Will you buy the Kinect?

yes, at launch or during the holiday season
maybe later
no

 





Crave Online

Week of February 20, 2005
W.I.P. MadnessX
>> MadnessX is a new homebrew game for Xbox currenty in development by shizno of Team AfterShock. It's the 2D clone of a Flash game.
From aftershock.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
Almost Done:
* Did some more CODING
* Finished up bullet time effects/trails/whatever
* Added in body chunks and what not...
* Resized the players a bit...
* Beefed up the particle count to make better smoke and blood effects -cool-
Xbox-Scene
[/QUOTE]

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(Saturday 26 February 2005 13:00 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

Different power cords
>> It appears that not everyone is recieving the same replacement power cords. Some get the big bulky plug (seen here) while others recieve a normal cable, as seen below:




The type of cord you recieve seems to depend on the serial number you provide microsoft with. Another type of cord you may recieve is shown here. (Sent from an AU visitor) and here. (Sent from a UK visitor). For more information about the power cords, refer to the forums.

Thanks to CUxtopher, Rihi and Shonk for their images.

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(Friday 25 February 2005 16:23 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

XBMC Screensaver Competition Reminder
>> From Gamester17 of Team XboxMediaCenter(info):
[QUOTE]
We just like remind all Xbox developers that the submission dead-line for XBMC Screensaver Competition is this upcoming Monday, (the 28th of February 2005, 24:00 G:MT). If you have not handed in your code/entry yet then please try to do so before the end of the weekend, (remember to include your contact details), don't miss your chance to win a X2VGA-adapter.

More info: XBMC forums
PS! Only have one entry for this contest has been submitted so far.
Best wishes / Team-XBMC
[/QUOTE]

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(Friday 25 February 2005 14:16 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

Xbox 2 to Break E3 Embargo? – March Showing Mooted
>> From Spong.com:
[QUOTE]
SPOnG believes that Microsoft is set to surprise the gaming world by showing its Xbox 2 console well before this May’s E3 show, slated for mid-May in Los Angeles.
According to two independent sources, the Redmond software giant has an Xbox 2 conference of ‘significant importance’ slated for some point in March 2005, which SPOnG has been led to believe will include software and hardware being displayed to the public for the first time.
[/QUOTE]

Read the whole article on Spong.com.

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(Friday 25 February 2005 14:06 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

Surreal64 FDB v4
>> Freakdave released a new version of Surreal64(info).
Changelog:
* Added: Implemented GogoAckman's Video Menu and renamed to Settings Menu
* Added: Option to change the analogue stick sensitivity via the Settings Menu
* Fixed: Removed custom settings from Surreal.ini as they're now stored in fdb.ini
* Fixed: Some bugs in GogoAckman's Video Menu code which forced you to restart Surreal if you changed texture filter modes for PJ64 and 1964
* Fixed: Lockup if there was no fdb.ini (former Surreal-xxx.ini) in the directory
* Fixed: Removed Vertex mode option from the Video Menu
* Fixed: Some typos in the Video Menu
* Fixed: Minor code cleanups


Official Site: http://freakdave.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org


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(Thursday 24 February 2005 23:23 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

Microsoft hires Final Fantasy creator to develop Xbox games
>> From The Seattle Times:
[QUOTE]
Looking to gain a stronger foothold in Japan, Microsoft's Xbox division said today it has hired Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of the "Final Fantasy" franchise, to develop two games exclusively for the next-generation Xbox console.
Sakaguchi and his studio will create two role-playing video games, which will be published by Microsoft Game Studios and released to the Japanese market. Microsoft would not say what the games would be or when they will be released.
[/QUOTE]

Read the whole story on seattletimes.nwsource.com.

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(Thursday 24 February 2005 16:52 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

FBAxxx Beta 5
>> A new version of FBAxxx(info) - a port to Xbox of FBA - has been released.
What's new/fixed:
* Upgraded sources to the new one on PC :
* psykio drivers (tengai and striker 1964 don t work for some odd cpu reason)
* corrected some games drivers (sailormoon)
* corrected autofire again (you can now select fast - slow option)
* neogeo drivers up to date now
* many other news/cleanup
* I had to remove some software filters, after all, they were not fast enough.

Official Site: http://fbaxxx.fr.st
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org

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(Thursday 24 February 2005 16:15 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

neXBC v5.0.1.117
>> XboxConnect.com brings us a new version of neXBC(info) with the following new features/fixes:
[QUOTE]
1. Added code to check for no active adapter when joining or hosting a game. This should solve for some people not seeing the game on the Xbox. It will force you to redetect your Xbox before entering the room.
2. Options window not always enabled.
3. Fixed avatar code not working properly if it encountered one players avatar was bad.
4. Added a lot more clan code. Users can now request to join or quit an existing clan.
5. Fixed clan tages sometimes showing up inproperly in the game room.
6. Added delay to game refresh when first logging in.
7. Added some debug code to help troubleshoot packet driver not initialzing.
8. Cleaned up winpcap fall back code for better initialization.
9. Fixed bug in default packet driver that would not let you join a room.
10. Added code to properly shutdown Winpcap if its being used. Previous versions may have not let XBC shutdown.
11. Altered inter-room msg format to support larger games with more people. Also more effecient by using less bandwidth.
12. Fix for mcafee users. XBC will check for macfee antivirus, then dynamically load winpcap if its installed and use that instead of the microolap driver. If winpcap is not installed it will start the install automatically. Note, Winpcap is only used if Mcafee is installed or you set that option in XBC options.
13. Added code to download missing images automatically.
14. Added a work around for misbehaved internet cache programs. Would cause XBC to report it couldnt contact the master server.
15. Removed script engine and plug in directly compiled code. This will result in much faster and more reliable program start.

Clan creation will take place inside the main chat lobby. Clans will need both a founder and a co-founder and will most likely go through an initial investigation to ensure they are real. No one can belong to more than one clan. We can make available the clan's website and a clan avatar image (90 high x 470 wide JPG or BMP) No Gif, PNG, etc. Every clan member can also have a clan title that will be deligated by the founder or cofounder. All clan administration will be done via the MyXBC interface (which is still under construction).
[QUOTE]

Official Site: http://www.xbconnect.com
Download: here

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(Thursday 24 February 2005 15:57 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

Stock levels of Xbox plummet across the UK
>> [QUOTE]
Stock levels of Microsoft's Xbox console appear to have plummeted across the UK in recent weeks, with some retailers running extremely low on stock and others even selling out completely.

Speaking about the stock level situation, a Microsoft spokesperson told GamesPaper "We're aware that consumer demand is currently outstripping supply in the market and we're working hard with our partners to address this situation and ensure that we're helping them in all ways we can".

It's unclear if huge demand for the machine is simply more than the rate at which consoles can be supplied to retail, or if the somewhat likely situation of a new Xbox console release is imminent for March, and is the reason why existing stock levels have run down low to make way for a new model - similar to Sony's PlayStation 2 before they launched the slimline machine back in November.
[/QUOTE]

More at GamesPaper.com.

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(Thursday 24 February 2005 15:48 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

More to the power cord replacement than meets the eye?
>> North American Xbox owners have already began to recieve their replacement power cords. These new cords are on the bulky side, and plastered with warning messages and instructions which appear to be made for the kind of person who would stick a fork inside a socket.

However, there appears to be some discussion as to the true intention of Microsoft. G0t M4xx 21 explains his theory:
[QUOTE]
The real problem is the Foxlink power supply. There have been numerous reports of "loose power connectors" in xboxes, and the cause of this is that the solder joints on the PSU have actually broken where the connector mounts to the board, which can result in the xbox not powering on, or possibly even sparks, smoke, and fire.
So, instead of taking the costly duty of recalling all older xboxes, what do they do? They give you a power cord with this huge GFI thing. This in no way will solve the problem, it is merely a bandaid. So, when your PSU sparks and shorts out, it just trips a switch instead of catching fire, but your xbox still doesn't work.

[/QUOTE]

See more @ the forums.







Thanks to SimonX314 for the images.

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(Wednesday 23 February 2005 17:14 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

Xbox 2 to feature HD expansion bay?
>> From http://gamesindustry.biz ...

"Microsoft's next-generation Xbox console is set to feature a removable hard drive bay, according to online reports today, which will allow users to upgrade their entry-level systems to include mass storage capabilities.

Citing a "reliable source", technology news site Engadget revealed details of the removable hard drive, claiming that the unit attaches to the top of the console "in a really slick way, almost like the hood scoop on a muscle car."




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(Wednesday 23 February 2005 14:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

No Xbox Burns in India
>> From Techtree.com
[QUOTE]
Sujata Softech, Mumbai-based distributor of Xbox has said that the voluntary recall and replacement of defective Xbox cords by Microsoft will not be required for devices used in India.

Sanjeev Jha, CEO, Sujata Softech, the distributor of Xbox in India, says, "In India since we use 220 Volts the power cords used here for the Xbox are different as compared to the ones that are being recalled. I don't see sales here being affected due to this."
[/QUOTE]
Click for the full article

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(Tuesday 22 February 2005 19:09 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

MadnessX W.I.P. Update
>> MadnessX is a new homebrew game for Xbox currenty in development by shizno of Team AfterShock. It's the 2D clone of a Flash game.
From aftershock.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
Added some HUD elements (bullet count)
Started work on Bullet time....at the moment i have 'time' attached to the left trigger, so depending on how much you pull on the trigger, it will slow time down, its kind of funny (but pointless) to slow time to nothing where the bullets just stop in mid air etc (nothing moves)
[/QUOTE]

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(Monday 21 February 2005 17:02 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

X-Changer OS v1.4
>> A new version of the X-Changer OS has been released. The X-Changer is a recently released modchip (see news for those who missed it) with its own open source 'OS' (sources will be released soon according to site).
What's new/fixed:
* Network flash function (DHCP) If you choose at the Advanced/Flash menu the network flash, you have the possibility to flash your X-Changer Chip via a standard webbrowser over the network.
Just type the IP-address in your browser and you see the new flash page of your X-Changer chip.

Official Site: http://www.x-changer.net.tc
Download: here

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(Monday 21 February 2005 00:12 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

Yoshihiro X3 Bios Beta1
>> Yoshihiro released a new modified version of the Xecuter3 v1.6 BIOS (only the MS-based hacked bios, not 'Config Live' (X3 OS)), that boots on all modchips (with 1+mb flash), with specific settings in the embedded X3-eeprom:
[QUOTE]
* For the X3_yoshi_Hack_2913_DEBUG_1.6B_06.bin you have LBA 48 enabled for F:\\ only and have the bleu animation with the white background.
* For the X3_yoshi_Hack_2913_DEBUG_1.6B_67.bin you have LBA 48 enabled for F:\\ up to 137Gig and G the rest have the red animation with the white background.

My Settings in X3-Eeprom:
* In Game Reset = Enable
* Debug Bios Mode = Enable
* XBOX Live Login Disable = Enable
* No Reset On Eject = Enable
* LBA 48 Mode = F up to 137Gig and G the rest ;; only for the 67
* LBA 48 Mode = F Get all ;; only for 06
* Dashboard Boot Drive = C
* Check Clock For Errors = Enable
* WireFrame Flubber = Enables
* Led Color = Red
* Display TM logos = Disabled
[/QUOTE]

Official Site: http://www.yoshihiro-dev.com
Full nfo/readme: here
Download: n/a (contains MS copyrighted code)

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(Sunday 20 February 2005 23:43 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

AvaXdisk 2.5 , UnXdisk v3 and AvaXnet v2
>> Team X-Disk released new versions of their Multi-Dash-Autoinstaller discs that allow you to easily install many homebrew apps/emus/games on your Xbox. AvaXdisk (and AvaXnet for network install) are based on the Avalaunch(info) dashboard. UnXdisk is based on the UnleashX(info) dashboard.
All 3 releases have been updated to include the newest version of each homebrew application it contains. AvaXdisk can now also install XboxMediaCenter(info) as default dash.

Official Site: http://www.x-disk.com
Download: n/a (contains files built with XDK)

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(Sunday 20 February 2005 20:55 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

Xbox-Scene... 200000 and growing
>> I'd just like to say thanks to all the members that keep this place interesting, and growing. "dora123" became the 200,000th member of XS. Welcome aboard. Here's to the next 200,000 members.. Cheers.

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(Sunday 20 February 2005 20:41 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )

Softmod Installer Deluxe v2.0
>> DJB released a new version of Softmod Installer Deluxe(info) - an Xbox (softmod) exploit installer (using memcard). From readme/nfo:
[QUOTE]
What's new/fixed (since v1.01):
* Game saves have now been made Action Replay / Mega X-Key compatible.
* Skin problem fixed.

What does it include?
* Softmod Exploit Packages for 007 Agent Under Fire, MechAssault, and Splinter Cell.
* bert-generic.xtf, ernie.xtf, s.xtf, s2.xtf, and s3.xtf hacked fonts.
* Signed Phoenix BIOS Loader, with Dual Boot function.
* Evox M8+ 1.6 BFM BIOS (with G Drive Support for HDD Upgrades).
* Unleash 0.37.1218 Build 543 and Evolution X 1.8.3935 for Dashboards.
* Dvd2Xbox 0.6.3 (to rip smaller games and Audio CDs to your HDD).
* DVD-X(info) v2 to watch DVDs, without the remote.
* Backup / Recovery functions.
[/QUOTE]

Official Site: http://xbox-hq.com
Download: n/a (contains files built with XDK)

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(Sunday 20 February 2005 18:39 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by:: )


 

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