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Week of November 19, 2006
Talismoon Chrome Green Evolve360 Controller Faceplate
>> More news from Talismoon ... they added a new color to their Evolve Xbox360 Controller Faceplate. After the Blue, Chrome, Cyrstal clear and Leopard/Cow fur they now introduced the 'Ultra gloss Chrome green version'.
As with all Talismoon Controller Faceplate you'll get:
1x complete Xbox 360 controller faceplate
1x screwdriver
1x tamper resistant torx t8 wrench
1x installation guide
Official Site: http://www.talismoon.com
Buy Controller Faceplates: Chrome Green | Chrome | Blue | Clear | Leopard fur | Cow fur
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(Saturday 25 November 2006 23:08 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Talismoon Evolve360 'Fur' FacePlates for Xbox 360
>> Talismoon already introduced their "fur" wireless controller shells a while ago, today we got pictures of their evolve360 "Cow" and "Leopard" Fur FacePlates for Xbox360:
[QUOTE]
Talismoon provides a new way to add personality to your Xbox 360 console by offering the Jungle Fury fur edition. Appealing to consumers who want a more "natural" solution, the fur faceplate provides a cool way to go "low tech" while providing warm and fuzzy reactions from all your friends. Make your Xbox remarkable ... make it unique ... make it with Talismoon.
The Talismoon Wild Jungle edition fur faceplate is available in cow and leopard fur.
Includes:
Xbox 360 faceplate. Snaps on and off just like your OEM faceplate.
2 fur stickers (use of fur stickers is optional, cover your DVD and eject button, or leave them off if you prefer your OEM chrome finish)
Synthetic fur, please note no animals were hurt in the production of the 'evolve Wild Jungle' edition faceplates.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.talismoon.com
Buy Now ($14.95): Leopard Fur | Cow fur
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(Saturday 25 November 2006 00:10 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
On-the-fly video transcoding for Xbox 360 and Windows XP
>> Since the fall 2006 dashboard upgrade it's finally also possible to stream video to your Xbox 360 from a normal Windows 2000/XP machine. Previously it required Windows Media Center Edition.
However Microsoft only allows to stream WMV videos and there's no on-the-fly transcoding (addon) for Windows Media Connect/Windows Media Player11 yet like available for Windows Media Center Edition.
But the guys behind the TVersity Media Server released a (beta) patch for on-the-fly transcoding to WMV which will allow to use TVersity to stream videos in other formats (like xvid/divx) to your Xbox360. The videos will be automatically transcoded on-the-fly by your PC to WMV before it's streamed to your Xbox360:
[QUOTE]
TVersity Media Server lets you manage your Internet and home media and create your personalized lineup of channels, or as we call it your Personal Entertainment Guide (PEG). It then serves this media to a multitude of networked devices in the home or on the go, overcoming their inherent limitations by doing all the necessary conversions on the fly, and thus making your media available anywhere, anytime and from any device.
Here is an early preview for the on the fly WMV transcoding feature for the 360. Since we have other stuff that needs to make it into the next release and since this is not yet ready we are releasing a patch. Please try it and let us know what you think.
Installing the Patch:
1. Stop Tversity
2. Extract the content of the patch zip file into the installation folder of TVersity (by default it is \Program Files\TVersity\Media Server)
3. Start TVersity, go to the 360 and browse your computer for videos. You should now see all the videos shared via TVersity plus all the online video URLs and assuming your directshow has the filters needed to decode these videos they should all play on the 360.
Some additional notes:
* Videos may take from 10 seconds to a minute to start. It depends on the bitrate of the video. The 360 requires 2 Megabyte of data to be provided before it starts playback. For low bitrate content (like the stuff coming from the Net) it can take a minute to get to 2 Mbyte. For hi-def content it happens very fast.
* Transcoding in real time of high resolution material requires a very fast computer
* The quality of the result of the transcoding, can be controlled via the TVersity GUIl. Increasing the resolution will improve the quality but will require a faster machine. You can also experiment with the compression ratios and bitrates, these all affect the WMV transcoding just like they affect the MPEG transcoding that TVersity has been traditionally doing.
* You can even upconvert videos to HD if you wish and if you have a fast machine by tweaking the minVideoInfo in config.xml.
* If your computer is not fast enough, you can decrease the resolution and then try again or wait till the transcoding is done and then play it.
* Transcoded videos cannot be FF/Rewind during the transcoding (this is a 360 limitation) however after transcoding is done if you play some other video and then go back to the transcoded one, you will be able to seek in the file.
* It is highly recommended to upgrade to Windows Media Player 11 as it includes more recent and more stable encoders.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.tversity.com
Download: TVersity Media Server | Xbox360 patch
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(Friday 24 November 2006 18:56 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft Talks about Video Marketplace Issues
>> From Major Nelson (alias Larry Hryb - Microsoft's Xbox Live Director of Programming):
[QUOTE]
I just hung up on a conference call on this issue, and I wanted to post an update. As you know, we have been experiencing technical difficulties associated with the extremely high number of downloads from the Video Marketplace service over the past 24 hours. We understand these technical issues have resulted in a very unpleasant experience for our members, including extremely slow downloads or not receiving the content they purchased. We've made progress over the past 24-hours, and the team is dedicated to fixing the issues and continues to work as fast as they can around the clock to get the service running as seamlessly as you have come to expect. We strongly encourage all folks who have experienced an error message or did not receive a download they purchased to call customer support at 1-800-4MYXBOX. I also want to mention that if you see the 'Points have been deducted from your account...' message when you are trying to download free content, we are NOT deducting points. Thanks for your patience, and please know that the team is prepared to make things right for those affected, including refunding Microsoft Points where appropriate and as quickly as possible.
If you are having problems or have questions, you may want to head over to the Video Markeplace forum on Xbox.com. Members of the Video Marketplace team are over there answering questions and providing status updates on issues.
[/QUOTE]
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(Friday 24 November 2006 13:05 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
U.S. Copyright Office issues new abandonware rights
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
Here's something abandonware enthusiasts can be thankful for: the Library of Congress yesterday approved six exemptions to US copyright. The one most pertinent to gamers is that, for archival purposes, copy protection on software no longer being sold or supported by its copyright holder can be cracked.
What does this mean? Well, those retro games -- classic or otherwise -- that you can't seem to find anywhere can now be preserved without fear of ramifications. Although it is still unlawful to distribute the old games, free or otherwise, rarely do any abandonware cases go to court. The ruling is more symbolic than anything, but a step in the right direction.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: joystiq.com and news.yahoo.com
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(Friday 24 November 2006 00:46 EST) - (Category: GamingGeneral) - (Posted by::
)
Team Xecuter's Blaster 360 Finished
>> From Team Xecuter:
[QUOTE]
Jees, product development takes so long these days. I wish our R&D wasn't so anal or things would be twice as fast around here. But then we'd be bitched at for poor quality.
Anyway, the Blaster360 is now finally finished. here are some pics to wet the appetite. We are finalizing packaging and distribution so as soon as we know a delivery date and RRP we'll let you know.
For more information on the Blaster 360 check these threads so I don't repeat myself: thread1 | thread2 | thread3
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.team-xecuter.com
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(Thursday 23 November 2006 19:14 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Video Marketplace Melts Xbox Live: Call Support to get Points Back
>> From techdigs.net:
[QUOTE]
The interest and anticipation for HD movies from the Xbox Live Marketplace is causing the service to buckle under all the traffic. Currently working on a review of the new service, TechDigs.net has been trying to download a ~6GB HD movie since the service launched. It looks like the Xbox Live service only gives you a couple of tries to download movies. For us, the download failed twice and we had to resort to calling Xbox Live support in order to get our points back so we could try again.
Thirty minutes later, a helpful tech support supervisor stated, "...we are having a lot of trouble with the Video Marketplace. We've had our tech team working on this since 4:30 in the afternoon on Wednesday and they're currently still working on it..." At this point, it's unclear whether anyone has successfully downloaded a full-length HD movie.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: techdigs.net
From gizmodo.com:
[QUOTE]
The system is getting hammered, and downloads are going slug-slow, or failing all together. The service stopped my movie download half way, and wouldn't download more unless I bought it again. Then I tried buying an HD movie, which failed, but took my cash anyhow (see image)
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gizmodo.com
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(Thursday 23 November 2006 18:11 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Celebrating the XFPS 360: Flash Promo Video
>> From Team Xtender:
[QUOTE]
To Celebrate the launch of the XFPS 360 we have brought back our little friend "Timmy" who was fustrated with the "standard" Xbox controller and had so much more fun with our XFPS series of adapters.
Enjoy the Flash Video and give us any feedback that you might have.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxtender.com
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(Thursday 23 November 2006 14:47 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Alcatel Sues Microsoft for Patent Infringement
>> From dailytech.com:
[QUOTE]
French telecommunications company Alcatel has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft for patent infringement. Seven patents are at issue in the complaint, which are listed below:
* 6,339,830 and 6,874,090, "Deterministic User Authentication Service for Communication Network"
* 6,661,799, "Method And Apparatus for Facilitating Peer-to-Peer Application Communication"
* 6,823,390, "Method Of Setting Up Data Communication With A Communication Means And Furthermore Program Modules And Means Therefor"
* 6,112,226, "Method And Apparatus For Concurrently Encoding And Tagging Digital Information For Allowing Non-Sequential Access During Playback"
* 5,864,682 and 5,659,539, "Method and Apparatus for Frame Accurate Access of Digital Audio-Visual Information."
The patents outline methods in processing digital video, communications software and online authentication - all of which seem quite relevant to the just launched Xbox Live Video Marketplace.
This legal quibble may also stem from a Lucent and Microsoft patent war that started in 2003, and was recently revitalized over Xbox 360 video encoding, which Microsoft eventually won. Alcatel acquired Lucent earlier this year, absorbing its entire patent portfolio with it.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: dailytech.com
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(Thursday 23 November 2006 13:55 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
(UK) Coppers hunt Xbox hijack gang
>> From reghardware.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
Staffordshire police are after a hijacking gang who turned over a £500,000 lorryload of Xbox 360 consoles and games in the early hours of Monday morning.
At least three men in two cars - believed to be a Range Rover and a Rover saloon - flagged down the truck near Lichfield, shortly after it left a distribution centre. The men indicated there was something trapped beneath the wheels.
The 46-year-old trucker was then attacked and his vehicle, owned by distribution firm Hellman Worldwide Logistics, was stolen. It was carrying a shipment of a new WWE: Smackdown vs Raw 2007 Xbox 360 bundle which is due to launch tomorrow, according to Amazon.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: reghardware.co.uk
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(Thursday 23 November 2006 12:22 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Team Underdog announced NME-360 v1.2 DVD Firmware PatchMod
>> From Team Underdog:
[QUOTE]
NME v1.2 nearly there...
Fasten your seatbelts because we are ready to launch the incredible NME v1.2 Modchip in a few days. The most important spec is that it's just one chip for all drives now supporting ALL Samsung and ALL Hitachi drives, even the new 78 ones. We found that there are some different Hitachi 78 drives in the market and so it took a lot of work and time to implement them all.
The new features are:
* one chip for all drives
* optional disables the wireless network usb adapter
* optional enables network when playing linkgames
* new improved and very stable media detection
* now working with pioneer 111d and hitachi drives flawlessly
* 100% Firmware Stealth, when MS tries to read the Firmware then it replies as 100% original unmodified
In NME v1.1 we've had a small issue with games which have been burnt in a pioneer 111d writer. This was due to the fact that 111d is writing some sectors different from all other writers and so our mediadetection couldn't recognize the media as a valid backup when inserted in a hitachi drive. This issue has been solved 100% by our fantastic software engineer.
And now everybody hold your breath, take a few seconds of silence and bow down because we will show you the first picture of our NME v1.2 Modchip:
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.team-underdog.com
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(Thursday 23 November 2006 04:55 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
The Voice of Support: Managing Xbox and Xbox 360 Support Worldwide
>> From channel9.msdn.com:
[QUOTE]
This week, we sat down with Doug Park, Senior Group Manager for Xbox Support. Doug manages a number of program managers that handle various "lines of business" for Xbox hardware and software support around the globe, which we talk about extensively, and we also discuss some visions of rich media content that could become an integral part of the future of Xbox Support.
[/QUOTE]
Download the audio interview (mp3/wma) on channel9.msdn.com
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(Thursday 23 November 2006 02:21 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Amazon's 100usd Core Xbox360: Thursday 11am PST
>> As expected the Xbox360 won Amazon's Customer Vote. Thursday 11am PST there will be 1000 Xbox360 Core system available for just 100 USD (instead of 299 USD). Get your browsers ready - it's probably gonna sell out in a matter of seconds:
[QUOTE]
Each week's winner goes on sale Thursdays at 11 a.m. Pacific Time. Buying will close when available quantities have sold out. Be online, ready and waiting on Amazon.com, the second buying goes live. If you don't have an Amazon.com account already, get one now. We predict that these deals will sell out rapidly.
You won't buy products from Amazon Customers Vote the way you'd ordinarily buy at Amazon.com. We've implemented a special series of screens to ensure we only take as many orders as we can fulfill, and to ensure that each customer buys only one item. You'll be asked to verify your identity, and issued one of a limited number of claim codes that allow you to purchase at the special discounted price.
You must buy via the Amazon Customers Vote page, not the product detail page, in order to buy one of the set-aside items; otherwise, you will not pass through the series of screens in which we issue the claim code, and you will not receive the discount.
[/QUOTE]
More details on how to order item: amazon.com
100USD Xbox360 Core will be available here at 11am PST Thursday November 23.
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(Wednesday 22 November 2006 22:27 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft Responds to Slow Movie Download Issue
>> From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft just pinged me to let me know that the monstrously slow download I've been experiencing while trying to rent Poseiden through the Xbox 360 is, in fact, not typical.
"Due to the overwhelming popularity of the new full-length content following the launch on Xbox Live Marketplace we are aware some gamers are experiencing temporary difficulties accessing content, due to the volume of demand. Download times will vary depending on broadband speed and size of content, and we expect the current issues some gamers are experience will be resolved soon."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: kotaku.com
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(Wednesday 22 November 2006 19:39 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
More PS3 Exclusives Coming to Xbox 360
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
Koei, long time PlayStation supporter has pulled Fatal Inertia and Blade Storm: The Hundred Years' War from the PS3 exclusive list and plopped them squarely into the Xbox 360 camp. Another PlayStation staple, the Armored Core series, is also coming to the white box in the form of Armored Core 4.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: joystiq.com
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(Wednesday 22 November 2006 19:23 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
XCM XFPS 360 Prototype Pictures
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(Wednesday 22 November 2006 14:05 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Video Marketplace Now Live
>> From the majornelson.com:
[QUOTE]
A couple of weeks ago we announced that you would be able to download complete HD and SD versions of your favorite movies and TV shows from the Xbox Live Markeplace. That day is now here...moments ago we flipped the switch and the service is now available for all U.S. Xbox Live members. No dashboard update needed...just sign in to Xbox Live, and head over to Marketplace, then Media and Entertainment. You can also hit it directly from the Media blade->Video Marketplace. If you have any questions, hit this FAQ or this FAQ on the Xbox forums. It's fitting that on the Xbox 360's first birthday, it becomes the first gaming console in history to provide HD TV shows and movies directly to your gaming lair.
[Details on Xbox.com]
[Press release (with pricing information) on Xbox.com]
P.S. Check out the new way you can navigate the TV and Movies content now. It's a lot easier, especially when you get down to a list and you can use the left and right bumpers to navigate various views. When looking at a list, you can also click X to change the sort order. Try it out.
Edit: To everyone complaining/posting about why this is not available in their country, please listen to show #201, specifically the interview with Ross. He explains it quite nicely. If we had our way, we'd make it available to as many people as possible.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 22 November 2006 12:35 EST) - (Category: Xbox) - (Posted by::
)
EkszBox-ABX v1.4
>> Kernel Master informed us he released a new version of EkszBox-ABX(info) - an audio extraction/injection tool which supports multiple xbox audio/container formats.
What's new/fixed:
* 20 formats supported.
* Exclusive Stx support (Kakuto Chojin).
* Bug which caused list to become wider -> fixed.
* Fixed a number of gui glitches.
* Obscure X360 Xwb bug fixed.
* New & better BG graphics (Inc. 1 in Psd format to aid customization endevours)
* Added a bits option (Only works for Pcm audio).
* Removed bits of extraneous code from a few places.
* Changed/fixed many other bits & pieces.
* Added Xct database entries for Kakuto Chojin.
Official Site: n/a (by Kernel Master)
Download: here
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(Wednesday 22 November 2006 00:18 EST) - (Category: Xbox) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft Trims Xbox 360 Manufacturing Costs by 40pct
>> From xbitlabs.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft Corp., the world's leading maker of software, is earning money selling the Xbox 360 hardware, according to updated teardown analysis from research firm iSuppli. The information means that the software giant has managed to lower the price of its latest game console by nearly 40% in one year.
According to iSuppli's most recent analysis, the premium version of the Xbox 360 game machine equipped with hard disk drive has a manufacturing and materials total of $323.30, based on an updated estimate using costs in the fourth quarter of 2006. This total is $75.70 less than the $399 suggested retail price of the Xbox 360. Even though it is obvious that Microsoft still has to subtract freight, toll, retail partner's profit and other possible charges, it is highly likely that Microsoft has either managed to reduce its loss to minimal, or is making a tiny profit selling the $399 flavour of the Xbox 360.
A year ago the total bill of materials (BOM) cost for the Xbox 360 Premium, including hard disk, the DVD drive, enclosures, the Radio Frequency (RF) receiver board, power supply, wireless controller, cables, literature, and packaging, reached $525, well above the retail price of $399, according to iSuppli. Considering the up to date BOM, Microsoft has managed to reduce the pricing of its console by over 38.5%.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: xbitlabs.com
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(Wednesday 22 November 2006 00:05 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
HD DVD Auto Update
>> From majornelson.com:
[QUOTE]
If you have an Xbox 360 HD DVD player, you'll be prompted for an auto update the next time you watch an HD DVD movie. This update has no new features in it, but contains title specific movie playback improvements and few fixes to some localized text.
If you don't have access to Xbox Live, you can download the free update from Xbox.com.
[/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 21 November 2006 22:20 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Gears of War Hits 1 Million Units Sold and Shoots to 1 on Xbox Live
>> From the Microsoft press release:
[QUOTE]
As "Gears of War" continues to emerge throughout the world ahead of the holiday sales rush, the Xbox 360 juggernaut has sold an impressive 1 million copies world-wide in just its first two weeks of release--elevating the game to the fastest-selling title of 2006 and fastest-selling original Xbox game of all time.
The battle continues to rage on Xbox Live as well, as more than 850,000 unique gamers have engaged in 10 million gameplay sessions while unlocking an impressive 7 million Achievements. On top of being the #1 title on Xbox Live, "Gears of War" has also driven new members to the network, as paid registrations per day have skyrocketed more than 50 percent since the game's launch.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole press release here
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(Tuesday 21 November 2006 19:57 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
HDMI Rumor Back and Shot Down by MS again
>> From xbox360.ign.com:
[QUOTE]
Earlier today, pictures trickled into our office showing the Japanese Lost Planet Bundle box. Although most of the information on the packaging was common knowledge, the box cryptically made reference to an HDMI port on the console.
Microsoft responded and told us that the pictures were not final shots of the retail package. These were early product shots not indicitive of the retail version. The mention of HDMI on the box was merely a typo. The final retail box will not contain any such references.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: xbox360.ign.com and xbox360fanboy.com
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(Tuesday 21 November 2006 19:20 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 360 Software Attach Rate Is 'Alarming'
>> From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
The latest issue of Jason Kraft and Chris Kwak's 'Video Game Journal' for the Susquehanna Financial Group examines the software attach rate for the Xbox 360, and explores why such an "alarmingly high" rate may not bode well for Microsoft's next-generation console.
Specifically, the report cites the recently announced Xbox 360 attach rate of around five games per console sold as confirmed by Microsoft in October, a number that was up from the roughly four games per console attach rate announced by the company at the console's launch in 2005.
It concludes: "We believe the unusually high attach rate on the 360 is a sign of an increasingly unhealthy console growth rate, and should be worrisome to publishers and investors."
The analysts further explain their hypothesis by offering that a significant portion of the Xbox 360 consoles currently in circulation were purchased by hard-core gamers, who, by definition, purchase a lot of games.
In conclusion, the authors state, "If the Xbox 360 sports an attach rate of ten by holiday 2007, it will probably be because it has failed to gather critical momentum. What does it benefit publishers and investors if ten games are being purchased by a total audience of 10 million 360 owners? It doesn't take effort to see that a console with an attach rate of 8 and an installed base of 50 million is superior to a console with an attach rate of 12 with an installed base of 20 mln."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamasutra.com
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(Tuesday 21 November 2006 17:22 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft Inadvertently Confirms Gears of War Trilogy
>> From teamxbox.com:
[QUOTE]
On several occasions, CliffyB has been asked about a follow-up to Gears of War but he has avoided confirming a sequel. Despite that, it seems that Microsoft is already counting on a Gears of War trilogy.
In an interview with GameDaily, Jeff Bell, the Corporate Vice President of Global Marketing for the Interactive Entertainment Business unit at Microsoft, has accidentally confirmed that the publisher plans a trilogy of games set in the Gears of War universe. Speaking on the "Mad World" commercial, Bell said:
"The goal of this ad is to establish Marcus Fenix as the hero of the Gears of War trilogy."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: teamxbox.com
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(Tuesday 21 November 2006 16:49 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Upcoming Xtreme 5.x details + Live update? *updated*
>> Commodore4eva has given me some updated information on the upcoming xtreme 5.x series for the TS-H943. ETA on release is a few days.
Upcoming features!
* Single Layer SS support for both XBOX1 and XBOX360 games!
* XBOX360 File based iso support (no more raw dumps)
So, for some clarification this will NOT allow you to use your previously backed up XBOX1 games on the xbox360. This will however allow you to reburn your games to another single layer dvd-r with patched SS,DMI,PFI so it will be functional. XBOX360 file based iso will still require SS,DMI,PFI + Video.iso for media stealth (and just SS/video for basic functionality). This also means that many xbox360 games will now work on single layer disc's! FEAR is only 3.9GB file based (as opposed to 7+GB RAW dump), and GOW is 6.2 *including* the video stuff!
*update*
As far as the dash update, its schedualed to be a upgrade to include the movies and tv options. We'll have to wait and see if they include any other little surprises!
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(Tuesday 21 November 2006 01:28 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Make a Profit on your Broken Xbox 360
>> From xbox360fanboy.com:
[QUOTE]
Tim had some back luck with Chromehounds bricking his 360. So, he had to package it up and send it off to Microsoft ... but for a fee. Tim sent us an update and that he had to pay to get his Xbox 360 working again, stating that he "eventually got it repaired for half the normal price ($65 as opposed to $130)".
But to Tim's surprise he received a letter from Microsoft today and attached was a check for $96.75. The letter read:
"Upon further review of internal repair data, it has come to our attention that the Xbox 360 console you previously paid to repair is qualified for a free out of warranty repair. Attached is a check to reimburse you for this matter. We apologize for any inconvenience."
Tim paid $65 to repair his Xbox back in the day and today received a check for over $95 ... do a little subtracting and ... that's a $30 profit!
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: xbox360fanboy.com and flickr.com
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(Monday 20 November 2006 23:54 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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Credit Suisse upgrades Microsoft share after PS3 and Wii Launch
>> From money.cnn.com:
[QUOTE]
Credit Suisse raised its rating on Microsoft Corp. to "outperform" from "neutral," saying the stock could appreciate nearly 20 percent from current levels due to the company's strengthening market position in digital entertainment, among other reasons.
The brokerage, which also raised the software maker's price target to $35 from $29, said the upgrade was not a call on the company's operating system Vista or portable media player Zune.
"Rather, we see a combination of different factors coming together to create an opportunity for the stock to break-out," the brokerage added.
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Good time to buy Microsoft stocks?
Read More: money.cnn.com
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(Monday 20 November 2006 23:33 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
TIME: PS3 vs Xbox 360 with HD DVD Player
>> From time.com:
[QUOTE]
Now that Sony's Blu-ray is appearing in Sony's eagerly anticipated PS3, Microsoft's HD DVD format is appearing in, you guessed it, Microsoft's Xbox 360. Okay, not "in" the Xbox--an accessory drive that connects to the console via USB has just gone on sale for $200. That brings the total for Microsoft's premium high-def-movie playing system to $600, the same price as the premium PS3.
I'm a big fan of high-definition TVs, even the more affordable 720p sets, and I can vouch for the fact that whether they're on Blu-ray or HD DVD, movies look much better than they do on standard DVDs. Pop in the Blu-ray edition of Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby that comes with the PS3, and you're blown away by the detail (and by how old and pockmarked Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly look up close.) Likewise, load up the copy of Peter Jackson's King Kong that ships with the Xbox HD DVD player, fast forward to an action scene and suddenly, there are two T-Rexes and a gorilla duking it out in your living room. I can't spot the difference between Blu-ray and HD DVD movie; no one but the most finicky of videophiles could. So when looking at both game consoles as a source of high-def movie content, forget about differences in video quality and think more about your gaming preferences as well as the movies themselves, the Blu-ray and HD DVD lineups on Amazon.com or Netflix.
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Read More: time.com
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(Monday 20 November 2006 23:14 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
XNA Game Studio Express and Windows Vista
>> From the Official MS XNA Blog:
[QUOTE]
Many people have written to us or inquired on the forums about support for Windows Vista. I thought it would be best to clear up the speculation and let everyone know our plans for Windows Vista support for XNA Game Studio Express.
XNA Game Studio Express is tightly integrated with Visual C# 2005 Express Edition. As such, we are highly dependent on the features and capabilities of Visual C# Express and, more generally, Visual Studio 2005.
Visual C# Express is supported on Windows Vista if both the Visual Studio 2005 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and the Visual Studio 2005 SP1 Update for Windows Vista are applied. Currently SP1 is in Beta and the SP1 Update is under development. XNA Game Studio Express relies heavily on Visual C# Express and will need both of these updates in order to have full functionality on Windows Vista. For more information on using the Visual Studio 2005 products with Windows Vista, including known issues and possible workarounds, please visit the Visual Studio on Windows Vista support page.
We appreciate your patience while waiting for the release of the Visual Studio 2005 SP1 Update for Windows Vista. I think it's important to let you know that as Windows Vista gets closer to consumer release, the XNA Game Studio Express team will be actively testing to see how XNA Game Studio Express works and if there are any issues that would prevent it from working as expected. Through this blog, we'll let you know about any issues and how to workaround them. You may even end up at a presentation on XNA Game Studio Express and see us demoing on Windows Vista--all to make sure that XNA Game Studio Express works perfectly on the next version of Windows.
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(Monday 20 November 2006 20:01 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
A Game Developer's View: Xbox360 vs PS3
>> From hardcoreware.net:
[QUOTE]
Being a video game developer (I develop for both, Playstation 3 and XBOX 360) people ask me almost daily which platform I think is better. These are my personal feelings, in no way does this reflect my employer.
Performance: On paper, the PS3 is more powerful. In reality, it's quite inferior to the 360. Without getting into too many details, the three general-purpose CPU's the xbox360 has are currently FAR easier to take advantage of than the SPU's on the PS3. I suspect a few years down the road some high budget, first party PS3 exclusive titles will come out that really take advantage of the SPU's and do things the XBOX 360 can't, but I don't think the console is worth buying based on this speculation (for some it will be though, we'll have to wait and see how these games turn out).
Graphics: The XBOX 360 is a clear winner. The GPU is more powerful. It has more powerful fillrate, and far more pixel and vertex processing horsepower. Part of the reason is their choice of memory, and architecture of pixel and vertex procesing. I can't get into details but the same vertex shader will run much slower on the PS3 than the XBOX 360. The 360 also has a clever new way rendering high definition anti aliased back buffers. To accomplish the same effect on PS3 is prohibitively expensive. For this reason I think many games will have no choice but to run in non-HD resolutions on the PS3 version, use a lower quality anti aliasing technique, or do back buffer upscaling. The end result in all cases is going to be noticeably worse image quality.
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Read More: hardcoreware.net
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Pimped Out GamerBus Brings Mobile Xbox 360 LAN to Your Hood
>> From gizmodo.com:
[QUOTE]
Buses for the most part are lame, but pack one with a ton of Xbox 360s and a few HDTVs and you've got my full attention. The GamerBus is a 37-foot RV that lets you and a bunch of friends duke it out via its 16 System-Linked Xbox 360s. Each of the 16 game stations is hooked up to a 23-inch Philips LCD making it dead simple to play against or with your friends. The bus only services the Virginia Beach area and charges $150/hour (Fri-Sun) and $125/hour (Mon-Thurs).
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gizmodo.com and gamerbus.com
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(Monday 20 November 2006 12:50 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xploder Xbox 360 Cheat Saves
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Another first from Xploder: XBOX 360 owners can now access, download and manage the very latest gamesaves for the coolest 360 games from www.xploder.net
Xploder Cheat Saves for XBOX 360 is the first and only comprehensive Cheat Saves device for 360 gamers. Access gamesaves from www.xploder.net and transfer them from the PC to the 360 Memory Unit using the unique X-Link cable.
Blow your 360 games wide open - Unlock levels, stock up on loads of ammo, access secret characters and much more! All you need is a 360 Memory Unit (not supplied).
Download the latest gamesaves for XBOX 360 games including Call of Duty 3, Saints Row, Project Gotham Racing 3 and Splinter Cell: Double Agent.
Back-up important game saves from 360 Memory Units to your PC, and free up valuable 'save slots', you can even add save descriptions, or delete unwanted game saves, all at the click of a mouse button.
Incorporated into the user interface is a Live RSS feed to keep you updated with the latest 360 gamesaves available from www.xploder.net
The innovative 'iTunes style' interface features multiple panels to display connection status, PC save and back-up information, as well as providing access to the online Xploder database for the latest gamesave downloads. Simply drag-and-drop gamesaves for your favourite games from the web, to the PC, to the console, in a matter of seconds.
Available NOW from www.xploder.net and leading games stockists for just £14.99
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xploder.net
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(Monday 20 November 2006 12:16 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
dvd2xbox v0.7.8
>> WiSo released a new version of dvd2xbox(info).
What's new/fixed:
* fixed: SmartXX RGB Led support had some bugs
* added: some new transition for the RGB Led
* added: return to dash from main menu can now be configured in dvd2xbox.xml
* added: auto shutdown feature after ripping. Default is off
* changed: xbe title from dvd2xbox to DVD2Xbox ;)
Added:
A small windows app which let you easiliy configure your SmartXXRGB.xml file (needs .NET framework).
It has also the ability to test the transitions and color directly on you box if the network is enabled (DVD2Xbox needs to have network, SmartXX RGB Led and xbox autodetection enabled). This is usefull because the color shown in the app and on the Led are a little different. Maybe later on one can insert an adjustment matrix.
Official Site: http://dvd2xbox.xbox-scene.com
Download Binaries n/a (built with XDK) | Download Sourcecode: here
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ID: Xbox 360 first console easier to develop than PC
>> From computerandvideogames.com in an interview about Id's 360 Wolfenstein:
[QUOTE]
Developer John Carmack is keen to put gamers at ease, claiming that "the Xbox 360 is the first console that I've ever worked with that actually has development tools that are better for games than what we've got for the PC."
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Read More: computerandvideogames.com
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(Sunday 19 November 2006 01:04 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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