Xbox 360 to get major GUI overhaul

THE XBOX 360 dashboard has been looking slightly lacklustre compared to the Playstation's slick XMB implementation, and Microsoft has finally realised the 360 needed an updated GUI.

However, no-one expected the upgrade to be as drastic as the screen-shots shown at E3 today.

The significant update will be available within months and aside from the major dashboard redesign, the most other notable feature will be the ability to create and personalise Wii-esque Mii avatars.

John Schappert, who must have one of the largest titles ever: Corporate Vice President of Live, Software and Services for the Interactive Entertainment Business, unveiled the new GUI - displaying video, game , primetime, community and my Xbox channels replacing the current blade options.

Haircuts and face designs will be customisable, as well as shirts and trousers - we can hardly wait. Updated 'trends' will be available for download. No doubt the odd micro-transaction will play some part in the future.

Instead of a list of friends, players will have a 'Community' in which to create a 'Party' of up to eight other people to connect and chat to.

Also to be added in this update is 'Xbox Live Primetime', which will allow Xbox 360 owners to 'star in their own game shows' through a partnership with Endemol, the company behind Big Brother.

Microsoft has said that users competing in the games will be able to win 'real prizes'.

Microsoft also announced apartnership with Netflix, for further video-rental downloads, but we're unsure at this time if this will ever come to the UK.

For a variety of shots taken at E3 check out photos from here, or here. µ