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Week of May 24, 2009
Forums are back online!
>> As many of you have noticed, our forums have been offline for approximately 2.5 days. Just to reiterate, this was due to disputes between the datacenter where our servers were hosted and our service provider. The problems were completely beyond our control and we received notice only 1.5 days in advance warning us that the datacenter's link to the internet would be severed.
Moving the main site and other satellite sites was nearly transparent, however due to the special hardware and software setup required to host the forums, they took longer to migrate. The hardware we required took longer to assemble and configure than the hardware for the main site and the software setup was significantly more complicated, but we got to work on it as soon as we could.
We would like to recognize and thank romracer for his efforts in helping us setup the forum servers and bring the forums back online. Without his generous help, this would have taken much longer. Thank you, romracer!
We are still optimizing many aspects (the forum servers setup in particular), but all services appear stable for now. We'll monitor the performance of the servers and make changes as necessary. If you experience any difficulties, please drop us a line by replying to this post in the forums.
Thank you for your patience!
The Scenyx Crew
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
JungleFlasher v0.1.62
>> A new version of JungleFlasher(info) has been released:
[QUOTE]
Release for iX 1.6 0800 for Samsung, Benq and Lite-On...
* Hitachi Support Updated:
-Windows drive enum changed
-Successful Classic dump will detect and set correct drive type for pre 78 drives. Inquiry of spoofed drives would select incorrect version.
* DVDKey32(info) Support Updated
-better support for Maximus USB Xtractor - using FTDI api FTD2XX.dll
* General items Updated
-Improved launch times
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://jungleflasher.net
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
iXtreme 1.6 0800 firmware BenQ, LiteOn, Samsung Team HyperX
>> A 0800 (ripping version) of the 1.6 series has been released to the BenQ, LiteOn and Toshiba Samsung drives. As usual Hitachi will be last to follow (if at all supported for 0800 mode)
Features:
-Common API designed for easier application use!
-Support for SS V2!
-Direct 0800 mode for game dumping including SS v2!
This firmware is =NOT FOR USE IN A CONSOLE= and is provided
with the intended use of being in a dedicated "ripping" drive.
This means:
a. Does not need your DVD key,
b. Does not need spoofing as another drive,
c. Does not need to use the tray half open and
d. Does not need to use the activate.iso to use this firmware on the pc.
More Info
SS v2 supports multiple timing samples for challenges type 5 and 7, storing them in the SS. This is a pre-requisite for SS v3 which has support for the so called AP2.5 check. Since this has never been used or may never be used by MS we will adopt a wait and see approach and continue to monitor for its usage.
ix16 0800 Commands
-----------------
AD 00 FF 02 FD FF FE 00 08 00 00 C0 - SS/CPRMAI
AD 00 FF 02 FD FF FE 00 08 00 ID C0 - SS Challenge ID
12 00 00 00 30 C0 00 00 00 49 58 01 - ix Cmd 1 - Dumps key and rev 0x30 bytes
12 00 00 00 24 C0 00 xx xx 49 58 02 - ix Cmd 2 - Output 0x800 bytes from ram address
12 00 00 00 24 C0 00 00 00 49 58 03 - ix Cmd 3 - Toggles Lock/UnLock Game partition
Official Site: (n/a by Team HyperX)
Download: n/a (May be Illegal under EULA/DMCA)
News-Source: xbins.org
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox Backup Creator v2.9 Build:0306
>> >> A XBC Release intended to handle the new iXtreme 1.6 0800 mode firmwares
Removed - Support for previous Xtreme ripping firmwares
Removed - Stealth Check Buttons - Use agbx360
Changed - Stealth Check Report - PFI Wave X Date match removed
Changed - Named check mark on options tab as "ISO Check"
to reflect it is not a "Stealth Check" anymore
Added - Ability to lock game partition before ripping
Added - Ability to detect iXtreme firmware spoofing
Added - Support for iXtreme 1.6 Samsung
Added - Support for iXtreme 1.6 BenQ
Added - Support for iXtreme 1.6 Liteon
Added - Support for iXtreme 1.6 Hitachi
(Note: Hitachi is untested and awaiting a firmware release)
Due to an issue that affects the Liteon ix16 it is advised that you start
XBC without a DVD in the drive.
*** NOTE ***
This build of XBC does not support older Xtreme ripping firmwares
(Kreon drives are still supported though). Stealth Checking verbiage/intent removed, XBC only does limited checking. Use abgx360(info)(info) at http://abgx360.net for more thorough Stealth Checking
Official Site: (n/a By Redline99)
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Rumor: Is Hulu Coming to Xbox 360?
>> From gizmodo.com:
[QUOTE]
Olivia Munn, geek goddess of Attack of the Show, posted an interesting tweet last night. "Just finished promos for hulu/microsoft event I'm doing on june 8!" Just what hulu/Microsoft event could she be referring to?
To us, it seems likely that this event is supporting a Hulu on Xbox 360 announcement coming at E3. Why? Because Hulu on the 360 makes a lot of sense. Quite simply, it's the best internet service you can bring to a TV. So if Microsoft were to pick just one piece of internet entertainment to offer Xboxers (and with no web browser, they need to pick and choose), Hulu (and maybe YouTube) would be top on the list.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: gizmodo.com
Microsoft trying to develop 300,000 player online game
>> From developmag.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft is trying to make history with a new 360 title, it seems - by developing a system that allows for 300,000 players simultaneously.
A job posting released by the firm has called for "an experienced server developer to help develop our server architecture. We are building an extremely high performance system to extend console games to the server in new ways; creating a completely new set of web services to support dynamic programming information of games and scheduling data".
Requirements for the role include "building a backend capable of hosting a 300,000 player game in real-time with real money on the line (anti-cheating, etc)" the post ing says.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: developmag.com
Confirmed - Microsoft and Sky strike TV On Demand deal
>> From play.tm:
[QUOTE]
Confirmation that the service will be made available to Xbox 360 owners follows rumours and speculations about an impending deal between the two companies, which we reported on yesterday.
The Sky Player will be accessed from the 360s NXE dashboard and will feature On Demand content that can be streamed via any broadband connection. The service will also make use of NXE avatars.
Pricing and specific details will be unveiled closer to the launch this autumn alongside details of the available packages and subscriptions.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: play.tm
Xbox 360 Sees Record Growth in 2009
>> From the MS press release:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft Corp. announced today that sales of Xbox 360 consoles have passed the 30 million mark globally, with its Xbox LIVE community swelling to more than 20 million active members. After the biggest year in its history in 2008, Xbox 360 achieved the highest percentage growth in hardware sales of any console so far in 2009, up 28 percent over the previous year.1
The success of the platform can be measured across the business, with Xbox LIVE now considered the world's largest global entertainment network. Increasing consumer desire to connect with friends, download and enjoy blockbuster movies and TV shows, and extend the life of their favorite games has been the primary driver behind the growth of Xbox LIVE membership and the reason Xbox continues to expand offerings on the platform.
"We've always been confident that Xbox 360 offers more entertainment value than any other console on the market, and these latest numbers show that consumers agree," said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "We expect our growth to continue to accelerate. Our news at E3 next week will underscore our commitment to bringing blockbuster entertainment experiences to everyone and to growing the Xbox entertainment brand globally."
Over the course of this console generation, U.S. consumers alone have spent $14.5 billion across all categories on Xbox 360 at retail.1 This number reflects strong interest in a comprehensive entertainment offering that includes the ability to connect with others socially and to digitally download entertainment, be it games, TV shows or movies. To date, consumers have downloaded nearly 1 billion pieces of gaming and entertainment content from Xbox LIVE Marketplace, including a broad array of premium high- and standard-definition movies and TV shows from top studios and networks around the world.2
In addition, Xbox 360 continues to be the platform of choice for the industry's top games, generating $5.9 billion in sales to date at U.S. retail for third-party publishers, which is more than those of current-generation consoles combined.1 Xbox 360 also leads current-generation consoles in game purchases, with consumers owning an average of 8.3 titles each.1
Activity on Xbox LIVE, the industry-leading online gaming and entertainment service, surged following the launch of the New Xbox Experience in November 2008. Since that time, the community has recorded a 136 percent increase in new members, TV and movie downloads have more than doubled, and purchases of games, Game Add-ons and more on Xbox LIVE Arcade have increased by 70 percent.2 Xbox LIVE reaches 26 countries worldwide and is now in more homes than any satellite television provider.2 Before the end of the year, the number of Xbox LIVE members will surpass the number of subscribers to the largest cable provider.1
Consumers can expect more exciting announcements from Microsoft next week as Xbox 360 kicks off the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the world's premier trade show for computer and video games and related products, with its press briefing on Monday, June 1, in Los Angeles.
[/QUOTE]
Zune Video coming to Europe, no Zune included
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
The good news: Zune Video, the expanded version of the Zune Marketplace that combines the current Zune download shop and the Xbox Live Video Marketplace, is coming to Europe. The bad news: according to The Guardian, there won't be any Zune HDs on which to play the stuff bought with Zune Video. At least, there aren't any plans to release the device outside of the US yet.
The other bad news: Keith Stuart clarifies that "the service coming to Xbox Live is Zune Video NOT Zune Marketplace. Music is not part of the Xbox Live offering."
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: joystiq.com
Forums Down
>> The X-Scene forums are currently down. We're doing everything we can to bring back the forums as soon as possible, but due issues (not related to us) between 3rd party companies we were forced to move our entire server farm somewhere else.
There's NO ETA at this moment - we're trying to get the special hardware and software required for the forum up as soon as possible. We hope we'll be able to bring you back the forum in the next few days.
We managed to move the main site in time, so you'll still be able to get all the news here on this website.
*update* There were some issues with some parts of the website (xbox1 tools/software and the tutorial sections), mostly due the upgrade to PHP5. These should be solved now. If you still have problems on the main site lemme know (xantium /AT/ xbox-scene.com)
We're very sorry about this, but this has nothing to do with us or our sites. Like all our visitors we're victims of this situation and believe us, we're doing everything we can to bring back your favourite forums ASAP.
8bitjoystick's E3 Expo 09 Predictions : Microsoft Edition
>> From 8bitjoystick.com:
[QUOTE]
I only have a few good theories and hunches about what will be announced and shown These are my educated estimations:
* Zune HD
* Metal Gear Solid on Xbox
* Xbox Motion controller Wand/Camera or Combo
* No price cut but new Xbox Elite Bundles.
* Mass Effect 2 shown.
* Halo 3 OSDT shown.
* Forza 3 shown.
* Xbox Live Price cut (would be cool but it is not going to happen)
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: 8bitjoystick.com
Seattle Times: New ZuneHD confirmed, plus Xbox video overhaul
>> From seattletimes.nwsource.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft confirmed Tuesday that it plans to introduce a new Zune device this fall, continuing the company's uphill battle to establish itself as a player in the digital music business.
Details are still scarce but the new ZuneHD will include high-definition video output, HD radio, a browser and an advanced touchscreen.
Simultaneously Microsoft is stepping up efforts to put Zune software and Web services on other hardware, starting with the Xbox.
Zune will take prime real estate on the Xbox dashboard starting this fall. Its video store will replace the current Xbox Live Marketplace, dramatically increasing the reach of the Zune software and brand.
New for the Zune is the appearance of a browser -- a customized version of Internet Explorer(info) -- that could transform the Zune from a geeky media player into a pocketable Web tablet.
The browser also raises the question of whether Microsoft will finally allow software developers to write games and applications for the Zune, similar to the way Apple has increased the value of the iPhone and iPod Touch with its App Store.
This is apparently a sore spot in Redmond.
"We're painfully aware that applications are absolutely a key part of the experience and to some degree we have fallen behind what the iPhone has done. That hasn't gone unnoticed," Rodriguez said. "You will see us more and more think about third-party developers and devices like Zune or other devices that we would roll out. Microsoft at large has a great traditon of being the prime partner to application developers. I think you're going to see us pick that up."
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: seattletimes.nwsource.com
MS: Win tickets to the Xbox E3 Media Briefing
>> From majornelson.com:
[QUOTE]
If you're in the LA area and you want to attend the Xbox E3 Media Briefing on Monday, June 1st at The Galen Center on the campus of USC let me know.
I've got 100 tickets for winners (and guests) to giveaway. How do you win? Read on.
Who: You and a guest
What: The Xbox 360 Media briefing
Why: To see the cool stuff we are announcing this year
Where: The Galen Center on the campus of USC (directions)
When: Monday, June 1st 2009. Briefing begins at 10:30am, but you'll need to check in by 8:30am.
How: Send me an email with the subject line 'Ticket to the Xbox 360 E3 briefing' Please include your first name, last name and your gamertag*
A couple of details:
Limit of two tickets per person (each winner will get two tickets, one for them and one for a guest)
Must be able to be in Los Angeles on the morning of June 1st by 8:30am.
If you win, you will get two tickets to the invite only Xbox Press briefing.
This does NOT include tickets to E3 show floor or any other related events.
Winner and guest must be over 18 since we'll be showing M rated titles
I'll choose 100 random winners from the emails I receive before this Thursday, May 28 at 12n PT. You'll win two tickets..one for you and one for a friend. Everything else is up to you. If you get picked, I'll send you an email with additional details and how to pick up your tickets by Friday at 12n PT.
[/QUOTE]
Xbox Linking Up With Sky TV?
>> From edge-online.com:
[QUOTE]
A new report claims Microsoft will this week reveal details of a new partnership set to bring Sky TV content to Xbox 360.
Microsoft is to host a press event this Thursday in London, and Rapid TV News suggests that "the long-awaited link up between BSkyB and Microsoft's Xbox is at last going to happen."
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: edge-online.com
HddHackr v1.00 Build 20090523
>> A new version of HDDHackr(info) has been released, a tool that allows you to use some Western Digital laptop HDDs as Xbox 360 HDD.
What's new/fixed:
* Completely new version core
* Two flashing modes, Auto and Manual
* Western Digital Vendor Intro Power Brute for misflashed drives
* Minimized incompatibility problems
* Improved exception handling
* Confirmed HddHacker supports
- WD Scorpio Series BEVS/BEAS
- WD Scorpio Blue Series BEVS/BEVT
- WD Scorpio Black Series BEKT/BJKT
- WD VelociRaptor Series
Official Site: n/a, by Modfreakz, Schtrom and TheSpecialist (TS)
Download: here (does NOT include hddss.bin as it's copywrited)
News-Source: xbins.org
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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