Talismoon: Twilight Flow and Evolve360 Controller Faceplates
>> Talismoon announced new products for the Xbox 360: [QUOTE] * Twilight Flow for Xbox 360 Let the heat out of your console with the Twilight Flow Wind Tunnel by Talismoon. Just snap it in place of your OEM Xbox 360 fan duct to go from "dull" to "cool"! Soothing blue light flows through the specially formulated plastic at all angles for the ultimate custom look that only Talismoon can provide. Combine the Twilight Flow with other Talismoon products (like the Blue Whisper Fan) to provide a complete effect that will amaze your friends. Works best with a clear transparent case or with an Xbox 360 with window installed, and enjoy a custom unique look. Built in flat LEDs are specially manufactured to color match the blue LEDs of the Talismoon Whisper fan. No tools installation requires Energyser Y splitter (or any other power splitter).
* EVOLVE360 Controller Faceplate *CRYSTAL BLUE* and *CHROME* 360 plates do not only shine with vibrancy but also through a unique combination of plastic construction provide a reinforced shell for increased resistance and a longer life. Right from the beginning the Xbox 360 is all about customization; now it's time do this prophecy justice with Talismoon Evolve(info) 360 controller faceplates! Package contents: 1x complete Xbox 360 controller faceplate 1x screwdriver 1x tamper resistant torx t8 wrench 1x installation guide
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(Saturday 21 October 2006 21:44 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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360 Extender for Beta Vista Requires XBL Connection?
>> From xbox360fanboy.com: [QUOTE] Some Vista Media Center beta testers were confused when they were unable to connect to their Xbox 360 during the Xbox Live downtime last Tuesday. Luckily, reader Andy Wismar bothered to read the release notes: "For the length of the beta program the Xbox 360 must have access to Xbox Live. This is typically accomplished by connecting your Xbox360 to your home network such that the Xbox360 has Internet access."
Presumably, Microsoft will drop this un-necessary restriction in the final Vista WMC release. [/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 21 October 2006 00:29 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Xbox 360 Gears Up for Launch of Global Holiday Campaign
>> From the Microsoft press release: [QUOTE] With 10 million consoles expected to be sold by holiday, Xbox 360 has defined the next generation of gaming and now Microsoft is unveiling a new global Xbox 360 marketing campaign to continue the console's incredible momentum. Microsoft and its creative partners AKQA and McCann-Erickson have developed a new advertising lineup extending to cinema, interactive, print, street and television media. Revolving around entertainment for everyone and playing with friends in fun, new ways, the first television spots began airing this week in the United States and viral campaigns are underway.
Specific executions include: * Cops and Robbers - Another creative example of the "Jump In" Xbox 360 brand campaign, the premise reflects a grown up version of a childhood game. Shot by Australian director Garth Davis, the ad was filmed in Bucharest, Romania. * Next Generation Now - The Next Generation Now executions include online, print, and television spots individually showcasing the breadth of next generation features that Xbox 360 is offering today, such as: Xbox Live, HD DVD, wireless accessories, Xbox Live Vision Camera and games for everyone at every price including the Platinum Hits program. * Gears of War - Microsoft's creative partners used innovative techniques to tell stories about the lead character of the game, Marcus Fenix. Using a script acted out in the Unreal Engine 3, developed by Epic, these spots were not created from footage pulled by a game operator. This intensive method is similar in process to the way today's animated features are created. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, with consultation provided by David Fincher, the commercial for cinema and television was produced by Digital Domain in Los Angeles. * Viva Pinata - The campaign includes a commercial for television designed to capture the imagination of kids while making a connection to the brand's mischievous characters, by showing what would happen if a pinata suddenly found itself in the real world. [/QUOTE]
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(Friday 20 October 2006 23:54 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Microsoft Denies 100GB Harddisk
>> From xboxic.com: [QUOTE] We're sorry to be the party poopers, but today Boris Schneider-Johne, MS product manager Germany says Microsoft denies the existence of the 100GB harddisk reported about yesterday. According to him, someone has been tampering with the picture used in the Powerpoint presentation. The signature has been painted-over simply using the Arial font. Probably some Korean guy who sees this as a 'practical joke'. [/QUOTE]
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(Friday 20 October 2006 14:07 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Microsoft to Design Its Own CPUs for 3rd Gen Xbox?
>> We already reported that Microsoft VPs confirmed MS is already thinking about the 'next next-gen Xbox', today there's a reports on teamxbox.com that indicates Microsoft might develop their own chips for it: [QUOTE] While these two Xbox executives confirm that development on the next Xbox has started, the New York Times reports in today's edition that Microsoft plans to design its own processors at its Silicon Valley campus. The newspaper informs: The design effort will initially be split between research labs at the company's headquarters in Redmond, Wash., and its Silicon Valley campus here. Tentatively named the Computer Architecture Group, the project underscores sweeping changes in the industry. One reason for the effort is that Microsoft needs to begin thinking about the next-generation design of its Xbox game console, said Charles P. Thacker, a veteran engineer and Microsoft engineer who will head the Silicon Valley group. Voice recognition may also be an area where the research could play a significant role.
Could this mean that the next Xbox would be powered by a Microsoft-designed CPU? Not necessarily, but there's certainly a trend in the evolution of the Xbox platform. [/QUOTE]
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(Friday 20 October 2006 13:45 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Epoxy Removal Video HowTo for Xbox 360 DVD drives
>> Team MODFREAKz posted a great video-howto on youtube explaining how to remove the epoxy resin ('glue') Microsoft puts on chips inside Xbox360 DVD drives to prevent you from accessing ic-legs and solderpoints. The video will explain you how to remove it using a simple scalpel and an hotair-gun (that's not the same as a hairdryer, you'll need a temperature around 80-90C/176-194F). The technique has not yet been tested in those new DVD drives with 'black glue' (like the H-LG v0078fk), so it's unknown if it works as well with those.
Higher quality divx-streaming is available here (requires DivX web player plugin)
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(Friday 20 October 2006 01:32 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Europe: PES6 and FIFA07 Xbox 360 Bundles Next Week
>> From eurogamer.net: [QUOTE] Konami and Microsoft are teaming up on a Pro Evolution Soccer 6 Xbox 360 premium hardware bundle, due out on 27th October priced 299GBP (~445EUR) (normal price Premium Xbox360 with no games: 280GBP/399EUR). It's going to be sold in the UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Nordics, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Portugal and Greece.
Microsoft has arranged a similar exclusivity deal for FIFA 07, which is due for release on Xbox 360 on the same day. [/QUOTE]
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(Friday 20 October 2006 00:58 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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The Downloadable Content Dilemma
>> From planetxbox360.com: [QUOTE] If you are one of the million people who made Call of Duty 2 a huge hit, there is a good chance you are looking forward to CoD3. When the new installment hits, you will find yourself playing CoD2 less and less. If you can deal with the emotional rollercoaster, you will donate the old version to a needy friend, or a sibling you don't hate. If you want to defray the cost of some new games, you might even sell CoD2 on the secondary market (hello Ebay!). Maybe you'll only get $30 for COD2, but after months of good service, 30 bucks ain't half bad at all.
With Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony bragging about the upcoming possibility of full game downloads, and with next-next-gen fortunetellers predicting disc-free gaming, the example I just illustrated could soon become impossible.
The other problem is that discounts on games are also driven by pressure in the secondary market. After all the early adopters have played through Call of Duty 2, their used, but still functioning copies, find their way into the secondary market at a price lower than retail. This puts downward pressure on overall prices for the game, forcing the manufacturers to cut the rate for brand new copies. [/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 19 October 2006 21:47 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Xeno360 DVD FW Chip
>> From Team Xeno: [QUOTE] Yes, it is true - we have almost completed our first Xbox360 modchip! It has all the trademark xeno design elements that many have come to appreciate: * Compact design (25x25mm only) * Easy to use and install * High quality and reliability * Low cost
The specs are as follows: * Compatible with Samsung drive (Hitachi version coming in 2-3 weeks) * Only 4 wires to solder (Hitachi version will require 6-12 wires depending on drive version) * Compatible with NME security sectors * Low-power, 3.3V Lattice CPLD design * Transistor driver for reliable patching * Dual LEDs indicate mode (reading security sector, original, backup)
We would like to extend our regards to the people who came up with the ingenious NME security sector. Due to its location (address) only one line on the data bus has to be patched, and on the Samsung drive only one more connection is required to detect if the game inserted is original or copy. [/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 19 October 2006 16:32 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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X06 Korea: 100GB Xbox360 HDD
>> From engadget.com: [QUOTE] Microsoft just announced a 100GB hard drive for the Xbox 360 at their little X06 shindig in Korea, and the drive should be making its way to shelves -- at least in Korea -- by March of '07. There's no info on price yet, or really much info at all, but when has a PowerPoint slide full of Korean characters and lame-fonted "100 GB" overlays ever steered you wrong?
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(Thursday 19 October 2006 11:38 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Joytech Introduce the Next Generation of Control for Xbox 360
>> From the press release: [QUOTE] JOYTECH Europe Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. and leading designer and manufacturer of third party video game accessories, announced today the Control Center 540C, designed for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.
A unique concept in console accessories, the Control Center 540C represents the latest advance in JOYTECH's award winning 'Control Center' product line, and will prove invaluable for the connection of next generation game consoles or owners of complex installations.
Perfectly complementing the design and appearance of the Xbox 360, the Control Center 540C allows users to connect their console and up to five additional AV sources to just one input on their TV, display and sound system.
Equipped with a proprietary connection to accommodate Xbox 360, the Control Center 540C receives all relevant visual and audio information sent from the console, through a single Connector Cable that comes included. Through this Connector Cable, standard definition S-video, composite video and stereo audio is carried, alongside standard and high definition component video and digital optical audio.
Once the Xbox 360 is connected to the Control Center 540C, users have access to an additional four HDTV ready component video inputs, five composite video and stereo audio inputs, five S-video inputs and four digital optical inputs alongside a corresponding matched output for each input connection, allowing for a broad and extensive range of equipment to be permanently connected to just a single input on the users TV, display or sound system. Additionally, the Control Center 540C features a six port Ethernet LAN Hub, providing a reliable connection to Xbox Live and other network devices.
The front Programmable Display automatically adjusts to vertical or horizontal orientation, allowing users to position the Control Center 540C alongside their Xbox 360 console in the manner they desire. Users are even invited to customize each input name, and with the included Remote Control, navigating each input proves no more complex than touching a button. Furthermore, the front panel of the Control Center 540C houses an additional set of S-video, composite video and stereo audio inputs allowing quick and easy access for camcorders or game consoles.
The Control Center 540C will be available in Europe and North America from November 2006 and will retail for a suggested price of 89.99 GBP and 129.99 USD respectively. [/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 19 October 2006 11:15 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Xbox 360 to Tour the U.K.
>> From teamxbox.com: [QUOTE] If you're fanatical about gaming then start flexing your thumbs; the Xbox 360 Games Tour is coming to town. Gamers across six UK cities will get the first chance to test the amazing range of killer titles and latest accessories on Xbox 360, the next generation gaming and entertainment console from Microsoft. Up first is Manchester followed by Newcastle, Birmingham, Sheffield, Southampton and finishing up in London.
The line up of 'must have' games out for Christmas includes "Gears of War"* - the enthralling third-person tactical action game and "Viva Pinata" - a window to another world where players of all ages can create a fantastical island to care for different species of Piņata animals. Go back to the old school with the latest games from Xbox LiveŽ Arcade including Marble Blast Ultra and Street Fighter II and discover the latest games from over 100 next generation games on Xbox 360.
Gamers will also get the chance to test the latest new range of accessories for the Xbox 360, including the Xbox 360 wireless headset, Wireless Racing Wheel and the brand new Xbox Live Vision video camera which launched earlier this month. Xbox Live Vision lets you customise your gamer picture, send photo messages, and video chat with friends and family over Xbox Live. [/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 19 October 2006 11:08 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Taiwan: Microsoft Offers Discounted Xbox 360 Package
>> From digitimes.com: [QUOTE] Microsoft Taiwan on October 18 announced a discounted price of NT$13,980 (~422USD, ~335EUR) for a package that includes an Xbox 360 console, two Xbox wireless controllers and the game "Dead or Alive 4," 11.3% lower than the original total market price of NT$15,760. The first time Microsoft Taiwan has offered such a package, the offer is in preparation for the Christmas season and is limited to only 5,000 sets, according to the company.
Microsoft Taiwan will hold an X06 Taiwan game event in Taipei on November 3-5. [/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 19 October 2006 09:58 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Xbox 360 Cracks Japan: Blue Dragon 360 SE Bundles Sell Out
>> From computerandvideogames.com: [QUOTE] Ladies and gentlemen, you might want to sit down; the Xbox 360 has sold out In Japan. Well, the special-edition Blue Dragon bundles have, anyway.
Pre-orders began yesterday for the SE bundle, of which there are 10,000 units, and it miraculously managed to sell out in Japan almost immediately, with the additional 90,000 'standard' bundles reportedly selling fast.
According to 1up.com, one major online retailer managed to sell out of their SE allotment in five minutes, with others managing to last most of the day. [/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 19 October 2006 09:37 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Xbox Backup Creator v2.3
>> Redline99 released a new version of Xbox Backup Creator(info) - a 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. What's new/fixed since v2.2: * Added - Support for SH-D163A using Kreon's firmware * Changed - Get Security Sector precedure to retry upto 5 times on failure * Changed - Stealth Check to include Security Sector * It also will do an additional check for Xbox One 0x0200 - 0x02CF
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(Thursday 19 October 2006 01:09 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Hack360 v4.1 USB Toshiba-Samsung
>> Flash78 released v4.1 of his FW flashing tool that allows you to patch the Toshiba-Samsung TS-H943 firmware with PPF patches. The tool can be used from a bootable USB key. This new version, comes with the latest Commodore4eva Xtreme v4.1 FW in PPF-format (all older C4E FWs also available): [QUOTE] I update the Hack360 pack to last firmware. This version can generate an original firmware (ms25) and convert any firmware or original to another version. Thanks to Kaos2K to translate new version. This version only works in pendrives, in the next few days I'll make a CD and Floppy version. [/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by Flash78 on xboxhacker.net Download: n/a (n/a, might be illegal under DMCA/EUCD)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Thursday 19 October 2006 00:13 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Team Underdog Working to make NME360 Compatible with Hitachi-LG v78
>> From Team Underdog: [QUOTE] We finally received a Hitachi 78 machine. You can be sure that the next batches of NME-360 Chips will support these drives, too. On a sidenote we want to clarify one thing: The Network-Off feature disables the LAN connection of the Xbox360. When you are using the Xbox360 wireless adapter then it doesn't matter if you have the network-off feature installed or not because it is connected to the USB port and not to the LAN connection. [/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 18 October 2006 23:52 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Xbox Live reaches 4 million members
>> From the Microsoft press release: [QUOTE] Xbox Live, the first and only unified online games and entertainment network, has now reached 4 million connected members. This gives Xbox Live a 4 year and a 4 million member head start in the next generation, right as we prepare to launch the 6th version of the Xbox Live network this fall. Currently available in over 24 countries, Xbox Live is a global community on a fast track to hit 6 million members by summer 2007.
XBOX LIVE FACTS & STATS * Xbox Live has now reached more than 4 million members and is growing every day. We anticipate by June 2007 more than 6 million gamers will be connected to the Xbox Live network. * Xbox Live is the world's largest platform for high-definition, on-demand content with gamers downloading over 70 million pieces of gaming and entertainment content from Xbox Live Marketplace in just the first 11 months of launch. * More than 70 percent of connected Xbox 360 consoles are downloading content from Xbox Live Marketplace, home to 2,000 pieces of gaming and entertainment content. * Xbox Live Arcade has now surpassed 12 million downloads in less than a year. The popularity of Xbox Live has driven major publishers and independent game developers to submit more than a thousand Xbox Live Arcade game concepts to Microsoft for review. * Xbox Live Arcade games average a phenomenal 24 percent trial-to-purchase conversion rate with #1 title UNO reaching a trial-to-purchase conversion rate of over 50 percent. * Since the launch of Xbox Live in November 2002, gamers have spent more than two billion hours on the network playing games online with their friends around the world. * Over 9 million text and voice messages are sent via Xbox Live every week. [/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 18 October 2006 19:24 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Share XBLA games on two Xbox 360s
>> From joystiq.com: [QUOTE] For those of you too cheap to pay full price for Xbox Live Arcade games, a poster on the CheapAssGamer forums has outlined a legal way to split the cost of XBLA downloads among two (or more) Xbox 360's and owners. All you need are a couple of 360 units and live accounts, a memory unit, and a friend who's willing to go halfsies for the game you want.
The process exploits a loophole in the XBLA usage restrictions that lets you play downloaded games on other Xbox 360 consoles as long as you log in once with your Xbox Live profile. All you have to do is transfer your profile with a memory unit and log in and download the game to the second console. The split games are fully functional, even allowing multiplayer matches involving both half-owners. [/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 18 October 2006 17:49 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Gears of War Chainsawed in Germany
>> From ve3d.ign.com: [QUOTE] I just received a release from Microsoft's German PR firm that will undoubtedly annoy a lot of people. Why? Because it says Gears of War is no longer being released in Germany.
So basically, the situation is similar to the one experienced by Capcom when Dead Rising was due for release over here - the game was rejected a rating by the USK ratings board. This means that Microsoft wouldn't be able to advertise the game and that shops wouldn't be able to put the game on their shelves - if you wanted to buy Gears of War you'd have to ask the cashier for it and then be slipped a copy in a brown paper bag.
Following the ratings decision Microsoft explored the possibility of creating a version that could acquire a rating, but unfortunately this was incompatible with other versions released around the world when played on Xbox Live, so now Microsoft has decided to just not release the game, period. Germans still wishing to play Gears of War will likely have to import it from Austria, or the UK. [/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 18 October 2006 16:23 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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X'06 Canada Pictures and Xbox Live Maintenance Update
>> From Major Nelson (Microsoft's Xbox Live Director of Programming): [QUOTE] I am here in Toronto for their X'06 event. I posted some photos of today's activity on Flickr, and I'll post more of tonight's community party.
Meanwhile, back in Redmond the engineers are tying up some loose ends regarding yesterday's maintenance: Xbox.com is back and we're sure glad to see you! My Xbox and Forums will be back in about 24 hours, but in the meantime there's a lot you can check out on Xbox.com. At Xbox, keeping your family safe has always been a top priority. Providing a safe, secure environment and age-appropriate content for all consumers has been a part of the Xbox story from the very beginning and it's a responsibility we continue to take very seriously. When My Xbox comes back up, there'll be a much more robust Family Settings that will enable parents or guardians to decide what sort of online communication and content is right for their child. Kids will be able to have their own accounts on My Xbox, but the Family Settings give the parents or guardians complete control over who their child interacts with in any way on Xbox Live. It's all part of our ongoing effort to create and build in safety measures that enable parents and caregivers to choose the right play and viewing settings for their family. [/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 18 October 2006 16:00 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Microsoft admits first-party 360 release bungle
>> From gamesindustry.biz: [QUOTE] Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Microsoft Game Studios general manager Phil Spencer acknowledged the disappointment the firm had caused UK consumers and retailers with a staggering 210-day void between first-party releases Dead Or Alive 4 on Janaury 27, and Ninety-Nine Nights on August 25.
"I won't duck the question. Obviously our job as a first-party publisher is to lead on our platform and to create content not only that appeals to a broad set of customers, but also content that comes out with a regular pacing to continue to freshen the shelves," Spencer said. "But I wouldn't disagree with you that there were periods this year where there were gaps that were too long from first-party." [/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 18 October 2006 15:06 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Kreon Alternative FW for Samsung SH-D163A/TS-H353A v0.80
>> Kreon released a port of his popular firmware for the Samsung SH-D162C PC DVD-drive to the Toshiba-Samsung SH-D163A/TS-H353A PC DVD-drive. This modified firmware allows you to dump original Xbox and Xbox 360 discs (including extracting the Security Sectors (SS)) with this cheap PC DVD-drive (so no Xbox(360)-drive or disc hot-swap required): [QUOTE] XBOX 360 enabled alternative FW for the Samsung SH-D163A/TS-H353A drive - V0.80
Yes, you've seen it all before, but this time it's for the Samsung SH-D163A SATA DVD-ROM drive. This is a direct port of the code used in SH-D162C, so the features of the drive and how to use it in general should come as no surprise.
While this drive can be rather difficult to pick up at the moment, it is expected to replace the SH-D162C. Hopefully the 163A will reach all markets (unlike the 162C), but it's still to early to say. Another drive from another manufacturer will be targeted next, which should once and for all make cheap drives available to everyone Smiley
This is what you get.. * Full challenge/response functionality. * Two types of unlock for XBOX 360 game discs. One for making xtreme style images and one for making wxripper style images. Both types of iso can be made using isobuster. Ripping using wxripper isn't supported for the time being * A 'lock' function that will cancel any enabled unlock state. This can be very useful for custom applications. * 'Error skipping' which basically speeds up the error handling of the drive. A complete wxripper style image (including video) can be obtained in 15-16 minutes, when error skipping is enabled. Getting through the critical area of LBA 19408-20479 will take you more than 20 minutes alone, if error skipping is disabled Sad * A much more streamlined command interface which is good news if you intend to write an application that makes use of the drives extra features. * The drive will default to unlock state 2 and error skip enabled when a 360 media is inserted. You can in other words use isobuster to obtain a wxripper style image without issuing any commands to the drive Smiley * RPC1 support (RPC-2 actually but with automatic change of drive region and RCE support)
This is what you'll have to wait for.. * Hardware correct timing for response types 5 & 7. [/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a (by Kreon on xboxhacker.net) Download: n/a (could be illegal under DMCA/EUCD)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Wednesday 18 October 2006 00:50 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Fantasy360 Console Shells: Support for Nyko Intercooler
>> Xtreme Enterprise posted more info about their upcoming Fantasy360 Console Replacement Cases: [QUOTE] In the latest news about our Fantasy360-Console, design and development work is being carried out to enable the award-winning Nyko Intercooler to be used with the new console case. In addition, the wireless networking adapter will also fit easily as per stock. It is worth mentioning that due to the radical design changes that is being carried out on the Fantasy360-Console, the console's rear landscape will be vastly different from stock and hence, the important consideration of enabling third party equipment on the new case.
Update: We have finished work on the Fantasy360-faceplate and have tested the machining. Will be posting pictures of these as soon as we have done the adjustments to perfection. [/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 17 October 2006 21:53 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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XCM 360 Toshiba-Samsung Drive Cover
>> From Team XTender: [QUOTE] Since we have launched the XCM 360 HDD cover. Alot of our have asked us "what about the Samsung Drive for the 360?" We are proud to launch the XCM 360 360 S.D. Cover. This cover works will all XBox 360 Samsung DVD Drives.
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(Tuesday 17 October 2006 15:57 EST) - (Category: Xbox) - (Posted by::
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MS Thinking About Next Xbox
>> From kikizo.com: [QUOTE] Asked whether preliminary work had begun on the next, next-gen, Lewis nodded in agreement with the view that "as soon as you develop something, it's old", and said: "Of course we're thinking about that... we're constantly thinking about the next thing, we have to. It's my point about complacency - you can't sit back on your laurels in this business - the consumer won't let you, the developers certainly won't let us. So that's happening right now." "You'll see more over time - certainly we're not talking about the next version yet, so give us a chance to catch a breath, will you?"
However, Lewis stressed that he thinks the lifecycle of 360 will be longer than that of Xbox 1 - which would mean 360 will be hot right into 2010 - and added that 360's design is inherently customisable: "We want to give people the chance to continue to expand - either through accessories or storage, or the Live which continually evolves and broadens - 360 can evolve in its own right, and that's an important step that we took beyond [Xbox 1]." [/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 17 October 2006 12:25 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Commodore4eva's Xtreme firmware 4.1A and 4.1B for TS-H943 Xbox 360
>> Commodore4eva just released a new firmware for Toshiba-Samsung TS-H943 Xbox 360 drives: Whats new in 4.1: (v4.1) Improved FirmGuard, now impregnable!
Official Site: n/a (by commodore4eva) News-Source: xbins.org Download: n/a (May be illegal under EULA/DMCA)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Tuesday 17 October 2006 03:29 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Xtreme Boot Maker v0.3.4
>> Klutsh released a new version of Xtreme Boot Maker(info) - a simple program that will prepare a floppy or USB drive for use with X360SAM(info). What's new/fixed: * Fixed: Detection of Non English MSInfo32. * Fixed: samremod.bat * Added: Xtreme V4 MD5 Definitions.
Official Site: n/a, by Klutsh Download: here
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(Tuesday 17 October 2006 00:34 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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CEA Decides Against E3-Competing 2007 Game Event
>> From gamasutra.com: [QUOTE] Officials from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the owners and organizer of the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), have announced that the organization will not launch a 2007 gaming event.
CEA representatives had in August announced plans to form an advisory committee to consider creating a new video game event in the wake of the E3 annual event's refocusing effort by the ESA, and reports had indicated that the association was close to announcing such an event.
However, Karen Chupka, senior vice president of events and conferences at the CEA, issued the following statement today regarding a CEA gaming event: "Although CEA was prepared to launch a new event, the recent announcement by ESA that it would open its event to both ESA and non-ESA members and would include PC and wireless gaming, led us to conclude that a new spring West Coast event would likely not serve the best needs of the industry. At this point, we will continue dialog with the industry to determine if the need for a broader gaming event exists for 2008. [/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 17 October 2006 00:02 EST) - (Category: GamingGeneral) - (Posted by::
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X360sam v0.4 - Batch files revised for Xtreme v4.0
>> From Exobex on forums.xbox-scene.com: [QUOTE] Some people seem convinced that X360SAM(info) doesn't work with Xtreme 4.0, because although they're quite happy to crack open a 200GBP games console and meddle inside, they don't know how to use Notepad to change three characters in a batch file!
So, here it is, just to prove a point. X360SAM 0.4 with revised batch files. The .RAR file name's the same, but the new file has a creation date of 16th October 2006.
What's changed: EIGHT batch files now: * SAMREADA.BAT reads the drive's firmware and creates a HACKED.BIN based on Xtreme 4.0A * SAMREADB.BAT reads the drive's firmware and creates a HACKED.BIN based on Xtreme 4.0B * SAMREAD.BAT just calls SAMREADB.BAT * SAMREMOA.BAT uses your existing ORIG.BIN and creates a HACKED.BIN based on Xtreme 4.0A * SAMREMOB.BAT uses your existing ORIG.BIN and creates a HACKED.BIN based on Xtreme 4.0B * SAMREMOD.BAT just calls, yes you've guessed it, SAMREMOB.BAT * SAMHACK.BAT writes HACKED.BIN to the drive * SAMORIG.BAT writes ORIG.BIN to the drive
Those used to using X360SAM's batch files don't need to do anything different, unless you want to use Xtreme 4.0A instead of Xtreme 4.0B. [/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by Exobex Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Monday 16 October 2006 21:10 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Valve offers Source Engine for Xbox 360
>> From gamespot.com: [QUOTE] Middleware solutions are becoming increasingly common as developers look to mitigate the costs of next-gen game creation. Epic Games' Unreal Engine (Gears of War, Turok) and Emergent's Gamebryo Element (The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion) are a pair of popular engines currently being licensed out for use on the Xbox 360, but it looks like they're in for some new competition on the platform.
Today Valve Software announced that the Xbox 360 version of its Source engine is being offered to developers. The Source engine debuted with Valve's own Half-Life 2, and has since been licensed for use in PC games like Dark Messiah of Might and Magic and SiN Episodes: Emergence. [/QUOTE]
The information above comes from CompUSA's retail system according to an employee of that company.
The "consumer pays" column shouldn't surprise any of us. What's more interesting is the "retailer pays" column and the subsequent margin percentage (under "retailer keeps"). All else equal, a rational retailer faced with these percentages is going to do a whole lot more to push the Nintendo Wii, because there's more in it for him. Every unit sold will net him higher margin. Though the gross proceeds from each Wii sold are only $12.49 (versus the Xbox 360's $15.78), it's generally a heck of a lot easier to make a $250 sale than a $400 sale.
What do these different prices say about Nintendo and Microsoft marketing strategy? Marketers often incentivize retailers to merchandise and promote their products heavily by giving them heftier margins. This generates demand from retailers for the product, and is called a "push" strategy because manufacturers push product through the retail channel by offering retailers discounts. The Xbox 360's price, on the other hand, points to more of a "pull" strategy in which Microsoft generates end consumer demand for the console that spurs consumers to walk in and say, "I want an Xbox 360." Consumers pull the product from shelves, giving retailers no choice but to request additional units from the manufacturer. [/QUOTE]
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(Monday 16 October 2006 12:42 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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WMS: 360 Going Strong, Original Xbox Abandoned?
>> From biz.gamedaily.com: [QUOTE] While the PS2 continues to perform admirably--software sales are up 12 percent year-over-year and September marked the fourth consecutive month that sell-through of PS2 software was up--Microsoft's original Xbox seems to be fading away in the presence of the 360. "It is important to note that Xbox software sales were down 57%, as the console has been all but abandoned in favor of the next generation Xbox 360,"
The Xbox 360, on the other hand, surprised Pachter. "In particular, sales of Xbox 360 software were better than we expected, increasing to $104 million from $89 million in August. We had expected Xbox 360 software sales to contribute $50 - 70 million per month until October (when a strong lineup is scheduled for release), and the strength over the past four months suggests to us that contribution may continue at the $100 million level in October, with significantly higher sales in November and December," he said.
Deutsche Bank analyst Jeetil Patel looks at the 360 business in a different light, instead focusing on the hardware which seems to be underperforming. "260K hardware units were sold in Sep-06, which is an improvement from Aug-06 (200K). However the Xbox 360's installed base is still smaller than the original Xbox's equivalent after the same number of months of sell-through."
UPDATE: Regarding the original Xbox, a Microsoft spokesperson told GameDaily BIZ, "Xbox (V1) is a robust platform with more than 24 million units in living rooms worldwide with a portfolio of over 800 games. Microsoft will continue to support V1 Xbox hardware units, our Xbox Live service and general game issues." [/QUOTE]
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(Monday 16 October 2006 00:10 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2006-10-15 CVS T3CH build
>> T3CH released a new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info), the 2nd since the v2.0.0 point-release. 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.
Special Notes and Noteworthy/XML/Script changes since the October 03rd CVS release: * Here we are, 2.0.0 is out in the wild. Bugs have been found and fixed. Rumour has it Team XBMC is planning a 2.0.1, so if you want an issue fixed, same old rules apply, you must report it. * If you want to report bugs, please do it the PROPER way, see here. * Oops, accidentally included wrong AMT last time. So this time I include 0.92. If you get any issues with AMT, delete old AMT before uploading. AMT Tip: Set Thumbs to Movie Poster to avoid the constant navigation delay. * Keymap.xml: reintroduced 'B' as STOP while in videomenu since we didn't have any way to exit out from dvdmenu with controller.
For the full changelog since the 2006-10-03 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.
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(Sunday 15 October 2006 20:59 EST) - (Category: Xbox) - (Posted by::
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Good question: why doesn't the Xbox 360 have its own browser?
>> From joystiq.com: [QUOTE] Sony and Nintendo have promised that gamers who purchase the PlayStation 3 and Wii will be able to browse the web from the comfort of their couches. Sony will accomplish this through their own custom web browser while Nintendo has partnered with Opera Software to install a trial version of the Opera browser on the Wii.
This led a friend of mine to ask me the following question: "Why doesn't the Xbox 360 have its own browser?" [/QUOTE]
