dashboard

Logitech keyboard for Mac asks a lot, delivers a little

The Logitech diNovo Mac Edition Keyboard is meant to be a viable alternative for shoppers looking to replace the keyboard that comes with their Apple computers. As you'd expect, the layout is all Mac-centric, with shortcut keys for volume, eject, and screen brightness, as well as specific buttons that open OS apps like Dashboard, Spaces, Expose, and iTunes. The keyboard is easy to type on thanks to Logitech's PerfectStroke key design, and the overall design is nothing short of sexy, but we can't help but point out a few shortcomings.

Most importantly, the limited features just doesn'… Read more

Hands on with the new Xbox 360 dashboard

On November 19, Microsoft is rolling out its most ambitious Xbox 360 system update yet -- an entirely new dashboard that bears little resemblance to the series of panels users currently use to navigate the gaming console.

Dubbed "The New Xbox Experience," this ground-up overhaul of the system's front-end interface also introduces several new features--most notably an avatar system to represent users online and the addition of streaming video content from Netflix, similar to that offered by the Roku Netflix settop box.

Others have gone into great detail about all the design and functionality changes, so having lived with the new dashboard update for the past week, we'll instead present some initial impressions--the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The new dashboard divides content, settings, and functions into eight categories, each represented by a horizontal row of boxes. The new look is clean, easy to navigate, and aesthetically pleasing, although it all seems designed to push the maximum in Xbox marketing materials and advertising come-ons to the user. … Read more

Xbox Live ad hints at November relaunch

While nothing has been confirmed by Microsoft, a suspicious Xbox Live in-dash ad definitely points to November for the long-awaited dashboard relaunch. CNET sister site GameSpot reports that an ad for Rock Band 2 blatantly claims to "Check out the New Xbox Experience coming in November!"

We first learned details about the brand new Xbox Live dashboard at this summer's E3 2008 press conference, where it was also announced that the new interface would support personal avatars--think Nintendo Mii characters--and Netflix streaming capabilities. Other new features offered by the update will include the ability to completely install … Read more

Dashboard download for Mac: Organized

I have to admit that I don't use Apple's Dashboard widgets very often. Though I know there are several useful widgets available I think it might be that, in my business, I often search for a stand-alone solution to whatever the particular problem might be before thinking of Widgets. In other words, I think it's mostly just habit that I moved away from the Dashboard. But I came across an excellent free widget today that just might make me spend more time with widgets.

Organized, from iSlayer.com is a handy and elegant calendar widget which helps … Read more

Rumored Xbox 360 dashboard update to use motion control

With Sony releasing version 2.40 of the PlayStation 3 firmware today, it's no surprise that talk about a new Xbox 360 dashboard update has surfaced.

Aside from the normal list of technical updates, this rumored dashboard update will supposedly incorporate an entire new graphical user interface as well. Right now, reports point toward a sort of 3D experience, deviating from the current "blade" system. There's also talk that this alternative GUI will take advantage of some sort of motion-control device yet-to-be-announced by Microsoft.

Kotaku describes the new interface as a nod to the control scheme … Read more

The 404 133: Where we stay together for the kids

Sixteen of Wilson's illegitimate children ventured into the preshow, but don't worry--we kept it G-rated for the little Tangers. Check out the video courtesy of UltimateBuster for evidence of the wackiness. Once they leave, though, we revert back to our old selves and bring you another show filled with skally stories from around the Internets, including the upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update, Laser Speedos (no affiliation with Laser Cats), the overweight American workforce, and this country's obsession with nonfat half-caff triple-grande quarter-sweet sugar-free nonfat lactaid extra-hot extra-foamy caramel macchiatos. Episode 133 Download today's podcast

Xbox 360 fall dashboard update details revealed

Starting December 4, Xbox 360 owners will be able to download the latest dashboard update from Microsoft. While we announced earlier in the month that this update would allow users to download original Xbox titles, this update will also add various additional features to the console's interface. Since dashboard updates are only released bi-yearly, they are usually packed with a hefty amount of changes and this fall update is no different:

Xbox LIVE Arcade hits: Best-selling Xbox LIVE Arcade games like Marble Blast Ultra and Lumines LIVE will be available at permanently discounted prices. New video features: Support for full-screen video previews and, more importantly, support for the DivX video codec (version 5.0 and higher). Inside Xbox: A direct newsfeed from Microsoft outlining up-to-the-minute information regarding Xbox LIVE and the Marketplace. Enhanced parental controls: New features include a timer that can limit the amount of time a child can play per day or week.… Read more

Xbox 360 Fall dashboard update to add original Xbox downloads

Microsoft has announced that the next dashboard update for the Xbox 360 will add the ability to download original Xbox games to your hard drive. Sounds like owners of the 20GB may want to consider upgrading.

Starting December 4, Xbox 360 owners will have the option of shelling out 1,200 MS points (that's $15) for each game they'd like to download to their hard drive. As of right now, there's no word on the average size of these games so we're left wondering exactly how much space we're going to need to free up and whether or not buying these older games used is a better option (you can still find most of these games for under $15 used).

While there's no word yet of other enhancements the fall update will feature, you can see a list of the first round of games appearing on Microsoft's new service after the jump.… Read more

John Ralston podcast

While on tour with Vagrant Records labelmate Dashboard Confessional, John Ralston stopped by Studio C at CNET to share unplugged tracks from his latest album Sorry Vampire. He performed "Ghetto Tested," "Fragile" plus an exclusive bonus track--for all the Ralston-heads out there. Listen to tracks from the album here, and hear the podcast here.