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Week of September 17, 2006
Xbox 360 HD DVD playback: Maximum 1080i via component, 1080p VGA-only
>> From engadgethd.com:
[QUOTE]
When Microsoft revealed it will support 1080p HD DVD and 1080p DVD upconversion we were surprised because it's commonly accepted that the CSS (DVD) and AACS (HD DVD & Blu-ray) copyright provisions wouldn't allow that (although some manufacturers have looked the other way before) via unprotected analog connections. We were right, sort of. Even after the software upgrade this fall, via component cables, the Xbox 360 will still only upconvert DVDs to 480p, and will play HD DVD movies at a maximum resolution of 1080i. To get 1080p output for movies, you must use a VGA cable, which is not subject to the same copyright restrictions. This just means the Xbox 360 is just like every other HD DVD and Blu-ray player on the market, but you wouldn't know that by reading Microsoft's press releases.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: engadgethd.com
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(Saturday 23 September 2006 19:57 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
ZsnexBox v2.96
>> Nes6502 released a new version of ZsnexBox(info), a port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator to Xbox on our forums.
What's new/fixed:
* Added a "Tips and Tricks" database. This includes information on hundreds of games on topics such as boss fight strategies, level select button sequences, and level passwords.
* Changed the rumble type description and added several more rumble types. These are:
1) Rumble on value change and stop rumbling when the timer expires
2) Rumble on value decrease and stop rumbling when the timer expires
3) Rumble on value increase and stop rumbling when the timer expires
4) Rumble on value change and stop rumbling when the value changes
5) Rumble on value change and stop rumbling when the value decreases
6) Rumble on value change and stop rumbling when the value increases
7) Rumble on value decrease and stop rumbling when the value changes
8) Rumble on value decrease and stop rumbling when the value decreases
9) Rumble on value decrease and stop rumbling when the value increases
10) Rumble on value increase and stop rumbling when the value changes
11) Rumble on value increase and stop rumbling when the value decreases
12) Rumble on value increase and stop rumbling when the value increases
So, in other words, you can have rumbles that only last a set amount of time, or you can have rumbles that last until something changes. This is useful for games like F-Zero where you may run over the gravel and want the rumble. However, there is no way to tell how long you may be on the gravel, so a timer will not work. In this example, F-Zero sets the value to 10 when you are on the gravel, and 0 when you are off the gravel. So for this rumble, you would pick: "Rumble on value increase and stop rumbling when the value decreases" to have rumble the entire time. These combinations should enable the creation of rumbles for any situation and last any desired amount of time.
Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 on forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 Sales Sink to New Low in Japan
>> From punchjump.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft's Xbox 360 sales sunk to a new low in recent Japan sales charts.
Media Create Co. on Friday reported that the Xbox successor sold 928 units in Japan.
The 1-year-old system was outsold by hardware like the Nintendo DS (134885), PSP (26995), PS2 (34189), Game Boy Advance SP (2330), and Game Boy Micro (1244) in the same period.
The Xbox 360 typically sells around 1,100 units in week-to-week hardware figures.
[/QUOTE]
Note that these are the numbers for the week of 9-11 to 9-17. With the new annoucements made at TGS (HD-DVD date/price, Blue Dragoon in December, ...) and the new cheaper Core Bundle coming in Japan the Xbox360 might sell a bit better in the coming weeks.
Read More: punchjump.com
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(Friday 22 September 2006 16:01 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
MTV ad for Xbox 360 Launch in India
>> Here's a commercial/ad MTV-India aired for the launch of the Xbox 360 in India:
[QUOTE]
Porok is a sport played in certain pockets in India. It involves humans imitating the pose of a fighter cock and butting the opponent out of the circle. So using this to illustrate the power of gaming, MTV came up with Porok to help launch of XBox 360 in India.
The whole spot is shot like a documentary, to add to the authenticity of the whole thing.
[/QUOTE]
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(Friday 22 September 2006 14:21 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Fantasy360 Console Shells in the Works (Part I)
>> Xtreme Enterprise released a bit more details about their upcoming Fantasy360 Console Replacement Cases:
[QUOTE]
We've been pretty swamped with work lately, with the launch of new products coming up in late September and October and the start of several new projects come November and December this year. It has been a pretty fruitful year for us at Xtreme Enterprise and we would like to thank everyone for supporting us thus far. Give yourself a hip-hip-hooray!
In our introduction to the Project Fantasy360-Console, we mentioned that the heat issues continue to bring alot of apprehension to gamers, prompting many to think of innovative ways to get around the problem. In addition, many are looking for cases that will complement their individuality such as unique case colors and modding options. Over at Xtreme Enterprise R&D Department, we are hard at work to make sure that this wishlist is not just a dream but is to become a reality.
This is the first part of a series of releases that will explain in detail the types of features that will be going into our Fantasy360 console case. Read on to appreciate:
Part I : Shape
You might say "Oh no! Not another colored case for the Xbox360 that does nothing but copy the originals curve for curve." The market is littered with copy cases made by companies wanting to earn a quick buck with little regard for the potentials of the Xbox360 and the options that are available to the user. Real easy to get away with making a straight copy. But how often does a manufacturer go further and ponder about the enormous potential of the 360 case and actually invest some time and money incorporating new features into the case?
First thing that struck us was the compactness of the 360 case. If one looked back at the first-gen Xbox, we immediately realise that the older console had tons of space as compared to the 360. In fact, so much space that people are able to put up to 4 HDDs into a stock case, and still manage to slap on the top cover. And now, the 360 has raised the bar of difficulty for people to actually install more add-ons to the stock case by keeping everything within a strong metal cage! So strong that to cut it, you will need an industrial grade metal saw. Definitely not a job for amatuer modders!
By keeping everything compact within the metal RF cage, it seems the 360 has effectively retained its form factor thus gaining a threefold advantage of a reduced size, functionality and keeping modders at bay. The one thing we didn't like about the case is that it really is a case within a case. If we stripped down the 360 and left everything within the RF cage only, the 360 will still work very well on its skeletal form. But obviously, aesthetics matter most in every product and so the 360 had no choice but to dress itself up in another layer of plastic.
So really, does the 360 need to be caged up twice? At first glance, it seems obvious that the cage functions as an RF interference inhibitor and hence preventing gameplay disturbance. However, time and again, people have proved that the level of interference was low enough to be insignificant and that the metal cage was actually a redundant item. Well we can throw away this notion of redundancy as M$ ensured that the cage becomes well utilised to serve dual functions of signal disturbance prevention as well as physically seat the motherboard, ON/OFF PCB and dual fans in place.
So what happens if we remove the RF cage? Removing the top cover of the cage is non-consequential. Users have also come back to us and said they have not experienced any problems when they started gaming with the cage cover removed. It is the problems that are associated with removing the lower cage which becomes more glaringly significant, as well as more hardware than software related. The related problems are as follows :
1. The dual fans will lose its major support via the cage and cannot stand on its own.
2. The motherboard will be unable to secure itself to any anchor points.
3. If the motherboard cannot be secured, it leaves the DVD drive dangling at the seams too.
4. There are no alternative anchor points for the motherboard anywhere on the case
5. The power button PCB will lose its anchor point on the cage
(To be continued...)
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.e-linksoft.com and http://www.xbox-central.com
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(Friday 22 September 2006 00:39 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
SCEA VP: PS2 Beating the Xbox 360
>> Gamedaily.com talked with Jack Tretton (Sony Computer Entertainment America's Executive VP) and here's what he said about the Xbox360:
[QUOTE]
Everyone knows how successful the PS2 has been, but what's a bit surprising is that the aging console has been outselling the Xbox 360 in recent months. Furthermore, according to the NPD Group's TRST data, the Xbox 360 is actually off to a slower start than the original Xbox. Looking at retail sales for the respective consoles' first nine months shows the Xbox at 2.55 million units and the Xbox 360 at 2.21 million units.
"What I've read widely and what I've heard from MS is, 'Yeah, we got beat last generation but that's because we were late to market and came out a year after PS2 did and that's why we got defeated and that's not going to happen again.' Yes, the PS2 was beating the Xbox 5 or 6 years ago, but now the PS2 is beating the Xbox 360... Year-to-date we've sold more hardware than they have and this past month we've sold more hardware," Tretton boasted. "So we beat them in their last generation machine and we're beating them in their current generation machine. And if I were Microsoft, the big concern I'd have is... Xbox 360 is actually doing worse than the original Xbox did."
He continued, "I think there's less consumer interest in [terms of] pure numbers for their new system than there was in their previous system. I think the thing that's concerning to the industry or to anybody involved in generating income from it or I would assume to Microsoft is that they're the only supposed next-generation system out there. They have the market all to themselves... and they're doing worse numbers. To me that says the consumers are either not satisfied with what they're seeing from 360 so far or they're waiting to potentially purchase another system from a competitor or stick with what they're currently playing. So if that is the future of the next generation then this industry is in a whole lot of trouble because it would show a decline as opposed to growth."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamedaily.com
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(Thursday 21 September 2006 20:40 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft is Refunding 360 Repair Fee and Extending the Warranty *Updated*
>> From spong.com:
[QUOTE]
SPOnG can confirm emerging reports that claim Microsoft is poised to announce a warranty extension for Xbox 360 early adopters in the US, with the program expected be rolled out across the world during the coming weeks.
We placed a call to Microsoft's Xbox customer support centre in the US today whereupon an operator outlined that indeed, there is some good news for some Xbox 360 owners. If your console is manufactured in or before January 2006, a one year warranty extension will be offered. The warranty extension will be from the date date of manufacture of your console, unless you have a sales receipt showing that you bought a machine manufactured before January. In which case your extension will be one year from date of purchase.
What's more, if you have a machine that would qualify for the extension and you've had to pay for a repair already, Microsoft will issue a cheque for the full repair amount, usually $139.90.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: spong.com
!Update! Microsoft also confirmed the story to Dean Takahashi of MercuryNews:
[QUOTE]
As part of our standard and ongoing process of analyzing repair data, we recently noticed a higher than usual number of units coming in for repair. Upon further investigation, it was further discovered that the bulk of the units were isolated to a group that was part of the initial manufacturing run of the console. Returns for repair are coming in for a variety reasons and it's a higher rate than we are satisfied with. We've made the decision to comp repairs for consoles manufactured before January 1, 2006, and provide refunds to the small group of customers who have already paid for repairs.
[/QUOTE]
Wow ... so it looks like Microsoft finally admits the problems instead of repeating their "failrate below the industry average of 3-5%" BS.
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(Thursday 21 September 2006 18:28 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
PCSXBox v18
>> Xport released a new version of PCSXBox(info) - a PlayStation emulator for Xbox.
What's new/fixed:
* Added buttons for L3/R3/Mode. "Mode" only functions in Dual Shock mode.
* Fixed Right Thumbstick X-Axis (was inverted)
* There is now a single directory for saves. If you were using the 1.4 or 1.6 cores to play games, then you should move all of your files/directories from E:\SAVES\PCSXBOX_1.4 and E:\SAVES\PCSXBOX_1.6 to E:\SAVES\PCSXBOX
* Implemented true Dual Shock+rumble support. From the game configuration menu change the "Controller #" to "Dual Shock" to enable it. No, Ape Escape still does not work - it's a core issue, not a Dual Shock issue.
* You cannot use Dual Shock and multitap simultaneously.
* Added option to enable/disable rumble for controllers 1/2
* Added option to increase the rumble amount for controllers 1/2 if the rumble is too light.
* Instructions included on how to set up your own website which can store/serve configuration files: upload_download_configurations_instructions.txt
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
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(Thursday 21 September 2006 16:17 EST) - (Category: Xbox) - (Posted by::
)
Sony: We've Got the Real 1080p and MS Reaction
>> From biz.gamedaily.com:
[QUOTE]
As for Microsoft's 1080p announcement, Dave Karraker (senior director for corporate communications at SCEA) noted that the software update still doesn't enable true HD on the Xbox 360. "Furthermore, Microsoft's announced HD games patch is really just a compatibility feature -- upscaling lower-resolution content does not make it Full HD (1080p), something that PS3 can do out of the box," he said.
After getting word of Sony's comments Microsoft told GameDaily BIZ that contrary to the SCEA statement, "The facts are that with this software update, video and game content developed for 1080p will be output at 1080p -- native, not upscaled. Only content developed for lower resolutions will be upscaled."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: biz.gamedaily.com
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(Thursday 21 September 2006 13:15 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
(Europe) Microsoft confirms PGR3 console bundle
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft has confirmed the release of a new Xbox 360 bundle, to hit UK retail shelves tomorrow.
As revealed by GamesIndustry.biz, the package consists of the Xbox 360 console, two wireless controllers and copy of Bizarre Creations' Project Gotham Racing 3.
The new bundle will retail for GBP 299. (~445 EUR)
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamesindustry.biz
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(Thursday 21 September 2006 11:04 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Pre-TGS Xbox 360 Press Briefing Video
>> We already reported about and posted audio/pictures of the pre-TokyoGameShow Xbox360 press briefing earlier, and now you can download the video of press conference on xbox.com.
You stream both the entire show (mostly in japanese - but you can see all the demos they showed) or just Peter Moore's Speech (which is in english).
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(Thursday 21 September 2006 00:08 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
XBGM# v0.9.1.0-5_dev
>> KaYa released a new version of XBGM#(info) - a multi-OS game manager for Xbox using Avalaunch(info), UnleashX(info) and XboxMediaCenter(info) dashboard features:
[QUOTE]
New Dev release XBGM# 0.9.1.0-5_dev: (changelog since 0.9.0.7)
* XBGM# look a little more polished.
* Add support for dashboard like Avalaunch, XBMC and UnleashX.
* The top toolbar (shutdown/restart/launch) work with any dashboard.
* BOOST mode work with UnleashX (upper V0.36.0620A Build 499).
* Show free space with any dashboard (Avalaunch, XBMC and UnleashX).
* Fix bug showing free space on G drive.
* Fix bug when sorting by column Size.
* Add a Textmod version.
XBGM# have not been fully test, because i don't have any xbox for the moment. So i need you for testing.
This release is in debug mode, so it redirect the output to a file, 'debug.txt', send it to me please.
Since it is a development version, i am open to any change.
It compile and run on Ubuntu Dapper and MacOS X and Cygwin.
XBGM# cmdline need to build from source, more info here.
Update/Fix Debian package and Gentoo ebuild and Win32 setup.
Update HTML tutorial in Français and English to show all new fontionnality.
You can read the advancement on the forum here.
Please Feedback.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://xbgm.sourceforge.net
Download: here
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(Wednesday 20 September 2006 19:45 EST) - (Category: Xbox) - (Posted by::
)
Peter Moore Interview: Building an empire, an Xbox at a time
>> From news.com:
[QUOTE]
CNET News.com sat down recently with Moore at Microsoft's Xbox headquarters in Redmond, Wash., as Moore was preparing to head overseas for the Tokyo Game Show and then, among other things, a trip to India to launch the Xbox there.
* When you look at ideal Xbox consumer, who is that person?
* Moore: He is a male. He is connected. He is very, very used to going online for community. He's probably played PC games online. He's part of a "Halo 2" clan and has been for two years. That comes from him playing "Halo" in college--so he's 23 or 24--with his buddies. He still loves to go out on a Wednesday night with them, even though they're spread all around the U.S. But they all come together Wednesday night to relive the days in the dorm room.
* It's looking like the Wii won't be direct competition for the Xbox or PlayStation 3. Do you agree?
* Moore: In a lot of instances, it will be a No. 2 box because it's priced accordingly. The fear I would have is that people will buy the box and only play a few games. I think you'll pull it out at parties. It's fun for a few minutes, but I'm not sure (how long that will last).
* When Sony announced the PS3 will cost $600, were you guys pumping your fists?
* Moore: It will still sell out at launch. I've never known a console that didn't blow the doors down in the early going, and PS3 and the Wii will be no exception. But this is not about the first six months. These are six- to eight-year cycles now. So the question is how you attract that next 20 million consumers when you need $199 as a price point, for example, to do that. But maybe your cost of goods programming has not reduced in line to where you need. We've lived through that.
So as a result, you may have to take an enormous financial hit to catch up to your competitors' pricing. Sony is very fond of saying, "We never come in to the market first, but we always win," or "The next generation will start when we say it starts." But they have none of the same advantages in this generation, like superior graphics, being the only console to play DVDs, or exclusive software. Now, these are two boxes on a par. And many would say the advantage goes to Microsoft because we're in the second generation of game development (while PS3 developers are still on the first generation).
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole interview on news.com
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(Wednesday 20 September 2006 16:42 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Pre-TGS: 1080p, HD-DVD coming 17 Nov for $170 in Japan, Blue-Dragoon, XNA
>> Some news from the Microsoft's pre-TGS Xbox 360 Media Briefing.
From the press releases/majornelson.com/next-gen.biz/joystiq.com/gamerscoreblog.com:
[QUOTE]
* Today at the Tokyo Game Show 2006, Microsoft Corp. delivered information on new and improved entertainment experiences for Japanese gamers, including details of the Xbox 360 library of nearly 110 high-definition games available this holiday season in Japan, which will include the highly anticipated "Blue Dragon" from Microsoft Game Studios [goes on sale December 7 for ¥6,800 in Japan]. Microsoft also paid tribute to NAMCO BANDAI Games and "Pac-Man," announcing that the first "Pac-Man" World Championship will be held in early 2007 using Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Arcade.
Many game titles, including the much-anticipated epic RPG "Blue Dragon," will be playable for the first time in the Microsoft booth at the Tokyo Game Show. Other playable titles include "Lost Odyssey" (Microsoft Game Studios) and "Viva Piñata" (Microsoft Game Studios).
* New bundle will be released on December 7th in Japan: Xbox 360 Core + Blue Dragoon for 29800 yen ($260).
The firm's re-energized efforts will be spear-headed by the release of the Blue Dragon bundle on December 7th which Sensui said was "effectively a better price than Wii". Blue Dragon will be joining 70 Japanese-developed games for the 360 released or in development. The Bundle will be available for a limited time only.
The Xbox 360 Core System [currently only the Pro pack is available in Japan] will be launched in Japan on November 2nd.
* Xbox 360 HD DVD Player and 1080p Support
Microsoft announced pricing and availability details for the Xbox 360 HD DVD Player in Japan. The accessory will launch on Nov. 17, 2006, priced at ¥19,800 (~168usd/~133eur) (estimated retail price), and will come with an Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote.
They did not discuss release dates or prices for other markets, instead choosing to isolate their focus on Japan. With X06 just a couple days after Tokyo, it seems likely we'll hear more about worldwide plans for this product there.
Speaking about the release of the external drive, Microsoft Game Studios' Shane Kim told us, in no uncertain terms, that they have "no plans to incorporate an HD-DVD drive inside the Xbox 360." This, of course, despite incessant rumors to the contrary.
In addition, Microsoft announced that its fall software update, scheduled for release later this year, will allow all Xbox 360 consoles around the world to output game and movie content in 1080p resolution.
Shane Kim clarified that, while the software patch would upscale all content to resolutions as high as 1080p, Microsoft themselves had no plans to produce gaming content taking advantage of this ability. He was similarly convinced that very few other developers would see the value in producing 1080p games, with the singular exception of Sony's first-party studios, eager to validate the value of the capability.
* The firm announced that its Xbox Live Vision Camera will go on sale in Japan on November 2, along with the wireless headset.
* XNA
Demonstrating its pledge to democratize game development for tomorrow's game developers, Microsoft announced that four Japanese universities will use its XNA Game Studio Express software in educational material and research within their course offerings. The XNA software allows hobbyists, students and independent game developers to create games for Windows and, for the first time, Xbox 360 with the goal that user-generated games made with XNA will arrive on Xbox Live Marketplace. Tokyo University, Tokyo Polytechnic University, Ritsumeikan University and Osaka Electro-Communication University join the dozens of universities worldwide that have pledged support for Microsoft's XNA vision and are recognizing the potential of XNA Game Studio Express as an educational tool. As a result, these four schools will integrate XNA software into their game development curricula, labs and games-related research.
* Pre-TGS Xbox 360 Media Briefing Audio and Pictures
You can download the entire audio from the Xbox briefing held today in Tokyo, Japan. With the exception of Peter Moore, the entire presentation is in Japanese. Peter Moore's section starts at 24:33 and ends at 42:41. Download here.
Photos of the briefing are available here
* TGS Xbox LIVE Content
Check out what's available from the TGS on Xbox LIVE "Bringing it Home - Day 1": majornelson.com
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 20 September 2006 09:06 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
XBLA Games from CDR/DVDR
>> From 360gamesaves.com:
[QUOTE]
We've made a little discovery here that may prove useful to 360 users without an expensive harddrive for their console.
Xbox Live Arcade Titles will execute when placed onto CDR/DVDR disks.
XBLA on HDD reside in this format on Partition3 of HardDrive. /Content/0000000000000000/*TitleID*/000D0000/*XBLA Game*
Burning this directory structure to any writable disk and placed in a console will populate the XBLA Menu with the titles on the disk. Of course, they will still run in TRIAL mode unless said console has purchased this content. However, we felt this was still useful for people with Memory Units that can only hold one title at a time or even people without any storage options at all.
Demos, Videos, Profiles, and Saves were also tested in this fashion but were not recognized by the system unfortunately. USB Drives and Memory Sticks also tested and not working for either XBLA or the latter.
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: 360gamesaves.com
To browser the HD with a Windows PC you'll need Xplorer360(info).
To connect the Xbox360 HD with your PC you have lots of choices these days:
* You can open the HD-case (void warranty!) and connect the drive to your PC via an sata port (and if your PC has no SATA you can buy a standard SATA-to-USB converter).
* If you don't wanna open your Xbox360 HD-case you can buy 3rd party accessoires like:
- via SATA port: Xecuter Connectivity Kit, Xeno Connectivity Kit, 360toSATA Connectivity Kit, MiniSpy SATA
- via USB port: Xecuter X360 USB, Datel XSATA, MiniSpy USB, XCM 360 SATA
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(Wednesday 20 September 2006 00:34 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Live Vision released, XBL parlor games patched
>> From gamespot.com:
[QUOTE]
The Xbox Live Vision is in stores today according to an announcement by Microsoft. This camera peripheral for the Xbox 360 adds real-time video chat functionality to the Xbox Live service, along with various other features, including in-game support in current and upcoming titles. A paid Xbox Live Gold membership is required to take advantage of the video chat functionality.
The camera ships as part of two different bundles, one for $39 including the camera, an Xbox 360 headset, and the games UNO and TotemBall; and the $79 "Xbox Live Vision Gold Pack", which includes a yearlong Xbox Live Gold subscription, 200 Microsoft Points that can be spent on Xbox Live Marketplace, and Robotron 2084, in addition to the headset and other two titles.
Furthermore, Microsoft announced that on September 20, four Xbox Live Arcade titles will be automatically be updated to include support for the new camera. These include Bankshot Billiards 2, Hardwood Hearts, Hardwood Spades, and Hardwood Backgammon. Up till now, the Xbox Live Arcade version of UNO was the only game to include camera support.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamespot.com[news] and GameSpot's Live Vision Hands-on
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(Wednesday 20 September 2006 00:28 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Peter Moore Video Interview about Xbox, Wii, PS3 and more...
>> From on10.net:
[QUOTE]
Peter Moore sat down for an intimate chat with some Xbox community site leaders and I crashed the party. This man is like a God to me so it was AWESOME to hear his thoughts on the Wii , Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. He also talks about how we interface with technology, gaming subscriptions, pricing and the future of gaming. It's good stuff- plus he has that adorable British accent!
[/QUOTE]
Download the video interview on on10.net (25mins)
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(Tuesday 19 September 2006 23:59 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Live Arcade Costs On the Rise
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
Jeff Tunnell (GarageGames' co-founder) wrote on his blog, "Creating an XBLA game is taking most studios 6-12 months. Costs are currently ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. ... This will inflate rapidly. [Emphasis Tunnell's]"
While Arcade games are a relatively inexpensive investment, Tunnell implied further that costs will rise, and only serious players need apply. "The industry standard arms race will quickly make the top end $300,000 budget a cheap product. Right now, I wouldn't consider attempting to make an XBLA game with a $100,000 budget. Development kits and Certification (QA testing) would eat up half of that, not leaving much for the actual game development."
Still, compared to a next generation game that costs $10 to $20 million to develop, $300,000 maximum is relative beans.
Tunnell also detailed Microsoft's estimated distribution fees that it charges for making a game available through Xbox Live Arcade. "The publicly available information on this is that the distribution fees for bringing a game to XBLA is 35-70 percent depending upon participation by MS.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: next-gen.biz
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(Tuesday 19 September 2006 22:53 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
ZsnexBox v2.95
>> Nes6502 released a new version of ZsnexBox(info), a port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator to Xbox on our forums with lots of new and fixed stuff!
What's new/fixed:
* More tweaks to the rumble. It seems to be working correct when loading savestates or using rewind. Before, if you used rewind in the middle of a rumble, the rumble would not disable (even when you exited the game). Sometimes it would cause a crash, so hopefully this is fixed as well.
Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 on forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
(Japan) Xbox 360 HD-DVD Nov 22nd, Below 200usd?
>> From kotaku.com/:
[QUOTE]
According to my friendly neighborhood Shibuya sources, Microsoft will announce tomorrow (late tonight for those of you in saner time zones) that the Xbox 360 HD DVD player attachment will ship to its wee Japanese fanbase just in time for the holidays. Priced at a very reasonable 19800 yen (~168usd/~133eur) (20790 yen (~178usd/~140eur) with tax), my source was eager to mention its 1080p capabilities and Windows XP Media Center Edition compatability. Woo.
As we all know, pricing in dollars to yen to euros to whatever is not created equal, so speculating other regional prices on current exchange rates doesn't always tell the full pricing strategy story.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: kotaku.com/
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(Tuesday 19 September 2006 15:46 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
More Blaster360 Pics/Info, Stock Update for X3IR USB and X360 USB
>> From team-xecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
* Here are some more images of the Blaster360. Probably the most anticipated device to be released for the 360, we ar working hard to get this on the shelves as soon as possible. We will also answer some questions that are repeated a lot on the forums.
1. Once fitted the device allows you to switch your DVD to flashing mode and to be flashed externally without ever having to open up your Xbox360 cases again.
2. It has a seperate molex power connector. This is for electrical safety and security. It resolves any short or grounding issues and keeps the Xbox360 PSU and any external flashing procedure seperate.
3. It has a switch to switch between normal 360 read operation and PC flashing operation.
4. Modeb is built in for hitachi drives.
5. You can connect direct to SATA or use the X360USB
6. There is no cutting of any of the outer case whatsoever - it is a clean install with no visible damage.
7. We have included a switch to disable the LED glow or to disable the LED alltogether (for those that don't like LED's)
8. We have optimized the design so it fits flush to the case and so you can also remove the hard drive with ease.
9. There is no release date or price as of yet, we will keep the price as low as possible. When we know, you will know. Asking that question over and over again on the forums is redundant.
* Console Synergy now has the X3IR USB in stock @ $31.99 (5+ $29.99)
Divineo & MrModchips X360USB stock should be arriving at their stores this week.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.team-xecuter.com
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(Tuesday 19 September 2006 13:43 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
(Europe) Microsoft Confirms 360 Classics
>> From mcvuk.com:
[QUOTE]
A budget Xbox 360 range will hit retail next month - as predicted by MCV last week.
Microsoft has today confirmed that the Xbox 360 Classics line-up will be launched on October 13th. Initial titles will include Perfect Dark: Zero and Kameo: Elements of Power, plus third party games Condemned (Sega) and King Kong (Ubisoft). Each will be priced at GBP 24.99 (~37 EUR).
The second wave of Xbox 360 Classics will arrive in Spring 2007.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: mcvuk.com
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(Tuesday 19 September 2006 13:36 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2006-09-18 CVS T3CH build
>> T3CH released a new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in CVS at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.
XBMC is in a FEATUREFREEZE at the moment. If you want to report bugs, please do it the PROPER way, see here.
Noteworthy, XML and Script changes since the September 13th T3CH release:
* fixed: udp:// where not working in mplayer.dll, still no multicast support but atleast you can stream directly from vlc (mplayer.dll)
For the full changelog since the 2006-09-13 T3CH CVS release click here.
Keep in mind this is a CVS snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) | Download SourceCode: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XBMC MC360 Beta 0.98748 18/09/2006, Dvd2Xbox skins also updated
>> From Team Blackbolt:
[QUOTE]
Here is an up-to-date snapshot of our current build of MC360. The main reason for this release is to fix the growing number of incompatibilities that cropped up over the past month or so without a release of the skin. Below is a quick changelog, you can find the full change log in the readme packaged with the download. What you won't find in the skin is the Full XBMC Live Place section as this is an ongoing project that wont be added to the public builds until it is completed, and thus brining the 1.0 version of our skin. You can look forward to full HD Font support, 16:9, 720p and 1080i support too. Here is the shortlist of changes in this build:
* New Login Screen
* Gamercard now directly selectable as a button. (gamer card only not info or weather).
* New Font Colour Settings. Go to MC360 Guide (start button)\Personal settings\Customize Theme\Font Colours, you can select from a a few pre-made selections or add you own to the '\skin\MC360\extras\SampleColorThemes' folder in the form of a simple txt file saved as a '.cof' file.
* You can now disable the Description text, in the MC360 guide\Personal Settings\Options Blade.
* Modchip LCD Support (Untested).
* Trainers Window now has OK/Cancel Buttons.
* Fixed Skin radio button issues with new XBMC builds.
* Clear All Settings now has a confirm dialog to avoid accidental deletion.
* Fixed Select /back text on dialogs should now translate with includes.
* Misc Textures replaced/updated.
* Speed/Navigation/Loading improvements due to better usage of the includes.xml.
* Can now select the Login Wallpaper from the \Personal Settings\Customize Theme\Custom Wallpapers\
The dvd2xbox(info) skins have also been updated for compatibility with the new 0.7.7 version of DVD2XBOX. You can download them in the downloads section, the link is at the top of the page. The changes are listed below:
* Added support for new locking ISO ripping and locking Filemanager windows
* Added support for the new calibration settings screen
We are still waiting on news about the T-Shirts I mentioned in earlier posts, as soon as we know more you guys will too. We would also like to take this opportunity to remind all our users that we do have a donations button at the bottom of this page, it's a one click deal and any amount will go towards benefiting the team and the skins production. Thank you.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://blackbolt.x-scene.com
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Gamasutra Special: The State Of Japanese Game Retail
>> From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
There have been plenty of articles in the past pontificating on the Japanese game market. But very few seem to have taken things down to a granular practical level, by simply analyzing what is stocked on Japanese video game store shelves, and how it differs to what we see in North America.
Xbox 360 - Not Quite Dead Yet
Now, given the news that Microsoft's Xbox 360 has sold less than 100,000 hardware units so far this year in Japan, and likely under 150,000 to date in the territory, one might wonder whether it would be impossible to find the hottest U.S. console in Japanese stores at all.
It was actually fairly easy - there was a demo Xbox 360 unit set up at the Odaiba branch of Toys 'R Us, and a similar unit at Sofmap in Shinjuku, and a not insignificant stash of games in each.
Of course, this was just one shelf for Xbox 360 titles, compared to three for PSP and five or more for DS (and no Xbox 1 games in Toys 'R Us at all!) But it is notable that Microsoft has managed to get such strong Japanese developer support for the first few months of its console.
By a rough count, around 50% of the Xbox 360 titles displayed on Japanese shelves were developed natively, and around 30% of those are Japanese exclusive right now. These Japanese X360 exclusives include New Japan Pro Wrestling and newer games such as Zegapain XOR, and cost around 6599 yen ($55.10), incidentally, fairly similar to some PlayStation 2 game prices.
But are these Japan exclusives going to dry up, if the horrid installed base makes it difficult to sell more than 10,000 copies of any one title? Quite possibly, though titles that are saleable in multiple territories, especially North America, will certainly continue to be produced. It'll be interesting to see how Microsoft discusses this issue in its pre-TGS press conference this Wednesday.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamasutra.com
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(Monday 18 September 2006 20:05 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Bringing it Home - Xbox LIVE Coverage From Tokyo Game Show and X06
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Enjoy Tokyo Game Show and X06 direct from your living room with an all-access pass to the biggest video game events of the fall
Xbox Live is "Bringing It Home" and invites Xbox 360 owners to check out games, demos, trailers and news from the show floors
Gamers don't have to be on the Tokyo Game Show and X06 guest lists to have a front row seat to all of the action, because this year Xbox brings these event show floors to you. Following on from the success of "E3: Bringing It Home," Xbox is inviting all gamers to enjoy exclusive access via Xbox Live Marketplace to Tokyo Game Show, the largest show from the world's second largest gaming market, and X06, the ultimate Microsoft games showcase.
Starting Wednesday, September 20, through Friday, September 29, connected gamers can access the best content from the Tokyo Game Show in Japan and X06 in Barcelona, Spain, including highlights from both press briefings, daily updates and behind the scenes videos from the show floors as well as the hottest playable game demos and videos in high definition. The majority of this content will only be available until 12:00 a.m. PDT on September 29, so be sure to download everything you want while it is available.
In total, more than 100 pieces of new downloadable content will be available to gamers during the nine day period, including a never before announced major franchise on Xbox Live Arcade. In addition to new playable game demos, there will also be new game videos from the following titles being showcased at Tokyo Game Show and/or X06:
* Call of Duty 3 (Activision)
* Forza Motorsport 2 (Microsoft Game Studios)
* Kane & Lynch: Dead Men (Eidos)
* Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom (Microsoft)
* Project Sylpheed (Square-Enix)
* Shrek the Third (Activision)
* Viva Piñata (Microsoft Game Studios)
* Plus additional high definition videos from games to be announced at Tokyo Game Show and X06
For gamers looking to further personalize their Xbox 360 experience Xbox Live will feature new picture packs and themes for titles including Alan Wake, Fable 2, Mass Effect and Forza Motorsport 2. Gamers also will be able to download a free picture pack, theme and an exclusive scene prior to the SCI FI Channel's Battlestar Galactica season premiere on October 6th (US only).
Stay tuned to the Xbox Live Calendar pages on Xbox.com (xbox.com/bringingithome) for more information on the schedule of events taking place during the Xbox Live is "Bringing It Home" week. If you're not yet connected to Xbox Live, sign up today to Bring Tokyo Game Show and X06 Home on your Xbox 360. What are you waiting for?
[/QUOTE]
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(Monday 18 September 2006 17:03 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Invention: Triple-standard DVD, Blu-Ray, HD-DVD Discs
>> From newscientisttech.com:
[QUOTE]
The electronics industry is in a fine mess, with two blue-laser disc standards (Blu-ray and HD-DVD) competing to succeed ordinary red-laser DVDs.
On 26 September, Warner will be the first studio to release a movie, Lake House, on all three disc standards simultaneously.
Meanwhile, however, two top Warner engineers, Alan Bell and Lewis Ostrover, have been working on a cheaper and more elegant solution.
Blu-ray uses a 405-nanometre wavelength laser to read data from tracks 0.1-millimetres-deep on the top surface of a disc. HD-DVD, on the other hand, uses the same wavelength to read recordings at a depth of 0.6 mm.
Warner's plan is to create a disc with a Blu-ray top layer that works like a two-way mirror. This should reflect just enough blue light for a Blu-ray player to read it okay. But it should also let enough light through for HD-DVD players to ignore the Blu-ray recording and find a second HD-DVD layer beneath.
An ordinary DVD recording could be put on the other side, so that conventional DVD players can read the disc as well.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: newscientisttech.com
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(Monday 18 September 2006 16:07 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
ZsnexBox v2.93 *update v2.94*
>> Nes6502 released a new version of ZsnexBox(info), a port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator to Xbox on our forums with lots of new and fixed stuff!
What's new/fixed:
* Added a finer control to the rumble motor 1 and 2 times. This value now increments/decrements in 0.01 units.
* Added fast increase/decrease for the motor 1 strength/time and the motor 2 strength/time vales. Use the right analog stick for a fast increase/decrease.
* You can now have cheats and rumbles on at the same time. So you can have an infinite energy code and rumble when hit.
!Update! Nes6502 released v2.94. What's new/fixed:
* Fixed a bug where rumbles would not disable sometimes.
* Fixed a bug that prevented having more than one rumble active at the same time. For example, if you set a rumble for firing a bomb and a rumble for losing energy in Starfox, only one of the two would rumble. This is fixed.
If you tried finding a rumble before with no luck (and had one of the other rumble slots turned on), you may want to try it again. This is because you might have found the correct address, but this bug prevented the rumble from working.
Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 on forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
MS TGS lineup, no Blue Dragon?
>> From xbox360fanboy.com:
[QUOTE]
It's no secret that we're a little excited for Blue Dragon, the little game from Hironobu Sakaguchi's Mistwalker. It's also considered to be one of Microsoft's few big titles in Japan. This makes one wonder why Blue Dragon isn't featured on Microsoft's lineup for the Tokyo Game Show. We can only assume it won't be a no show. After all, Blue Dragon is supposed to be Microsoft's system seller this holiday. This is supposed to be what the Japanese will see when they find out the PS3 is sold out. Suffice it to say, we'd be more than a little surprised if Blue Dragon didn't make an appearance.
Still, there are plenty of other notable titles like Forza 2, Viva Piñata, Sonic, DOAX2, and, of course, Gears of War.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: xbox360fanboy.com
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(Monday 18 September 2006 14:10 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
ZsnexBox v2.92
>> Nes6502 released a new version of ZsnexBox(info), a port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator to Xbox on our forums with lots of new and fixed stuff!
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed a bug in SRAM based cheat codes. This bug could potentially corrupt SRAM files and/or cause some codes not to work. It's fixed now.
* Added two new Xbox hardware Audio filters. These are Ambience and Cathedral. I HIGHLY recommend people checking out the Cathedral filter. It's not a filter you'll want to use all the time, but it adds a great sense of 3D atmosphere to lots of games (especially if you are hooked up to a surround sound system). For example, go into any palace in Zelda 3. Turn on the Cathedral filter, and you'll see what I mean. There are also some games that sound great with it on all the time (like Donkey Kong Country) in my opinion.
* Added Force Feedback support. Each game can have up to 10 different force feedback settings. Each of these 10 slots can be assigned to any of the 4 Xbox controllers.
The values that can be changed are: On/Off ; Rumble on Value Change/Decrease/Increase ; Address ; Description ; Motor One Strength ; Motor Two Strength ; Motor One time (in seconds) ; Motor Two time (in seconds) ; Rumbles to Skip (See Notes)
Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 on forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Sample: MiniSpy SATA HD-Adapter for Xbox 360
>> We received a sample of a new Talismoon product announced a while back and now in stock at retail shops: the MiniSpy SATA(buy now) HDD-Adapter for Xbox 360.
Here's the official description:
[QUOTE]
The Minispy SATA Adapter is a device that allows data transfer between your Xbox 360 Hard drive and your personal computer.
When used with powerful file management software currently available such as Xplorer 360 (included), the Minispy allows you to:
Transfer game saves, screen shots, demos and other media to your PC
Quickly move mp3's, restore game saves and profiles, and move other data to your Xbox 360 as required
Back up all important data to your computer in case of catastrophic loss Maximize the storage space available on your 360 hard drive
[/QUOTE]
The package you get is pretty complete, certainly considering they are reselling this for just below 10usd. You'll get the adapter and all cables required to connect the Xbox 360 Hard Drive to your PC (you'll need a PC with SATA ports) without having to open the Xbox 360 HD case and voiding the warranty.
You even get more than the strict minimum ... it'll come in a nice retail package and you'll also get a mini-CD and a PCI Plate with an SATA and 4pin molex port.
 You get: an SATA cable, a 4-pin molex power cable, the Xbox360 SATA adapter inside a plastic box, a mini-CD with software/drivers and a 'PCI Plate' with an 4pin power and SATA connector
Installing the 'PCI Plate' is easy ... just put the plate on a free PCI/PCE-E/AGP/ISA slot (it won't actually use the port) and connect the SATA wire to a free SATA port and the 4pin molex with your PC PSU ... once the plate is installed you can easily connect the Xbox 360 HD using the SATA Adapter to the back of your PC - no need to open your PC case anymore.
The CD seems to contain mostly drivers for the USB version of the MiniSpy (that will be available soon). I'm not sure why it's included with the MiniSpy SATA. I found no software (except a Chinese winrar) or MiniSpy manuals on the disc. To access the Xbox 360 hard drive (it's no normal FAT or NTFS - so it requires special software) you can download free software like Xplorer360(info) by 360gamesaves.com.
More Pictures:
* MiniSpy SATA Package closed: low-res | high-res
* MiniSpy SATA Package opened: low-res | high-res
* MiniSpy SATA PCI Plate Close-Up: low-res | high-res
Here are some pictures (click for high-res) of the Xbox360 SATA adapter itself that will allow you to connect the Xbox360 with your PC without requiring to open the HD case. Basically it'll convert the Xbox 360 HD port to a standard SATA data and 4pin molex power port.
When connecting the adapter with the Xbox360 HDD make sure to insert it the right way. There are drawing on the adapter box to show you how to insert it properly ... double check you insert it right because nothing physically stops you to invert power and data lines ... and that's something you don't wanna do, believe me. There's also a short wiring diagram on the back of the retail package.
You might have noticed that the PCB inside the plastic box looks a lot like the original (and first afaik) 360sata adapter (that only got released in very few quantities and never went in full mass production). Well, we learned that Team 360Sata indeed worked together with Talismoon to bring you this product!
The MiniSpy USB(pre-order) is not yet released, but should be out soon (for ~32 USD). It's the same package as above, but with an SATA-to-USB2.0 adapter and special hard drive power cable that will allow you to connect the Xbox 360 HD on the USB port of your PC and get power from an AC wall outlet, instead of using the SATA port and 4pin molex power.
Official Site: http://www.talismoon.com
Buy Now (in stock - $10): divineo.com | divineo.cn | divineo.de | divineo.se | divineo.fr | divineo.es
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(Sunday 17 September 2006 01:15 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
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