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Week of February 22, 2004
Watch out for dodgey Gentoox dealers *update3*
>> From ShALLaX on gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
Someone recently came into my channel asking me for the sources to Gentoox (obviously doesnt have a clue, since the sources are all over the internet) so that he could sell Gentoox on DVD (even though it fits on a CD) for a profit, $160 per DVD to be exact. This is strictly forbidden under the GNU/GPL. If you are going to buy a CD of Gentoox from someone, you should expect to pay no more than $1.50 for the CD + shipping and handling on top of this price. Even this is being generous, since CD's in bulk quantity cost about $0.10 each. Anything else is just a ripoff, and more importantly illegal. Remember, you dont have to pay for Gentoox at all. You can download it from the gentoox site using the download link on the left.
These people are sponges, they wait for someone else to do the work, then try and sell it because they are pathetic sub-human scum who have no talent of their own. Be warned.
*Update*
I guess this is just further proof that the GPL needs clarification. I interpreted "You may charge a fee for the physical act of transferring a copy" to mean that you may charge for the cost of transferring a copy. Stupidly, what this is intended to mean is that you may charge an unlimited amount of money for transferring the copy. In my opinion, this is an absolutely ridiculous statement because if it was omitted, the license would still be just as complete as if it was in there. It just serves to cause confusion. This being said, I withdraw my claims that it is illegal, but still stand by everything else I have said.
Also, consider this example. It is possible to make money from a GNU/GPL distributed software package, and it is encouraged by the FSF, but when you distribute the software, you have to give the identical rights you have to the software to the person you are providing it to. Therefore, if I decided to sell Gentoox for $1000, and only one person bought it, he would be entitled to upload it to a website and distribute it for free. So how does this make it possible for me to sell further copies? Sounds pretty flawed to me.
[/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 28 February 2004 19:31 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox2 SDK released on Apple Power Mac G5
>> From theinquirer.net:
[QUOTE]
WE'VE JUST got word that the Software Development Kit (SDK) for Microsoft’s forthcoming Xbox 2 has now been released to Developers.
As we reported earlier, IBM processors are indeed the Xbox 2 development platform of choice.
The big news to us is that the XBOX 2 SDK has been seeded to developers on dual Apple Power Mac G5 systems running a custom Windows NT Kernel.
The Apple Power Mac G5 is based upon two of IBM’s 64-bit Power PC processors and features ATi RADEON 9800 Pro (R350) graphics. However the R350 is believed to be an interim solution and will, in due course, be superseded by the forthcoming ATI R420.
Interestingly the SDK apparently also features an Apple logo on a side bar within the application.
What we don’t yet know is whether the custom Windows NT Kernel for the 64-bit capable IBM Power PC processors is 64-bit or 32-bit.
Though as ATI is so clearly behind with even its iAMD64 device drivers for both Intel and AMD x86-64 platforms, we suspect that it’s 32-bit.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks to recondite and Dylan for submitting this news item.
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(Saturday 28 February 2004 16:24 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New modchip announced: 'X-CHIP'
>> Easybuy2000.com has announced they will produce a new Xbox modchip soon.
So far these are the details we have (taken from their product description):
[QUOTE]
This new chip has 4Mb of Flash memory and 2Mb of extra SRAM! We are going to upgrade all pre-orders of the Cham2 for the new X-CHIP. If you ordered the Cham2 with an adapter, your X-CHIP will come with one as well.
Unlock the power of your XBOX! The new X-CHIP includes 4Mb of Flash memory, 2Mb of extra SRAM and is USB and CPLD programmable! The Solderless Adapter is compatible with all versions of XBOX.
Main features:
* 4Mb of Flash Memory
* 2Mb extra SRAM
* USB Programmable
* CPLD Programmable
* Solderless Adaptor (optional) is compatible with all versions of XBOX
Prices:
With Adapter: $65.00
Without Adapter: $54.00
[/QUOTE]
Thanks to oblox for finding this news.
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(Saturday 28 February 2004 11:58 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SmartXX review
>> I received a sample of the SmartXX last week ... here's the review of this new modchip:
Official SmartXX website:
http://www.smartxx.com
What's in the package:
* The SmartXX modchip
* A headerpin
* Packed in static bag
Pictures (final design):
More pictures: picture2, picture3, picture2(big), picture3(big)
Install the Modchip:
The SmartXX modchip can be installed with all known LPC solder install methods: with headerpin, with wires (connected to the quicksolder pads) and quicksolder (alias X1-style). The SmartXX has solderpads for alternative 5v /3.3v and ground for Xbox v1.5.
The SmartXX also comes with a ‘jumper’ so you can easily solder the d0-wire (and eject-wire if you need it) on the back of the board if you use the headerpin install. Make sure to remove/desolder this ‘jumper’ (very easy) if you install using the quicksolder install … to make sure it doesn’t touch any motherboard components.
The eject-wire is optional. This is only required if you want to be able to boot the onboard bios or HW-default-bios. To use the ‘quickboot’ feature in SmartXX-OS(info) the eject-wire should NOT be soldered. More info about this later.
I will not go deeper into each install method. All known/popular install methods are available, so everyone should be happy :-)
At this moment there’s no solderless solution of the SmartXX. But SmartXX has plans to release an addon in the future.
Testing:
First I would like to say reviewing the new generation of modchips is not always easy as the most important part isn't the hardware anymore, but the software. Software can be upgraded at any time with new and better features ... so this review is only valid for the day it has been written.
The SmartXX I had was a production final model. I used SmartXX-OS build 3202, xbox v1.1 and headerpin install for this review.
The SmartXX modchip has 6 hardware dip-switches on the modchip. You can solder wires to make some or all of these switches external. 1 switch is used to choose headerpin or quicksolder/wires install. The other 5 switches are used to indicate a specific bank and thus select the "HW-default-bios" (2 modes are special: one for the SmartXX-OS (all OFF), the other for the backup/recovery mode (you can use that if your original SmartXX-OS is corrupted)).
If you solder the optional eject-wire, the xbox will boot the "HW-default-bios" (selected by 5 switches) if you press the power button and the onboard bios (modchip desactivated) if you press the eject-button.
If you don't solder the eject-wire ... the Xbox will always boot the "HW-default-bios". Thus if all switches are on "OFF" it will boot the SmartXX-OS for both power and eject-button unless you select a "quickboot" bios (will be explained later), that will still allow you to 'directly' boot another bios using the eject-button.
The SmartXX is a 4th generation modchip, meaning it has its own Operation System, called SmartXX-OS, that allows to control your modchip and several xbox features.
So let's take a look at the features it has:
* Network support: the SmartXX-OS has network support (with given fix IP or DHCP). At this time it allows you to access a webbased interface with several of the modchips features now accesible on your PC. (PC must be correctly connected with Xbox of course). But network support could also allow FTP, SSH and more in the future
*Booting selected bios or boot to linux: there are a lot of ways to do this
- select from menu in SmartXX-OS
- select from menu in webbased interface on your PC
- auto-boot from SmartXX-OS a chosen default bios (can be changed) after a given timeout (can be changed)
- direct boot to selected bios (using swictches on modchip) using the power-button.
- If eject-wire is soldered you can boot to onboard bios (modchip disabled) with the eject-button.
- quickboot with selected bios (can be chosen in the SmartXX-OS settings menu) using the eject-button (eject-wire must NOT be soldered). This feature is not 100% the same as the direct boot above ... it will start booting up the SmartXX-OS but it will detect you pressed eject and directly boot the default-quickboot bios (you won't even notice SmartXS-OS is booting).
* EEprom tools: you can change your video-mode, game region mode and reset the DVD region. It can also display your HW password. They have also reserved some space on the flashchip to keep a backup of your EEprom and you can ofcourse restore from that backup if needed.The EEprom settings can also be viewed via the webserver.
* There's a menu for LCD settings. I could not try it as I don't have an LCD screen yet. The options are: on/off, Blacklight-level, LinesCharacters and delay time Factor.
* Bios/Bank menu: It allows you to flash/erase bioses and select the multi-bios mode
- The bios-mode menus are protected so you can't flash them accidentally. You have to hold the L+R trigger if you want to be able to select this menu. The bios-mode are divided in 2x2MB (called "Low 2MB" and "Mid 2MB" ... "High" is probably reserved if an addon memory would ever be required). On the "Low 2MB" 512KB is unavailable because it's reserved for the SmartXX-OS.
Options for the "Low 2MB": 6*256KB, 3*512KB, 2*512KB/2*256KB, 1*512KB/4*256KB, 1*1024KB/1*512KB, 1*1024KB/2*256KB, 2*256KB/1MB Linux
Options for the "Mid 2MB": 4*512KB, 1*1024KB/2*512KB, 2*512KB/1*1024KB, 2*1024KB, 1*2048, 2MB Linux
- Each bank can be erased separately
- Each bank can be flashed separately ... directly on xbox from HDD or CD/DVD or via a webbased interface on your PC (if your xbox is network-connected with PC). Most of the bioses will automaticly get named, if SmartXX-OS doesn't know the bios you flashed you can always manually (re)name the bios.
- To update the SmartXX-OS just select ANY bios bank and update it with the SmartXX-OS update file. It will detect it's an update and ask for confirmation if it should update your current OS.
* HDD tools: the hdd menu includes some really nice features (this menu is also protected, you have to press L+R to be able to access it):
- Clone HDD 1:1 allows you to clone a HDD directly. Just connect a 2nd HDD on the ID-cable (instead of the DVD-ROM) and clone your HDD.
- You can also format F, E and the cache drives (no support for a G-drive/part7 yet ... but I guess it could be added).
- Copy C-partition separately.
- You can also easily lock and unlock your drive here.
* Settings menu:
- 128MB ram support can be enabled in SmartXX-OS for Linux users.
- Extended Memoty Tester: this feature will allow you to test each of the 16MB chips you soldered to add an extra 64MB in the Xbox. If there's a problem you can know exactly which chip has the problem.
- Default bios: the bios that will by default be selected in the bios menu and also the bios that will auto-boot after the time-out.
- Quickboot: the bios that will boot if you boot your Xbox with the eject-button and eject-wire isnt't soldered.
- Timeout boot: time after which the SmartXX-OS will boot default bios if no button is pressed (0= never auto-boot).
- Shutdown Time: time after which SmartXX-OS will shut down the Xbox if no activity is detected (0= never shut down).
- Language: language of SmartXX-OS ... can be english and german, more languages will be added later.
- WrapAround: ON/OFF
The SmartXX has also a multicolor status led that can help the user while installating the modchip. I don't have an exact meaning for each status yet ... but I guess it will be included once the full manuals are released.
The SmartXX also has several possible port extentions with 4 x multipurpose I/Os and 7 multipurpose outputs pads. The advantage is that it can use different standards/systems (SPI, I2C, parallel or other bus systems), the disadvantage is that these are solderpads and no easy plug/connector.
These ports could for example allow to connect an extra flash or a LCD screen. XBMC is adding support for the SmartXX LCD screen right now. I could not try this as I don't have sush a LCD screen yet.
The retail price is around 50 EUR (~62USD at time of writing). Not the cheapest modchip on the market, but you get a huge 4mb flashchip and it includes the SmartXX-OS software and all future upgrades.
POSITIVE:
+ Legal software control
+ Huge 4MB bioschip
+ Network support
+ You can flash all your banks separately directly in SmartXX-OS (HD/CD/DVD) or even via a webbased interface.
+ EEPROM control/backup in SmartXX-OS
+ Cool HDD features (lock, unlock, clone 1:1, format)
+ Muti-bios with lots of possibilities to split the 3.5MB available space
+ SmartXX-OS can easily be upgraded, new features can easily be added
+ Failsafe, you can always boot to SmartXX-OS to reflash your bios (there’s a recovery boot)
+ Lots of ways to select the bios you want to boot.
+ All solder install methods are available
+ With the dipswicthes on the modchip you can always hardboot the bios/bank you want to boot.
+ Several communication ports standards are possible for future HW upgrades.
NEGATIVE:
- No english manuals (yet) about how to use SmartXX-OS or explaining its features ... they are working on this though.
- No solderless install method at this moment
- Expansion ports are solderpads, no plug.
- Big official resellers outside germany?
You can always find this review back on http://www.xbox-scene.com/hardware/smartxx.php
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(Friday 27 February 2004 17:31 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Work In Progress: Easy Phoenix Install 2.0
>> This Project is designed to help ease the installation of the XBox exploit methods. They are currently working on the new 2.0 version.
From http://easyphoenix.servehttp.com/epi/default.htm:
[QUOTE]
* Alpha Development Ended
* Beta Development Begun
* New Idea's that were brought to light for Beta Development:
-Quicker Directory Parsing Routine(s)
-Re-Adding MD5 File Hashing (Mainly for Program Content)
-Folder Parsing to allow easy addition of new dashs/apps
Simple drop your dashs in its own subfolder of the "dashs" folder and app will include it"
Simple drop your app in its own subfolder of the "apps" folder and app will include it"
* Current Items to Possible Remove:
-Save Game Installation [Reason being is the save game of choice should already be installed to boot xbox to run this application]
* 2.0 Screen Shots Available Here!
* 2.0 Release will include:
-Internal FTP Client for better file transfering and better error handling!
-Additional Dashboard(s) [Estimated to have EvolutionX(info) and MediaXMenu(info) at least]
-Updated Pheonix Bios Loader [Version 1.3.5i]
-Updated Font Exploit [Font exploit that sets the date on boot to July 4th (Should fix looping problem)
-Updated Audio Exploit [CD-Less Audio Database]
-Easy Phoenix Loader 3.0 Save Game Exploits [Mech Assault and 007 Agent Under Fire]
-Application Installation [Estimated DVDx and BoXplorer(info) to begin with]
[/QUOTE]
More info and development progress: http://easyphoenix.servehttp.com/epi/default.htm
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(Friday 27 February 2004 15:58 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Some news updates from Xboxdash
>> From xboxdash.net (project to modify the orginal Xbox dashboard):
[QUOTE]
* DC updated the downloads section to include fuckdb's patches (hurrah) meaning you no longer need to ftp to 'um you lucky minions. These patches are intented for XAP programmers. This doesn't mean you can't try em out if you aren't a XAP programmer but don't bitch if you fux0r your dash up. fuckdb advises the end users to carefully read the info in the patch, and dont apply if you dont need it!
* To keep the site as compact and bursting with content as a New York metro at rushhour full of very thin flamingos...or something along those lines...I've decided that the shedding of admins that do NOTHING is for the best. Recently, there have been a number of leaks (of screens and info) and we blame this at having too many very powerful, highly placed peoples. Therefore, here is the new, revised list of admins:
Main (big momma) admins:
*Discworld
*Gcue
*AMD
*[dc]
Junior admins:
*IceUK
* Great news Guys n Gals.. Work has started on the tHc dash auto installer disc by Crackin XP. I've posted a few screenshots in 'previews' section, but apart from that there has been no real confirmation of all the features to be included in the release. As soon as i get to know i'll give ya a full rundown of all the features and fuctions!
Check the preview here.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xboxdash.net
Official Forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Friday 27 February 2004 13:37 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Halo Hacker Tools
>> From readme:
[QUOTE]
HHT is a halo hacking tool similar to HMT but not so advanced YET.
HHT Features
- A Dependency Swapper
- Meta Saving and Injection:
*Has Recursive saving
*Fixes Reflexives and Dependencies (if they are present in the map) when you inject
- Tag Type Changer
- Filename Editor
- MORE TO COME SOON........
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.halomods.com (by CLuis)
Download: here
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(Friday 27 February 2004 01:27 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Work In Progress: XLink Kai 0007
>> TheDaddy/flat235 posted on the Xlink Kai Forums some info about the new XLink(info) beta currently in production:
[QUOTE]
I've done with a big project at work, and its full steam ahead here.. ground up rewrite of the win32 UI is in progress, as well as polishing off the 0007 engine for the other crews (UnleashX(info) has now asked for the Kai spec - which, of course, I happily accepted )
Check this bitch out (she's not done yet)
 Click image for full view
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 26 February 2004 20:54 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SmartXX LCD and XBMC pictures/video
>> Pike on the SmartXX forums posted some pictures (taken from the video below) of the SmartXX LCD in action with XboxMediaCenter(info)'s lastest CVS code.
MrMario64 also posted a video of the SmartXX LCD in action on the XboxMediaCenter forums:
[QUOTE]
Ok, ozxodus has posted a movie of what xbmc could look like on an LCD. This was not the code used thats in current CVS so we thought about making a vid with current code in action on a smartxx. This should also work on Xenium once code has been put into place as stated by ozxodus. The display is not built in yet as you can see ;)
[/QUOTE]
You can download the video here|mirror (7.3mb).
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(Thursday 26 February 2004 16:30 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SmartXX-OS Build 3241
>> A new build of the SmartXX-OS(info) has been released. What's new/fixed:
* fixed config area converting
* Added HDD lock status and HDD info
* Fixed code in Linux boot
* Fixed Ejecting DVD drive on Focus 1.4/1.5 Boxes
* Added Support for 2MB bioses (sorry, Web-upload was corrupt)
* Added Support for Embedded Linux
* Added Additional Recovery Menue
* Some small things, users wrote to our whishlist
Official Site: http://www.smartxx.com
Download: here
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(Thursday 26 February 2004 14:01 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xenium XBMC Demo
>> From ozxodus.com:
[QUOTE]
ONE MORE REASON:
LCD or not? Is the raging debate of the moment. Xenium is a premium chip, with premium support and thus it is not only our duty but also our pleasure to bring you more and more fun features to play with. Whether you want an LCD or not is not really the issue. What is important is that once you have one what can you do with it?
As fun is very important to us we thought we would get our dedicated coders to quickly put together a demonstration of how Xbox Media Centre could be shown through the LCD screen. Naturally we have been approached by the XBMC guys and we are working toward helping them implement full support for the Xenium. For now enjoy the vid!
Team OzXodus
Download Video Here(5.2MB)|mirror (by OzXodus) !! :-)
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 26 February 2004 12:54 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XboxMediaCenter.com back online
>> Just a quick news to say that www.xboxmediacenter.com (homepage of XboxMediaCenter(info)) is back online after some days of downtime (due issues with the domain).
If it's not working for you yet, it will in the next few hours (your ISP probably still has old info cached).
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(Thursday 26 February 2004 12:03 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SmartXX LCD support in XboxMediaCenter
>> From xboxmediacenter.de:
[QUOTE]
You probably all heard about 4th generation of modchips now coming out. One outstanding feature these chips have is the option of a nice 20x2 or 20x4 LCD display and I'm glad to announce that we already started adding LCD display support to XBMC. An LCD display could be made to show all details about the current playing song or movie, at the moment we have only added support for the SmartXX modchip+LCD but support for additional modchips+LCD will hopefully follow soon with some help from the mod manufacturers.
Currently playing music/movie SmartXX LCD-display shows:
"My Music": "My Videos":
- Current playtime - Current playtime
- Total time - Total time
- Pause, FF/RW status - Pause, FF/RW status
- Song-name/Title - Movie file-name/Title
- Artists - Genre
- Year of album - Year
PS! If a line is longer that 20 characters then it starts scrolling, and if you're not playing a movie or song XBMC will show you the current date/time or when using a the navigation mode it allows you to control XBMC with your TV turned OFF, (all navigation is then done with the help of the LCD).
XBMC Forum discussion: LCD support in XBMC
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 26 February 2004 10:03 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xenium-OS v1.1 Manual
>> From ozxodus.com:
[QUOTE]
A new user manual for the recent Xenium-OS V1.1 update is now available for download.
The revised manual now covers the configuration of Bank LED Colors, IR Support, InstantBoot (TM) as well as the new Disk Tools features.
[/QUOTE]
Download Manual: here (pdf)
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(Wednesday 25 February 2004 20:42 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Ce Xbox Focus Support
>> A new Windows CE version for Xbox has been released with support for the Focus videochip. From readme:
[QUOTE]
Xbox-Windows.org would like to thank the generous donation from http://www.Xbox-Gear.com which facilitated this release!
Focus Support is now added to allow you to run the Ce-Xbox proof of concept code on your v1.4/v1.5
*NOTE* The CE image that's included in this release hasn't changed, there have been some other small tasks completed for the project, but we still need help. Remember please visit our site http://xbox-windows.org for updates or visit #xbox-windows on irc://irc.oftc.net
Thanks again to Artifex, Phoenix, http://www.Xbox-Gear.com , and all those out there that allowed for running of unsigned code on our favorite game console!
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: xbox-windows.org (by tjfontaine)
Download: here | mirror (by xclive.com) (9MB)
News-Source: xbox-gear.com
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(Wednesday 25 February 2004 20:16 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Next Xbox to skip hard drive? *updated*
>> It was already a rumor before and now there's more talking about it.
From news.com:
[QUOTE]
Flash memory maker M-Systems announced on Wednesday that it has signed a contract to provide storage products for future versions of the Xbox, bolstering speculation that Microsoft may ditch the game console's hard drive.
M-Systems said in a statement that it has signed an agreement with Microsoft to develop "customized memory units for future Xbox products and services."
Ronit Maor, chief financial officer at Israel-based M-Systems, said the company could not discuss details of the contract. But Maor said the devices under development would be of significantly higher capacity than the 8MB Xbox memory units Microsoft currently sells to save game and user data. "What we're going to offer for the Xbox doesn't currently exist," Maor said.
Jay Srivatsa, a senior analyst at research firm iSuppli, said the Xbox hard drive so far has been used mainly for ancillary functions like saving progress in a game, not to improve the way games work. Sacrificing the hard drive could be a relatively painless way to trim $10 or $20 per unit from production costs. "I can see why they'd attempt to do that--the hard disk usage on the current Xbox has been pretty minimal," he said. "At some point, this has got to be a profitable business for Microsoft. They have to draw some lines; look at what can they take out."
[/QUOTE]
Update: gamepro.com has more info about which type of memory will be used:
[QUOTE]
According to M-Systems, the memory will be "based on the Smart DiskOnKey platform," sharing the "same firmware and software components."
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 25 February 2004 17:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Official SmartXX Forum
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(Wednesday 25 February 2004 15:43 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBtool 1.0.19.b2
>> A new version of XBtool(info) - a bios patching and packing tool - has been released. What's new/fixed:
* Embedded eeprom patch for X2 4981.
* Fix: embedded EEPROM checkbox checked when the BIOS did support that function.
Official Site: http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/xbtool.html
Download: here (Beta! Use at your own risk!)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Wednesday 25 February 2004 15:38 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Cromwell 2.29
>> A new version of Cromwell(info)/Xromwell(info) - the xbox-linux bios/bootloader - has been released. What's new/fixed:
Support for multiple filesystems added - both ext2/3 and reiserfs are included in the standard build. By checking out CVS, you can add JFS and XFS too. Some usb problems fixed - possibly stability of USB stack is better now. Minor changes to displayed text. Binaries compiled with gcc 3.3.3 now, instead of gcc 2.95.
Official Site: http://www.xbox-linux.org
Download: here
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(Wednesday 25 February 2004 13:19 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
ccXstream Server GUI 0.3.1.0
>> [XC]D-Ice released a new version of ccXstream Server GUI(info) (GUI streaming server for XBMC/XBMP). What's new/fixed:
+ added statusbar
- Shows if server is running or not. If running, it shows the IP of the computer the server is running on.
- Show you need to restart server when adding shares.
+ Restart button. to use when adding shares. No need for pushing stop server and then start server again. Just 1 simple click.
Official Site: http://dott.lir.dk/ccxgui/
Download: here
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(Wednesday 25 February 2004 10:07 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xebian 1.0.1
>> A new version of Xebian(info) - the Debian Linux for Xbox - has been released.
What's new/fixed:
* Release Xebian 1.0.1
* Including new cromwell
* switched rootfs from reiserfs to ext3.
* Cromwell(info) users: YOU MUST UPDATE cromwell before you install.
* samba 3.02
* xbox kernel 2.4.25
* pc kernel 2.6.3
* mplayer plays sound at the right speed now
* Updated xfce 4.0.3.1
* many other package updates
* New focus driver in kernel
* cloop update
* mozilla 1.6
* xmms 1.2.9
* kernel 2.4.24
* alsa 1.0.0-rc2
* xfce 4.0.2
* xine lib 1-rc3a and ui 0.9.23
* samba 3.0.1
Official Site: http://www.xbox-linux.org
Download: here
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(Wednesday 25 February 2004 07:30 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Judge bans DVD X Copy software
>> Not really Xbox news, but still interesting. After the UK, DVD X Copy will now also been banned in USA. From theregister.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
DVD duplication software maker 321 Studios has been given seven days to stop selling its controversial DVD X Copy family of utilities, a US federal judge has ruled.
The ruling follows legal action brought against the developer by MGM Studios, Tristar Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Time Warner Entertainment, Disney, Universal City Studios and The Saul Zaentz Company last May. The movie companies alleged 321's product violated the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
US District Judge Susan Illston, delivering her verdict on Friday, agreed - and formally banned 321 form manufacturing, distributing or otherwise trafficking in the DVD X Copy series.
Shortly after the judge's decision was announced, 321 stated its intention to appeal against the ruling and to request that the ruling be suspended until the appeal has been judged.
[/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 24 February 2004 23:32 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
OzXodus Cromwell sources released
>> From ozxodus.com:
[QUOTE]
As per the GPL requirements, we are publishing our Cromwell(info) source code. Please find below notes from our programming crew.
These sources are for the Cromwell derivative bootloader only. Cromwell is a bootloader, written under GPL by the xbox-linux team to load linux. We have modified it so that instead of loading and executing a linux kernel, it loads and executes the Xenium OS(info) environment.
The Xenium OS itself, and the XUI Menu system, are separate entities from the Crowmell derived loader. As they contain no GPL code, and are a separate binary, they are not considered a derived work, and are therefore not susceptible to GPL.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.ozxodus.com
Download: here
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(Monday 23 February 2004 22:22 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
ZXBTools 1.5
>> A new version of the iso tool ZXBTools(info) has been released.
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed problems adding directories of great size.
* Fixed problem cancelling iso created with shell extensions.
* Fixed theme problems in directories with NTFS compression.
* Configured the new server for download themes.
* Added support for extracion optimized isos.
* Isos created with shell extensions uses the options of the program.
* Added shell extensions for patch xbe.
* Added configuration option to change the compilation size limit.
* Added option to send program to tray.
Official Site: http://www.zonaxbox.net/modules.php?name=zxb
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Monday 23 February 2004 21:00 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SparkEdit 3.01
>> SparkEdit(info) 3.0, a Halo mapviewer, has been released (v3.01 is a bugfix release).
What's new/fixed:
* model viewing
* multi-select
* mouse movement of objects
* mouse rotation of objects
* object duplication
* object deletion
* fewer missing textures
* rotation snaps
* AI viewing
* Trigger viewing
* fixed model rendering
* model Level Of Detail (LOD) viewing
* ability to add teleporters
* offset list generation
* ability to import new vehicle and scenery tags into the scenario
* model swapping
* improved object info reports
* Crash bug on MP Equipment duplication (v3.01)
* File still being locked following a "Close" (v3.01)
You can also find a 'promotional video' for SparkEdit 3 on the HaloMods.com Forums
Official Site: http://www.halomods.com
Download: here
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(Monday 23 February 2004 20:18 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XboxMediaCenter.com currently down
>> www.xboxmediacenter.com (the official XboxMediaCenter(info) website) has been down the last few days due problems with the domainname.
In meantime you can reach the XBMC website using www.xboxmediacenter.de.
Thanks to Gamester17 and Nuendo for the news.
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(Monday 23 February 2004 19:11 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Updates from neXgen
>> From xboxopensource.com:
[QUOTE]
* I (neo-dilly) have started a new forum topic (on x-s) giving things you can add to your neXgen(info) skin.
Check it out! forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?...
* A fixed version of the lastest build of nexgen was released a few days ago.
There was a problem with the skin pack and cfg files that were released with neXgen 16-02-04. This only came to our attention yesterday and there has since been a fixed release put up in "The Usual Places" the filename is "neXgen_16-02-04 Fixed.rar" this included the latest skin pack, cfg and XML files there have been no changes made to the XBE in this package. We are sorry for any problems this has caused users. Once you get the latest fixed release could you please leave us as much feedback as possible so we know where they user want improvements.
[/QUOTE]
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(Monday 23 February 2004 11:49 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Dead Babies X V0.1 (Beta)
>> A fun new homebrew game...
From the readme:
Dead Babies X is a homebrew xbox game based off of an elaborate practical joke based off of one hell of a weird SNES puzzle game. The game itself is simple and isn't meant to be taken seriously, but hopefully it can provide at least a few minutes of entertainment for you. The game itself was written as a school project (think high school here people) and within class time constraints to meet a certain level of quality. I hope you will be able to enjoy it despite it's many flaws, and if anybody cares I might consider finishing it up or something.
Read the full readme here
Official Site: n/a
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Monday 23 February 2004 01:19 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBtool 1.0.19.b1
>> A new version of XBtool(info) has been released.
What's new/fixed:
* Embedded eeprom patch for M7 (read the NFO file or face ridicule and scorn).
This is very experimental. Instead of reading the EEPROM info out of the actual EEPROM it will be read from data stored inside the kernel. This may be useful for recovery purposes. For example, if your eeprom has been corrupted or has bad config data, or for unlocking a hard drive (assuming you have a backup of the EEPROM from the machine the drive was locked with).
It also may be useful to prevent being banned from Live!, but I'm not sure about that. There's nothing to stop an app from going directly to the EEPROM rather than using the kernel functions (as far as I know). It won't stop you from connecting to Live!, but if your embedded EEPROM info is different from the real EEPROM info then you shouldn't get banned. Again, this assumes Live! doesn't bypass the kernel EEPROM functions.
Official Site: http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/xbtool.html
Download: here (Beta! Use at your own risk!)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Sunday 22 February 2004 23:03 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xenium LCD video
>> From ozxodus.com:
[QUOTE]
IT WORKS!
We thought we would release a short video clip demonstrating our LCD screen at work. Of special interest is the ease and convenience of contrast and brightness control from the remote. Please note that our power button on the X-Box is on and that the text makes sense!
Enjoy, and keep those positive comments coming.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments very soon.
Team OzXodus
[/QUOTE]
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(Sunday 22 February 2004 22:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SmartXX-OS 3202
>> A new build of the SmartXX-OS(info) has been released.
I found no changelog. I tried it and I don't see any major new features - so it's probably mostly fixes/updates.
Official Site: http://www.smartxx.com
Download: here
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(Sunday 22 February 2004 16:35 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xenium announces LCD support
>> From ozxodus.com:
[QUOTE]
LCD FOR YOU LCD FOR ME!
It's tomorrow already, and as promised here is some good news for all our Xenium faithful. Xenium owners and potential owners will never be left out in the cold!
For all those of you who were wondering what on earth that little SPI connector was for, here is one really good use.
Announcing our new and improved LCD display feature. With a connector you simply plug in your LCD display and there we go! No mess, no fuss!
The beauty of this baby is that it is fully software controlled (no need for difficult to find and in fact impossible to use turn screws at the bottom of the chip!) Contrast control, as well as backlight can be controlled by the push of a button.
Currently we have no firm plans to release our own hardware. What we would like to know is what interest is out there. Currently we have a few commonly found SPI LCD screens supported in the dev version of our software, however, if we find the demand is great enough we will do our best to make up complete hardware kits ( solderless of course :-P ).
Let us know, through our forums.
Enjoy the pics. We had a lot of fun doing the case mod. But beware, it aint all that easy :-) As we have said before, welcome to the fourth generation!!
[/QUOTE]
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(Sunday 22 February 2004 15:55 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Unleashx V0.30.0222A
>> A new version of UnleashX(info) has been released.
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed:Frequent lock ups when doing an IGR.
* Fixed: XBE Title editor messes up the title when editing to a shorter title.
* Fixed: Pressing Display button on the IR control to turn the xbox off was broken.
* Fixed:Using MessageBox in batch execution cancels the entire process.
* Fixed: Fan Speed gradually goes back to the default value.
* Fixed:Fan Speed and Memory display doesn't include the fraction part. 2.5x is being displayed as 2.0x.
* Fixed: or rather changed. Embedded game icons won't show if you didn't put anything on the Item element in config.xml.
* Fixed: Problem with the newer IR Control.
* Fixed: Background music (BGM) gets muted even though the audio of preview video is disabled.
* Changed: EnableDriveF default value was changed to False. This should ensure greater compatibility with older BIOSes.
* Changed: Default Infotext Font was expanded to include characters 128~255, so it's now possible to display the © and ® characters.
* Changed: Virtual keyboard expanded to include accented characters.The Alphabet[-]Symbol button is now changed to Alphabet-]Symbol-]Accents
* Changed: USB keyboard mapping to gamepad events. Enter key maps to A, Esc to B, Ctrl+Enter to Start and Ctrl+Esc to Back button. This should make using USB keyboard with the text editor easier.
* Changed: WMA (BGM) decoding engine, and overall handling. Random option limits the selection to the same track and will only change track if all the songs have been played.
* Changed: Option to play ripped WMA only, custom music only, or both. The old configuration will still work ([EnableSoundTrack]True[/EnableSoundTrack]) but it will be mapped to "Off" and "Both".
[EnableSoundTrack]Both[/EnableSoundTrack] -Posible values:Off, Xbox, Custom, Both
* Changed: "Copy DVD" option on the file manager so that instead of taking the current selected item as the destination, it will ask the user for one, using the virtual keyboard.
* Changed: Batch command is now expanded to handle any number of level. Previous implementation will only handle the "Items" element from the parent "List" element. The parent "List" element can contain as many "List" element up to several levels deep. Because of this the "AskUser" command is modified to exit the current level and skip the remaining items on queue, unless it belongs to the top level menu.
* Changed: "Path" element can now be placed right after the "Menu" Element, not just within a "List" element. All your games can now be listed on the root menu, not just as a sub menu.
* Added: Integrated Text Editor. Find and select your txt, xml, ini from the File Manager.
* Added: Video mode Auto-Detect/Auto-Switch using Cherry's patch code so it's EEPROM safe (Doesn't modify and write to EEPROM). Force PAL60 option is also included. A simple reboot reverts everything back to original settings. It's smart enough to apply only when needed. Note: Multi-region titles like RainbowSix3 won't be set.
[AutoVideoMode UsePAL60="False"]True[/AutoVideoMode]
* Added: LED Color settings. Possible values: Default, Red, Orange, Off
* Added: CPU Temperature Threshold. The dash will dynamically increase the fan speed until it reaches the desirable temperature level.
[LEDColor]Orange[/LEDColor]
* Added: Horizontal Menu layout. [Menu Horizontal="True" Smooth="True" ShowIcon="True" Rotate="False"]
This will also enable Dpad Left and Right as an additional input for navigation.
* Added: Freeform Menu layout. You can now put items anywhere on the screen.
[Menu Smooth="True" ShowIcon="True" Rotate="False"]
[ItemPos Left="285" Top="96"][/ItemPos]
[ItemPos Left="310" Top="138"][/ItemPos]
[ItemPos Left="315" Top="180"][/ItemPos]
[ItemPos Left="310" Top="222"][/ItemPos]
[ItemPos Left="290" Top="264"][/ItemPos]
[/Menu]
The ItemPos element can contain Width and Alignment attributes.
* Added: You can now include a non-selectable menu item. To do this, don't include the action attribute to an Item element.
[Item Icon="C:\Games\Action.png"] -= Action =- [/Item]
* Added: You can now include a blank, non-selectable menu item. To do this, don't include the action attribute, and don't put anything for the value to an Item element.
[Item][/Item]
* Added: TextEditor to the Action command. Ex: [Item Action="TextEditor"]Text Editor[/Item]
* Added: X2IGR_ON/X2IGR_OFF action commands. Ex: [Item Action="X2IGR_OFF"]Turn Off X2 IGR[/Item]
* Added: SetClock action command. Ex: [Item Action="SetClock"]Date/Time Settings[/Item]
* Added: InputBox action command. Displays the virtual keyboard and wait for user’s input. This is useful when doing an installer disk, giving the user the capability to choose the destination.
[Item Action="InputBox" Arg1=”KB Caption”]Sample Value[/Item]
To use the value entered by user later, you can use the keyword KBResult or $KBResult$ to combine it with any text. Ex: [Item Action="MessageBox" Arg1=”Hi”]You entered ‘$KBResult$’[/Item], or [Item Action="Copy" Arg1=”D:\CDrive” Arg2=”KBResult”]Copy C Backup[/Item]
Note that the use of $KBResult$ is case sensitive. Also, do not use KBResult and $KBResult$ after asking for password. In the event that a password is required for an item, ask for another input again from the user.
* Added: Context Menu. Press start button to bring it up. Options available are Select/Play, Information, and Backup to Harddisk (backup only for that specific game/title). The type of information displayed is dependent on the type of the currently selected item. The context menu will be expanded to include more actions in the future.
* Added: Ability to personalize/name your DVD compilation disk by simply adding a file named "DiskTitle.txt" containing the alternate Title you want. Instead of having a disk with title showing as "UnleashX CD", or "MediaXMenu(info)"(?) or "RemoteX"/"Evox CD", you can have it like "MultiGame disk Vol. 2" or "Halo/MechAssault Disk". Note: For UnleashX bootdisk without this file, auto-launching is suppressed irregardless of your setting.
Official Site: http://www.unleashx.com
Official Forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Sunday 22 February 2004 12:03 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Gentoox Sparkle v1.1
>> From gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
This hopefully sees the end of the bug where Sparkle would not find a filesystem if you did an F: or Native installation. Try it out and let me know!
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://gentoox.shallax.com
Download: here
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(Sunday 22 February 2004 11:44 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Lantus taking break from FBAx dev due hacked FBAx b4
>> From Lantus on http://www.lantus-x.com/FBAx/
[QUOTE]
Wow, some retard by the name of Yoshiro as well as another retard called Artik have been passing around a hacked FBAx b4 on WWW sites. Yoshiro, even had the nerve on IRC to paste me links to the binary. Nice move.
The reason? because i wont give out 4.1 sources - not for any reason other than i have been working on b5 and forgot to snapshot the 4.1 codebase before i started work on b5. But this seems to be unacceptable to him and in turn for "revenge" for not giving him the source he decided to gloat and paste me WWW links of hacked b4. As if that will acheive anything idiot :)
so, im taking a break from FBAx for the time being - the neogeo rom kiddies just make the entire thing a headfuck i dont want to deal with right now. Me and TMaul will be discussing our options over the next few days.
lantus out
[/QUOTE]
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(Sunday 22 February 2004 06:55 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XLink RC2 move moves userbase over to XLink Kai (RC3)
>> From xboxlink.co.uk
[QUOTE]
1. The downloads for XLink(info) RC2 had no mirrors. This caused our webserver to massively exceed it's allocated bandwidth. The downloads have thus been removed, and can be downloaded from our IRC channel on the EFNET network. #xbox-link.
2. Signups for XLink RC2 will shortly cease. This is so that we can move the userbase over to XLink Kai (RC3). Whether you like this decision or not, we're sorry, but it's something that was going to happen anyway. The switchover won't be for the final release of XLink Kai, but the latest BETA build. The problems that many users are facing with XLink RC2 regarding people not running the latest update (we know, our fault for not introducing auto-updates) and the new MAC address has brought the team to this decision. For more information, you can visit our Official XLink Forums hosted on XBox-Scene.com at this address http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?&act=SF&f=46
3. The xboxlink.co.uk website will be receiving a major revamp, possibly including a domain change (we've got a lot of confusion amongst users who thought the software is called 'XBox Link'). Keep your eye out for more information. News will be posted amongst the major XBox and GameCube news sites.
This is time for user INPUT. We want this thing to grow, and grow big. Tell your friends, your workmates, your brother, your father about XLink Kai when it becomes a FINAL release. That way, you'll never have to worry about waiting for people to come and play with you :)
Team XLink wishes to thank everyone who's made an impact on XLink over the past year and more :)
PS. Look out for news from Team Avalaunch(info) on the first XBox controlled Kai UI. They're doing an amazing job and will undoubtedly set the balls rolling for other homebrew development teams to follow suit (XBMP/C included :D)
[/QUOTE]
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(Sunday 22 February 2004 06:52 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Gentoox: 'uhoh' added to magic + Sparkle Readme
>> From gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
* Ever overwritten a vital config file which you shouldnt have (you know, the ones listed in the FAQ!) by running etc-update? Well, hopefully this will help. To get them back, provided you have a working network connection, you can run "magic uhoh". This may not work for everyone's Gentoox configuration, but its a start. It lists the files it will overwrite, then backs up the existing files with a '.uhoh' extension, just incase you didnt want to overwrite this particular file.
To be safe, it might be an idea to run this straight after running etc-update. Use at your own risk, and let me know how it works out for you!
* I've also put the Sparkle readme up in the "Versions" section. Go see it here.
[/QUOTE]
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(Sunday 22 February 2004 06:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBC, and Apple Mac owners
>> From xbconnect.com:
[QUOTE]
Great news for all you Mac users our there. Its finally happened. Dylan and I played our first Halo match on XBC 4 and Aquaduct(info) 2! All you Mac players will have your chance to go head to head with the best players on the planet.
I would expect a public beta version should be out very soon.
Good job Dylan, I knew we would get it working :)
[/QUOTE]
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(Sunday 22 February 2004 06:47 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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