Xbox LIVE Problems - MS Engineers Investigating *update2: Solved*
>> From xbox.com: [QUOTE] Status: Users may be unable to log into Xbox Live. Our engineers are currently investigating and are working to resolve this issue. We apologize for any inconvenience. [/QUOTE]
*Update* The Microsoft's owned gamerscoreblog also posted about the downtime: [QUOTE] Just wanted to post a note to let everyone know that we are aware of some issues with folks trying to connect to Xbox LIVE. Our operations team is fully engaged and as soon as we have an ETA or update we will let you know. Thanks for your patience. [/QUOTE]
*Update2* From majornelson.com: [QUOTE] I just heard from the Operations team that they have tracked down the issue and addressed it. You should no longer be experiencing any issues. Thanks for your patience. [/QUOTE]
Gizmodo's Microsoft Year-End Report Card: B- (Overall), A- (Xbox360)
>> From gizmodo.com: [QUOTE] Well, Redmond, it's been a funny year, hasn't it? Even if you ignore those Apple commercials, it's hard to ignore the fact that Vista was probably one of the main reasons people switched to the Mac OS, or to third-party Linux-based systems. We'll get to the big V--and that other mighty stain Windows Mobile--in a bit, but first you deserve much credit for some impressive feats in gaming, entertainment and home networking.
Xbox 360: A- Microsoft, you have to be happy as hell that you pushed Xbox 360 out of the gate a year before the PS3 and the Wii. Console sales have been great, staying ahead of Sony and only recently challenged by Nintendo. This is fueled by two factors: a better selection of hot games like Halo 3 and BioShock and the only real implementation of live online gaming in the console world. The Xbox Live community has even allowed you to pilot programs for HD video downloading and all sorts of other media treats that make Sony (and Apple) nervous. Sadly for HD DVD buffs, compatibility with that format is not one of the selling points, or you would have included it in your recently revamped HDMI-equipped 1080p Xbox 360 Elite. Performance aside, I would say that the only mark against you on this front is the hardware itself. I personally would like some kind of Xbox 360 Ultimate with integrated with HD DVD, but even if that doesn't happen, it's still pretty noisy, and the Red Rings of Death are getting to be more than just a clever punchline. [/QUOTE]
>> So we've gotten some interesting conclusions over the past week regarding the new 'waves' of bans over supposedly modified consoles on xbox live.
As you've all seen, Microsoft has started unbanning consoles. I've seen alot of people who were banned this past weekend, and are still banned, no matter how much yelling they do to poor customer reps. Others, who have modified firmwares ranging from 5.x to 1.4, and have never made a phone call have miraculously become unbanned!
As always with Microsoft, there is no rhyme or reason to their actions. A couple interesting things we have found...
You CAN have your console banned for having a 12v fan mod. A very trusted user of www.360patches.com got told directly from MS reps that his fan was modded on his 360 and that it violates the TOA. Any modification of hardware does indeed violate the TOA, so legally they reserve the right to ban users from live for that reason. Petty yes, but justified. A fan mod would be reasonably easy to detect, as voltage metering is something standard in all bios for the past 10 or so years.
In regards to 'bad game data' or kreon rips, SS, dmi and pfi, it appears that the reason MS might be unbanning xbox360's is because we've found evidence that strongly suggests ANY xbox360 can return bogus data. After some internal testing on a few older 360's, it seems that once a lens is near the end of its life, it can respond with all sorts of data, or lack thereof. A len's on the fritz was able to produce all sorts of odd angles that a new drive would not, aswell as tons of missing data throughout SS files (many chunks of data that read 00's instead).
So, it appears that MS is backtracking somewhat on the ban's, likely due to the reasons described above. Their infallible system has proven once again to not be perfect, and to attack innocent users. As always, we recommend that if you are a live user, to NOT modify your system, as you will eventually get banned.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Neogenesis with Ultimate Mortal Kombat Trilogy hack support
>> Nes6502 released a new version of Neogenesis, a Sega Genesis/Megadrive/32X/SegaCD/MegaCD emulator for Xbox1, on forums.xbox-scene.com: [QUOTE] What's new/fixed: * This version of NeoGenesis(info) supports ROMs over 6MB. This supports Ultimate Mortal Kombat Trilogy. I tested it with the default skin at 1080i with filters. It ran great with no crashes. I don't know if this breaks anything else, so I would use this as a standalone version. * Source changes are included
Thanks: * Xport for a tip on adding support for this game and for releasing the source. * The author/hacker of Gens32 for providing a memory map [/QUOTE]
>> From soundadviceblog.com: [QUOTE] Will Warner Bros. go Blu-ray exclusive at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show? Their have been numerous... and unfounded... rumors that they will, despite Warner Bros.' recent public statements to the contrary.
Enthusiasts and bloggers have pointed to the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and Warner Bros. listed as attending the HD DVD Promotional Group's Press Conference (all two hours of it) on Sunday, January 6th, as proof that Warner Bros. will continue publishing on HD DVD. [/QUOTE]
>> From gamasutra.com: [QUOTE] Microsoft has debuted a new XNA-themed Gamasutra microsite with the first in a series of game development-related articles, featuring Chris Satchell and Frank Savage discussing the newly launched XNA Game Studio 2.0.
The microsite will feature monthly updates "to give the development community a better view into the projects Microsoft is working on", and this month's sponsored Gamasutra feature gives you an insider's look into the new features of XNA Game Studio 2.0. [/QUOTE]
>> From Team BlackBolt: [QUOTE] With 2007 almost to a close, its getting pretty obvious that our previously announced next project 'EX' will not be being released during its previous 'Holiday 2007' slot. This is mainly due to myself (Blackbolt) not having as much free time as I've previously had. Also, the team is pretty much just myself now. Jezz_X continues to maintain the current skins on the SVN, but there is no active development happening amongst the team as everyone is off doing their own projects.
The XBMC skin EX is still being worked on by myself and I very much plan to release it as soon as its ready for public consumption. Progress has been slow, but hopefully with the start of 2008 it will pick up. The design plan for the entire skin is almost locked down and all that will remain is the task of making everything work together and polishing it all up. The main focus of the skin is still to be used as a media center and its very much a HD centric user interface, built for Widescreen 720p.
Although I don't have any beta versions available for people to download, I am willing to show off the homescreen as of this weekend. The previous 3 icon layout was proving to feel too 'zoomed' in and so I recently bumped it up to 5 icons and thus it has a much better feeling while moving around. If you click the preview image below you can get a full 720p resolution image of the home screen.
I will be bringing you more updates as and when development picks up for this skin as I'm just as eager as everyone else who's waiting to get it finished. I wish everyone a happy holiday and I hope to bring you more good news in the new year. [/QUOTE]
Microsoft Reduces Price of Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel by 30usd
>> From the press release: [QUOTE] Microsoft is now giving holiday shoppers even more value by reducing the price of its incredibly popular Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel by $30 to just $99 (U.S. ERP). The newly priced Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel now comes bundled with a driver disc and a demo of the acclaimed "Forza Motorsport 2" including full force feedback support. With its sleek design and cutting edge technology, the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel immerses gamers in an unparalleled racing experience.
The Wireless Racing Wheel is compatible with all of the most popular racing games on Xbox 360, including: • Forza Motorsport 2 • Project Gotham Racing 4 • Project Gotham Racing 3 • Test Drive Unlimited • Need for Speed Carbon • DiRT • Nascar 08
Xbox 360 offers the best value among next-gen consoles and is the only place you can play the greatest holiday line-up in video games history. This holiday, buyers will receive two free games bundled with every Xbox 360 console and Xbox 360 Elite. The highly-rated "Forza Motorsport 2" (Microsoft Game Studios) and "Marvel Ultimate Alliance" (Activision) are both included for $349.99 (U.S.) for Xbox 360 console and $449.99 (U.S.) for Xbox 360 Elite. [/QUOTE]
>> It looks like Mad Catz is about to release a HDMI-kit for older Xbox360 consoles without HDMI port. No miracle here (those older 360s without HANA chip can't output a digital video signal), it's similar to XCM's HDMI cable for regular Xbox360s ... they convert the analog Xbox360 output to a digital signal, but the Mad Catz device comes with full 1080p support: [QUOTE] Product Features: HDMI port on your HDTV or receiver but not on your Xbox 360? Problem solved with the Mad Catz HDMI Conversion Kit. Now you can finally play your 360 games the way they were meant to be experienced: in true 1080p HD. Simply plug the adapter into the A/V port on the back of your 360 and run the included HDMI cable from the adapter to your HDTV and you're ready to play. The optical audio port provides an alternative setup solution and everything you need to get full HD output from your Xbox 360 is right inside the box. Convenient, simplified HDMI connectivity makes the Mad Catz HDMI Conversion Kit the ideal choice for getting the most from what your console has to offer. Mad Catz promises innovative, quality products for all your gaming needs.
* Convenient right-out-of-the-box HDMI solution * Upgrades console for digital signal transmission * Supports screen resolutions up to 1080p * Optical audio port for versatile connectivity * Supports stereo and multi-channel surround sound * Dolby Digital and DTS compatible * BONUS! Includes HDMI & Optical Cables * Everything included inside - just plug and play [/QUOTE]
Microsoft: Europe is key battleground, Sell More Console in 2008
>> From gamesindustry.biz: [QUOTE] Microsoft expects to sell more Xbox 360 consoles in Japan in 2008 than it did in 2007, but Europe will be the key battleground.
The company told Reuters that recent and upcoming games from popular Japanese designers should help boost sales in Japan where the Xbox 360 lags behind both the PS3 and Wii. "We will sell more consoles next year than this year," said Jeff Bell, head of global marketing for Microsoft's games business.
Bell said that the Xbox 360 was strong in Britain and gaining market share in France and Germany, but that sales of the PS3 had been lifted there by recent price cuts. [/QUOTE]
Viacom and Microsoft Announce Digital Content Partnership
>> From the press release: [QUOTE] Viacom Inc. and Microsoft Corporation today announced a broad-based, strategic alliance under which major divisions of both companies will collaborate on advertising, content distribution, event promotions and games over the next several years.
The comprehensive agreement spans across the two companies and includes a number of significant components. Among them: -- Microsoft will license, on a non-exclusive basis, long and short-form television and theatrical content from across Viacom's cable network and motion picture businesses, including MTV, Comedy Central, BET and Paramount Pictures for use on Microsoft properties such as MSN and Xbox 360. -- Microsoft's Atlas division will become the ad server for Viacom's U.S. websites and Microsoft will have the exclusive right to sell remnant display advertising inventory on Viacom's U.S. websites. -- Microsoft will buy advertising on Viacom broadcast and online networks over a five-year period and the companies will work together on promotions and sponsorships for MTV Networks and BET Networks award shows; -- Viacom will work with Microsoft on opportunities to become a preferred publishing partner across Microsoft's casual gaming platforms.
Content Distribution Viacom will provide Microsoft with a broad selection of short-form and long-form audio-visual content from MTV Networks, Paramount and BET Networks for distribution by Microsoft on properties such as MSN.com and Xbox 360. A wide range of content from Viacom properties is already distributed to Xbox 360 users through Xbox LIVE Marketplace and this deal adds popular content from BET Networks. In addition, Viacom will work with Microsoft's casual gaming platforms (MSN and Windows) to provide downloadable casual games to the substantial base of consumers playing quick-to-develop, easy-to-learn games on these platforms. [/QUOTE]
GTA IV: No New Exclusive 360 Content - EU Release April 25th?
>> From next-gen.biz: [QUOTE] Contrary to widespread reports, Rockstar has told Next-Gen that there has been no announcement regarding additional exclusive Grand Theft Auto IV content for Microsoft's Xbox 360.
A Rockstar rep told Next-Gen Wednesday that the content in question is merely the second of the two previously announced pieces of episodic content making their way to Xbox 360. While both pieces of episodic content were initially scheduled to hit Xbox 360 in Take-Two's fiscal 2008, the second piece of content will now be available in fiscal 2009, a delay presumably brought about by the later than expected release of the highly anticipated title, which slipped from a planned 2007 debut to a 2008 fiscal second quarter (February 1 - April 30) release. [/QUOTE]
From mcvuk.com: [QUOTE] MCV understands that Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto IV will NOT be released in March as expected - and will in fact be held back until the last week in April. Sources close to the game's publisher have told MCV that the title's UK release will miss the Easter period entirely, and will instead go on sale in the final week of Rockstar parent Take 2's second financial quarter.
A Rockstar spokesperson told MCV that the publisher didn't comment on 'rumour and speculation'. [/QUOTE]
How to Spot a Xbox360 With a Falcon Chip Without Opening the Box
>> From loot-ninja.com: [QUOTE] All you need to do is look at the UPC symbol and see the 175W, which is the wattage for the newer power supply. This confirms that a Falcon chip is inside and not the Zephyr, which is an older model.
[/QUOTE]
Note: v1 and Zephyr (v2) boards seems to have '203W' written on the box. Full Story: loot-ninja.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Unbanning Wrongfully Banned 360s? *update*
>> From zdnet.com: [QUOTE] The other day I reported that I was getting emails in from disgruntled Xbox Live users who had been banned by Microsoft for allegedly connecting to the online service using modded consoles even though the consoles were totally unmodified. Today I'm hearing that some of those affected are finally getting somewhere with tech support.
Initially, Microsoft's response had been that the process used to identify modded consoles (a process that would allow the console to play backed up game) was 100% accurate and that there was nothing that Microsoft or users could do other than buy a new console. At the time Microsoft wouldn't even take the consoles in to be checked or repair. Now is seems that things have changed. I'm still waiting for official word from Microsoft but according to several affected gamers that I have spoken to, Microsoft is now backing down from the initial stance and some consoles are being unbanned and others taken in for repair. [/QUOTE]
The thread above is about a upset consumer who claims he had a unmodified system and got a ban. After some upsetting calls to MS, and several supervisors, he got his case escalated. Apparently after a few days, he was able to sign on live again! Strike one for MS, looks like their super robot 100% fullproof ban hammer is a flimsy inaccurate banana.
I urge all users whom were banned to call and throw a fit, get your case escalated and see what they will do! The proof is in the pudding, and you can eat it too!
>> From gamasutra.com: [QUOTE] According to data released by regular chart compiler Chart-Track, via UK trade paper MCV, the lifetime-to-date sales total for the Wii has now surpassed the Xbox 360 in the UK, despite a yearlong head start for Microsoft's console and continued stock problems since launch for the Wii. [/QUOTE]
>> From highdefdigest.com: [QUOTE] As part of its "10 Days, 10 Deals" sale, the web giant is giving away all three Bourne flicks on HD DVD with purchase of the Xbox 360 HD DVD player.
Combined with the 'King Kong' HD DVD that comes in the box and five additional free HD DVD discs by mail, that's a total of nine free discs included with purchase of the Xbox add-on, a value that roughly matches the $179 pricetag of the player itself. [/QUOTE]
Buy Xbox360 HD DVD Addon (with 9 free HD DVD movies): Amazon.com ($180)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
>> NullRiver released a new version of Connect360(info), it's a tool to stream your music, images and videos from your Mac OSX to your Xbox 360 console. What's fixed/new (since v3.20): * Adds .DIVX filename support for video streaming * Updated supported formats link * Updated icons for leopard * Fixes UI scaling issues with Mac OS X 10.4 or earlier * Adds genres count to status display * Fixes music streaming crash
Halo 3 Purchased by 52pct of Xbox 360 Owners in U.S.
>> From gamedaily.com: [QUOTE] Microsoft's Halo 3 is a monster. When it launched back in September, the game sold a whopping 3.3 million units in the U.S. More recently, Microsoft Corporate VP of Global Marketing Jeff Bell, revealed that Bungie's masterpiece had surpassed five million units sold worldwide.
A closer look at the data from The NPD Group through November shows that 4.1 million copies have been sold in the U.S. With 7.9 million Xbox 360s purchased in the U.S. to date, some simple math indicates that an impressive 52 percent of all Xbox 360 owners in America have picked up Halo 3. [/QUOTE]
>> From next-gen.biz: [QUOTE] They're calling it the best year ever. If so, which games really made it one to remember? Next-Gen picks out and ranks the best 30 games of 2007.
Xbox360 games that made the list: 27. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock - multi 25. Skate - Xbox360, PS3 21. Virtua Fighter 5 - PS3, Xbox360 18. Forza Motorsport 2 - Xbox360 17. Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords - multi 16. Mass Effect - Xbox360 15. Assassin's Creed - PS3, Xbox360 10. Pac-Man Championship Edition - XBLA 06. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare - PC, Xbox360, PS3 05. Halo 3 - Xbox 360 04. The Orange Box - PC, Xbox360, PS3 03. BioShock - PC, Xbox 360 02. Rock Band - Xbox360, PS3, PS2 [/QUOTE]
>> T3CH released a new SVN compile (rev11025) of XboxMediaCenter(info) for Xbox1. This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in SVN at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.
Special Notes and Noteworthy/XML/Script changes: * fixed: Use pool.ntp.org for timeserver address, thanks to DrDDT. * AMT including it's bundled plugins updated to rev1772.
Keep in mind this is a SVN snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
>> From users on the forums, and other networking sites...
It appears that MS has started banning people over the past week (happy holidays xbox360 users!).
As always, we would like to gather data and input from the community as to what may be causing these bans. It appears to effect the new ixtreme 1.4 aswell as the older ixtreme and non ixtreme versions, and all of the drives have been effected. We even have a few reports of a few trusted people in the community who were banned and had not played anything but a retail copy. As of this moment we do not know if a new security was implemented, or if they are further scrutinizing the already given criteria (SS, DMI, PFI alterations, timings, etc).
So if you have gotten banned over the past week, we would ask you to share the following with us in the forum thread below, otherwise, please do not post in the thread! Bans only!
A) Firmware Version, drive type (hitachi, samsung, benq) and when you upgraded/installed that version. Also include if you spoofed the version. B) Previous firmware version's, or if the console is freshly modded or refurbished (please include manufactor date) C) Backups played over the past month(and whether they were checked with kreon checker, if not, please check the SS and report the results) D) Originals played over the past month E) Method of backing up games (as always, piracy is not tolerable on xbox-scene, so if you have downloaded these games, please do not bother posting.
Thanks to all who have contributed in the past, and those for the future :)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
>> Freakdave released Surreal64(info) XXX Beta 5, a Nintendo64 emulator for Xbox1. What's new/fixed: * Changed: All controllers are now enabled by default (see FAQ) * Fixed: Some texture filters were missing for 6.11 * Fixed: Display filters were not initialized on startup for 6.11 * Fixed: Amount of texture memory to be freed was wrong for 6.11 * Fixed: Reset Rom did not work for 6.11 * Fixed: RiceVideo6.1.0.ini was missing * Fixed: Minor code cleanups
($180)
