Going into E3 08 we all expected Microsoft to give us the standard Xbox 360 Dashboard update, but no one ever expected a complete design change like this.

During Microsoft’s press conference yesterday the screen displayed the bladed Dashboard that we all currently have. We soon saw as an alert prompted for a console update. The system was updated with a very fast installation, the system restarted, and there it was. This fall, no longer are the days of the bladed Dashboard as Microsoft has exchanged it for the new “experience” user interface. Instead of blades, you will now navigate each heading by flipping through cards.

The first new feature of the update shown was the use of a new avatar system which initially just looked like an upgraded version of the Mii. Your avatar can be updated and changed as you like with a variety of clothes, hair, and accessories to choose from. Afterwards, Microsoft unveiled the new Xbox Live Friends List. You will now see your friends list as their 3D avatars instead of a list of text.

The next feature shown at the press conference was a feature called “Live Party” which acts as a party system similar to many online multiplayer games out there. You can be grouped in a party of up to 8 friends which starts you off in an 8 way chat. The party shown at the press conference was a party of 4. They seamlessly went from chat to sharing photos with each other, to a new channel called Xbox Live Primetime. Primetime is a channel created through the partnership of Microsoft and Endemol to allow Xbox Live users to play game show games (such as 1 vs 100) with their Live Party as well as other Xbox Live users for the chance to win real prizes. Following this, the party then went to the new Games channel to play the new Uno Rush.

Another interesting feature is the use of Netflix. For those who are already Netflix members, you can rent movies to your Xbox 360 system for no extra charge. Announced with the Netflix movie rentals was the ability to form a Live Party and watch a movie at the same time as if you and your party members were to watch a movie in the same room.

We know this information may come as a disappointment to all of those out there who spent countless amounts of money on themes and gamerpictures, but in the long run this is a great new feature for the Xbox 360. I will miss my Canadian Spartan Halo gamerpic, but I welcome 8 way user chat with open arms.