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Week of September 10, 2006
300000 XS Members Strong and Still Growing
>> I'd like to thank all the members and staff that continue to help this site grow and evolve. With over 300k members since 2001 we're quite proud of what we've accomplished as a community.
syaoran911 was the 300000th member to join us a few days ago.
Being a moderator on XS is a pretty thankless job so I'm going to now take the time to roll call the individuals that help keep this site running as well as it does...
Head Mod Staff: appleguru, Chancer, chefelf, gainpresence, geniusalz, heinrich, Iriez, JayDee, JbOnE, LepPpeR, lordvader129, Mr Ed, No_Remorse_666, oswald, twistedsymphony, Xombe
and..
'iCeCooL', >lys<, Alex548, Artifex, atomiX, awal, A_Snowman, barclayton, Blackbolt, BobMcGee, BoNg420, bucko, C o s m o, c-2, CattyKid, Colonel32, crewx, cybrpunk, d0wnlab, darth_turtur, Devenic, devz3ro, DOS4GW, DuDeR MaN, flattspott, Flexmaster Frag, forprog, friedgold, fujitech, G0t M4xx 21, gcskate27, Gcue, green_beetle, Hazanko, Hercules Q Einstein, HoRnEyDvL, hydraulix, hÿbrîdXΣr0, ILLusions0fGrander, ILTB, JBNinja99, Jezz_X, knepley, krayzie, lantus, Large Dopant white, lookformeb, mamajo, MonsterTy, mrRobinson, neo-dilly, PedrosPad, PID, pike, r0wdy, RiceCake, rmenhal, Rylinkus, SHiZNO, SICKdimension, Silentscream, SNICK!, Spency234, SpOoK, sulfur, swolsten, the joker, The unProfessional, The*galloping*zebra, TheMuffinMan, theperfekt001, Thraxen, TMaul, unleashx, VampX, VoxAngel, xboxexpert, XPort, Yuyu, ^Blazed^. (sorry if I missed any of your names guys.)
Without the dedication of these staffers XS would crumble into chaos. Keep up the great work guys. I'm proud to continue to work along these guys on the greatest Xbox site on the net.
For those keeping score: (at the moment I posted..)
300539 Members
3612645 Replies/Posts
532374 Topics
313 Forums
Recent averages of 180-300 new members per day, with 200-300 new topics daily and 1500-2000 new posts on an average day.
I'd also like to invite all of you to our sister site www.PS3Scene.com as we near the launch of Sony's newest console for all of your PS3 related news.
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(Saturday 16 September 2006 22:43 EST) - (Category: OffTopic) - (Posted by::
)
XBGM# v0.9.1.0_dev
>> KaYa released a new version of XBGM#(info) - a multi-OS game manager for Xbox using Avalaunch(info), UnleashX(info) and XboxMediaCenter(info) dashboard features:
[QUOTE]
New Dev release XBGM# 0.9.1.0_dev:
* XBGM# look a little more polished.
* Add support for dashboard like Avalaunch, XBMC and UnleashX.
* The top toolbar (shutdown/restart/launch) work with any dashboard.
* BOOST mode work with UnleashX (upper V0.36.0620A Build 499).
* Fix bug when sorting column Size.
* Add a Textmod version.
XBGM# have not been fully test, because i don't have any xbox for the moment. So i need you for testing.
This release is in debug mode, so redirect the output to a file, and send it to me please.
Since it is a development version, i am open to any change.
It compile and run on Ubuntu Dapper and MacOS X and Cygwin.
XBGM# cmdline need to build from source, more info here.
Update/Fix Debian package and Gentoo ebuild and Win32 setup.
Update HTML tutorial in Français and English to show all new fontionnality. Please Feedback.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://xbgm.sourceforge.net
Download: here
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(Saturday 16 September 2006 01:04 EST) - (Category: Xbox) - (Posted by::
)
Interview: Xbox's Aaron Greenberg by GameDaily Biz
>> From biz.gamedaily.com:
[QUOTE]
In this exclusive interview we chat with Aaron Greenberg, Group Marketing Manager for Xbox, about the PS3's revised launch numbers, holiday expectations for 360, HD DVD, Microsoft's continued struggles in Japan, the future of Xbox Live, and more. Dig in...
* BIZ: It seems that Europe always gets the shaft in these situations[PS3 delay]. Why do you think that is and how important do you think this delay will be in advancing Microsoft's Xbox 360 lead in Europe?
* AG: Europe remains a priority for us and that is why gamers have been able to experience Xbox 360 from day 1 and why we're confident we're going to have a great holiday, regardless of what competitors are or are not in the market. Xbox 360 will have more than 160 high-definition games including next generation exclusives like Viva Piñata from Rare, Gears of War from Epic, Pro Evolution Soccer 6 from Konami and FIFA 2007 from EA, a robust and continuously growing online gaming community in Xbox Live, fantastic entertainment capabilities, optional HD DVD movie playback capability and a great-value price.
* BIZ: When will MS announce an official price and date for the HD DVD player? Can you give us a hint at what the price range might be?
* AG: Right now there is a lot of excitement around our Xbox HD DVD Player and a lot of speculation. Unfortunately we can't go in to details today on the pricing and offer details. We can say it will be available well in time for holiday and that it will be the most affordable way for the millions of Xbox 360 owners to get into high definition DVD.
* BIZ: According to Enterbrain, only a little over 158K Xbox 360 units were sold in Japan through early September. Are you worried that the console is already dead over there? Is there any way to salvage the 360 in Japan?
* AG: We are not off to as strong a start in Japan as we are in North America and Europe, but that wasn't a surprise to us. Our focus is on building long term success in Japan and to do that around content.
In Japan, the thing that will win the hearts and minds of consumers is great games - and we have them. Japanese creators like Hironobu Sakaguchi, Yoshiki Okamoto and Tetsuya Mizuguchi; and leading publishers like Square Enix, Bandai and Namco are committed to Xbox 360 and are showing their support by bringing more amazing games to the Japanese market.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole interview (2 pages): biz.gamedaily.com
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(Friday 15 September 2006 23:00 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Super Mario War v1.7 RC1
>> A new Release Candidate of the homebrew game 'Super Mario War(info)' has been released.
What's new/fixed (since v1.7 Beta3):
* There are a lot of bug fixes and some new features with this release. When testing, please keep an eye out for bugs and report them to the forums.
* Your options.bin from previous releases will not be loaded for 1.7.0.3 so don't be surprised if all your settings are reset (sorry beta testers).
* Here are some areas that need to be tested closely:
-Down jumping on solid blocks
-Controls not responding
-Displayed skin names/hitting ready before game start
-Playlist forcing music on specific maps/backgrounds
-Random Skins
-Cached map images and filters for page switching and load time speed up
-Cleaned up AI class to allow for AI writters to create their own AI
Official Site: http://smw.72dpiarmy.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
New Team Xecuter Product: Blaster360
>> From Team Xecuter:
[QUOTE]
We are very happy to finally reveal our next exciting product for the Xbox 360 modding community. A couple of weeks ago we gave you a sneak peak at a device that allowed flashing your firmware without ever having to open up your Xbox 360 again. No soldering, no cutting of the case - just plug 'n' go. You only ever have to open up your case once. We don't need to tell you how many different firmwares have been released in the last few months and who knows how many more? No longer will you have to have your Xbox in pieces all the time, no longer will you have to take the Xbox apart every time you need to update new features and functions or essential bug fixes.
We have designed this to be as ergonomically sound as the Xbox 360 itself. Its functionally perfect and works so good that we believe all firmware modders will be using this as standard by the end of the year, it just makes life SO MUCH EASIER !
Imagine using this along with the X360 USB - Firmware modding has never been so simple !
Features:
* Once installed never iopen up the case again to update firmware
* No soldering, no cutting, no problem !
* 5 minute install
* Xbox Mode & PC Mode Switch
* Modeb Enabled for Hitachi
* Molex Power connector (no lugging around the 360 PSU)
* Superior quality design
* Ergonomically matched to the 360 case
* LED Glow feature (see video)
* LED Glow Off / Led Perm On / LED Off switch
As ever we have no lead time and no launch price yet - however we are targeting a release at the end of October.
On another note - X360USB Will be shipped to resellers on September 19th.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.team-xecuter.com
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(Friday 15 September 2006 11:53 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Gamexpert Xbox 360 Cooler King
>> Pinpoint Consumer Electronics will soon launch a new cooling device for the Xbox 360: the 'Gamexpert Xbox 360 Cooler King':
[QUOTE]
The Cooler King is the 3-in-one solution to cooling your XBox 360, connecting up to 4 media players at the same time and playing games with high definition sound and picture quality.
1. The internal fan cooling system reduces the operating temperature of the console - helping to prolong gaming sessions.
2. At the same time the Cooler King gives you the option to connect VGA, Component and S-VHS cables for high definition gaming, and optical output for digital surround sound.
3. You can also connect your MP3 player, digital camera and additional wired controllers through the USB hub multi-tap facility.
The Cooler King is easy to install - just plug into the XBox 360 and go! (Comes supplied with a scart lead for connection to standard definition TV).
Product Benefits Summary:
* 3 in 1 high definition, multi-tap and cooler
* VGA, Component and S-VHS connections
* Optical output for digital surround sound
* 4 USB hub multi tap for media players/wired controllers
* Internal cooling system prolongs play times
* Easy installation - plug in and go
* A/V scart cable supplied for standard definition TV connection
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: pinpointce.co.uk
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(Friday 15 September 2006 11:29 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
IGN First Look: Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel
>> The guys over at gear.ign.com had a first look at the Microsoft Wireless Racing Wheel for the Xbox 360 that will be released on November 1 packaged complete with a force-feedback version of Project Gotham Racing 3 for the retail price of $149.99:
[QUOTE]
IGN got our first hands-on with the wheel today. Unfortunately, we felt a bit like kids at the arcade who are out of quarters but sitting in a game and steering anyway, because they couldn't let us demo the wheel with a game or hooked up to the X360.
You have the option to rest the wheel in your lap or attach it to a table. The wheel itself is weighty enough not to feel flimsy, but not so heavy that it was uncomfortable in our laps. It is balanced enough, and wide enough that it didn't want to tip. Naturally, the wheel feels a lot more stable attached to the table. It cranks on to fit the table quickly and easily. The wheel has 270 degrees of motion and feels comfortable and solid. Considering that the Forza Motorsport 2 team has helped with the design we're looking forward to taking it for a spin with a real game (once Microsoft lets us have a few quarters).
[/QUOTE]
Go read the complete preview/review on gear.ign.com
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(Thursday 14 September 2006 23:02 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft: No Internal HD DVD Plans
>> From the GamerScoreBlog (Official blog of Microsoft's Games Global Marketing team):
[QUOTE]
Rumors of a built-in HD DVD sku are greatly exaggerated. We're proudly launching the HD DVD Player as an accessory this holiday. Turns out you want a say in how you spend your entertainment dollars. So who are we to burden every customer with the cost of expensive movie technology?
The Xbox way is to let you customize your high def and online experience.
* You see that in the selection of 160 high definition games we're offering this holiday
* You see that in the pricing of the games, which start at $5 for Arcade games and will soon include a Platinum Hits line
* You see that in the two Xbox Live offerings--Silver and Gold
* You see that in the family of more than 20 accessories
-Launch accessories included: Wireless Controller, faceplates, Play & Charge Kits, etc
-Holiday '06 Accessories: Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel, Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows, Xbox Live Vision Camera, Xbox 360 Wireless Headset, and Xbox 360 HD DVD Player
What about high definition entertainment? We have a broad entertainment strategy that gives you the freedom to personalize your experiences:
* Out of the box: Plays HD games, DVD movies, Mp3 music, and digital photos off devices and discs; Xbox 360 also serves as a media center extender
* Online: Xbox Live Marketplace is entertainment on demand. Already serving up game demos, music videos, and even full episodes of Battlestar Galactica, The Office, and Conan O'Brien. And this is just the first stage in what will become a much richer entertainment-on-demand play, including the rapid emergence of episodic games
* Optical: HD DVD is winning the early reviews. Don't believe us--just read the reviews. We're excited to share more details about the HD DVD Player soon
There are millions of ways to spend $600 on Xbox 360 this holiday. Do you want to buy an Xbox 360, Dead Rising, Gears of War, Viva Pinata, and the entire library of Arcade games? Splinter Cell, Madden, WWE Smackdown v Raw and the wireless headset? That's for you to decide. How would you spend $600 on Xbox 360 this holiday if you were just getting into the game?
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 14 September 2006 21:29 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
XB Stream v1.0 - RSS Feed Aggregator Software for Xbox 360
>> PG4 sent us some information about a new tool he just released that will allow you to stream text and audio feeds on your Xbox 360 (like the xbox-scene full news feeds for example ;)):
[QUOTE]
I'm emailing you today to share with you a piece of free software I have been working on for the past few months - XB Stream. XB Stream in a nutshell allows you to view XML (rss, rdf, xml, podcasts, blogcasts, itunes) based feeds on your Xbox 360. XB Stream also downloads audio feeds (blogcasts, podcasts) and builds them into playlists.
The software works on all versions of Windows XP (Home, Professional, Media Center) as well as with Windows Vista. To get started make sure you have Windows Media Connect or Windows Media Player 11 (or higher) installed/configured and download a copy of XB Stream.
XB Stream automatically will download text based content feeds and render them into images that can be viewed on your Xbox 360 (media > pictures > computer) blade. Text feeds support html formatting and images, and will break up large feeds onto multiple images/feeds for easy navigation on your Xbox 360 console.
XB Stream also will download audio feeds and create playlists which are fully supported on Xbox 360. To listen to playlists on your Xbox 360 (media > music > computer> blade. You can now play your Xbox 360 games and listen to podcasts and blogcats from the vast gaming community on the internet.
XB Stream is fully configurable, allowing you to add new xml based feeds, edit and delete feeds you no longer wish to subscribe to. Not only that you can also set the frequency of how often XB Stream should update and determine the max number of content feed items to store for each content feed. XB Stream will even manage your content feeds and delete older feeds, thus freeing up important disk space on your computer!
XB Stream brings the Xbox gaming community together by consolidating all of the important gaming websites into one area where gamers can listen to and read about Xbox news, reviews, gossip and become participants in the emerging blogging craze.
The software is completely free of charge and is available to anyone with an XBox 360 video game console, and a Windows XP/Vista computer.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xbstream.com
Download: here
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(Thursday 14 September 2006 19:57 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Nintendo confirms US and Japanese Wii launch details
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
The Nintendo Wii will launch in the US November 19th, priced just under US$ 250 (197 euros / GBP 133) and will come bundled with a copy of the game Wii Sports.
Japanese consumers will have to wait an extra two weeks for the launch on December 2nd, but the console will retail slightly cheaper, at 25,000 Yen (167 euros / GBP 113), without a copy of Wii Sports.
Japan will see 16 titles at launch and will range in price from 4800 Yen (32 euro / GBP 22) to 6800 Yen (46 euro / GBP 31). 25 titles are purported to be available at launch in the US, priced around US$ 50 (39 euro / GBP 27)
At a press event, Nintendo of Japan president Satoru Iwata also revealed the pricing structure for downloadable games via the WiiConnect24 service.
NES games will sell for 500 Yen (3 euro / GBP 2), SNES titles will cost 800 Yen (5 euro / GBP 4) and N64 games will retail for 1000 Yen (7 euro / GBP 5).
Nintendo is due to host a press event tomorrow in the UK, releasing full details of the Wii launch, including games available from day one and new titles for the European region.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamesindustry.biz
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(Thursday 14 September 2006 11:34 EST) - (Category: GamingGeneral) - (Posted by::
)
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2006-09-13 CVS T3CH build
>> T3CH released a new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in CVS at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.
XBMC is in a FEATUREFREEZE at the moment. If you want to report bugs, please do it the PROPER way, see here.
Added/Changed stuff since the September 08th T3CH release:
* added: Disable all logging through <loglevel>-1</loglevel>
* changed: Removed wraparound in Kai(info) lists (listcontrolex)
* changed: switch to standard memcpy/set since fast_memcpy/set is generally alot slower than standard xdk versions.
* changed: make xbmc log when a delete or rename fails
* changed: handle fribidi flipping in xbmc instead of mplayer for bidirectional subs
* changed: LCD Contrast adjustment is not supported by Xecuter3 Modchip
* changed: ttf fonts where went through unneded charset conversions if width was larger than screen. (also flipped multiple times in hebrew case, could solve the last char jumping issue)
* changed: force mplayer to use libavformat for decoding dvr-memms files, as it handles them better
For the full changelog since the 2006-09-08 T3CH CVS release click here.
Keep in mind this is a CVS snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) | Download SourceCode: here
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(Thursday 14 September 2006 00:22 EST) - (Category: Xbox) - (Posted by::
)
(Australia) Modchippers Under Fire with New Law
>> From cnet.com.au:
[QUOTE]
Users of modchipped videogame consoles could face fines of up to AU$6600 under new laws being put in place by the Australian Federal Government, a news alert from law firm Minter Ellison says. Those who distribute or offer modchipped devices could face fines of up to AU$60,500 and/or up to five years in jail.
The new laws, which are being put in place to comply with Australia's obligations under the Australia United States Free Trade Agreement (AUSFTA), will be in effect from 1 January 2007. A draft of the legislation was released for public comment earlier this week. According to the Minter Ellison statement, the "AUSFTA requires Australia to prohibit the use of devices and services to circumvent technological protection measures (TPM)".
Some exemptions to the law will be put in place, including for those doing computer security testing, law enforcement and library use.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: cnet.com.au
Thanks to Burbs and SparcMX for the news/link.
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(Thursday 14 September 2006 00:09 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft Sued over Xbox LIVE
>> From theinquirer.net:
[QUOTE]
Delaware plaintiff Paltalk Holdings Inc alleges Microsoft has breached its patents relating to methods and systems for communicating over networks.
It said in its filing this week that "multiplayer games conducted over wide area networks generally involve difficult technical issues" because all players need to see the same place at the same time.
Patent number 5,822,523 has been breached by Microsoft, Paltalk alleges. This patent is called "Server Group messaging for interactive applications".
[/QUOTE]
Read More: theinquirer.net
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(Wednesday 13 September 2006 23:11 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Digitimes new sources claiming Xbox 360 with built-in HD-DVD *Update*
>> This story has been going on for a while now already. So far Microsoft keeps denying it ... but digitimes.com has now more sources confirming Microsoft is working on an Xbox360 with build-in HD-DVD:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft has started designing a new-generation of Xbox 360's equipped with an internal HD-DVD drive and is selecting manufacturers in Taiwan to build the drive, according to sources in Taiwan's optical disc drive (ODD) industry.
If the process of selecting partner makers and subsequent certification goes smoothly, Microsoft may launch the Xbox 360 equipped with the built-in HD-DVD drive in the first half of 2007 at the soonest, the sources noted.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: digitimes.com
!UPDATE! Next-Gen.biz has a 'reaction' from Microsoft:
[QUOTE]
A Microsoft spokesperson offered the predictable response regarding the repeated internal HD-DVD rumors, "We do not comment on rumors and speculation." He also referred again to Menendez' aforementioned remarks.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 13 September 2006 10:59 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
ZsnexBox v2.91
>> Nes6502 released a new version of ZsnexBox(info), a port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator to Xbox on our forums with lots of new and fixed stuff!
What's new/fixed:
* Forgot to mention that I have made the Metroid skin the new default. I like it the best. However, you can easily change to the Zelda or Mario skin.
* The ROM path in the Path.ini works again
* Added the ability to move left/right in the GG/AR database to see the text that gets cut off. This is really only for non HD users because HD users can just extend the clipping window to see all the text.
Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 on forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Nyko Multi Reader 360 Taps The Multi-Functional Design Of The Xbox 360
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Nyko Technologies, a premier peripherals manufacturer, has shipped the Multi Reader 360 for the Xbox 360 to major retailers. The Multi Reader 360 enhances the capabilities of the Xbox 360 by giving gamers an easy way to listen to music, view photos and participate in group gaming sessions with one affordable device.
The compact Multi Reader 360 serves as a USB hub for the Xbox 360, giving users the ability to connect up to three USB enabled devices to the unit (cameras, MP3 players, iPod, PSP, etc.) simultaneously. The unit also features a "Multitap" functionality that allows up to 4 wired controllers to connect to the Xbox 360 simultaneously via the Multi Reader 360 for multiplayer gaming action. In addition, the product serves as a multi-format flash media reader for all the popular memory formats (Smart Media, Compact Flash, Memory Stick/Pro and Secure Digital) to view digital photos. The Multi Reader 360 gives owners a variety of ways to access media through their console, opening up additional Xbox 360 functionality. For example, users can insert music from their iPod into their favorite videogame or watch a photo slideshow from a digital camera while listening to their favorite songs, by implementing the Multi Reader 360.
The Multi Reader 360 features:
Three port USB hub lets users connect up to three USB enabled devices (cameras, iPod, PSP, etc.) to the Xbox 360, allowing for a variety of ways to listen to music and view photos on Microsoft's popular console Players can attach up to four wired controllers to the front of the Xbox 360, by using the "Multitap" functionality of the Multi Reader 360 Unit serves as a multi-format flash media reader recognizes all popular memory formats (Smart Media, Compact Flash, Memory Stick/Pro and Secure Digital)
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole press release here
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(Tuesday 12 September 2006 14:48 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
(USA) Save 50usd on an Xbox 360 at CompUSA
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(Tuesday 12 September 2006 12:37 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
ZsnexBox v2.9
>> Nes6502 released a new version of ZsnexBox(info), a port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator to Xbox on our forums with lots of new and fixed stuff!
[QUOTE]
There may be another "beta" release before the 3.0 version. There are still a lot of things left to add and the 3.0 version is only going to have additional cores added. However, I wanted people to be able to test the new features before adding new cores. So once I finish up all the additions I'm going to add, I'll likely release a version so people can test it. Once everything is solid, I'll start adding new cores. I would say the following represents 70% of what I'm going to add before multi-core.
What's New:
* Added the ability to delete files from the ROM browser. The files are not
actually deleted, but they are moved to the "ZsnexBox\garbage" directory.
* Added multiple screenshot support. It will cycle through only the screenshots found. There can be up to 8 different screenshots per game. The screenshots are saved to whatever the active screenshot slot is set to (1-8). The screenshots themselves go into the artwork\Shots 1, artwork\Shots 2, etc... folders. The Shots 1 folder is searched first, then Shots 2, and so on. If you want box art (or in game, title, cart, etc...) displayed first, then put all the box art previews in the Shots 1 folder. This logic applies to all the folders so the user can determine the order the previews are displayed simply by moving them to different directories. When auto screenshots are turned off, only the Shots 1 folder is displayed. In this mode, the right analog stick is used to cycle through available screenshots
(Right moves forward, Left moves back)
* Added option to enabled/disable automatic screenshot switching.
* Added option to set the screenshot preview switching speed.
* Added option to manually switch the screenshot preview with the right analog stick. Right moves to the next screenshot. Left moves to the previous screenshot.
* Complete new rom browser. The ROM browser now scrolls with the highlighted game in the middle
* Added analog scrolling with the Right/Left triggers for the ROM browser.
* Added the ability to page through the ROM list alphabetically (forwards and backwards). This is done with the D-Pad left and right.
* The ROM browser only displays games, directories, or "..."
* Added Game Genie Database with Analog scrolling for the game list and codes. This includes thousands of codes for hundreds of games. I have not tested them all, so I am sure some won't work.
* Added Pro Action Replay Database with Analog scrolling for the game list and codes. This includes thousands of codes for hundreds of games. I have not tested them all, so I am sure some won't work. Don't forget that some codes will require the "fix code option" (like many Final Fantasy 3 AR codes)
* ROM extensions can now be upper case or lower case. For example, SMW.zip and SMW.ZIP will both be displayed in the ROM browser. However, the "no extension" option in the ROM browser will not remove capitol extensions. This will likely be added in a later release.
* Added a favorites browser. Pressing the white button will add a game to the favorites list when in the ROM browser. Pressing the white button will remove a game from the favorites list when in the favorites browser.
* Set the volume sent to all 5 speakers to the max as the default. You'll likely want to lower the volume on your TV/Stereo if you have used ZsnexBox before because everything is louder now by default.
* Added support for SD Gundam Next games. The base cart must be named gnext.zip and put in the "base" directory.
* Added support for Sufami Turbo games. The base cart must be named stbios.zip and put in the "base" directory.
* Added Support for Same Game (J).zip expansions. The original (or a copy of) Same Game (J).zip must be named samegame.zip and put in the "base" directory.
* Added the ability to change the number of items displayed in the rombrowser (1- 25)
* Added the ability to change the vertical spacing between items in the rom browser so more items could fit if desired.
* Fixed problem with some AR + GG codes not working
* Added option to change the max analog scroll speed for the GG/AR database and ROM browser.
* Added exit emulation animation when clicking the right thumbstick (similar to FBAxxx(info) and xSnes9x(info))
* Added option to control the speed of the exit emulation animation
* Fixed the directory sorting problem in the ROM browser
* Fixed a bug where the zip file contents were not filtered on the display (no extension/extra characters/etc...).
* Fixed a bug where the wrong item was selected in the GUI options menu.
* Some code cleanup
* Faster screenshot loading
* Games now load even faster.
* Removed a lot of unnecessary code
* "Maybe" fixed the savestate creation/load bug some games (like DSP-1) had. I say "maybe" because every time I think I've fixed it, it just pops up again later.
* Fixed a bug where the cheat files were not created/loaded if the game was launched from the command line.
* Fixed some problems with the ROM browser display
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 on forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XCM 360 Controller Shells Black and White Series
>> Team Xtender will release new colors of the XCM Wireless Control Shells:
[QUOTE]
XCM 360 Wireless control pad shell Black & White series (Smooth Edition) will be available in these 2 week:
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxtender.com
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(Monday 11 September 2006 23:59 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
How an Idea Becomes a Feature
>> From Major Nelson (Microsoft's Xbox Live Director of Programming):
[QUOTE]
Last week, we asked for your suggestions on how to improve the Xbox 360 dashboard. As a result, I was trying to come up with a post to talk about how ideas can make it to features and why we can't just 'do it all.' It turns out, I don't have to do a post. Mike, who works on the Windows Mobile team, just made a post called 'I'm Just A Feature.' His post does a great job (much better then I could have) of explaining some of what it takes to get an idea as a feature into the Windows Mobile platform. While the Windows Mobile team is a different team, a lot of what he says is applicable to the Xbox 360, Xbox Live and software development in general.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: blogs.msdn.com
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(Monday 11 September 2006 19:23 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Watercooled Xbox 360 Laptop Mod
>> From benheck.com:
[QUOTE]
What a fitting news item for the 6 year anniversary of my site. Yes, it's been 6 whole years since the first incarnation of this site limped onto Geocities and shocked the world with a -gasp- portable Atari 2600. Shortly thereafter I was on the Gamespy network, then in 2004 I bought a domain of my own. It's been a fun ride and now, for your viewing pleasure, I present the Xbox 360 Laptop!
I guess I would say I don't "mod" systems so much as completely rebuild them. This is a perfect example as everything in the Xbox 360 has been taken apart and reassembled, with LCD screen, in laptop form inside a custom case. Here are the specs:
1) Uses a 17" wide (diagonal) 1280x720 progressive-scan LCD VGA monitor (for HD-level resolutions) Thus you can actually read the text in Dead Rising.
2) Water-cooled with custom-built radiator. Allows for a slimmer main body versus the mammoth heat sinks in a stock 360.
3) Built-in keyboard and Wi-Fi.
4) USB hub allows original number of 3 USB ports for user.
5) All-aluminum case, except for plastic keyboard / ring of light / screen control area.
6) Uses single customized "expanded" power supply brick for both screen and Xbox 360.
7) Breakout ports on back allow hookup to component TV, VGA monitor, sound system (analog or TOSlink) and even crummy composite video.
8) Size: 16.75" x 10.75" x 2.8" Weight: 14 pounds (with water loaded)
Originally I didn't think this project would be so tricky but I was quite wrong, it became the most monstrously difficult one since I've been into this "portablization" thing. Oh well. At least now I know how to build it.
Click on the links below to read the whole step-by-step story for the creation of this unit (good way to waste a lunch hour) or click "Photos" to simply see, well, more photos of the thing. Enjoy!
* XBox 360 Laptop "Making Of" Story
* Xbox 360 Laptop Finished Product Photos Page Includes videos and a full-resolution photo pack.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: benheck.com
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(Monday 11 September 2006 00:43 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Backup Creator v2 Build 0100
>> Redline99 released a new tool that will allow you to easily dump, create/patch and burn Xbox and Xbox 360 images with full support for SS, DMI and PFI using Xbox/Xbox360 drives with an (C4E/OPA) Xtreme SS-extracting FW or with the SH-D162C PC-drive using Kreon's latest alternative FW.
[QUOTE]
Xbox Backup Creator v2.0 Build:0100 by Redline99
Well after months of development, a complete rewrite, lots of lost sleep, way more money than I ever expected and so many bugs I lost count of them all, I present to you, Xbox Backup Creator. The All-In-One solution to your backup needs (provided you do it my way and your hardware is compatible).
XBC for short, sorry Xbox Connect people. I tried to come up with something else. :-)
I fully expect that not every burner out there will be supported. I will do my best to add support for them if I can figure out the problem. It has been hard to diagnose these kinds of issues without having the hardware to test on! A supported list of writers would be nice to compile in the future.
Hardware Requirements:
* Processor: Something within the last 3 years should be fine. I use a P4 3GHz with 1GB Ram
Ram: The application currently used a 20MB write buffer, shouldn't be a problem on current machines.
Drives:
A DVD+R Double Layer burner that supports a Buffer Underrun Technology.
PC DVD Samsung SH-D162C with Kreons modified firmware (PC DVD Drive) (Pre Version .80 of Kreon's Samsung SH-D162C doesn't completely support the Security Sector extraction, but the application will detect the capability when it is available)
Xbox 360 Samsung TS-H943A with Xtreme compatible firmware, v1, v2 or v3.
Xbox 360 Hitachi GDR-3120L with Xtreme compatible firmware with OPA v2.1 (Currently, the Hitachi GRD-3120L is not capable of viewing the game partition without a hardcoded firmware patch. Hopefully someone will create proper support for unlocking)
Xbox One Samsung SDG-605B with Xtreme 605b0800.bin firmware to dump the SS. (This drive is for making backups that run on the Xbox One)
OS Requirements:
* Windows NT platform with NTFS file system (because file sizes are 4+ GB)
* Windows XP SP2 is preferred, Vista has not been tested.
If there is enough interest I may support Win9x by way of creating file sets within FAT32 limits. An ASPI driver will also be required. (ASPI already supported)
Application Use:
It should be pretty straight forward. Read your disk then write it to a blank DVD+R DL.
Since this application is not multi-threaded, please do not disturb it while writing.
After inserting a disk it may take a few seconds for it to be recognized.
Supported Backup Images:
Xtreme style disk images version 1-3. wxRipper(info) support may be added at a later date.
The application will only build version 3 style images. I don't see the need to add the complication of the version 1,2 types. This is because the data is outside the readable LBA range to the Xbox and the older firmwares will just not use the extra DMI and PFI sectors. The Security Sector is in the same position across versions.
Xbox Versions:
* Xbox 360: Xbox 360 disks and Xbox One disks!
* Xbox One: Xbox One disks! (not fully tested, but should work)
Support:
I will do my best to keep current and add requested features, feel free to contact me with ideas, compatibility issues or bug reports. I ask of you to please not use the forums to talk about your adventures in pirating. Specifically the forums at www.xboxhacker.net and www.xbox-scene.com. My personal belief is that making a backup of property you purchased is within your rights. Of course not everyone shares this opinion and you should use common sense and do not distribute or download backup disk images. You can view Microsoft's statement on piracy at the link www.microsoft.com/piracy/default.mspx
Known Issues:
* Writing probably doesn't support all burners
* Sometimes it will not write at the selected writing speed
* May have display issues with some locale settings
Installation:
This application requires the Visual Basic 6 sp6 runtimes, included if you need them. There is also a dependency on MSCOMCTL.OCX, included in the setup package. Hopefully you can just run the exe! Use the Setup Package if you need it.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by Redline99 on forums.xbox-scene.com/xboxhacker.net
Download: here (normal installer package) | here (alternate installer package(MSI))
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(Sunday 10 September 2006 01:43 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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