NXE is here!

After much anticipation over the past several months,  it is finally here.  I officially updated my Xbox 360 to the New Xbox Experience dashboard at 6:45am this morning.  I had little time to play around with it before heading to work but was able to create my avatar and click through the main channels.   The avatar creation process was very straightforward and I was able to create an online representative I am happy with.  Netflix integration, certainly one of the most exciting new features, was not working when I tried.  I got an error message that communication could not be made with the Microsoft servers.  I can only assume this is either due to the large number of updates the server was working through or that it was too early in the day.  Speaking of Netflix, I read an article yesterday that Sony pictures will not make their content available for the 360.  Representatives from Microsoft seemed confident that they would come to a deal but there was no timeline given.  I am really looking forward to sitting down and really digging into the new features.  I really hope it doesn’t disappoint.

Traveling with Technology

I have been on the road/in the air quite a bit in the past week and have made a few observations about traveling with a variety of technology tools (computer, cell phone, ipod, etc.).  

• The first thing I noticed is the availability of WiFi in airports.  Each airport I have been in this year has offered WiFi but it hasn’t always been free.  Chicago Midway and Detroit both offer services from Boingo.  While $7.95/day is not much, it isn’t an economical option for the traveler who is on a short layover and just wants to check email.  I much prefer the system that the Vegas airport uses; free ad based service.  I don’t care about looking at a few ads as long as I can get a quick look at my email and the latest poll results.   
• Second, many airports need to bump up their power access!  It can be like pulling teeth trying to find a place to plug in a laptop or charge a phone.  The best setup I have seen has been in Chicago (I think it is Southwest handy work too).  At the gates, they provide a nice row of leather seats with standard and USB power for each.  It is VERY nice and gave me the option to charge all of my electronics. 
• Third, I think it is about time that airplanes come standard with power outlets at each seat.  While on a fairly long 4 hour flight last week, my iPod crapped out on my while I was watching a video podcast.  To charge it I had to load up my computer and plug in.  There is already little room in these planes and pulling out my computer just to charge my iPod isn’t really appealing. 
• Last, I have read a few articles about airlines testing WiFi offerings on their planes.  I am ALL for this.  There is no better way to use the down time in a plane than catching up on email or reading the latest news.  I hope this will become standard on all planes in the near future!