We all acknowledge the evolution of the Xbox 360’s dashboard. Whether we like the new changes, the old changes, or wish it had stayed the same from the beginning, we all need to understand that changes were made for business reasons and we can’t go back. Thankfully, however, we can go forward.
The next generation Xbox console will certainly use consumer feedback from these last few years as groundwork for their new dashboard. Rather than focusing on what the Dashboard does have and making small, insignificant changes, Microsoft needs to focus on including useful applications, creating branded entertainment, evolving social media, and offering services never before seen.
The success of mobile, tablet, and smart phone gaming has caused a surge in apps because of their simplicity. Microsoft owns the rights to their Outlook email program, so why not customize it for the next Xbox? We’ve seen a small indication of that with the newly implemented “beacon system,” but it’s far from ideal. In fact, some may say it’s more of a nuisance than anything. Outlook, on the other hand, comes with a built-in calendar function, perfect for arranging tournaments, MLG practices, or simply setting up a game time. Microsoft could easily implement a version of Outlook for Xbox that gives users the ability to send invitations to multiple users that gives brief, detailed descriptions. For example:
Who: VideoGameWriters.com
What: Call of Duty Black Ops 2 Tournament
When: November 13, 2012 – 9pm EST
To increase customization, users could even set a reminder notification up to 24 hours in advance. Imagine a pop-up or a message while watching Netflix, “REMINDER: Call of Duty Black Ops 2 Tournament, November 13th, 9pm EST.” It’s a simple addition that could change the social aspect of gaming and, with the new Call of Duty Elite service, is a change that would be used by millions.
The Weather Channel
Microsoft has also made the indication that they’re trying to make their consoles more appealing to the non-gamers. Microsoft has tried to create a complete entertainment experience with limited success, but without more options aimed at the wants and needs of non-gaming consumers, the next Xbox won’t carry the appeal Microsoft wants. Implementing something as simple as The Weather Channel, while not groundbreaking, would add that extra appeal. By accessing the main page of the user’s dashboard, information would be available for their particular area. To add a touch of importance for gamers, games may eventually be designed to have weather effects based on the user’s own implementation of this Weather Channel app, similar to what NCAA Football has done in the past.
Social networking can’t be ignored, regardless of how hard you may try. Twitter and Facebook aren’t likely to go away anytime soon, and for gamers, Raptr’s success can’t be denied. Why not an implementation of them all? Instead of fighting the inevitable wave of users who utilize these services, create an amalgam that gives gamers a place to share achievements, status updates, and more. This isn’t to replace the other social media apps, but something directly targeted to Xbox users in order to allow them to be more social – a direct reason behind multiplayer gaming.
ESPN 3 is already streaming on the Xbox 360. Why then, haven’t they implemented other facets of their service, targeted directly at the Xbox user? This experience could start with fantasy sports. Let’s be honest, fantasy sports are enormous and ESPN already has their own fantasy servers and leagues that people can sign-up for. And while Madden has a fantasy football feature that integrates with ESPN.com, not everyone buys Madden every year — though the sales figures may argue against that. Having the option to run a fantasy league draft in an Xbox Live Party with people from all over the world is a luxury that I’m surprised we’ve yet to see.
For Microsoft to expect consumers to think of the Xbox as an entertainment hub, rather than a game system with “other stuff,” they need to implement television. This can be done a number of ways, from original programming to licensed, live sitcoms or movies.
Reality TV is popular and it’s only a matter of time before someone creates an intriguing, entertaining reality television show directed at gamers. Twitch.TV does a nice job of offering professional tournaments and user-run programming, but something directly produced by Microsoft and run weekly for Xbox Live gold members would be widely watched.
Finally, À la carte television is a thing of the future. As soon as cable companies admit that their current business model is failing and something new needs to be offered, you’ll see a surge in subscriptions. If Microsoft pioneered this idea for the next Xbox, it alone could drive Xbox sales to millions of non-gamers looking for a way to cut cable costs, but keep the programming they love. And sure, Xbox offers television services, but only services that still cater to the current business model that cable companies have adhered to for decades.
Xbox Live Platinum?
It’s unreasonable to expect these changes at no cost, of course. Microsoft will need to pay for these options and, even more important, figure out how to create a profit – that’s business. Whether subscription costs are implemented or another, higher version of Xbox Live is created, users need to understand that by getting more, they will be asked to pay more. But if Microsoft can focus on giving consumers options at affordable prices, the next Xbox may just change our entire entertainment experience.
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