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Week of April 16, 2006
Flashmob Recreates Banned TV Ad
>> A bit of entertainment for the weekend. From xbox360fanboy.com:
[QUOTE]
Sal "The Man in the Orange Hat" Picataggio, loved the "banned" (for viral marketing hype purposes) subway gunfight commercial so much, he decided to recreate it on the University of Florida campus with a small army of his closest friends. Luckily Sal is founder of the UF Flash Mob, which means he has experience when it comes to confusing innocent bystanders. "Like any good flash mob," says Sal, "the bystanders had no knowledge of this before hand and as soon as it was over, we left no trace..." Nicely done.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: xbox360fanboy.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
New Version of Slayer's Install Disc Coming
>> Slayer announced a new version of the popular SlaYers EvoX Auto-Installer (a CD that allows you to easily setup your Xbox and install many homebrew programs) will be released. From slayer.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
I was reluctant to work on a new version (even an update) as I have 0 free time, but with help from our newest member, mholgate, it looks like v2.7 will materialize very soon. We've created a private Beta Testing thread and things look promising. The next update posted here will be the release info and I think everyone will be pleasently surprised...
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://slayer.xbox-scene.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 DVD Adapter Diagrams and Parts List
>> WunSick on the Team Devo-E Xbox 360 DVD Drive Blog posted the diagram and partslist so you can create your own adapter to connect the Xbox 360 DVD drive with your PC:
[QUOTE]
Well friends, lets get some parts and diagrams shall we?
The following diagram has been made purely to make it as simple as possible for beginners and advanced users alike.
 (Special thanks to JohnnyTk26 for drawing up the diagram)
Full Diagram:
http://devo-e.com/dvdhax/images/Diagram_New.jpg [x-s mirror here]
Adapter Pinout
[X] [8] [6] [4] [2] [0]
[X] [9] [7] [5] [3] [1]
X = Dead Pins
Full Parts List:
- Capacitors - .o1 micro Farads (symbol looks like .01 uF) [any small value should work, it is just used to filter AC out of the line so a "true earth" ground is achived]
- Voltage regualtor- 1086V33
- Small wire andything around the 20-22 gauge should work
- A small PC board
- Some small heatshrink might cmome in handy.
- You will need a power connector from a orginal xbox, or you can make your own. The connector pin spacing on the power connector is 2mm.
Now, there are other ways to build this, but we felt for newbies and pros alike, the best middleground were the parts listed above. I have taken into consideration some suggested parts, and will be adding them soon, but as an actual page to this blog, not a post.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://devo-e.com/dvdhax/
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Transcode 360 v1.0 Beta 3.1
>> We already reported about the W.I.P. of Transcode360 Beta 3.1 earlier this week. Runtime has now released this new build:
[QUOTE]
As discussed in my previous post, you can now download the interim Transcode 360(info) Beta 3.1 release.
It contains quite a few fixes and to sweeten the update I've thrown in DVD ISO streaming (experimental). Your ISO images should ideally be DeCSS'd, and contain just the main title with the appropriate audio track.
Tip: If you really want to maximise your performance, you can get a pre-compiled build of mencoder optimised for your processor over here. The one we redistribute with T360 is generic for logistical reasons. However, if you do raise a support issue please make sure that you let us know that you're using a non-standard build.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://runtime360.com/category/blog/transcoding/
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2006-04-21 CVS T3CH build
>> T3CH released a new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in CVS at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.
XBMC is in a FEATUREFREEZE at the moment, so T3CH decided to make more than one BUILD per week. If you want to report bugs, please do it the PROPER way, see here.
Here's the added/changed stuff from the changelog since the 2006-04-17 T3CH CVS release:
* added: SMB ClientTimeOut to SMB Client GUI Settings
* added: Indonesian language file (Thnx to djoens)
* added: Support for unswizzled 32 bit textures in Textures.xpr
* added: .FLV extension to XboxMediaCenter.xml
* changed: enable/disable subtitles now enable/disable caching of subtitles. also polished browsing a bit.
* changed: do a bidi flip of strings independently of the language codepage (eg. unicode strings may contain hebrew strings and the codepage may differ)
* changed: progress dialog update() python method can now update the dialog text, thanks to Donno.
* changed: Altered the way skin labels containing $INFO and $LOCALIZE are parsed, so that they render faster, and you can better indicate which parts of the string should not render if a particular piece of $INFO is empty. More information is available in the online manual.
* changed: re-added the setting to change the charset from the GUI
... rest of changelog (including many fixes): here.
Noteworthy, XML and Script changes in this build:
* added: Support for unswizzled 32 bit textures in Textures.xpr
* XboxMediaCenter.xml: .FLV (flash video) added to videoextensions. DDay fixed some bookmark labels so they look nicer.
* Please note: Support for skins with versions < 2.0 has been removed
* !WARNING! If you use XBMC as DASH and do not use the DASHBOARD INSTALL method described here, NOW is a good time to switch! Due to changes in PM3 Textures.xpr & XBMC, you WILL have SKIN issues if you fail to update SKIN & XBMC's XBE correctly !WARNING!
Keep in mind this is a CVS snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) | Download SourceCode: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Pictures from the Water Balloon Challenge in Australia
>> Major Nelson posted pictures of the event at the Coogee beach in Australia to break the world record set by 2,677 Spaniards who tossed 50,855 water balloons in 2005 ... oh yeah, and to promote the Xbox 360:
[QUOTE]
I just got back to the hotel and uploaded the pictures to my Flickr site. It was a great event, and it was even better when I got to meet some blog readers that found me in the crowd of 3,000 people. Check out the cool T-Shirt and goggles that everyone had to wear. I have video of the actual event, but I won't be able to post that until I get back to the states.
All in all it was a record breaking event, and I have an interview from the Guinness World Book of Records guy who was here to certify the event, and I'll post that as well when I get back to the US.
[/QUOTE]
Check out all the pictures on Major Nelson's Flickr site
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
New Xbox Slackware Distro: Sxb-stacker-lsf-small
>> Bollywood released a new Slackware distro for Xbox on our forums:
[QUOTE]
Sxb-stacker-lsf-small "fast" release 1.
Sxb-stacker-lsf-small "fast" Slackware pkg linux.
Done for size and speed and at the same time it'll keep all the great linux apps and libs, at only ~120MB.
Quick example of how to strip a full blown linux like sxb,etc at 2.2gb and still keep xorg and apps, libs, like Latest firefox 1.5, Gaim, Gimp, Abiword, Xchat, Gxine and xinelibs, Pan-news, Slypheed, xv, etc, ...
So sxb-stacker-lsf-small has a small size and is fast without loosing our favorite apps, etc so it's a good balance between size, speed and content.
There is only one other sxb faster then this: sxbnewmini using busybox as
base and all latest apps compiled using uclibc for tiny size, but sxbmini is not finished yet.
SXB-LSF-compressed=122mb
sxb-kernel=2.4.32
rootpassword=sxbox
staticip=192.168.0.3: Dhcp also in menu you choose.
Fast boot and auto root login with xdirectfb amd sxb ede desktop latest version as default, full xorg still in if needed.
Install= Run as livecd is great now as size is down, copy sxb dir or make e/sxb/livecdsxb to autosave settings.
Hd install: Just FTP and copy 2 DIRs in ISO to HD.
Read sxb-stacker-lsf superbig docs for more it's somewhat the same, until I comlpete full sxb docs in graphics only.
Note next sxb release be default 2.6 kernel only to start with.
Suport for loop install and usbkeys is still in initrd.gz if needed read sxbnew notes.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://sourceforge.net/projects/sxb
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
99 Nights On The Original Xbox... D'oh!
>> From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
Lumines creator Tetsuya Mizuguchi's high profile Xbox 360 RPG Ninety-Nine Nights just went on sale here in Japan. Television ads and in-displays (see below) are leading the big marketing push.
Too bad this anonymous retailer (Yodobashi Camera in Osaka) doesn't share the same excitement. The posters and flat screen look hot; the original Xbox housed in a green case ain't. Microsoft, deploy the PR goons and quick!
[/QUOTE]
Read More: kotaku.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Chatered and Microsoft Sign 65-nm Manufacturing Agreement for Xbox360 CPU
>> From the pressrelease:
[QUOTE]
Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing, one of the world's top dedicated semiconductor foundries, has signed an agreement with Microsoft for the manufacturing of CPU products-using 65-nanometer (nm) Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) semiconductor technology -for Microsoft's Xbox 360 game consoles. Production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2007, and will support the Xbox 360's growing demand and expanding market reach. The announcement follows Chartered's successful manufacturing of 90nm SOI CPU products for the Xbox 360 console's launch, through an agreement with IBM.
"We look forward to working with Chartered on the production of such an important component of our Xbox 360 system," said Larry Yang, General Manager of Xbox Console Development at Microsoft. "Chartered's ability to demonstrate the manufacturability of IBM's advanced SOI technology in Fab 7 was key to our selection. We plan to continue with our strategy of dual sourcing from Chartered and IBM's fabs, which are operationally aligned and compatible, to give us the consistent product quality and flexibility we will need."
"We are excited to expand our manufacturing relationship with Microsoft and leverage the innovative 65nm SOI technology made available to us through our agreement with IBM," said Kay Chai "KC" Ang, senior vice president of fab operations at Chartered. "This is both a recognition of Chartered's 300mm manufacturing excellence and increasing customer confidence in our ability to enable cutting-edge technologies as products transition to 65nm. By working closely with IBM to enable manufacturing compatibility and dual-sourcing capability, our goal is to continue to be a reliable manufacturing source to Microsoft."
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole pressrelease on charteredsemi.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Devil 360: Xbox 360 Security Info
>> Here's some news we received from the Devil360 Team, who announced last week that they will release a new product for the Xbox 360 on 06/06/2006:
[QUOTE]
(*) Xbox:
* The previous version of M$ console has been hacked by Andrew Huang also known as Bunnie from M.I.T. (more details here[pdf])
* This guy is very well known for his book "Hacking the Xbox". (more details here)
* What was the real security of the Xbox? Check this article[xbox-linux.org]
(*) Xbox 360:
* At http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xbox_360 you will find a good definition of the new Xbox 360 features.
* What about the security of this M$ product?
-M$ worked on it a little bit at least.
According to findarticles.com, Chipworks is an internationally recognized technical services company that analyzes the circuitry and physical composition of semiconductors devices and electronic systems for a wide range of applications in intellectual property licensing, patenting and competitive study. Chipworks has successfully helped leading-edge semiconductor and electronics organizations achieve their goals by supporting research and development efforts in strategic product development and patent portfolio management. At the end of 2005, Chipworks analyzed the main chip of the 360 console and created a commercial report (see here).
-Bunnie also wrote a document which content is speculative and subject to change (see here[pdf]). This document deals with the Xbox 360 security scheme.
He made some assumptions about the scheme:
>be resistant against "hack once run everywhere" attacks (means invalidate mod chips using crypto and a specific perso for each console)
>be weak against one-time "hero hacks" (means avoid bunnie's or MIT hackers articles)
>use custom features in the processor or chipset cores (use microelectronic and electronic hardware to defeat software script kiddies)
A long time ago we bought several Xbox 360 and started to investigate their security scheme. Eventually a lot of bunnie's assumptions were brilliant. Well done!
-Playing pirated games or hacking the Xbox 360 security core?
Recently (mid march 2006) a hacker called "The specialist" published one weakness and a lot of people are now working on hacking the DVD firmware.
Using a fast FPGA card, it is possible to insert a parser/driver between the motherboard and the optical reader... we let the reader conclude by himself (sed -e 's/DVDFAKE/DVDXBOX/g Input > Output ;-)). What about the SATA HD?... wait and see. Maybe another time when few things would have been detailed.
Anyway what is your aim ?
If you wish to run Linux on your 360 then you have a problem, and this problem is very interesting. (see free60.org)
-According to M$ "The core security system has not been broken" (see here).
True the security core is intact. And not broken yet. Is it breakable? Maybe...
-Did M$ build the security architecture alone?
No, M$ received some help from Infineon (TPM) (see here).
Remark: If you can provide us some TMP chips, we could be friends. We have some but maybe few things evolved.
-M$ did not make some mistakes as the previous time with the first Xbox.
>The motherboard is reduced and a lot of wires are PCB protected. Then it is not so easy to spy wires and to apply a man in the middle attack.
>The firmware of each console can be reprogrammed by M$ using Xbox LIVE. This operation can be executed without the acceptation of the user. The idea is to release a new secure patch (a little bit like Zindows update) using the network.
>What about collecting the route, IP address, crypto keys and some more information from the console at this time?
It is not a nightmare!! They do it.
 Figure: The Hynix (T) memory containing the encrypted boot code.
We first de-capped Xbox 360 components as Chipworks did and we analyzed the console (Some chips have nine levels of metal).
Now we can confirm a lot of bunnie's assumptions and sometimes even worse.
What could happen if M$ would have made a hardware mistake?
We will communicate about this in the next 360 hours.
The next communication will include pictures of the de-capped chips and then some explanations about the console and a little bit more.
In the future we will only communicate with people who subscribed an email address. [note x-s: it'll be posted here on the x-scene news too ofcuz]
Devil 360
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.devil360.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
WinUAEX v14
>> Xport released a new version of WinUAEX(info) - an Amiga emulator.
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed ISO/MP3/CUE bug where CD images with more than 1 data track will fail to load when the last track on the CD is a data track.
* Dual mice should work now
* Adjusted version number for the superstitious folks.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
The Theory Behind the Xbox VGA Converter
Xbox 360 Water Balloon Challenge Commercial in Australia
>> From xbox360fanboy.com:
[QUOTE]
This is the commercial for the water balloon fight that Microsoft is sponsoring this Saturday in Australia, looking to break the world record set by 2,677 Spaniards who tossed 50,855 water balloons in 2005 ... oh yeah, and to promote the Xbox 360.
For maximum exposure, they're sending down their big guns, John and Cesar from Gamerscore Blog and, natch, Major Nelson.
[/QUOTE]
Read More on xbox360fanboy.com and stream the video of the commercial on youtube.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Transcode 360 v1.0 Beta 3.1 W.I.P.
>> Runtime is working on a new interim Beta 3.1 build of Transcode 360(info):
[QUOTE]
I wanted to say a word of thanks for the feedback you've given us to date and give you the heads up on an interim release thats coming your way very soon.
A number of bugs were reported that although easily fixable, were causing quite a lot of problems and general distress, so I wanted to let you know that we're currently testing an interim Beta 3.1 build which we hope will address the following issues:
1. WmeBroadcastTranscoder disabled by default (no need for Windows Media Encoder)
2. Region neutral framerate parsing (smoother playback in non-US/UK territories).
3. The latest mencoder (available from the main website)
4. The ability to disable CleanProcessesOnStart (improve service startup time)
5. W1LL3M's subtitle patch
I'll update the download link on the left sidebar of runtime360.com as soon as the new build is available.
Thanks for your support!
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.runtime360.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Team Xecuter 360 DVD to PC Adapter soon and SATA to USB Convertor
>> From team-xecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
Just to let you know we will be shipping the X360 DVDROM to PC adapters in the next couple of weeks. Prices haven't been set but they will be very cheap. We will also be doing bundle kits with the HDD adapter too - plus stay tuned for a very nice HDD SATA to USB convertor (actually there will be two different versions - more news soon) - again we have worked to make this very affordable to the end user.
You can expect to be using firmware reader/writers at about the same time (others are working on some good looking homebrew projects too - check out http://devo-e.com/dvdhax/).
On another note apologies for the domain name change and the state of the site in the last week. The domain never actually belonged to us and was given to us for free use by a very good friend who isn't being such a good friend at the moment :-) So thanks to another friend for letting us use www.team-xecuter.com.
The forums are back working again and we have also made a post answering some rediculous accusations pointed at us by a few stupid individuals. It's a pointless read but entertaining in it's own way:
http://www.team-xecuter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41140
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.team-xecuter.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
PS2 Price Cut Announced, Will Microsoft Cut Next?
>> From teamxbox.com:
[QUOTE]
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today that it has cut the price of its PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, available now for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $129.99/$139.99 CND.
The big question now is how and when will Microsoft respond to Sony's latest price cut.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: teamxbox.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
ZsnexBox v1.1
>> Nes6502 released a new version of his port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator to Xbox on our forums:
[QUOTE]
The wrong frequency (44100) was being used for sound output. The correct frequency for the SNES is 32000. This is corrected. The result is MUCH more accurate sound. To hear the difference try Starfox and shoot the buildings with the new version. It makes the correct metalic ping sound. Then compare this to the same sound generated with the 1.0 version.
New features added:
1) Save States
2) Fast Forward
My TOP priority now is a resizable/movable screen. I will try to get a 1.2 release out with this feature in the next couple days.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 (official support thread on our forums)
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Shane Kim: Xbox 360 to Shed Hardcore Gaming Image
>> From cnet.com.au:
[QUOTE]
Xbox 360 owners can expect more family friendly titles and peripheral-based games as Microsoft aims to take its console into new gaming markets, Microsoft Game Studios (MGS) general manager Shane Kim says.
"The positioning of the platform is very different now. We were so paranoid that people knew the Xbox was a hardcore gaming machine in the first generation that we really alienated, or closed off, a lot of our opportunity. If you've seen the brand ads now for 360 it's completely different -- it's much more approachable," Kim said.
While he's happy for the Xbox to lose some of its hardcore image, Kim says Microsoft is confident the moves into a broader audience won't alienate its traditional audience.
"I don't think we want to lose the relationship with hardcore gaming -- I don't think that will happen. I think we can do this without losing the hardcore gamer," he said.
"There's a lot of focus on that (peripherals). That clearly was an area we didn't do very much with in the first generation of Xbox -- but that's changing. Certainly we see the success of what Sony had with EyeToy and a bunch of others, particularly in markets outside of the US," he said.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: cnet.com.au
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Wednesday 19 April 2006 18:18 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
WinUAEX v12
Fantasy360: Full Replacement Cases for Wireless Controller
>> From the Xtreme Enterprise Press Release:
[QUOTE]
Project Fantasy360-Controller is the first of several upcoming casemod products for the Xbox360 platform that is manufactured and designed by Xtreme Enterprise. This casemod product provides creative gamers the opportunity to swap the original Xbox360 wireless controller shells for their favorite alternative color option. In addition to being perfect replicas for exact fit specifications, its high quality as well as ease of installation will doubtlessly bring many hours of creativity and fun to most, if not all categories of gamers.
All Fantasy360 cases are made from high quality ABS plastic materials with a polyurethane coating for durability and an acrylic shine. In addition, these cases fit like OEM and comes in 5 semi-transparent and solid color options at launch as follows:
* Plata Mid (Solid Chrome)
* Bleu East (Semi-Transparent)
* Clear West (Semi-Transparent)
* Crimson South (Semi-Transparent)
* Smoke (Semi-Transparent)
We expect this product to be released to major websites around the world where gamers are able to get a first-hand unbiased review of the quality and built of the products.
Detailed install pictures of the full process are now released in a pictorial format at flickr.com.
Afternote: Full console 360 cases (codenamed Project Fantasy360-Console) are also expected to be released in June 2006. Tune in for more information in this blogosphere.
[/QUOTE]
Read the full pressrelease on xbox-central.com.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Wednesday 19 April 2006 13:30 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 360 DVD Adapter Prototype
>> From WunSick on the Team Devo-E Xbox 360 DVD Drive Blog:
[QUOTE]
Johnny and I[WunSick ] have been working on the adapter, shooting ideas, testing, various things... Hes built a few prototypes, I'm still waiting for my parts because I'd like to do this with you all so you guys get a firm understanding of how the device works.
Now johnnyTk36's adapter is a little more complicated than what you all will need, and for other reasons I cannot release quite yet :) but here is his adapter.
Good job buddy, this should deffinitly be a fun project for you and I.
Note: The one we build will be very similar to this.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://devo-e.com/dvdhax/
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Wednesday 19 April 2006 13:11 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Mimesis v3 W.I.P.
>> From projectmimesis.com:
[QUOTE]
Well it's been a while since the news here has actually been about Mimesis(info), the application. So lets change that, shall we?
After a bit of a break from coding, Ramzi and myself have been working furiously on the next version of Mimesis over the past month or so. It's shaping up nicely as a lot of you have seen from the version 3 skin previews posted in the forum. We took some time to rethink the way Mimesis is used, and with much thanks to the users who have given feedback for version 2, we were able to come up with, what we think, is a much easier to use Mimesis. With key additions such as dialog boxes that have buttons for you to make a decision on what to do next to dialog boxes with lists of items to choose from, version 3 is much cleaner and more streamlined. We have given each screen its own identity, and done away with the generic menu that was used on every screen in version 2.
So without further adieu, lets get on with the update!
* The Improvements
- Since the release of the first version of Mimesis, we have been getting complaints about the incredibly sensitive gamepad buttons. Well I am very happy to announce that this is no more. The controller will feel normal in your hands and no longer will you need to mash the buttons into a fine dust just to go back to the previous screen.
- Next on the list was support for all of the controller ports. This seems like a no brainer, but you must remember that we had never written anything before Mimesis. Not just on the Xbox, but anything. So C++ was kicking our ass at the same time that learning this whole new world of Xbox programming was. However, with the past behind us and some experience under our belt, we pressed on and completely rewrote the controller code. Its now not as sensitive and it supports all of the controller ports. It will no longer go crazy on you if you don't have a controller in port one. That was annoying huh?
- Moving on down the list of improvements we have IGR (in game restart) support now! Not much to say in depth about this but, yay!
- The DVD remote is not yet supported. We'll see how things go...
- We have taken a new approach to keeping Mimesis up to date with the latest content in version 3. We set it up to sync with the server on startup (splash screen). It is there that the listing of new supported title's will be downloaded to your Xbox as well as the content listings for each. It will only do this if the server is reporting a newer sync date than your local Xbox. This will cut down on the amount of traffic between the client and the server significantly. It also allowed for a much easier transition into a Mimesis that does not require an internet connection just to manage your content. If the internet is not found on startup then it will prompt you, asking if you would still like to continue using Mimesis. If for whatever reason some of your content listings locally get corrupted or you accidentally deleted some of them... you have a main menu option to manually sync up to the servers.
- Choosing content to install will be much more intuitive in version 3. We are doing away with the B button for install and introducing the choice between installing content one MCP at a time or optionally adding it to a que to be installed all at once in batch.
* The New Features
- New in version 3 is the much anticipated support for game saves and other udata content. This opens the doors to being able to use Mimesis v3 to download gametypes for Halo 2 as well as roster updates for sports games. The possibilities are endless when Mimesis supports both tdata and udata installation.
- A new skin engine is being introduced and you will be able to specify one of any number of skins in your skins folder simply by specifying its name in the Mimesis config file.
- In version 3 you will have a settings screen that lets you see the network settings as well as all of the other settings you can specify in the config.xml
- On the content screen you will have many new features at your fingertips. In one click you will be able to filter the current view from everything for that title, down to just gametypes, or just maps, or anything else that we have supported for that title. The important thing is that its dynamic. Whatever content types are available from the server, are what content types you will be able to filter your view for.
- Also from the content screen you will be able to in one click bring up a dialog box to select another title to jump to. It will take you to the content screen of any other title in Mimesis. This will make it faster to jump around Mimesis without having to traverse back up the screen hierarchy.
- All auto update management will handled from this content screen as well. With only a couple of clicks through a cascading popup menu you will be able to manage all of your AU installations, backups, restores and deletes.
- Content has a new way of being disabled in v3 that will help us move into the future expecting to hit the 50 map limit for Halo 2's main menu. basically the new method will leave the content in the dlc folder but will make it so that the game itself no longer recognizes it as proper dlc. With Halo 2, this will allow you to join a game that is hosting a map that you do not have enabled and still be able to play.
- The dialog boxes in version 3 are all new; you have options now! From combo boxes to choose from a list of options to just simple OK error messages. You will feel more at home with more intuitive OS feeling dialogs.
Thats about all I can think of at the moment. All in all I am very pleased with the progress Ramzi and I are making on version 3 and look forward to a release once its all finished. We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish thus far, but it would not have been possible without the help of so many in the community. Thanks to all of you!
[/QUOTE]
Mimesis v3 in action video (~6MB): here
Official Site: http://www.projectmimesis.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
GameDaily's Pre E3 Drinking Game: E3 press conf. expectations
>> From gamedaily.com:
[QUOTE]
Last year's Microsoft press con was a mixture of good and bad. On one hand, the company gave out 5,000 limited edition Xbox 360 face plates and thousands of people made 100% profits off Ebay, but on the other, the registration tent really sucked, the audience was littered with actors that cheered whenever anything was shown/said, Perfect Dark Zero was nowhere to be found, and the games didn't look all that impressive. Actually, come to think of it, Microsoft's press con was pretty bad, but this year could be really sweet, what with second generation games, Halo 3 rumors, and possible Xbox Live Arcade announcements (to trump Nintendo's Virtual Console).
Take a sip when/if:
* The planted actors cheer.
* J Allard lightly jogs onto the stage.
* It's Peter Moore's turn to speak.
* Microsoft plays a cut scene in which Bill Gates/Steve Ballmer pretend to be kids.
* Microsoft discusses Viva Pinata (take another sip if five minutes pass and Microsoft is still discussing Viva Pinata).
* Microsoft says that Viva Pinata is its biggest game of 2006.
* Microsoft shows off a Rare title that isn't Viva Pinata.
* Someone bashes Sony.
* Peter Moore flaunts his latest tat.
* Halo 3/Forerunner is shown.
* Microsoft discusses the battle in Japan and how it's not giving up the fight.
* They drag out someone from Square Enix, who then proceeds to announce a PS2 game that's being "enhanced" for Xbox 360.
* Microsoft knocks Blu-Ray and/or discusses the Xbox 360's HD-DVD add on.
* Someone from EA demos a game or is involved in a segment starring a pro athlete/group of pro athletes.
[/QUOTE]
Read More (incl. expectations for Sony and Nintendo): gamedaily.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Wednesday 19 April 2006 11:44 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Wistron Aims for 1 Mln Xbox 360s Monthly
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
Wistron, one of three Xbox 360 console manufacturers, is planning to increase production capacity to 1 million units per month by the end of the year, according to the Wall Street Journal Online.
The article states that the manufacturer wouldn't disclose the production capacity for the console last year, but analysts estimate the 1 million unit target would be three times greater.
Manufacturers Flextronics and Celestica will also continue Xbox 360 production, so while the 1 million unit monthly target is substantial, even greater numbers will be produced overall.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: next-gen.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Wednesday 19 April 2006 00:23 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Chris Lewis Interview: Xbox 360 sales, HD-DVD addon, PS3 and more
>> From spiegel.de:
[QUOTE]
Chris Lewis is the Microsoft executive in charge of the European market for the company's Xbox gaming consoles. In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, he makes digs at competitor Sony, he laments the trouble his company has had with the Xbox 360 in Japan and discusses the tastes of German gamers.
* SPIEGEL ONLINE: How many Xbox 360s have been sold so far world-wide?
* Chris Lewis: By the end of June we will have sold between 4.5 and 5.5 million units worldwide. We were in 19 countries when we launched, we're already in 30. We'll have 80 high-definition games on the market, including games downloaded from our online marketplace "Arcade," by the end of June. It's great that Europe was right up there with the United States and Japan for launch. Europe is the most critical geography to our worldwide success.
* SPIEGEL ONLINE: Is the HD-DVD-drive for the Xbox 360 still in the pipeline?
* Lewis: Absolutely, yes. We'll say a little bit more about it at E3. It will give people access to HD DVD.
* SPIEGEL ONLINE: But the 360 doesn't have an HDMI-Interface -- so you won't actually be able to watch any HD DVD Movies on it because the obligatory copy protection mechanisms are missing.
* Lewis: All I can say to you is -- there are interesting developments in the pipeline. We will make sure that the HD-DVD-peripheral device will meet all the requirements for consumers to enjoy high-definition DVD playback.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole interview on spiegel.de.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Team Xecuter Reachable on Team-Xecuter.com
>> You might have noticed that the domain of Team Xecuter(info) went down yesterday.
They mailed us to inform us their site is now reachable on www.team-xecuter.com (with a "-").
So from now on, go to www.team-xecuter.com for the offcial Team Xecuter news and support site.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
WinUAEX v11
>> Xport released a new version of WinUAEX(info) - an Amiga emulator.
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed bug where loading from CUE would fail or give strange results in certain cases.
* Fixed switching back and forth from 1080/720/480 modes
* Fixed bug where returning from the options menu while in game would not re-start the MP3 tracks.
* Fixed bug where volume adjustment controls were not working for MP3 audio tracks
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Peter Moore about Bungie, PS3, Handheld and more
>> From 1up.com:
[QUOTE]
Peter Moore on: What is Bungie up to? "From our point of view, we'll at some point talk about what they're [Bungie] up to. I'm not necessarily guaranteeing anything comes out at E3."
Moore talks about the possibilities of a price drop for Microsoft's Xbox 360, should Sony's PS3 launch at $400. Moore had no comment - but it was no comment with a caveat, he indicated that how Microsoft prices its hardware would have nothing to do with how Sony prices its hardware.
He offered a flat "No comment," when questioned about the prospect of Microsoft entering the handheld market.
What does Peter Moore think of the Xbox 360's launch in Japan? What would he do differently if he could do it all over again? Why does Halo 2 on PC require Vista?
[/QUOTE]
Check out the video interview on 1up.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
ZsnexBox v1.0
>> Nes6502 released a port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator to Xbox our forums:
[QUOTE]
This is a beta release. This is also ported from W.I.P. code and not the stable 1.42 release. Therefore, there are issues in this port that do not exist in 1.42. There are also new features not in 1.42. This comes with no warranty. I am not responsible for any damage this may do to your Xbox.
Features:
99% of all games run full speed with sound with or without filters
Core Features:
1) Full graphics emulation (stretched)
2) Full sound emulation
3) Player 1 input supported.
4) Rom browser with screenshot preview, background music, and sound effects
5) SRAM support
6) Zip file support
7) SNES file formats supported (smc, sfc, swc, fig, mgd, ufo, bin, 058, 078, 1, usa, eur, jap, jma)
Graphics Features:
8) On screen FPS display (white button enables/black button disables)
9) Software Filters (Super Eagle, 2xSai, Super 2xSai)
Known Issues:
1) Occasionally after exiting a game and starting another, the new game will not start. Exiting the game and restarting should fix the problem. I don't know if this is a problem with my port or ZSNES.
2) The rom browser does not scroll correctly with less than 17 games
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 (official support thread on our forums)
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Team Xtender New XCM360 Products: Full case, Controller case, Air cooler
>> From teamxtender.com:
[QUOTE]
New projects announcements:
* We are in the final stages of working on the Xbox 360 full case, it will be soon in stock in the beginning of May (FIRST COLOUR WILL BE "BLACK KNIGHT").
* We are also releasing Xbox 360 replacement controller case, it is the full case with all buttons, only need to solder 3 wires and light up all the buttons.
* Finally, Team X-tender is proud to announce our launch of XCM 360 High speed air cooler with thermometer to show you the xbox 360 temperature while providing 2 high speed fans to provide maximum cooling effect to your Xbox 360
That is it for now. Stay tuned. (below is the picture of the XCM 360 high speed fan)
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxtender.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2006-04-17 CVS T3CH build
>> T3CH released a new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in CVS at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.
XBMC is in a FEATUREFREEZE at the moment, so T3CH decided to make more than one BUILD per week. If you want to report bugs, please do it the PROPER way, see here.
Here's the added/changed stuff from the changelog since the 2006-04-12 T3CH CVS release:
* added: limited support for unloading dll's with debug symbols
* changed: don't purge all samba connections on file close. (happened on each file when checking tags)
* changed: content of cuesheets is converted to utf8
* changed: content of playlists is converted to utf8
* changed: unicode filenames from rar files are now read
... rest of changelog (including many fixes): here.
Noteworthy, XML and Script changes in this build:
* XboxMediaCenter.xml: SMB Timeout setting added <samba><clienttimeout>10.
<homebuttons> section removed (unsupported in 2.0 skinengine).
* Please note: Support for skins with versions < 2.0 has been removed
* I (T3CH) cleaned up the mplayer codecs folder a bit, maybe smaller rar now?
Keep in mind this is a CVS snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) | Download SourceCode: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
WunSick Xbox 360 DVD Drive Blog *updated*
>> From WunSick on devo-e.com/dvdhax/:
[QUOTE]
Hey everyone, I have been seeing far too many confused 360 modders out there... want to hook up your DVD-drive? Well lets give this the ol college try! Hopefully it will help you fellas out!
What is this page you ask? well its a blog/tutorial for hacking the xbox 360 DVD drive. It will consist of a few things, first of all building an adapter to hook this bad boy up.
So throughout the journey we will be building an adapter to hook this baby up, and then using various tools to read and write to the firmware... :)
* Dirty PCB
Well, it's about 6PM on a monday night so I didn't want to go out and pickup some brand spankin new PCB, so this will do for now... hey, its just a tutorial.
So I mounted the power cable to the PCB... and desoldered a Power connector from broken Floppy drive I had, i think a removable adapter would fit my purposes much better... even had a spare adapter from floppy to standard molex... wicked.
...and again, pardon the dirty PCB, I simple grabbed one that I had been tinkering with on a earlier project. Now we wait for all my lil diodes and what not to arrive...
*UPDATE* I just wanted to make something clear, I might have said something incorrectly or maybe said something in a wrong way, but I won't be showing you how to patch the firmware, nor will I be releasing code to do so, I am merely making an adapter, and dumping and writing the firmware... while documenting it all for you all to learn and play with. (apps to dump and write are out there)
[/QUOTE]
Read More: http://devo-e.com/dvdhax/
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
SmartXX v3 (Pro) Review
>> Here's the Xbox-Scene review for the Smartxx (Pro) v3 Xbox Modchip. It took a while, but once again you'll get the most informative, detailed and honnest review you'll find on the net with tons professional high-resolution pictures (incl. when installed) and several videos to give you a real-life feel of the chip and OS. A short excerpt of the introduction:
[QUOTE]
This is the review for the SmartXX(info) v3, Team SmartXX' latest installement of their Pro-range modchip. I tested the modchip with a solder install on an Xbox v1.1 and with SmartXX' own nosolder adapter (called Spider16) on an Xbox v1.6x. The review also includes an up-to-date overview of the SmartXX Pro OS.
The Package
The SmartXX v3 comes as a pretty complete package. You'll get:
* The SmartXX v3 modchip
* An LPC rebuild PCB for Xbox v1.6x
* A Headerpin
* A replacement wire of the power/eject-DVD-ROM that will tap off 5v for your chip
* IR-sender
* Wirebundle you can plug in your SmartXX v3 with a wire for D0, LFRAME, ground, emergency recovery and disable.
* A SmartXX v3 case-sticker
* A 5v-wire to use between SmartXX v3 and a Spider16 nosolder addon (or eventually other future addons that might need an extra 5v)
* An Xbox-to-USB connector
* A Xebian(info) (Debian for Xbox) CD (not burned, but pressed ... easier to read for the Xbox)
[/QUOTE]
Read our complete review that includes a full overview of the modchip ICs, ports and LEDs, addons, installation methods and the SmartXX OS(info). All with high-res pictures and videos:
http://www.xbox-scene.com/hardware/smartxxv3-review.php
Official Site: http://www.smartxx.com
Buy the SmartXX v3 modchip: Divineo.com | BMMods | Extreme-Mods | Freakware | Divineo.de | Divineo.se | Divineo.fr | Divineo.es | Divineo.cn
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Team Xtender XCM 360 Cable Sets
>> From Team Xtender:
[QUOTE]
Team X-tender is happy to present our entry into Video Game Cable Accessories:
XCM 360 - 5 output cable (for Xbox 360 to plug into VGA, RBG, HD, TV/S)
1. Support VGA Signal
2. Support RGB Signal (True RGB signal)
3. Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
4. Support S-AV Signal
5. Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
6. High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal
7. Support Dolby Prologic
8. Support DTS 5.1 Channel System
9. Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
10. Support Stereo Sound
11. Support Optical Signal
12. Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
13. Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HD TV system
14. Fully compatible with xbox 360™ console and any TV system.
15. Support D2 ( 4801/ 480 P): (720 i/720 P) $ D4 (1080 i/1080 P) technology.
XCM Multi-Console Component Cable (PS2, Xbox, Xbox 360)
1. Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Xbox™, PS2™ and any TV system.
2. Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
3. Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
4. High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
5. Support Dolby Prologic.
6. Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
7. Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
8. Support Stereo Sound
9. Support Optical Signal
10. Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
11. Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
12. Fully Compatible with Xbox 360T Console and any TV System
13. Support D2 (480i/480P); (720i/720P) & D4 (1080 i/ 1080 P) technology.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxtender.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
A Chronology of Xbox History Part3: 2001
>> We already reported about Part 1 (1999) and Part 2 (2000), here's now part 3 (2001) of the Chronology of Xbox History by Dean Takahashi:
[QUOTE]
Here is the third installment on Xbox history, taken from the chronology of my book, "The Xbox 360 Uncloaked: The Real Story Behind Microsoft's Next-Generation Video Game Console," publishing May 9. This post takes us through the launch of the original Xbox in 2001.
Reading the events of this year brings back some fond memories. I can still remember that chilly November evening in New York at the Toys 'R Us store in Times Square.
[/QUOTE]
Check it out on mercurynews.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Monday 17 April 2006 09:38 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
XboxMediaCenter Widget
>> Andy H. posted on our forums about a new Mac OSX dashboard Widget he made that, similary to the XBMC FireFox extension released a few days ago, will allow you to send media URLs to the XboxMediaCenter(info) web server for direct streaming:
[QUOTE]
What does it do?
XBOX Media Center Widget gives you an area on the Dashboard to drag and drop media URLs from your favourite browser, these URLs are then sent to your networked XBOX running XboxMediaCenter for immediate playback.
How do I get it to work?
To set up XBOX Media Center Widget, follow these steps
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://homepage.mac.com/andy.herbert/XBMC_widget/
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Linux kernel 2.6.16-xbox patch
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