New Xbox Experience to launch on November 19th

After a series of rumours, Microsoft has announced that its latest and by largest alteration to the Xbox 360 dashboard will go live on November 19th. Microsoft describes it as "fun, social and simple to use - and puts more entertainment at [your] fingertips than any other device connected to the TV *cough* PS3 *cough*". Okay, we may have enhanced the truth there a little bit. New Xbox Experience does more than simply giving a bit of spit and polish to the Xbox 360 dashboard though. The new avatar system takes careful aim at Nintendo's Miis, and a new Friends channel will allow you to hook up with your seven of your Xbox 360 pals and have a virtual party on screen. Woo. Although Miis are cute in the setting of a Nintendo Wii, the Xbox used to be the home of the hardcore gamer and we suspect that the avatar system will be shunned by many self respecting gamers. However, it not will not only be enhancing Microsoft's assault on the casual market - it could prove to be a very ... (link)