting X360 tidbits:
- In some countries the console will come with a smallish remote for DVD playback, navigation and power.
- The graphics for Ghost Recon 3 are “jaw dropping.”
- The Xbox 360 sports a 20GB hard drive.
Go check out the full article for all of Dunn’s impressions and more details about Media Center connectivity with the next-gen console.
' It's become evident to the public what M$ plans on releaseing for the 360 accessories wise after they TOLD US at the Xbox Summit 05 '
They also spoke about what will be included with the Xbox at purchase.
Every 360 box WILL include:
- console
- 1 x wireless joypad
- 1 x headset
- 1 x Ethernet cable
- 1 x Harddrive
*NOTE: This is what is included in the ASIAN package, it is still unknown what they will release for the U.S and EU Packages.*
Along first party products are wireless controllers, additional headsets, faceplates for the unit and a selection of audio-visual cables (including a VGA cable for high definition PC monitors). There are also additional hard drives, a USB wireless adapter, and wired controllers for the console.
Bust out the wallet's guys.
Some information on the additional hard drive, the hard drives will be high capacity drives designed for people who want to make heavy use of the system's multimedia functions. FUnky eh?
No pricing or availability details for the accessories have yet been announced.
Microsoft Japan hosted today in Tokyo the eagerly awaited Xbox Summit 2005, an event that Xbox division head Yoshihiro Maruyama promised it will be a "product unveiling on the scale of E3."
It was expected that several Japanese publishers would confirm their Xbox 360 line-up while announcing new games and exclusive titles for the Xbox 360. We have already reported some exclusive games announced at the event but here's the complete game list.
The next appearance of the console in Asia will be at the Tokyo Game Show in September.
' During discussions with Xbox marketing head in the UK Stephen McGill last Thursday night, the subject of female gamers came up '
McGill stressed that Microsoft wanted to reach out to "the untapped market of female gamers" by designing games that are more female friendly and, critically, emphasising less of the marketing efforts on appealing to teenage boys.
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