Microsoft NXE is online now!

Today's the day!

Microsoft has officially released the New Xbox Experience across Xbox Live worldwide. As soon as you turn on your Xbox, you'll be prompted to accept the update, assuming you're all hooked up to the interweb. As long as the Microsoft servers can take the heat, your download should only take a couple of minutes and you'll be ready to explore the new dashboard.

"The future of home entertainment is Xbox 360 - it's on demand, it's high definition, it's always social, it's all in one place," said Xbox Vice President Don Mattrick. "With the New Xbox Experience we will reach the next generation of Xbox owners, 25 million and beyond. We are at a watershed moment, backed by the largest entertainment brands, with an incredible line up of entertainment unmatched in any industry."

So what's on offer? Well, you'll be treated to a guide of the completely new interface, customizable avatars and the ability to install games directly onto your hard disk to eradicate load times. Check out the NetFlix database while you're there for an impressive list of downloadable movies and TV shows. Go and check it out, and tell us what you think about it!

To celebrate the launch of the new dashboard Microsoft wil be giving away 1,000,000 MS points to be split between a number of Xbox Live members. The catch? You'll need to download NXE, register your gamertag by downloading the NXE Download & Win Gamer Picture and download a piece of premium content from Marketplace. Many of you will be doing this anyway, what with all the movies, TV shows, Arcade games, Xbox originals and DLC made available.

One lucky winner will walk away with 500,000 points (£4250), five winners will pick up 50,000 points (£425) each, ten will be gifted 10,000 points (£85) each, and thirty runners up will pick up 5,000 points (£42.50) for their troubles.

Good Luck!