#3 - Allow Netflix Queue Management on the Xbox 360: One of the most exciting features announced for the NXE last year was the ability to stream Netflix movies on the Xbox 360. So far, the feature also seems to have taken off as one of the most well-received changes to the Xbox Dashboard. However, the main complaint of almost every user is that the queue for online streaming on the Xbox can only be managed on a PC. This is simply an annoying and tedious way of handling the Xbox 360’s queue system.
Proposed solution: Some sort of system that allows users to edit their queue on their consoles would be an extremely welcome addition to the system. This will prevent the frustration of having to run over to a PC every time a user wants a different set of viewing options. (EDIT: this feature has been announced however we want it in the NEXT dashboard update, timing of release is something that has not been revealed)
#4 - Offer Netflix Xbox Live Packages: The fact that an Xbox user is required to have both an Xbox Live and Netflix account to stream movies on their console seems like an inefficient way to handle the Microsoft/Netflix partnership. Xbox users that want to watch a movie every once in a while shouldn’t be forced to sign up for a completely separate service to take advantage of this capability.
Proposed solution: Why not offer different Xbox Live subscription plans that include the ability to stream Netflix? This way, Live users that don’t want to meddle with two different accounts with two different bills don’t have to. Imagine something like the current system of silver and gold Xbox Live accounts, except adding in options to have Netflix associated with those accounts that work exclusively for the online streaming service. This seems like an intelligent way for Microsoft and Netflix to expand their user base to those that simply want to be able to take advantage of streaming video on their Xbox without having to create a Netflix account.
#5 - Do Something Useful With The XNA Creators Club: This is a section of the NXE that allows independent developers to create games and place them up for sale on the Xbox Live Arcade Marketplace. Sounds cool, right? Well, the only problem with it is the fact that is buried deep within the menus of the NXE and only offers games that Microsoft doesn’t snatch up and publish itself (e.g. The Dishwasher). The end result here is that the ‘Community Games’ tab of the NXE has become a bit of a wasteland for games that no one really wants to play.
Proposed solution: If Microsoft could promote this section of the Dashboard better while also allowing the developers to remain independent, it seems like the XNA program would be received better, the ‘Community Games’ tab will be visited often, and sales would increase, thus inspiring more competition and raising the bar of quality of independent games on the Xbox 360.
Hopefully, one or more of these problems will be addressed in addition to whatever features and functionality Microsoft already has planned for their upcoming update, for the Xbox 360 Dashboard. Stay tuned for more information right here at PlanetXbox360.com as it drops.
