Sony extends Xross Media Bar UI to Vaio FW laptops
Sony really likes the Xross Media Bar. So much, in fact, that the PS3-like interface has appeared in its Bravia LCD TVs for some time, and now it's putting that same interface theme in its new Vaio FW laptops. The Vaio Media+ software uses the same left/right, up/down scrolling UI to help extend its "digital living room" all the way to your, um, lap. This all makes sense, and we welcome a consolidated UI theme, but this means, of course, that Sony is pretty much locked into this theme for some time, and we won't be seeing any major interface changed to the PS3 like we have on the Xbox 360 Dash, for better or worse.

















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
retro77 @ Jul 17th 2008 11:09PM
-1 but I am sure I'm not the first to......
Seth @ Jul 17th 2008 11:11PM
Congratulations! Just for being first poster you receive...
THIS GIFT CARD TO BE AN EPIC FAIL FOR A DAY! Yeah!
Congratulations, and thanks for playing!
meatwad64 @ Jul 17th 2008 11:12PM
I think the XMB is a good interface and the X360 is only re-doing the interface because it is too hard to add more content to the blade UI.
SINNN @ Jul 17th 2008 11:13PM
You think.............
JohnTitor @ Jul 17th 2008 11:55PM
now all they need is XMB on the Cybershot, Handycam, Walkman, LocationFree, Ericsson, and Blu Ray players
the icons on LocationFree and Walkman are actually close to an XMB look, and LocationFree on the PSP almost has its own XMB
Ace b @ Jul 18th 2008 1:03AM
@John
Actually the new cybershots have been using a variation of the xmb ever since the w-80's came out.Not sure about the new one's,but i dont see why they would take it out when it works pretty well in the first place.
nDee @ Jul 18th 2008 4:06AM
Fortunately Sony doesn't make elevators, else we'll have XMB on them.
In other word, the xmb on cybershot is kind of useless if you've tried one of them
un_peacekeeper @ Jul 18th 2008 5:09AM
@JohnTitor
There is actually already XMB on SonyEricsson phones already. I think it started with the K800i if I am not mistaken.
Jettic @ Jul 18th 2008 5:33AM
Honestly people, since when was it bad to make a good easy to use interface and stick with it? I'd like to buy a camera or laptop and think, "Oh cool this interface looks like my PS3, or PSP, cool, I know how to use it."
Microsoft has been using basically the same GUI since Windows 95' and it works, anyone can walk up to a PC and start using it because it's a familiar UI, your just looking for something to bitch about, grow up.
meatwad64 @ Jul 17th 2008 11:13PM
great first post...
SINNN @ Jul 17th 2008 11:11PM
thank you... I really try with alot of emotion from the boottom of my heart.
SimbaDogg @ Jul 18th 2008 12:45AM
its "a lot", not "alot"
you really are a dummy
Dan @ Jul 18th 2008 5:00AM
Since we're being picky - there's an apostrophe in it's.
thmstec @ Jul 17th 2008 11:20PM
I would say this is a WIN. I like the XMB
Andir3.0 @ Jul 18th 2008 12:17AM
Same here. Though, it makes me wonder ever since I saw it. Couldn't a personal PC OS be setup the same way. You would likely use a touch screen to navigate instead of a mouse. I'd totally be into that. Just need to convince Sony it's time to announce the Linux based Operating System called LinuXMB/XMBnix.
iofthestorm @ Jul 18th 2008 1:07AM
Isn't the Windows Media Center UI basically the same thing, but rotated? The categories go vertically and you scroll left and right to select items.
chris @ Jul 17th 2008 11:24PM
I actually like the Sony look.. simple, quick and to the point.. i hate over the top, over produced, get in the way UIs.... Sony has the little wave thing in the background.. very calming, very modern.. love this.
C
tekdroid @ Jul 17th 2008 11:25PM
I like it 'cause:
1) It shows multiple items at once making quick glances and quick movements to what you want easy (shows where you've been and where you're going, in other words)
2) Move left and right for main categories. Move up and down for subcategories. Done.
Do we really need 'innovation' here?
starchild @ Jul 17th 2008 11:29PM
Loves it!
Peter @ Jul 17th 2008 11:35PM
The comment system should automatically give low rankings to people posting First! and I enjoy the XMB on my PS3
hrt @ Jul 17th 2008 11:43PM
"So much, in fact, that the PS3-like interface"
This interface or XMB was first used on the PSP, not the PS3. This is certainly one of the best UIs I have EVER used, and sometimes I find myself just going, WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE through the menus listening to the sounds. :P I was surprised and impressed that that Sony Included it in the PS3, and I'm having a similar reaction to this and the Bravia implementation, keep it up Sony!
Azagar @ Jul 18th 2008 9:26AM
Actually the first use of the XMB was in Sony's failed attempt at Tivo+Ps2, The PSX
davecrob1293 @ Jul 18th 2008 12:10AM
actually it was on the psx first =)
Jettic @ Jul 18th 2008 5:38AM
Yea, it was used on the PSX, it's the system that was more of a multimedia system, but could play PS2 games, think of it as a PS2/PS3 hybrid.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSX_(DVR)
That was the first system that the Xross Media Bar was used on, not the PSP.
hp540 @ Jul 17th 2008 11:46PM
Why has the quality of comments on Engadget taken such a dive in recent weeks?
There used to be a lot of intelligent and often humorous comments, but now I'm noticing it's infested with a bunch of 12 year old retards who have nothing better to do than write "First" or "Second".
Andir3.0 @ Jul 18th 2008 12:20AM
That's just not Engadget, but my personal feeling is that Engadget is bringing it upon themselves (and us) by posting some of these horribly bias and honestly flamebait articles to get hits/ad revenue. [The little quips, "CEOh no he didn't" and other nonsense stuff.]
YetiJames @ Jul 18th 2008 5:57AM
Ahhh gone are the days or moderators ? I can understand there being so many posts to go through but its not hard to get a few trustworthy people on board is it ?
cmdwedge @ Jul 17th 2008 11:49PM
What I like about the Xross Media Bar:
- it's easy to use, and easy on the eye
What I hate about the Xross Media Bar:
- the way it's been spelled by Sony. How on earth do I pronouce Xross? bleh!
tekdroid @ Jul 17th 2008 11:51PM
exactly.
The branding is bad.
In fact the fact it is branded is odd to me :)
X820 @ Jul 17th 2008 11:53PM
Cross(X) Media Bar
Bob Sintas @ Jul 18th 2008 12:44AM
If X = Cross, then that would mean it should be pronounced Crossross.
X820 @ Jul 18th 2008 1:33AM
It's XMB or Cross Media Bar, it's not Xross Media Bar. Don't trust Wikipedia on this one.
superaktieboy @ Jul 18th 2008 4:57AM
yeah it is Xross Media Bar, and i found it odd at first too, but then i got used to it, so i was owell who cares :P
tyler @ Jul 18th 2008 9:37AM
Google is everyone's friend:
http://au.playstation.com/support/ps3/guide/crossmediabar_index.jhtml
Cross Media Bar (XMB). K? Case closed.
Solracarevir @ Jul 17th 2008 11:56PM
Dude, epic fail, the Cross Media Bar (XMB) Was not used for the firs time on the PSP, It made it's first appearance on the PSX on 2003, a device Sony Debuted only on Japan, SO, please do a little research before giving "Facts."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSX_(DVR)
andres @ Jul 18th 2008 12:34AM
this is a blog
sofasleeper @ Jul 18th 2008 2:16AM
yeah, epic...
Joel Stephen @ Jul 18th 2008 12:02AM
I love this UI honestly I wish Sony had used this instead of the panel interface on the xperia continuity is key for a brand in the tech word it makes all your products seem more inviting and familiar and most of all easier to use
ck @ Jul 19th 2008 6:31AM
WTB: punctuation. Thanks.
Ninjakamster (PS360 FTW!) @ Jul 18th 2008 12:31AM
Could Sony also extend this UI to their other notebooks, especially the Z and TZ series? Please?
scott @ Jul 18th 2008 12:44AM
there will probably be a 3rd party port for it (like having the WiiBrowser on the computer)
Cunthor @ Jul 18th 2008 4:15AM
SZ as well (for us that have old stuff :) )
yui @ Jul 18th 2008 12:40AM
The XMB totally have no problem and I love it so much.
In fact ppl can customize and make your own icons / background. Though I have no time to do so, I do enjoy downloading new themes for my PSP / PS3. Hope Cybershot / SonyEricsson phones have XMB too (with quick UI response, please)
NightBlade @ Jul 18th 2008 4:43AM
But SE phones DO have a variation of the XMB. It's called the "Media menu".
5thMeridian @ Jul 18th 2008 12:56AM
I like the XMB because it looks classy and it works well. The 360s blade interface looked like it was designed for 12 year olds. The new Dashboard looks like it was made for 12 year olds who draw shitty pictures of dinosaurs while their parents tell them how great they are.
... which is pretty much the audience the wii is designed for.
(fap on fanboys)
Abuzar Baloach @ Jul 18th 2008 1:13AM
YEAH WELL, why dont you make it better?
daliminator2000 @ Jul 18th 2008 1:21AM
This seems like the same concept as the "twist" interface Microsoft implemented in their Zunes - I wonder if they got some "inspiration" from Sony?
Kspraydad @ Jul 18th 2008 9:31AM
Are you purposely being an ftard?
Andrew @ Jul 18th 2008 1:24AM
So could I download and install this on my current laptop, or is it exclusive to new Sony Vaios?
sofasleeper @ Jul 18th 2008 2:23AM
The XMB (and divx support) is the main reason the PS3 is in my living room, and the wii and 360 are in 'play' rooms. It is quick, elegant, and simple.