Changes Coming to X-Box Live

When X-Box users log into their X-Box Live accounts on November 19, they’ll notice some changes.   On that Wednesday, Microsoft

is launching a new X-Box Live 3-D interface.

The new interface will include customizable animated avatars, similar to the Mii characters on the Nintendo Wii; an iPod-type display style that lets you flip through pages of content as you would sort through album covers; and instant viewing of movie rental downloads from Netflix.

“We’re completely reinventing the service so it’s easy to use and social,” says Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten. “The old user experience was static and it could change a little bit, but it was pretty limited. This, on the other hand, is really a social media entertainment hub, and that is a huge change.”

Microsoft is making the move before the holiday season in an attempt to get a leg-up on its competition, the Nintendo Wii.  Earlier this year, Microsoft dropped the price point of the X-Box to $199 for a unit without a hard drive.  An entry level Wii currently retails for $249.

In addition, the software giant is looking to lower prices on some games to entice new users and buyers.