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Week of November 13, 2005
JoyStiq: No Heat Concerns, Fan Noise, Video Controls Lacking
>> JoyStiq received their press Xbox 360 (retail and debug kit) and posted lots of comments, info and reviews already. Here's some interesting info:
[QUOTE]
* Several readers have asked us if there have been any heat issues with the Xbox 360. We've had the unit on constantly for the last 30 hours, and so far have noticed no overheating issues. The jimongous power supply that ships with the unit is huge in part because it actually contains a fan inside of it. It's hard to quantify the temperature without a thermometer, but we can say that it's certainly no warmer than a typical electronic device.
The Xbox 360 unit itself is a little PC, and puts out a fair amount of warmth, though isn't alarmingly hot to the touch at any spot.
* Here's how the Xbox 360 ranks in terms of noise output versus the other fan-cooled devices in the apartment.
1. Old, clunky refrigerator
2. Xbox 360
3. PlayStation 2 (fat version, not slim-line)
4. Panasonic PT-AE700U projector
5. GameCube
6. Xbox 360 power supply
... see rest of list.
* For the video trailers already loaded onto the 360 hard drive (as well as the ones downloaded earlier), all you get are play, pause, and stop functions. DVD/MPEG-2 videos fare a little better, as some advanced controls were unlocked--such as chapter skip, zoom, and subtitles.
We'd still like to see other common DVD functions, though, like step and any level of fast-forward, slow-mo, or rewind implemented in the movie and music functions of the 360.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: joystiq[heat], joystiq[noise], joystiq[video], joystiq[more reports...].
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Getting All 1,700 Parts of the Xbox 360 to Market
Spike TV Game Awards Winners
>> From xbox360.1up.com:
[QUOTE]
The taping for the Spike TV Video Game Awards was held in Unversal City last night and we were on hand to report back the results. Surprisingly, the show wasn't half bad -- in fact, it was by far the best VGA show yet.
* GAME OF THE YEAR: Resident Evil 4 (Capcom)
* BEST ACTION GAME: God of War (Sony Computer Entertainment America)
* BEST INDIVIDUAL SPORTS GAME: Tony Hawk's American Wasteland (Activision, Inc.)
* BEST TEAM SPORTS GAME: Madden NFL 06 (Electronic Arts)
* CYBER VIXEN OF THE YEAR: Maria Menounos as Eva in James Bond 007: From Russia With Love (Electronic Arts)
* BEST GAME BASED ON A MOVIE: Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie (Ubisoft)
* BEST ORIGINAL SCORE: We Love Katamari(TM) (Namco Hometek Inc.)
* PONTIAC BEST DRIVING GAME AWARD (Viewer's Choice): Burnout Revenge (Electronic Arts)
* MOST ADDICTIVE GAME FUELED BY DEW (Viewer's Choice): World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)
* BEST FIGHTING GAME: EA Sports Fight Night Round 2 (Electronic Arts)
* BEST FIRST PERSON ACTION: F.E.A.R. (Vivendi Universal Games)
* BEST MILITARY GAME: Call of Duty 2 (Activision, Inc.)
* BEST GRAPHICS: Resident Evil 4 (Capcom)
* BEST MULTI-PLAYER GAME: World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)
* BEST RPG: World of Warcraft (Blizzard Entertainment)
* BEST BREAKTHROUGH TECHNOLOGY: Sony PSP (Sony Computer Entertainment America)
[/QUOTE]
To see all awards, check xbox360.1up.com.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Fighter Update from Team AfterShock
>> Team AfterShock posted an update about 'Fighter', a homebrew fighting game (style: Street Fighter 2/EX) currently in development:
[QUOTE]
Well it has been a very long time since we have had an update (or worked on the game for that matter). So for the few who have still kept an eye on this game, here is basically where we stand.
Last night I implemented the basic foundation for sound. It is good, what can I say - audio makes a big difference.
I also did some little 'end of match' code that has the camera zoom in on the winner, I'm not sure if I like it and I am currently debating with myself wether to keep it or go with the traditional 2D style that doesnt zoom in.
The rest of the game has actually all been 'completed' and the work I will be doing now is about tweaking it, improving its playability, and extending the scope of what can be created; which ultimately will decide how good the game is in the end (ie the variety of characters/moves).
Sooo yes this is not vaporware and is still being worked on. (I will be working on it each night after work). New screenshots of some cool characters to come soon.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://aftershock.xbox-scene.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Asia cashes in on Xbox 360 success
>> From computing.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
Taiwanese electronics manufacturers are reporting record-breaking revenue on production of Microsoft's Xbox 360 games console.
Wistron Corporation, one of the core manufacturers for the Xbox 360, has reported that its October revenue hit a record high of $536m.
Microsoft will spend over $1bn manufacturing Xbox 360 units to be sold in 2005, and a similar amount in the first quarter of 2006 based on analyst estimates and data from Microsoft.
Much of this spending is going into the pockets of a crowd of Taiwanese manufacturers, both large and small. The simpler jobs will mostly be carried out in these companies' Chinese factories, with more advanced work, such as chip manufacture, being handled in Taiwan.
Passive component suppliers, such as Walsin Technology Corporation, have reported record high sales for several months, boosted by production of components like capacitors for the Xbox.
Sunon Group's share price jumped on news that it had won a contract to make millions of CPU fans for the console.
Cable manufacturer Ji Haw industrial, which makes the Xbox 360 power cable, has devoted one of its two factories in Eastern China to production of Xbox parts.
Nearby, another Taiwanese company, Foxlink, is manufacturing key components like the Xbox 360 controller pads and various connectors. Again the company has reported an increase in revenue.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: computing.co.uk
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Moore scotches conspiracy theories over Xbox 360 shortage
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Speaking to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Moore - one of the key architects behind the new platform and its global launch - gave short shrift to the concept floated by some commentators that the launch shortages are being manufactured to make demand for the console appear higher.
However, Moore admitted that many consumers will probably be disappointed on the launch date, not least because some retailers have overestimated their allocation of consoles and taken preorders for too many units.
"When the dust settles, it will be proven to be the right thing," Moore told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer regarding the global launch, "and it will become the default way that you launch a videogame console in our industry."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamesindustry.biz, seattlepi.nwsource.com.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Anandtech 2nd article: A Tour of the 360's Motherboard
>> As a follow-up to their previously article where they disassembled the retail Xbox 360 hardware, Anandtech has posted a more in-depth look at the Xbox 360 motherboard:
[QUOTE]
The original Xbox featured a 4-layer Intel motherboard, but given the incredible power requirements of the CPU and GPU on the Xbox 360's motherboard we would be astonished if the same were true today. Luckily with any console, especially early on in their life, you are getting a true bargain when it comes to the cost of hardware - so the number of layers on this PCB doesn't matter much to the end user, as Microsoft will absorb all costs above and beyond the core system's $299 price tag.
[/QUOTE]
They show all the main chips (CPU, GPU, RAM, 128Mbit Flash, ...) and ports (power, usbs, analog AV cable port, SATA, ..) in detail, check it out on anandtech.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Paris Hilton Has an Xbox 360
>> Another reason (not) to get an Xbox 360.
These are pictures of the private Hollywood Kick Off for the Xbox 360. Below you see Paris Hilton and Justin Timberlake with their Xbox 360. For those interested: Kimberly Stewart and Talan Torriero announced on this party they'll get married.
If there's really a shortage of these things maybe Microsoft should stop distributing them to people who don't need it.
More Pictures/Info: entertainment.msn.com, msnbc.msn.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XLink Kaid 7.0.0.6-a
>> From Prestige on teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
Now Kai(info)d users can enjoy the same new features that were recently added to the Win32 Client including:
* Detection of new Xbox MAC addresses
* Persistent Authentication
* Deep resolution support
* A number of speed/stability improvements
Note: Those running KaiStation will be immediately updated the next time they connect to Kai.
Congratulations go out to the Team Xlink Development crew for another fine update and a big welcome to MeanMF who has quickly adapted his C++ skills to Linux for this release.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxlink.co.uk
Download: KaiStation will get update on next launch. The Linux and Mac OSX version will be available soon.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Mimesis v2.0 Progress Report and Video
>> From projectmimesis.com:
[QUOTE]
Thats right, I was actually able to get some work done on Mimesis(info) this weekend and boy did I take advantage of it!
I got a huge amount of code written and the app is shapping up. Like I said in the last update, it is not far from being done... it just needed to be all pulled together and polished. Well I did a lot of that polishing this weekend.
This week I am taking a break from the other things that have been keeping me busy and am going to work on Mimesis only. It is my goal to have it out before the 360, so wish us luck!
Here is the video:
Don't forget to make your donations before the time is up for the iPod contest! We will be doing the drawing two days after the release. As you can see... that is VERY close, so don't get caught by suprise and miss your chance at a Video iPod!
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.projectmimesis.com
Download the video: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
News from Team Xodus: Xenium Back in Production
>> From teamxodus.com:
[QUOTE]
Xenium(info) Ice and Xenium SPICE is now back in stock! We are happy to let all of you know that both products are now in production again and will be with you in a matter of days. We would like to apologise for the erratic supply over the past few weeks but simply put, we completely underestimated the overwhelming increase in demand we have been experiencing.
As far as Team Xodus is concerned we are definitely very much alive and kicking and working hard behind the scenes to wow you with some new announcements just in time for Christmas. Watch this space!
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
IGN's GamerMetrics Ranks Most Anticipated 360 Games
>> From gameinfowire.com:
[QUOTE]
IGN Entertainment's GamerMetrics is a business intelligence tool that tracks the awareness and activity of over 25 million gamers.
Following is how these games rank in terms of the amount of awareness they are generating with the millions of consumers seeking information about these titles on three of the leading video game web sites: IGN.com, GameSpy.com, and TeamXbox.com.
XBox 360 Launch Titles Buzz Ranked by GamerMetrics:
1. Perfect Dark Zero (Microsoft)
2. Dead or Alive 4 (Tecmo)
3. Madden NFL 06 (Electronic Arts)
4. Project Gotham Racing 3 (Microsoft)
5. Call of Duty 2 (Activision)
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gameinfowire.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 Video Cable and Modes Comparison
>> GameSpot.com has a great article where they compare the image produced by the different video cables and modes.
They have mouse-over image comparisons of the following:
* RF/Composite Comparison
* Composite/S-video Comparison
* 480p/720p Comparison
* VGA 1024x768/1280x1024 Comparison
The conclusion:
[QUOTE]
In our basic tests, we've seen that different cable types can greatly affect image quality. If you're currently using RF, we suggest that you make the switch to a better video cable. The Xbox 360 doesn't have an RF cable option, and it's not worth buying an adapter to create your own. Going from RF to composite video or S-Video produces significant improvements in image detail and color quality. The next major step comes when you move to component video, but the biggest benefits are the increased resolution options and progressive scan output. If you don't have an HDTV, you can buy a set of Xbox 360 VGA cables to turn a computer monitor into a high resolution Xbox 360 display.
[/QUOTE]
Check out the 2-page article on GameSpot.com.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Perfect Dark Zero Pressed Before it Passed Certification
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
In order to guarantee Xbox 360 launch-day availability of flagship title Perfect Dark Zero, Microsoft sent the game to manufacture before it had passed certification.
It was an extraordinary gamble. The game passed certification after the disks had been pressed. If the company had waited for certification to come through before okaying manufacture, Perfect Dark Zero would not have been available at the launch of Xbox 360.
Having ordered replication of the disks, Microsoft and Rare had to cross their fingers for a positive certification. If Microsoft's notoriously strict procedure - which we understand was not eased for PDZ in any way - had failed, the disks would have been trashed and the game would have been late.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: next-gen.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Dolby Surrounds the Xbox 360
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Dolby Laboratories announced today that the new Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft will support Dolby Digital surround sound for both games and movies. This next-generation game console includes both interactive Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound for game play, as well as Dolby Digital decoding for video playback.
For game play, the Xbox 360 features interactive Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, allowing next-generation games on this platform to deliver a highly realistic sound field that places gamers in the middle of the action. Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound gives gamers a competitive advantage by allowing them to hear enemies that may not be visible on the screen.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole pressrelease here.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Already differences in Xbox 360 motherboards
>> HKMods found out something interesting while comparing the images of the Xbox 360 motherboard posted yesterday by Andatech and those by Steblublu/Softlife.
From hkmod.com:
[QUOTE]
By checking some picture side by side we noticed different packages used for some chips already, it should be related to an IC shortage in production as we know Microsoft should be producing a very large quantity of those past weeks ;)
Hopefully it's not already some differents revisions.
We also read that the TSOP flash is a HYNIX HY27US08281A. While Xbox-Scene said that this could be the storage device of the dashboard and the kernel should be stored in/on/onto the processor.
We believe that some page are definitely for Dashboard, while at least one or more should be dedicated to an encrypted kernel, we strongly believe (have to be proven) that the CPU may hold data, but probably Public Key only and some Unique Data. (eFuse ?)
Stay tuned we will post more as soon as we get our hands on the other one ;)
[/QUOTE]
Like in Team Xecuter(info)'s news item they also refer to Xbox360 ISO hoaxes (?) they found on the net in a 2nd news post. The day something gets confirmed on this front we'll let you know - but it's unlikely to be any time soon I guess.
News-Source: http://www.hkmod.com.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Team Xecuter About Xbox 360
>> Team Xecuter(info) posted a news item about the Xbox 360, they also refer to Andatech's Xbox 360 disassembly posted earlier.
From teamxecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
Well, the time is nearly upon us. Now that the 360 is out there in the wild the scene is about to kick start into full gear !
We have a few 360's to play with plus many of our freinds in the scene are taking the 360 to bits to see what fun stuff there is to feast on.
Don't expect anything soon, but be assured anything is possible.
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: http://www.teamxecuter.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
GelTabz Announces Performance Thumb Grips
>> From teamxbox.com:
[QUOTE]
GelTabz, Inc. is pleased to announce its performance thumb grips for Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation, and the upcoming Xbox 360. Made specifically to fit each console's controller, GelTabz promises ultimate control and comfort for serious console gamers.
"After countless marathon gaming sessions, we realized that the analog sticks found on videogame controllers need to be improved," said Jason Bailey, CEO of GelTabz. "Any hardcore gamer will tell you the analog sticks are difficult to keep a grip on during intense battles, especially when sweat builds up, and definitely could be more comfortable. We created a product that specifically addresses these issues. Plus it is fun to customize your controller - GelTabz makes it look a lot cooler."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: teamxbox.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Another Disassembled Xbox 360
>> We already reporter earlier that Anandtech.com disassembled and analyzed the retail Xbox 360 console.
Steblublu of our forums also opened the Xbox 360 he won with the Canadian 'BeTheFirstToPlay' contest and posted some info and pictures on his blog.
He opened the Xbox 360 console itself, but also the harddrive addon and wireless controller.
He also confirms the SATA DVD-ROM and 2.5" SATA notebook HD drive as in Anandtech's article.
He also found a Hynix TSOP flash chip on the motherboard. The HYNIX HY27US08281A series is a 16Mx8bit with spare 4M bit capacity. What's on this TSOP is unknown, but the Xbox 360 dashboard/interface could be on it (unlike the current Xbox it can't be stored on the HD because the 'Core system' doesn't have one).
The boot rom is probably close-to/on the CPU now.
Read More/See All Pictures: http://softlife.blogspot.com.
The HYNIX HY27US08281A datasheet is available on hynix.com.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 Game Delays in Japan
>> From 1up.com:
[QUOTE]
First up is [EM]-eNCHANT arM, the big launch day RPG being developed by the Otogi team at From Software. The game has been delayed from the Dec. 10th launch until Jan 12, 2006. While it's only a month, that still means that suddenly the Xbox 360 is without any RPGs in the land where the RPG is king.
Next in line is Rez/Lumines/Meteos creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi's latest title Ninety-Nine Nights. This Dynasty Warriors-type action game with 999 enemies onscreen at one time was originally set for a Jan 12th, 2006 date, but the game is now being listed with a release date of spring 2006 at several stores.
These delays follow up a delay a few weeks back of the other big launch window RPG, Tengai Makyou Zirai which was delayed from January to sometime in spring 2006 as well.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: 1up.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft and CableLabs Announce Agreement
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft Corp. and Cable Television Laboratories Inc. (CableLabs) today announced they have reached an agreement that will allow Microsoft and PC manufacturers to bring to market digital-cable-ready Windows® Media Center-based PCs in the holiday 2006 time frame.
These Media Center PCs, capable of supporting a CableCARD module, will allow consumers to enjoy one-way cable programming, including premium high-definition cable content, on their personal computer and throughout the home on compliant network-connected devices, such as Xbox 360, while protecting cable operators' investments in high-value content in a digital environment. Microsoft is working closely with CableLabs to document final approval of Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM) as a content protection technology for OpenCable products that receive one-way cable content under the terms of this agreement.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole pressrelease here.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 Hardware Disassembled and Analyzed
>> Anandtech.com posted an article about the final retail Xbox 360 hardware internals detailing everything from the storage devices to the CPU and GPU core.
It also explains how you can open your Xbox 360!
Something new: the Hitachi-LG DVD drive uses an SATA interface and a proprietary power connector. The HD is a 20GB 2.5" Serial ATA Samsung notebook hard drive running at 5400RPM. The HD uses both a standard SATA data and power cable.
Check it out on anandtech.com (news via slashdot.org)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 RGB and VGA Pinouts
Europe and Japan Get Smaller Backward Compatibility List
>> While Microsoft announced the Xbox 360 Backward Compatibility List last friday with 212 titles, it now looks like this list is only for North-American (NTSC/U) gamers.
Apparently gamers at the other side of the ocean in Europe (PAL) will get around 160 games compatible games at launch, which is still a pretty strong number. But the real unlucky ones are in Japan (NSTC/J) with just 12 games compatible at launch. Agreed, Japan certainly did not have as many games released and sold (with less than 500k consoles sold in total) as in North-America and Europe, but 12 titles is really low.
Even more if you consider the 'TOP' Japanese titles like tecmo's 'Dead or Alive 3' or 'Dead or Alive: Ultimate' and Sega's 'Panzer Dragoon Orta' or 'Jet Set Radio Future' are not even on the list. And they count 'Halo 2' and 'Halo 2 Map Pack' as 2 titles, so it's more like 11 games.
The Japanese xbox.com also includes some 'remarks' next to the translated Q&A interview with Todd Holmdahl informing us Japanese gamers will get the CD with those emulation software updates sent to them for free. In Europe and USA/CAN you can download it free from Xbox LIVE or download the update on your PC and burn it yourself but if you want the CD sent to you you'll have to pay a 'nominal shipping and handling fee'.
Of course, as for all regions, Microsoft said more titles will be added to the backward compatibility list in the near future.
You can see the full list of PAL (Europe) backward compatible titles here.
The NTSC/J (Japan) list is available here.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy On Xbox 360? *update*
>> From 1up.com:
[QUOTE]
*UPDATE* We've[1up.com] just confirmed with Square Enix that Wada's comments in the Reuters report are apparently inaccurate. We'll[1up.com] have more on this soon.
*Original Story* According to a Reuters Japan report, during an interview, Wada mentioned that next-generation Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy could end up on both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and that we should know more about the company's policy on multi-platform development by next year's Electronic Entertainment Expo.
There are several possibilities here. There could be a mistranslation (we're currently contacting Square Enix), Wada could simply be conjecturing and his comments are being blown out of proportion, or he's referencing Square Enix's plans for online gaming, which would make more sense considering Final Fantasy XI's appearance on Xbox 360.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: 1up.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Unveils Xbox Live Marketplace Content
>> From TeamXbox.com:
[QUOTE]
In anticipation of the next generation console launch, Microsoft today announced that more than 400 pieces of downloadable Xbox Live Marketplace content--including free interactive demos for games like; "FIFA Soccer 06 Road to the 2006 FIFA World Cup" (Electronic Arts), "Kameo: Elements of Power" (Microsoft Game Studios), "Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie" (Ubisoft), "NBA LIVE 06" (Electronic Arts), and "Need for Speed Most Wanted" (Electronic Arts) as well as new music videos from Franz Ferdinand and Audioslave courtesy of Epic Records--will be available to Xbox 360 fans starting November 22nd. Freely accessible to anyone with a broadband connection, Xbox Live Marketplace is a digital download center providing free and premium content for games, as well as entertainment content such as movie trailers and music videos.
Premium Xbox Live Marketplace content will be available for purchase with Microsoft Points. Microsoft Points is a new stored-value system that will let consumers purchase a number of points, and then redeem those points for content online, ranging from gamer pictures and themes to full game downloads on Xbox Live Arcade. Microsoft Points will be available for purchase at participating retail stores and via the Xbox Live Dashboard. In North America, consumers can purchase a card worth 1600 Points for an MSRP of $19.99. Offers in the dashboard will range from 500 points and up.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: teamxbox.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xored ETM Engine v2.0
>> Team Xored released a new version of the Xored ETM Engine(info) (ETM= EvolutionX(info) Trainer Modules - small trainer files that can be legally distributed). From readme/nfo:
[QUOTE]
NEW:
* Help screen (left Thumb to toggle)
* Check_Usable ini option (only show trainers for games you have)
* IGK combo to reload dashboard from launcher (back + black)
* DVD gfx displayed on screen when a title is initialized in tray
* SoundTrack support (Plays soundtracks from hdd saved w/ stock dash) (default defined in ini and random play available)
* MOD, XMs, S3M File playback
* Previous position remembered when stepping backwards through scenes
* Full Skining Support (see included examples)
* GamePad B button added for scene backwards
* Launch title without trainer
* Multiple Game_Path's (20 max)
* Support for next generation trainer format "xbtf"
* X3/SmartXX(info)/Aladin4 LCD Support enbable / disable in ini file
* Debug.log file to help track down problems
* Delete trainers from hdd (IGK)
CHANGED:
* New scene order: (Games -> Trainers -> Trainer Options -> Launch)
FIXED:
* Kernel patch routine should handle soft boots better now (IGR)
* Launcher misbehaving if no gamepads are plugged in on start up
* Ini parsing buggie
* Launcher should initialize faster now
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://forums.maxconsole.net/forumdisplay.php?f=44
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2005-11-14 CVS T3CH build
>> T3CH released a new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info).
This T3CH-compile is a BAREBONE package (with just a few thirdparty scripts and with just the default skin) compiled with XDK v5849.
Here's the full changelog since the 2005-11-07 CVS release:
* added: Controller Rumble (controller vibration)! On menu action controller will Rumble! Rumble On/Off and Rumble sensitivity can set over: Appearance - Look and Feel - Rumble Controller!
* added: rename in Context menu Music/Pictures/Video The renameing is in condition with delete function in the context menu! Settings description changed to "Allow File Renaming and Deletion"
* changed: new spc codec for paplayer. uses snesapu.dll (same core as snesamp).
* fixed: (I hope it is fixed, haven't been able to test it) dvds start to stutter at the end of a movie when played with dvdplayer
* fixed: when detectasiso was set to yes, most dvd's where not playable anymore with the dvdplayer (crash or back to menu)
* fixed: My Music Library would highlight the wrong album on previous dir if there were multiple albums of the same name (aka Greatest Hits)
* fixed: My Music could get stuck in the Now Playing window
* fixed: My Movies "Query Info For All Files" now looks for "stackedname.nfo" like "Movie Information"
* fixed: httpapi - called via ASP would include inappropriate web header
* fixed: more gracious handling of a missing alternate subtitle directory.
Keep in mind this is a CVS snapshot of the current development tree. It's not a official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
You can add more scripts and skins yourself if desired. You can download them from allxboxskins.com, xbox-skins.net and xbmcscripts.com.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Discussion Forum Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK)
Download SourceCode: here
Contest Winner Are Getting Their Xbox360s
>> While the press started getting their Xbox 360 from Microsoft last week already (FileFront has a video of GameKult.com unpacking their Xbox 360 Premium box here), It looks like the winners of the Canadian 'BeFirstToPlay' contest (by Doritos and Pepsi) are getting their prizes as of today. The winners of the US 'Every10Minutes' (by Mountain Dew (owned by Pepsi)) should get their 360 by saturday, although some rumors say there might be delays here.
Several of our canadian visitors posted images of their prize on our forums. Here are some pictures from steblublu(softlife.blogspot.com) and Spudz:
  More Pictures: here and here (incl. some screenshots of Halo2 on the Xbox360)
Gamersreports.com is also reporting (and steblublu confirms this info on his blog) that these winners can not go on LIVE yet with their new Xbox 360. The Xbox Live service is disabled until November 22 for Xbox 360 gamers.
Note that the pictures also confirm the final Xbox 360 package will have that huge black A/C adapter.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Halo 2 Mod: Cliff Hanger (Lockout Skin)
>> HaloGAMA (Gamers and Modders Association) released a new Halo 2 level skin:
[QUOTE]
Well here's my new level skin for Lockout. It's very nice, beats the original by far.
Features dirt falling from the sky, marble walls and floors, wooden walk ways. Up on a cliff overlooking a small town.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.halogama.com/
Download: here
Discussion: halomods.com
Futureshop XBox360 Allocation Numbers
No Xbox 360 shortage in Japan?
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
The image below comes from a large Toys-R-Us with no Xbox section in Tokyo, Japan. To purchase your Xbox 360 there, grab a ticket, make a deposit of just $8.47 US, and you can come back on launch day and pick up your 360.
Simple enough. But judging from the number of tickets still in that pouch, Japanese consumers who visit that Toys-R-Us store aren't biting. The complete lack of shelf space certainly doesn't help sell the console
[/QUOTE]
Read More: joystiq.com, cheapassgamer.com.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Announces Xbox 360 Day One Launch Lineup US/EU
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft Corp. today announced that 18 Xbox 360 games, spanning all the popular genres, and 13 Xbox 360 accessories will be available when the video game and entertainment system launches in North America on Nov. 22.
The following Xbox 360 games will be available in North America retail locations on or before the console is launched Nov. 22:
* "Amped 3" (2K Sports)
* "Call of Duty 2" (Activision Inc.)
* "Condemned: Criminal Origins" (SEGA Corp.)
* "FIFA Soccer 06 Road to 2006 FIFA World Cup" (Electronic Arts Inc.)
* "GUN™" (Activision)
* "Kameo: Elements of Power" (Microsoft Game Studios and Rare Ltd.)
* "Madden NFL 06" (Electronic Arts)
* "NBA 2K6" (2K Sports)
* "NBA LIVE 06" (Electronic Arts)
* "Need for Speed Most Wanted" (Electronic Arts)
* "NHL 2K6" (2K Sports)
* "Perfect Dark Zero" (Microsoft Game Studios and Rare Ltd.)
* "Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie" (Ubisoft)
* "Project Gotham Racing 3" (Microsoft Game Studios and Bizarre Creations Ltd.)
* "Quake 4™" (id Software and Activision)
* "Ridge Racer 6" (Namco Ltd.)
* "Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06" (Electronic Arts)
* "Tony Hawk's American Wasteland" (Activision)
Adding to the already tremendous lineup of launch-day titles, Xbox Live® Arcade for Xbox 360 plans to offer between 12 and 15 bite-sized game titles on launch day one.
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Microsoft today announced that 15 Xbox 360 games, spanning all the popular genres, and 13 Xbox 360 accessories will be available when the system launches in Europe on 2 December.
The following Xbox 360 games will be available in European retail stores on or before the console launch on 2 December:
* Amped 3 (2K Sports)
* Call of Duty 2 (Activision)
* Condemned: Criminal Origins (SEGA)
* FIFA 06: Road to FIFA World Cup (Electronic Arts)
* GUN (Activision)
* Kameo: Elements of Power (Microsoft Game Studios)
* Perfect Dark Zero (Microsoft Game Studios)
* Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie(Ubisoft)
* Madden NFL 06 (Electronic Arts)
* NBA Live 06 (Electronic Arts)
* Need for Speed: Most Wanted (Electronic Arts)
* Project Gotham Racing 3 (Microsoft Game Studios)
* Quake 4 (Activision, id software and Raven Software Corp.)
* Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06(Electronic Arts)
* Tony Hawk's American Wasteland (Activision)
The powerful pipeline of spectacular Xbox 360 games – all optimised for high-definition game play – doesn't stop at launch. Great games such as Dead or Alive 4 (Tecmo/MGS), The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion (Bethesda), and Ridge Racer 6 (Namco) will light up store shelves in the weeks after launch and beyond.
Adding to the already tremendous lineup of launch-day titles, Xbox Live® Arcade for Xbox 360 plans to offer between 12 and 15 bite-sized game titles on launch day one.
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Read the whole press release here[US], here[EU].
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360s available 3.5 days early from Circuit City? No
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
Whoa whoa whoa, what's going on here? Circuit City's website has promised that Xbox 360 units will be avaliable at 2pm ET this Friday. That's a good 3.5 days (82 hours) ahead of schedule.
Better call in sick to work on Friday if you intend to snag one, though, because that line will be forming on Thursday at some locations. Also, be prepared to shell out more than you may have budgeted, as Circuit City will only be selling systems bundled with games.
[/QUOTE]
*UPDATE* from joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
Circuit City's PR managers have responded to our request for clarification on the confusing language on the Circuit City website. Here's the real deal:
"Circuit City will begin selling a limited supply of Xbox 360 bundles on www.circuitcity.com beginning 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 2005. These units will ship on 11/21/2005; customers who opt to pay extra for next-day delivery can do so to get their Xbox in their homes on 11/22/2005."
We are not selling them earlier in our stores; I apologize for the misinformation you received from the call center.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: joystiq.com, circuitcity.com.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Gartner estimates: PS2 51pct, Xbox 34pct and Gamecube 15pct
>> From forbes.com:
[QUOTE]
Gartner [a provider of research and analysis about the global information technology industry] estimates that PlayStation 2 currently has about 51 percent of the worldwide market for the most recently available consoles, compared with about 34 percent for the first Xbox and 15 percent for Nintendo Co.'s GameCube.
"Microsoft is kind of an underdog, but they've also come a long way with the Xbox," said Schelley Olhava, a gaming analyst with IDC.
"They learned a lot of lessons along the way, but that doesn't mean that they're going to be able to take over the market, because Sony is so strong."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: forbes.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 Official Manual Download
>> The official US 'Consumer Documentation' of the Xbox 360 is available online from the US 'Federal Communications Commission' (FCC).
You can download the manual in PDF here and in DOC here.
Thanks to everyone who sent in this tip.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Put an Xbox 360 Game in an Xbox ...
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