XBOX 360 Mii
I worked at Microsoft for a year before starting up my company Mirai.
I was disappointed at how Microsoft chose a strategy of "waiting to see what the competition does."
They never wanted to innovate due to the "risk involved" but are willing to copy if they see a competitor doing well with a new product.
When I was there, they even had a job title "beat google" - how embarassing > http://gizbuzz.co.uk/2006/microsoft-beat-google-job/
Now they come out with Mii's...
Hijacked from Chuck - his original text below.
Just saw some of the Microsoft keynote speech that just went on at the 2008 E3 convention. Looks as if the new dashboard coming in the fall is going to mimic the Nintendo Wii a bit with your own avatar. Are any of you excited about this new dashboard or are you like me and like the current one? Granted, some of the other features do look good though.
News thanks to Engadget.
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security/3d graphic artist
http://www.kennethleishman.com/
don't and will never own an sexbox 360.. GO PS3!
security/3d graphic artist
http://www.kennethleishman.com/
(enter microsoft product) = Epic Fail!
College Undergraduate
lmao! denial! the ps3 is running the "dreamcast" course and you all know it!
ToA Student
http://sora.wakarimasenlol.com/
Agreed, PS3 > Sexbox anyday. :3
Student, Gamer, Part-time EFSF Pilot
Agreed, but say that on any game site/forum and you'll probably start a flame war... Goddamn fanboism...
full time student, 60% of the time.
http://www.games.dcu.ie
ladies and gentlemen, the fanboys have entered the building.
Pre-U Student
http://wakuwakusuru.zeroclipse.net
LOL. I thought 360 is a failed/defective product cuz the 360=3ROD
full time student, 60% of the time.
http://www.games.dcu.ie
fanboys are the worst of the worst, it's just a console not a religion guys.
Make-Shift Graphic Designer / Bum
Ah... XBOX and their MII TOOO approach
http://shadowascendant.wordpress.com/
They had to screw up now. After the FFXIII news, I was hoping microsoft wasn't so bloody greedy or stupid. I don't like the current dashboard that much but having a Wii like one is just as bad.
http://www.americajin.com/
I actually like the avatar thing copied from the Wii - but I wish it didnt almost look exactly like a Mii.
Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
http://meimi132.wordpress.com/
Ewwwwww it reminds me of Vista.... INSTANT FAIL
Pre-U Student
http://wakuwakusuru.zeroclipse.net
Yes Vista = FAIL. Waiting for the release of Windows 7 and crosses fingers that it will be an improvement.
http://girlg33k.blogspot.com/
It's clear they're imitating the Wii, here, especially since they're already making games where you can use the avatars. I like the interface the way it is now. I'm not sure how adding all this extra stuff is supposed to make it "easier" or "simpler" like they said it will. They're clearly trying to bring more casual gamers in, but I honestly don't think many of the hard core users will care.
Graphic Designer
i guess they had to do the wii avatar thingy : im just happy i got all the 3 consoles so ill get all the guddys
Student / gamer
i despise this new menu...what's gonna happen to the gamerpics and themes i've paid for? i want my money back...
Anime Store Owner, artist, Web master
http://www.chucksanimeshrine.com
Oh crap...good point. I just payed for the Kiddy Grade Anime Theme just recently ^ ^;;
http://girlg33k.blogspot.com/
Oh ouch. Yeah I hadn't even thought about that but that's a good point. Maybe you can opt to keep the old interface? Similar to how you can make WinXP look like Win98? I can see how this fact will annoy a lot of users. Those themes and what not aren't exactly cheap.
Graphic Designer
OMG good paint i paid for some to O_O
3D artist
http://andyh.cgsociety.org
I like the dashboard as it is. Id just like it to be a little quicker and more responsive. I dont really approve of them copying the wii with the simplistic menus, the rumoured motion controller, and those avatars. They should stay as they are. The xbox doesnt need to copy anything off its rivals.
aspiring to become a doujin and graphics artist cum lawyer
http://aki7.bottled-wish.info
motion controller? DAMN HELL NO.
I mean, the ps3's a tad too light but very responsive and the wii's getting an improvement. But at least their controllers are more ergonomic :/
I had to chuck out the controller after being unable to beat DoA for a straight hour due to its mega clunkiness...finesse please, finesse and I'll reconsider that D:
360 is fine the way it is. PS3 has been crushed as far as most of the western world is concern now that FFXIII (and DMC 3 a while ago) is no longer PS3 exclusive. And they aren't going to steal any fans of the Wii by doing something like that.
Pre-U Student
http://wakuwakusuru.zeroclipse.net
The Japanese version of FF13 is still PS3 exclsuive and if I'm not mistaken, FFvs13 is still PS3 exclusive too. But the FF13 for the 360 will be more of a ported version as it will only be released much later after the PS3 version since they have just started development on it for the 360.
Network Admin
They did a pretty good job of innovating Xbox Live though. Everyone else is either not bothering or playing catch up. The avatars are an interesting update but I'm not sure how I am going to like them. Though concept of an avatar is nothing new or revolutionary in the computer/gaming world.
Ronin - Looking for #1
http://unit-1978.deviantart.com/
If you dont import games, the only game worth anything right now is Metal Gear Solid. There will soon be more, but nothing worth while in my opinion. I play my 360 and besides Metal Gear Solid, will wait for the next decent game on PS3.
Worker
http://wbd.deviantart.com/
The Three-Six-Miis aren't terrible, but I wonder what cool things could have been developed had Microsoft really turned their developers loose. They've got a lot of talent at Microsoft, and I'd like to see some of that output unconstrained.
Video Game Retail
http://thinkingtoilet.blogspot.com
i second that opinion
Spartan
http://www.ryobase.com
This is some of my reasons why i hate Xbox360. they're better just copies other...(｀д´)
Anime Store Owner, artist, Web master
http://www.chucksanimeshrine.com
omg...beat google?! Ouch, Microsoft really doesn't want to innovate. Sounds like my current job that I'll hopefully retire from in September to run my company full time. Also...should I change my user name to just "Chuck G." instead of my full name? lol ^^;
Closet Otaku
I personally don't really want Mii for the 360, I love Mii on my Wii because I think it fits the whole Nintendo image. That said you have to admit that 360 is moving fast with the Avatar to actually incorporate avatars into various games and the Live Party system. Yes, they are copying from Sony's Home idea but if MS manage to beat Sony and Nintendo in their own game then what's the problem with that. Just my 2 cents...
MS pilot
blah...i hate copy-cats!!
do not want! ps3 ftw!
http://girlg33k.blogspot.com/
FYI: They said you can keep your pictures and themes, but they haven't shown how they'll integrate into the new interface. Just that they will...somewhere.
Anime Store Owner, artist, Web master
http://www.chucksanimeshrine.com
nice... then I could keep my Kiddy Grade Theme ^_^
Student
http://kairu90.wordpress.com/
I am watching this on TV this very second and a bit disgusted. I mean it is almost as if they are tempted to blurt out it is a Mii.
So stupid *sigh*
Student Engineer
http://www.tgwnetohh.blogspot.com/
yep, and hearing it not only from a trusted person but someone who worked there, I would be inclined to believe that Micrsoft is watching the market, then releasing their own spin on things. She definitely ain't no Wii.
.NET/Web Developer
http://scrumptious.animeblogger.net
I don't really hate the xbox 360. It's just that it costs too much for me to get one and just RROD on me.
As for this dashboard update...i don't like it. I prefer the current dashboard they have.
http://www.americajin.com/
I have to disagree that MS always copies stuff... lets remember Xbox Live. They did it, and now all the others are trying to get up to speed with their online system. Thanks to Bungee they attacked the FPS segment - a notoriously hardcore gamer segment - and made it a mass market genre, where before it was relegated to relatively smaller PC niches.
I agree, not all they do is original... but I do respect their gaming division... even if they gave us such games such as Shadowrun...
http://pseudospace.blogspot.com/
How I wished M$ would add more new functionality to the x360 than just new looks. Customizing your own avatar is so old. Ever since the last major dashboard update, a small voice inside me keeps screaming, "Just f**king give us mkv + ac3 video playback already!!!". Sadly, I doubt it will ever happen...
2nd year Civil Engineering Student
http://soonkiong.blogspot.com
Oh my, this is one serious case of plagiarism! I'm getting a PS3 now for sure.
Well strange enough the 360 is the best console right now for JRPG's, so it's on my shopping list for sure.
Service desk support
http://lookingglass.kokidokom.net
Never thought i'd say this but I think I find the XMB easier to navigate than this 360 dashboard. It loads up faster too!
But it is bad that the avatar system looks like a wholesale rip-off of the mii system. At least sony is trying something different with their avatar system and home.
But then I shoulnd;t be surprised. Remember scene it? that blatant rip off of buzz for the PS? This iss just another notch.
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
http://xspblog.com
I'm gonna go against the crowd here and remind that several great innovations came from Microsoft.
They also have very interesting projects going on... one of them gave birth to Microsoft Surface, and they also have projects for alternative keyboards, touchless touchscreens, and several other stuff.
I know Microsoft isn't as innovative or thinking ahead like other companies... they do have a very conservative way of doing things, and risk less than they should.
But let's not make this a bashing session ok? I'm not a Microsoft fanboy, I hate Vista, I didn't buy an XBox 360 because of RROD, but I just don't like this one sided bad mouthing.
Copying stuff like Miis isn't very nice, but Microsoft is not the only one doing things like that.
Google just made a copy of Second Life, for instance. And just now I was reading about a new Sony laptop that has "Macbook style keyboard" according to the writer, when in fact, it's the exact opposite. Sony designed a keyboard like that first.
UOIT student
i remember hearing the desktop interface that is known as windows was made by xerox who didn't think to cash in on it. or something along those lines.
Student and full-time otaku
Pff, lame.ass. Can't make anything good themselves huh?
Student
http://anime.tedfox.com/
i don't think adding avatars was anything but a mere afterthought after nintendo miis.
i think microsoft implemented the avatar system to keep users for longer periods of time at the dashboard. ya know, so that they can throw a few ads here and there... kinda like home...
come to think of it, microsoft was also ripped off in terms of their achievement system with sony's trophy system. What i am trying to say is, it's a free competitive world out there. unless they specifically patented the darn thing, i say all three are free to copy from each other's books as they see fit.
http://orange.exofire.net
I don't see why they even added those avatars. They look ridiculously stupid in my opinion. It's as if the XBox is being turned into a kiddie box. While we're at it, what's the point of these avatars anyways? I use a console to play games. That's about it. Who needs an avatar to customize? I think a picture's good enough (kind of like any online forum :D).
Hikikomori in the making
http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/
The avatars can move, isn't that awesome?
LOL like we care...
College Student
The interface looks a lot like the one in the Zune.
>"When I was there, they even had a job title "beat google" - how embarassing"
I remember hearing from someone who worked there earlier that during the 90s, the mission statement was "beat Netscape"--it seemed to work out for them well enough.
Whats with all the xbox hating?! A true video game fan would look beyond marketing techniques, business strategies, and an overhaul of some UI interface. I mean its all about the games folks. I believe you would find there to be fantastic titles on all the consoles out there. But if you want to be childish and side with a video game system, like its a sports team then go ahead.
Service desk support
http://lookingglass.kokidokom.net
Not everyone is simply bashing xbox, in fact most aren't. The thread is more about lamenting over, not only the lack of original Ideas from M$ but also lack of original implementation. People would be far less grieved if they did at least something different from where the original idea came from instead of simply lifting it up wholesale.
Also, what do the avatars add in terms of user experience. The avatars won't do anything for older games which the gamercards don't already do. Some new titles may take advantage of it but beyond throwing-them-into-games-like-random-ornaments-or sometimes-playable-characters (just like miis) but even that is still copying direct from the source.
UOIT student
and relating to the issue at hand (avartars), sony's Home thing didn't exactly copy the Mii though the thought of it was likely to counter Mii. but it was different enough to be considered its own thing and a good rival to Mii.
though on the other hand, 6-axis does seem like a last minute copy off of wii's innovation..but that's another topic
full time student, 60% of the time.
http://www.games.dcu.ie
XBox 360 is awesome as it is, dont see why Microsoft are so intent on copying others, especially the Wii because the 360 has a completely different market, dunno if 360 onwers will even be interested in avatars, I know I'm not.
Mechanical Engineering student
http://sabekujikaneda.multiply.com/
Isn't business risky all the time? Microsoft shouldn't be afraid to take the lead.
I don't own an XBox 360 but I am planning to buy one just because for one game... ACE COMBAT 6! I wanna play that game so bad!!!
But I want a PS3 more than a XBox 360. I mean PS3 has MGS4 and the new set of Final Fantasy games! O_o
UOIT student
i don't remember mgs4 but i know the ff games are double console now.. xbox has it and was confirmed.
Ronin - Looking for #1
http://unit-1978.deviantart.com/
all you people worried about this stuff. All your seeing is demos and tech specs on things. Why dont you wait for the final product before you assume all these downfalls. I think the fan boys are already in here and dont even realize it.
McMaster Mechanical Engineering & Management II
http://www.virtualinfusion.net/
Yes, I was going to say the same. It's almost as if they are under the pretense of being fanboy's unknowingly. At the least, I see this thread riddled with PS3 fanboy's, as well as the few Nintendo ones.
student
The avatar are just Mii's, but taller. Not very impressive. Sony and Nintendo most use this time to build up their units and steam roll their way to the top!!
The 360 dashboard looks *mhe*.Can't say I like; can't say I hate it, but it looks to simple.
McMaster Mechanical Engineering & Management II
http://www.virtualinfusion.net/
The complexity of the old dashboard was time consuming, and didn't get to the point straight enough. Though it seems simple, it has a sense of elegance that the old dashboard didn't have. You're right though, it could be a bit better. AS for the Wii, steamrolling is far off, as their title line up is still less then impressive.
The PS3 may (and probably will) take the head of this console generation, I mean, it may just be a repeat of last generation, where sony goes to the top, with microsoft behind them and nintendo back a couple notches. In my personal opinion, the one notable system nintendo has going is the DS, as the wii seems to be barren for the notable gamer, despite the financial "success" (and I emphasis success as the wii remains a gimmick in my eyes).
aspiring to become a doujin and graphics artist cum lawyer
http://aki7.bottled-wish.info
ah~ Microsoft's desperate? hmm.... billy and the company in a creative crisis or money crisis?
Polytechnic Junior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer In-training.
http://thehangerbay.wordpress.com/
The only reason I'm on a Xbox 360 (it's an Elite, so no pesky 3ROD) is because of the Halo series. Otherwise, I would have probably spent my money on the PS3 as well (and gotten OGs and OGG T_T).
full time student, 60% of the time.
http://www.games.dcu.ie
On the xbox 360 myself simply because there's better exclusives imo, but that said I'll probably get a PS3 in a year or so, then I can pick up Killzone 2 and Metal Gear 4 at the same time :)
Student
As much as I like the 360 (which I don't even have), I'm not really digging the whole avatar idea...
I like the current dashboard! This new one doesn't look too good...
I love the 360 but, come on microsoft, get your own bloody ideas.
http://www.stefkov.com/
Nintendo create the innovations and the other companies build on their ideas. The Miis ere new and fresh, I loved them at first then the limited options let me down. It looks like Microsoft are building on the Mii, having more of a likeness to yourself and have more options of clothes and such, which is just basically pulling from the PS HOME. I love all 3 of the consoles, PS3 not so much, there's bugger all on there I want and what I've played (Ratchet and Clank) was fun but I wont ever play again.
The old Blade System on the 360 was brilliant, I really don't see how it was hard to use. You hade a blade for each of the functions of the system; Your place to chat with mates etc, your games and history, media on the system, the settings and finally a blade for downloads. How all that was daunting and complicated really baffles me. The new design will probably grow on me though. I like sleek looks.
Its like a Playstation Home character had sex with a Nintendo Mii character.
Student/Part-timer
http://random-euphoria.blogspot.com/
Its just a blatant copy. PS home to an extent ripped nintendo off, and now comes along the big M and just merges both ideas.
Whats even more blatant is their game called "lips" singstar anyone?
Student
http://www.tecurious.com
I personally don't mind that they're copying. Sure, it's not their idea, and I'd rather them try something new themselves, but I won't complain about a new/better interface...
I chuckled when I watched the Nintendo conference and they talked about ideas becoming old, etc, once imitated, and they had a little smirk on their face as they said it, and the audience chuckled a bit.
future president(hopefully)
U suck Xbox! yay wii and ps3! man microsoft is not creative at all! I heard rumors that microft is going to copy wii-mote a friend of mine showed me a picture it looks exactly like wii-mote only with different buttons... no wonder ps3 and wii are winning
ehmm. . ..
Man the new dashboard design is horrible, the current one is waaay better, seriously that miis copies looks silly.
student
http://coolanime-music.blogspot.com/
i realy don't like the mii avatar ,n i think it's ugly too ~_~"
better using anime picture for my avatar lol
Programmer Trainee
http://jointsareokay.blogspot.com
The ironic thing about Microsoft is that they were technically the ones that started the trend of monopolizing softwares which is why they are so popular today.
Now they just suck and are almost total copycats.
Tsk.
...I think I feel pathetic because am trying to find a job there.
west virginia janitor
http://yahoo.com
I think Microsoft is jealous of Nintendo because Nintendo gives people what they want. I mean come on, Nintendo was the first to invent a hand held game system. They then went on to produce the Gamecube, the WII which uses small discs for the games which by the way, holds lots of information for a disc so small, the gameboy player that allows the best of 2 gaming on one console. Nintendo has always took chances over the years that have really paid off. I'm not knocking the XBOX 360 or Playstation 3, but Microsoft created the defective XBOX 360 that keeps giving us the RED RING OF DEATH. Microsoft is responsible for that. There have been a lot of people who have experienced (even me) that defect in the system. One guy I heard about went through 5 systems because of the defect and Microsoft decides to put it's product on the shelves without fully testing it. Oh sure, the XBOX 360 has some of the most eye-boggling and very stunning visuals in their games but when a defect continues, it's a little hard playing the games when it constantly defects. I don't think Microsoft wants to try something on their own, that's why they wait to see what's popular and then they piggy back that.