I saw an article from E3 (on Gamespot of course) about the changes that Microsoft plan to do with its 360 interface. http://uk.gamespot.com/features/6194093/index.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=multimodule&tag=multimodule;picks;title;1

Part of the article explains how they want to add a community channel onto xbox live to help make socializing easier. But the problem i find with avatars on games consoles (im using 360 as an example but referring to the PS3 and Wii also) is that they all look boring. yeah i can change the colour of the guys hair, slip on some red trainers and a pair of shades but its nothing special.

I was looking at buying Age of Conan (this does get back to the point) and customization is a main part of this game, but i want to make a character that looks mean as hell, i want someone who's name floating above his head makes 14 year old kids playing on the server run to their parents. I want every part of his body to be cover with tattoos and skulls of creatures he has killed. Im not going to make a short guy, with a beer belly who sits at a computer screen (although im sure they don't have computers in Age of Conan so i wont need to worry on that front) my point of course being; if you have the option to make a character... why make it look like yourself.

Here is my idea: Why doesn't Microsoft make customization similar to games available. Not to the extent of choosing between every 360 game, but those that a user plays. Like achievements, un-lockable customizations would be a fresh concept. Ill use myself as an example; i play Gears of War a lot, imagine that completing the game unlocks part of the armor or weapon for your 'avatar', as well as sitting in a mustang from Grid. This would also be an awesome way to visual show what games/achievements you have.

What are your thoughts on this?

Greenpeace must be running out of ideas. An article from the BBC news website describes how Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo are not doing enough to eliminate potentially harmful chemicals and metals from their games consoles.

I have pasted the most key sections from the article below:

Greenpeace said that while all three machines complied with European laws, the consoles still contained harmful materials that "needed to be replaced".

A Nintendo spokesman told BBC News: "We fully comply with all the necessary EU Directives on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances aimed at environmental protection and consumer health and safety.

The report found that the PS3 and 360 both contained "very high" levels of chemicals, called phthalates, which are used to "soften" flexible materials like wires and cable coatings. They are not permitted in toys sold in Europe but under EU regulations games consoles are not classed as toys. Ms Al-Hajj said: "We see a gap there. For us this is still a toy.

The presence of beryllium was found in both the PS3 and Xbox 360. The element is not banned under EU law but it has been linked to lung cancer when dust and fumes are created through some recycling processes. Greenpeace said it was concerned that there was no "safe way" to dispose of old consoles and called on games console makers to introduce return and recycle policies.

"But why are we finding them in such high percentages in a console? This is a tool used by children in our homes.

Well im confused. Firstly none of the companies have broken any EU regulations. Secondly, These chemicals are used in mobile phones, yet it seems it only becomes a problem when the product is being used by 'kids'. Thirdly, It states that it becomes a problem when recycling, and that they believe there is no 'safe way' to recycle, yet in the next section there worried about the effect in the house on the children... how many children do you know that can recycle a games console in their own home? Surely they just need better ways to recycle.

Obviously, i wrote this article knowing which side to well..... side with, so can understand if people think its biased. Please comment on how you feel about this subject.