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Week of February 22, 2009
Microsoft ends original Xbox support on March 2 in the US
>> From xbox.joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
On March 2, Microsoft will no longer offer repair support to users of the original Xbox console. Owners who (somehow) still have an Xbox console under warranty from Microsoft will be able to participate in an upgrade offer to an Xbox 360 -- terms of which are not detailed online. Microsoft recently ended support for the big black box in Japan.
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Full Story: xbox.joystiq.com | support.xbox.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
GTAIV: The Lost and Damned - New Download Record
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Already owner of the biggest entertainment launch in history, the "Grand Theft Auto IV" franchise continues its rampage on the record books with the Xbox 360 exclusive downloadable episode, "The Lost and Damned." The highest reviewed downloadable content ever from Rockstar Games eclipsed first-day revenue for all previous downloadable content on Xbox LIVE.
"Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned" energized the already vibrant "Grand Theft Auto IV" community, resulting in a greater increase in active users the week before launch than seen from any previous downloadable content. With over ten hours of gameplay and new multiplayer modes, "The Lost and Damned" has received acclaim from critics and gamers alike, setting a new bar for quality and depth in episodic content.
"The success of 'Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned' redefines what consumers expect from Game Add-ons," said Marc Whitten, general manager of Xbox LIVE. "Content like this is extending the lives of our favorite games and fundamentally changing the way we play."
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(Friday 27 February 2009 12:13 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
The 2nd Annual Xbox LIVE Arcade Awards
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
What are the best Xbox LIVE Arcade titles of 2008? You decide.
Xbox LIVE members around the world [expect Japan, Korea, and Germany] are invited to cast their votes for their favorite Xbox LIVE Arcade titles in nine categories beginning Tuesday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m. GMT.
There's no need to set that controller down; vote directly on Xbox LIVE! Simply head to the Spotlight channel and make your voice heard.
Haven't had a chance to play all the nominated titles? Fear not, you've got time to download and check out any game you have yet to play. Place and change your votes as many times as you like before Tuesday , March 10 at 11:59 p.m. GMT, at which time votes will be locked and the polls will close.
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(Thursday 26 February 2009 20:03 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Major Nelson Replies on Banned 'Lesbian' Xbox LIVE Gamertag
>> From majornelson.com:
[QUOTE]
With the recent post on the Consumerist, I wanted to point out a couple of posts about Xbox LIVE policy that you may find relevant. The first post is from regular podcast guest Stephen Toulouse. Stephen and his team handle policy for the LIVE service, and therefore spend a lot of time developing the best policies that we use on the service. The second post is from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) where they give their take on the story. Hopefully you'll take the time to read both which will give you a better understanding of the issues at hand.
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(Thursday 26 February 2009 19:56 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Japanese Charts: Star Ocean Gives Hope To Xbox 360
>> From spong.com:
[QUOTE]
The latest incarnation of Square's Star Ocean has helped Microsoft outsell all-comers in Japan last week. Yes, all-comers.
Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope is merited with enabling the Xbox 360 to sell 21,013 360s compared with 16,900 Wiis and 15,967 PS3s.
ChartGet reports Media Create stating that Star Ocean 4: The Last Hope sold 162,000 copies (exclusively on Xbox 360).
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Full Story: spong.com
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(Thursday 26 February 2009 14:56 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft Announces Major Expansion of its Entertainment Portfolio
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Xbox today unveiled major plans to extend its offering even further by giving entertainment fans even more to enjoy whether they're into movies, music or games.
Speaking at the official launch event in central London today, UK Head of Xbox Neil Thompson announced a vision for the console giant that will give customers a 360 degree entertainment experience that never ends, thanks to an ongoing commitment to providing cutting edge new downloadable content to Xbox LIVE. It will give entertainment fans an even broader choice of fun - enabling them to play extra elements of their favourite games, watch major Hollywood blockbuster films[1] or chat and connect with friends anywhere in the world all from the comfort of their living room.
Film fans will be the first to benefit as it is today announced an agreement with NBC Universal International Television Distribution, making films from Universal Pictures the latest content from a major Hollywood studio to join the Xbox LIVE roster. NBC Universal will offer some of its biggest and best movie titles in high definition to Xbox LIVE, giving customers the chance to rent the latest movies of their choice at the touch of a button.
The Universal Pictures content, which joins that of Warner Bros and Paramount Pictures amongst others, is available now with over 30 titles already on the service. The range of titles available immediately from will span a range of genres catering for all tastes and offer everything from Hollywood action blockbusters including The Fast and The Furious, Wanted and Incredible Hulk (2008) through to cinema classics such as Child's Play 3 and Scarface.
Comedy fans are well catered for with laugh-out-loud hits including National Lampoon's Animal House, Cheech And Chong's Next Movie and Simon Pegg's cult Brit hit, Shaun Of The Dead. Further titles will be added to the service on a rolling basis.
Gamers are also set to benefit thanks to a new wave of extra content being made available for all their favourite titles. As if the games themselves weren't enough, fans will be treated to hundreds of hours of extra gameplay to extend their experience even further. Extra content on offer covers all the major blockbuster titles including Gears of War 2, Grand Theft Auto IV, Fallout 3, Tomb Raider and Fable 2 right through to new tracks for fun social games like Lips (including three new tracks from Coldplay) Rock Band and Guitar Hero World Tour and Scene It. And despite some of these titles also being available on other platforms - the extra content is completely exclusive to Xbox LIVE and is available to download now.
In addition to offering great new gaming content, Xbox also today revealed a look at the eagerly-awaited '1 vs. 100' - a completely exclusive, completely interactive television quiz show game giving gamers the chance to compete against each other and win real prizes.
Commenting on the news, UK & Ireland Head of Xbox, Neil Thompson said: "We are delighted to announce what are perhaps our most exciting content developments to date. Having an agreement with NBC Universal not only gives our customers even more choice when they use Xbox LIVE but really seals our position as a major player in the mainstream home entertainment space. Of course, we always want to ensure our core audience have the best possible gaming experiences too, and with the range of new extra content now available they can enjoy some of the biggest blockbuster and social games for longer than ever before. This also applies to '1 vs. 100', which, whilst still in its infancy, signals the next chapter in the Xbox story which is set to take home entertainment to a whole new level by putting the consumer in the driving seat of their own TV show. Watch this space."
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(Thursday 26 February 2009 11:59 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Major Nelson unboxes the red Resident Evil 5 Xbox 360 bundle
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
Major Nelson has done us the courtesy of producing an unboxing video for the red Resident Evil 5 Xbox 360 console.
A few folks have brought it to our attention that the red Xbox 360 shown in Major's video is one of the newer, more reliable Jasper models. During the video, Major mentions the console includes a Jasper-sized 150 watt power supply and also shows the power plug-in.
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Full Story: joystiq.com | engadget.com
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(Wednesday 25 February 2009 22:56 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Maximus 360 Xtractor Reader v2.8
>> Maximus released a new version of the Maximus 360 Xtractor Reader(info):
[QUOTE]
WHAT IS IT:
* Graphical tool to allow read keys from Lite On / Benq Drives
* It supports USB key dumping if using with an 360 Xtractor Tool
* Also contains bonus feature as NO-SLAX ModeB command
* Can work with 360 xtractor tool or other (homemade max323) adapters, even rival tools are welcome
MAIN FEATURES:
* Key reading on Liteon Benq Drives
* key.bin/identify.bin/inquiry.bin file generation
* Allow ORIGINAL / CLONE detection for 360 Xtractor Tool (R.I.P. D.France)
* BONUS FEATURE: Send ModeB command to All Hitachi Drives (even 78/79) NO SLAX REQUIRED
WHAT'S NEW ON 2.8:
* ADDED : Dumping of Liteon Optical and DVD mainboard serials (it saves as serial.bin) Big thanks to Geremia for the info.
* ADDED : Creation of dummy.bin wich basically is a compilation of all the other files. That way the dump is fully compatible with latest jungleflasher
* ADDED : Added option for creating the missing serial.bin and dummy.bin. You must enter those values, you can find that option under the "Prepare Spoofed Firmware" button, give it a try it has help links on it.
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Official Site: http://www.maximusgames.net/360xtractor.php
Download: here
Buy Maximus 360 Xtractor/Spear: Xtractor[GCS] | Xtractor[divineo] | Spear[GCS]
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(Tuesday 24 February 2009 22:09 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
MS Announces Exclusive Red Xbox 360 Resident Evil Limited Edition Console
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
In celebration of the landmark "Resident Evil" franchise coming to Xbox 360 for the first time, Microsoft unveiled today an Xbox 360® Resident Evil Limited Edition Console Bundle. Available the same day "Resident Evil 5" ships to store shelves, Friday, March 13, Xbox 360 fans will be able to pick up the bundle featuring an exclusive red Xbox 360.
Fans will enjoy the same premium Xbox 360 Elite experience at an even greater value with a copy of "Resident Evil 5," matching Limited Edition red Wireless Controller, black Xbox 360 Headset, a 120 GB Hard Drive, exclusive premium "Resident Evil 5" theme (download via Xbox LIVE) and much more all included for the price of $399 (ERP). Supplies are very limited, so "Resident Evil" fans will want to pre-order theirs today.
With the release of "Resident Evil 5" and the special edition red console, the game has found a new home on Xbox 360. The new two-player cooperative experience in "Resident Evil 5" is a perfect fit for Xbox LIVE [Xbox LIVE Gold Membership required]. With 17 million members and growing, Xbox LIVE connects "Resident Evil" fans and their new red Xbox 360 consoles to their friends on the couch or across the globe. To further provide a taste of the full entertainment experience available on Xbox LIVE, fans will also receive a bonus card to download the hit Xbox LIVE Arcade title from Capcom, "Super Street Fighter® ll Turbo HD Remix."
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(Tuesday 24 February 2009 13:28 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xecuter CK3 Pro and Lite With PPTC Protection
>> From team-xecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
Even though we clearly state in our tutorials to not plug in the DVD power cable the wrong way around as this will damage the CK3, many users are still doing just that and then of course denying it when sending back for a replacement even though we can check that is what had happened
So, to make things even more secure we have devised a protection circuit which will stop this happening in future. The first idea was to install a fuse of some sort but that would be a dumb thing to do as if the fuse blew you'd still have to send it back for repair or repair it yourself with some spare part.
What we have done is add a PPTC circuit (Polymer Positive Temperature Coefficient).
It can protect the CK3 Lite & Pro from users who did an incorrect installation. It has a reset function so that the PPTC will automatically enter protection mode if the DVD power cable is plugged in the wrong way around, it will cut off the 12V and 5V circuit immediately, and when the user connects the cable the correct way around, the PPTC will reset to normal mode, the CK3 will work as normal and there is no need to send back for repair or to replace any parts.
The new version will be shipped in the next new batches to all resellers.
Please note this is no extra feature, if you connect your cable correctly then it will not matter which version of CK3 you have, however we hope this new function enhances the stability and protection of the hardware from careless use. We should also note this extra circuit has been added at our own expense so there will be no price change.
New tutorials will be uploaded shortly to reflect this version and also new techniques and different versions of software that make the job of using the CK3 much easier.
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Official Site: http://www.team-xecuter.com
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(Monday 23 February 2009 15:59 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox LIVE Gold Members Getting Weekly Deals
>> From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft is bringing discounts to Xbox LIVE. Starting today, Xbox LIVE Gold members get discounts that range from 25 percent to 50 percent on Arcade titles, DLC, Xbox Originals and other LIVE content.
This week's deal is Braid, now available at a 33 percent discount for 800 Microsoft Points. This deal will only last one week.
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Full Story: kotaku.com
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(Monday 23 February 2009 15:52 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Just over half of Xbox Live subscribers pay to play
>> From seattlepi.nwsource.com:
[QUOTE]
Just more than half of Xbox 360 owners who use the video game console's online service pay to play games online, according to an internal Microsoft document reviewed by the Seattle P-I.
Microsoft's Xbox 360 team regularly releases figures showing the popularity of its Xbox Live service, but the company has always declined to break down exactly how many pay to use it.
The Excel workbook seen by the P-I dates from February 2008 and includes Microsoft's internal projections only to June 2008. It therefore predates the launch of the New Xbox Experience, which introduced several additional features to the service and may have boosted the percentage of Xbox Live members willing to pay.
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Full Story: seattlepi.nwsource.com
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(Sunday 22 February 2009 21:54 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft responds to Xbox Live denial-of-service attack
>> From arstechnica.com:
[QUOTE]
In a statement given to Ars Technica on Friday, a Microsoft representative responded by saying, "In our continued effort to help provide a safer and more secure experience for our community of more than 17 million members, we are investigating reports involving the use of malicious software tools that an attacker could use to try and disrupt an Xbox LIVE player's Internet connection.
"This problem is not related to the Xbox LIVE service, but to the player's internet connection," the representative added. "The attacker could also attempt disrupt other internet activities such as streaming video or web browsing using the same tools."
Fair enough. Since Xbox Live games connect to the Internet like everything else, using an IP address, it's possible for hackers to discover your address using underground packet-sniffing software, then flood the Xbox port with incoming data to boot you off. Other offenders are reportedly asking for an IP address by sneaky means before opening the denial-of-service floodgates.
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Full Story: arstechnica.com
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(Sunday 22 February 2009 21:42 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
New Halo 1 Modding Tool: Arsenic Beta
>> From halomaps.com:
[QUOTE]
This program is pretty much all your going to need when it comes to modding Halo.
Arsenic's hardcore power ranges from its visually stunning graphics to its built in game and tag editor. You can chose anything within a map such as scenery, weapons, vehicles, etc... and hot swap on the drop of a dime.
Duplication is now made easy with our new point and click system. Any object you wish to move in Arsenic will move and suck to the mesh or structure of your map, this will save you a lot of time when placing stuff in your environment.
Our built in tag editor is amazing and simple to use, for example click on a warthog then chose the tag editor. You will be able to edit a wide range of physics right on the spot, all changes will take effect when you save your map.
Arsenic has a built in Auto Update feature which will be a life savor when future updates are released. All updates will come from halomaps.com so anyone using this program will always have an up-to-date version. The updates will automatically be applied when you open up Arsenic.
As of right now the beta release will be structured around modding Xbox maps and tags. What you can expect in the near future from us...
* Built-in FTP (uploading maps to your Xbox)
* Halo CE Map Editing
* Load Compressed Xbox Maps
* Scripting, etc...
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Full Story/Download: halomaps.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Sources confirm Microsoft is buying 3DV Systems
>> From venturebeat.com:
[QUOTE]
A report surfaced last week that Microsoft was buying 3DV Systems, a company that makes motion-detection technology, for $35 million. My sources confirm that this is true.
Motion-detection will be big for the future direction of Microsoft, as it reacts to the Nintendo Wii, which revolutionized the game console industry with its motion detection technology.
As I've mentioned, buying 3DV would be the opening gambit in a next-generation user interface battle. It has bearing on the future video game console war, but also likely involve the future of gesture controls for the PC and TV.
3DV has been working on its ZCams for some time. These cameras function much like Sony's EyeToy, but they're much more accurate at detecting motion. That's because they're 3-D depth cameras, which sense how far away an object is from the camera. In the camera's black-and-white imaging, the closer objects are lighter and the more distant objects are darker. The camera captures the locations of objects many times per second, so it can detect an object and its trajectory, making it perfect for game control purposes.
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Full Story: venturebeat.com
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(Sunday 22 February 2009 00:40 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
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