Suggestions to get maximum benefits out of the latest Xbox 360

If you have acquired the latest gaming console, the Xbox 360 in this holiday season, you will find this article interesting as we will be providing you with certain suggestions that can allow you to derive maximum benefits out of it.

Xbox Live: For getting maximum offers from Xbox 360, it is necessary to create an account with Xbox Live, where a yearly subscription is priced at $59.99. Even though a bit high priced, it offers you the benefit of playing the game online and not just restricted to playing it locally. It also gives you access to its marketplace, apps, friends list and streaming, which all contributes to the great experience of online gaming. The Live Marketplace enables you to download additional content, games, trailers and demos.

Suggested Apps –

Sports, Movies and TV: If you prefer watching TV shows and movies, Hulu Plus and Netflix allow you to directly stream content to the Xbox. However, both these apps have to be paid for. When subscribed, both these apps can work on all computers apart from the Xbox. In November 2011, the dashboard of the Xbox has been overhauled to offer live streaming of TV programs. Though restricted in usage to limited cable providers as of now, it is expected to bring in a lot more in the immediate future. Sports lovers can stream everything on ESPN 3 to the Xbox 360.
Music: A variety of music related apps including the iHeartRadio is available and gives access to 150 live broadcasting stations. Last.fm helps by recommending artists and songs depending on previously heard music.
Dashboard personalization: Avatars on the Xbox has the provision for a huge amount of customization that allows the user to change the dashboard looks with customized themes.

Media Center: This facility turns the Xbox into a complete media center by allowing streaming of music, TV shows, music and the likes.

Kinect: This allows the fun of motion gaming in the Xbox. Entertaining games like the Just Dance 3 can be enjoyed if connected with Kinect.

Parental Controls: Blocking Live Access for children as well as setting up timers for keeping track of console usage is options that will help parents keep a check on the usage of the Xbox 360 as far as their children are concerned.