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Week of September 24, 2006
3 Ways to Protect Yourself on Xbox LIVE
>> From gamerscoreblog.com:
[QUOTE]
Some people in the online forums have recently expressed some concerns about how to protect themselves from potentially inappropriate behavior from others using the Xbox Live Vision Camera on Xbox Live. So I decided to go and talk to Christopher, the Xbox Live Policy Program Manager here at Microsoft who manages the feedback that we receive from Xbox Live users to find out what happens to complaints that get submitted using the File Complaint system in the Xbox Live dashboard.
Christopher told me that every complaint that is sent in using the File Complaint system is counted. He mentioned that not only has action been taken on thousands of the individuals that have been reported, but he has terminated accounts as well (which includes the loss of the person's Gamerscore and any time left on their Xbox Live subscription).
So what can you do to help protect yourself from unwanted images? Here are 3 things you can do to help make Xbox Live an enjoyable environment for everyone:
1. Block Communications - If you run into someone in online play that does something that you don't like, you can quickly mute all communications, and you will no longer hear, or see anyone.
For example in UNO, click Start > Help & Options > Camera Settings > (Y) Disable Camera.
2. Set Communications to Friends Only - Within the privacy settings, you can change your preference to only communicate online with people on your Friends List. This means that only your friends voice and video will come through to you.
From the Dashboard, click your Gamer Profile > Edit Gamer Profile > Privacy Settings > Communications > Friends Only. You can also block all communications in the same menu.
3. File a Complaint - If you encounter someone that breaks the Xbox Live Code of Conduct, be sure to use the File Complaint system. All complaints are reviewed by Xbox Live (however, Xbox Live policy does not disclose the status or results of individual complaints). Trust me it works.
From a person's Gamer Profile: File Complaint > Complaint type > File Complaint.
[/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 30 September 2006 18:22 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2.0.0 Final Pointrelease T3CH builds
>> Team XBMC released the highly anticipated v2.0.0 Pointrelease of XboxMediaCenter(info) - read their official press release if you missed it.
T3CH now released a build based on this 2.0.0 sourcetree.
Notes from T3CH:
* I have updated 'Apple Movie Trailers' to version 0.91.
* This build is based on XBMC 2.0.0 sourcetree as found on Sourceforge.
* Other news is the added new 3D visualiser created by MrC. Great work!
* Also, Team XBMC snuck in support for USB FAT devices, read more about it here.
* If you want to report bugs, please do it the PROPER way, see here
* Full changelog since the T3CH 2006-09-24 CVS release is available here.
* Full changelog since the v1.1.0 pointrelease is available here.
T3CH made 2 builds of this 2.0.0 point-release:
* The standard 'SLIM' build is like you are used to see from T3CH - it's what's in the XBMC CVS with just a few small additions:
+Killarny & Nuka1195 & Pikes AppleMovieTrailers(info) (AMT) 0.91 (scripts: Apple Movie Trailers)
+BritneysPAIRSs ~110 choosen milkdrop presets (visualisations: MD - BPs Selection)
+EnderW's XBMCScripts Installer 1.0 SCRIPT (scripts: XBMCScripts)
+Codecs for mplayer (system\players\mplayer\codecs\:*)
!UPDATE! The original SLIM T3CH 2.0.0 build had an error (english language file missing). Make sure to get the fixed rls: XBMC-2.0.0-FINAL-SLIM-FIXED-T3CH.rar
* The nonstandard 'FAT' build will come with everything that's in the SLIM build (except the BritneysPAIRS milkdrop presets, but you get a +8000 megapack instead) and some extra stuff:
Skins:
+MC360 v0.99b by Team Blackbolt
+Project Mayhem 1 - 2.0 version by Jezz_X
+Project Mayhem II - 2.0 version by SmokeHead
Scripts:
+LaunchBrowser v1.9 by Flash
+myTV by BigBellyBilly
+Poker Timer II by Nuka1195
+XBMCLyrics_guibuilder by EnderW & Smuto
+Youtube 1.7a by Donno
Visualisations:
+milkDrop MegaPack (8265 presets)
Extras: (_extras folder)
+1800~ or so dupechecked Game trainers (no need to unzip before xferring to xbox).
+Some Game thumbnails (3D)
Official Site: www.xboxmediacenter.com (manual and FAQ)
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) | Download SourceCode: here
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XboxMediaCenter 2.0.0 - Released!
>> Team XBMC released the highly anticipated XboxMediaCenter(info) v2.0.0 point-release:
[QUOTE]
Team-XBMC and The XBMC Project is proud to announce the release of XboxMediaCenter 2.0.0. XBox Media Center (XBMC) is an award winning, free, open source media player for the Xbox game-console. The XboxMediaCenter 2.0.0 point-release source code has now been set in our CVS. We consider that the current code in the XBMC CVS is as stable as a point-release should be. All XBMC users are highly encouraged to upgrade to this stable Xbox Media Center 2.0.0 point-release. Remember, the XBMC source code needs to be compiled with the XDK, and requires a modded Xbox to run. Our thanks goes out to everyone who has tested, reported bugs, and helped fix them in order to make this release possible.
There are many new features and functions that have been introduced since the 1.1.0 point-release, that we cannot list them all here. A few that are especially worth mentioning are; the enhanced GUI/skin-engine, the Project Mayhem III skin, DVD-Video menu/navigation support (with ISO/IMG image parsing), RAR/ZIP archive parsing, a new audio/music-player (PAPlayer) with crossfade, gapless playback and ReplayGain support, Karaoke CDG-file display, Xored Trainer Engine (gaming-cheats), XLink Kai(info) (online-gaming) front-end, iTunes 6.x DAAP and UPnP-clients, and two surprise features; read-only support for FAT12/16/32 formatted USB Mass Storage Devices up to 4GB in size, and a brand new "skinnable" 3D visualizer.
For a full list of all features/functions and codecs/formats supported by XBMC please visit the "XBMC Features and Supported Formats/Codecs" page in our new online manual.
Help is wanted to get our online-manual (WIKI), and all the language translations up-to-date.
[/QUOTE]
XBMC official web-site: www.xboxmediacenter.com (manual and FAQ)
Full changelog since the v1.1.0 pointrelease: here
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) - T3CH release should be available soon.
Download SourceCode: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Everything Old is Old Again
>> From gamedaily.com:
[QUOTE]
Thanks to services like GameTap and Xbox Live Arcade, classic games are being given new life and are bringing in revenue years and years after they first hit the market. GameTap's Stuart Synder, XBLA's Greg Canessa and others chime in on the retro phenomenon.
The core demographic, says Snyder, are 25-to-49-year-olds "who are those people who most appreciate the 'nostalgia factor' associated with the older games.
In addition, he adds, a secondary audience is kids who are too young to remember the original games but enjoy them nonetheless because of their simplicity.
"We're finding that they're a great bonding experience for parents who like to play their favorites with their kids who are having fun with them for the first time," says Snyder.
While Canessa agrees that the "nostalgia factor" is what drives much of the demand for classic games, sometimes nostalgia can negatively affect continuing interest in the titles.
"The problem with nostalgia is that sometimes you have this mental image of how much fun a game was when you played it back in the coin-op days," he says, "but then, nine out of 10 times, when you try it again, it disappoints. You play it for a few minutes and then you're like, okay, I'm kind of sorry I tried it again because I had better memories of it. The truth is the game still kicks butt; it just needs a little updating for the hi-def generation -- maybe tightening up the graphics, maybe adding a background. It's all very subtle and you can even toggle off the upgrades if you want to play the old-school version."
Every Xbox Live Arcade game also includes multiplayer support -- cooperative or competitive -- something that's brand new to most retro games.
But whether the mass-market will stay addicted to retro games or this is a short-term fad depends on who you ask. The folks at GameTap and Xbox Live Arcade say they're here to stay, but Phelps (assistant professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York) isn't so sure.
"My hunch is that we're talking about something that's cyclical," he says. "People will get tired of them for a while, come back to them again, and then stop for a while. Of course, that depends on which games you classify as retro which, it seems to me, is an expanding universe. In a few years, 'Tetris' will be considered a retro classic ... and then perhaps 'Bejeweled' and 'Zuma.' Twenty years from now, there'll be some old folks who grew up with 'Bejeweled' and they'll look back and go, 'Oh, man, remember playing "Bejeweled"? That was so cool!"
[/QUOTE]
Read More (2 pages): gamedaily.com
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(Friday 29 September 2006 16:48 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Battle of the Online Networks: Xbox Live, PS Network and WiiConnect 24
>> From gamedaily.com:
[QUOTE]
And so it begins. With this new group of next generation hardware on the horizon comes some more advanced online features. Not just online-supported gameplay, mind you, but communities that have been specifically built to appeal to all gamers- hardcore and casual. The Xbox Live Arcade service, for instance, has evolved over the past year into a full-blown service, complete with downloads of demos and new games aplenty. But that doesn't mean that Sony and Nintendo don't have something up their sleeves...
So we thought we would take a look at each of the services that you'll be taking advantage of over the next gaming year, and the pros and cons of each. We hope you find this guide helpful, and if you want to add your own opinion and tell us what you think is looking the best for your online needs, head over to our forums and fire off some comments. For now, simply enjoy the fireworks of our online comparison.
[/QUOTE]
Read More (3 pages): gamedaily.com
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(Friday 29 September 2006 15:45 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Moore Outlines Microsoft's 100m Xbox Vision
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
The X06 line-up might have impressed the games industry, but Xbox boss Peter Moore has conceded that Microsoft must work harder to attract new gamers if it is to match arch rival Sony and "hit 100 million".
And, speaking to GamesIndustry.biz in Barcelona earlier this week, Moore revealed that Microsoft is already working on peripheral-based software that it believes can match the market-broadening success of titles like SingStar and Guitar Hero.
Asked whether this meant Microsoft is currently working on its answer to the likes of SingStar and Buzz, Moore confirmed: "Oh yeah. And it's more than just games. Buzz, Singstar, Guitar Hero - there are peripherals and stuff of that nature. Things that in some instances take the controller away and give you things you feel more comfortable with."
Moore argued that the EyeToy-aping camera peripheral, due for release later this year, was an important step in the right direction, broadening the appeal of 360 by opening up "all types of possibilities not just with video chat but interesting ways to interact with the game".
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamesindustry.biz
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(Friday 29 September 2006 13:27 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 360 CPU to Swith to 65nm Next Year
>> From t3.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
Murmurs from the more technical corners of the internet suggest Microsoft's about to switch to new processors for the Xbox 360, running cooler to make the machine much more reliable.
The new chips will use a 65nm process to run more efficiently than the console's current 90nm chips.
According to the tech-heads at VNUnet, Microsoft will make the change in the first few months of next year, instantly reducing the temperature inside the Xbox and cutting down the amount of overheating issues experienced by gamers.
Chartered Semiconductor will be responsible for the new chips, and although they're not as advanced as 40nm models in the pipeline from Intel and AMD, they'll still make a big difference.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: t3.co.uk
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(Friday 29 September 2006 13:11 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
AppleMovieTrailers (AMT) v0.9 - new trailer script for XBMC
>> We have been informed about a new trailer script for XboxMediaCenter(info):
[QUOTE]
AppleMovieTrailers (AMT) v0.9 - new trailer script for XBMC.
This is a new trailer script, created by Killarny, Nuka1195 & Pike.
It still hasn't reached final 1.0, but it's quite useable now.
Features:
* Poster graphics for each trailer and description
* Genre mode with 20 trailers per genre (12 genres)
* Newest trailers and Exclusive trailers categories
* Settings system to set for example default trailersize & save-location
* Stream/Download/Download & Save transfer modes, if you play a trailer that was previously saved, it uses the local copy instead of redownloading
* A trick invented by Pike to get smoother playback of saved trailers (nocache mode)
* A skinning system (see note below: FOR SKINNERS)
Does not feature:
* A quick way to update trailers. You must redo the 'Update All' procedure for now if you want new content.
IMPORTANT: Depending on your connection, first time you run script or any time you select 'Update All' it will take 10-20 minutes until you are returned to script. Please be patient. If you abort update, you may lose all data and will have to redo it anyways. If you have any issues, remove the /data folder in AMT's folder.
FOR SKINNERS: We would be exstatic if you would create a skin for AMT that matches YOUR skin.
Skinning this script is fairly simple.
There are two required xml files: skin.xml and settings.xml.
There are two optional xml files: skin_16x9.xml and settings_16x9.xml
You may create a screenshot (sized 128x72 for 16x9) name it thumbnail.tbn for the skin selection menu and place it in your skin folder.
There is a gfx folder for additional images including the below.
Two optional images generic-thumbnail.tbn and genre-thumbnail.tbn may be used for the trailer and genre lists.
The genre list supports (not working yet) genrename.tbn files, so you may have different thumbs for each genre.
Please read the top of each xml file for instructions.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://code.google.com/p/xbmc-scripting/
Download: here
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(Thursday 28 September 2006 18:11 EST) - (Category: Xbox) - (Posted by::
)
Moore Talks 'Wii-60'; Aims for Dual Owners
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
In a canny piece of anti-Sony propaganda Peter Moore said, "Dual platform ownership of Xbox 360 and Wii could be as high as 40% depending on what territory we are talking about. The influence of the Wii-60 movement seems to be growing enormously."
It's not the first time Microsoft's U.S. Xbox 360 chief has praised his rival, while, of course, damning Sony with no praise at all. Moore added, "I have been on the record many times talking about my admiration for Nintendo and the innovation that Wii brings. I am not even sure Nintendo fully understands what it has on its hands"
But the mischievous Liverpudlian could not resist expressing some doubts about Nintendo's machine. "The controller is innovative but it remains to be seen how innovative your shoulder will feel after an hour's play."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: next-gen.biz
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(Thursday 28 September 2006 12:35 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 360's New 1080p Support: Crippled?
>> From gear.ign.com:
[QUOTE]
HDMI is basically yet another wire that connects a console and the TV, but what makes it special is the signal it sends (both audio and video) is completely digital.
The other connections capable of carrying an HD signal (and the only ones currently supported by the Xbox 360) are Component and VGA. Both are analog connections, which means that they can't support HDCP / AACS. They are also subject to interference if the cables run too close to masses of power lines. The really big problem with Xbox 360's lack of HDMI support, however, is the that only a limited number of 1080p-capable HDTVs can accept the signal via analog inputs.
What does this mean? Basically, HDTVs use a fair amount of circuitry and processing power to decode incoming signals before displaying an image on the screen. Because HDMI has long been planned to be 'the connection' for HD signals, most manufacturers have built 1080p HDTVs that are only able to accept 1080p via HDMI. Consequently, only a few 1080p capable HDTVs support 1080p signals via Component connections, which are generally restricted to 1080i. A few more 1080p HDTVs will accept an analog 1080p signal via VGA, but often only with the addition of a VGA-to-DVI dongle. To put it simply, trying to work with 1080p without HDMI is very difficult.
* IGN: Could Microsoft theoretically release an HDMI dongle-cable like the various other cables already available for the console? Is the current 360 hardware able to output a digital signal, or is it restricted to analog?
* Microsoft: Xbox 360 supports HD Component video output, which is compatible with nearly every HD ready TV on the market today. That's not yet true for HDMI. We are watching the market closely and will continue to evaluate our solution, in the face of consumer demand.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gear.ign.com
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(Wednesday 27 September 2006 22:11 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
X06 Videos: Press Conference, Halo Wars, PGR4, Blue Dragon, ...
>> If you missed the Live X06 Press Conference you can now watch it on-demand in Hi-Res and Lo-Res. You can also download just the audio of the conference on majornelson.com.
Microsoft also released some new high-quality game trailers:
* Halo Wars Hi-Res | Lo-Res (official website: www.halowars.com)
* PGR 4 Hi-Res | Lo-Res
* Blue Dragon Hi-Res | Lo-Res
* Assassin's Creed
* Splinter Cell Double Agent
* Shrek The Third
* Just Cause
* The Darkness
* Kane & Lynch
* Rainbow Six Vertigo
There are tons of X06 videos on Xbox LIVE Marketplace too: COD3, Banjo Kazooie, Marvel Ultimate Online, Viva Pinata, Assassin's Creed, Splinter Cell: Double Agent, Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey, Bioshock, FIFA 07, Rainbow Six Vegas, Halo Wars
Our X06 Press Conference Coverage: xbox-scene.com
Official Xbox.com X06 Coverage: xbox.com
TeamXbox X06 Coverage: teamxbox.com
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(Wednesday 27 September 2006 16:55 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
X06: Doom on XBLA today, HD-DVD Mid Nov 199usd/eur, Halo Wars, ...
>> Here's our live coverage of the Microsoft's X06 Press Conference in Barcelona.
You can also read the official press release of the event here[microsoft.com].
Highlight are:
* Doom is coming to Xbox Live Arcade tonight!
* Also coming to Live Arcade is Codemasters' "Sensible World of Soccer"
* HD-DVD will be released in N-America, UK, France and Germany mid. November for 199.99EUR, 129.99GBP, 199.00USD. Other countries will follow later. It'll come with the universal remote and Peter Jackson's King Kong (in HD-DVD of course)
* GTA IV will have extra episodes exclusive for Xbox 360.
* Lost Odyssey and Blue Dragon coming in 2007 in N-America and Europe.
* BioShock and Splinter Cell Double Agent exclusive for Xbox 360 and Games for Windows.
* New Banjo-Kazooie (Rare) and Project Gotham Racing 4 unveiled - both exclusively for Xbox 360.
* Cryptic Studios, Marvel and Microsoft Game Studios will work together on a new MMO game: Marvel Universe Online.
* MS Game Studios will be working with Peter Jackson on a new style of entertainment. Some sort of crossover between movies and games - movies where you can interact. They'll start this off in the Halo universe.
* First trailer of "Halo Wars" by Ensemble Studios (Age of Empires). It'll be a real-time strategy game based on the legendary "Halo" universe. So with the Peter Jackson project and Halo 3 ... that makes 3 Halo Universe projects in development for the 360.
Live Blogcasting of event:
* Chris Lewis on stage
* Xbox 360 sales account for 60% of home console revenue in Europe.
* More and more countries get Xbox 360. Soon (before xmas): South Africa, Slovakia, Czech rep., Hungary and Poland.
* 57 million marketplace downloads so far, 1500 pieces of downloadable content.
* 10 million downloads of Xbox Live Arcade.
* Sensible World of Soccer by Codemasters in 1994 is coming to Live Arcade! ... another soccer game coming to Xbox 360.
* Doom coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade! ... Will be available tonight for download of Xbox Live Arcade!
The game includes the original four-episode, single-player game, four-player split screen (cooperative and deathmatch) and four-player cooperative and deathmatch over Xbox Live.
* Peter Moore in stage now.
* "The power of a console is equal parts software, hardware and services". "360 will deliver on all three points".
* Moore repeats 1080p support will be native.
* 160 Hi-Def games on the 360 by xmas. Lots of genres, something for everybody.
* 'Cliffy B' comes talk about 'Gears of Wars' now ... He shows a new (long) demo of the game. Demo will be playable for the press at the X06 event tonight.
* Moore back on stage
* Gears of Wars coming Nov 17th in Europe and Nov 12th in USA. Moore: "That's 5 days after the US launch, not 5 months" ... some Sony bashing ;)
* Last week launch in India. First official console launch ever for India. Microsoft launched in 32 countries in less than a year.
* Region Titles for US (Madden), Europe (FIFA, ...), Japan (Trusty Bell) and India.
* Now showing trailers of several upcoming games for the 360: Forza 2, Lost Planet, Lego star wars 2, Gears of War, FIFA 07, Crossfire, The Darkness, Viva Pinata, Alan Wake, Battlestations Midway, Fable 2, FEAR, Fusion Frenzy 2, Splinter Cell Double Agent, NBA 2k7, Halo 3, Tony Hawk's Project 8, Kane and Lynch, Tiger Woods, Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball 2, WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2, Crackdown, Mass Effect, Pro Evolution Soccer 6, Need for Speed Carbon, Stranglehold, Virtua Tennis 3, Rainbow Six Vegas, Sonic, Team Fortress 2, Shrek the Third.
* Taking a closer look to Viva Pinata now ... trailer running.
* Taking a closer look to Blue Dragon. 2h30 waitline at TGS to playtest it.
Coming in Europe and N-America in 2007. Trailer running ...
Title will allow them to break-through in Japan.
* Micorosoft Game Studios is working on new franchises (Mass Effect and Alan Wake)
* Expect to hear something new from Bungie about Halo3 before the end of the year.
* For the first time ever: Project Gotham Racing 4 Trailer!
* GTAIV confirmed for oct 16th 2007 in USA, oct 17th 2007 in Europe. Rockstar will release 2 epic episodes on Xbox Live within months of the game release. 1 Episode = "hours of entirely new gameplay".
Each episode will be exclusive for Xbox 360!
* Jade Raymond shows a long gameplay demo of Assassin's Creed.
* Moore back on stage. Talking about BioShock now. It'll be exclusive for Xbox 360 and games for windows! Video trailer running.
* Moore talking about Lost Odyssey now ("the surprise of TGS"). It's coming to Europe and N-America too (no release date given tho). First time they show Lost Odyssey outside Japan (footage same as at TGS). Playable at X06.
* Capcom's Xbox 360 exclusive Lost Planet will be playable at X06.
* Splinter Cell Double Agent - showing never seen before footage. Game will be exclusive on Xbox 360 and Games for Windows!
* Forza2 ... best car simulator ever coming next year: 300 cars on disc (sony Gran Turismo HD bash!), running at 60FPS, best physics simulator
Early demo playable at X06.
* HD-DVD ... "We give you the choice". 150 titles will be available by end of year
Device will be out Mid November 2006.
Release first in N-America, UK, France and Germany - rest will follow later in 2007.
Price will be: 199.99EUR, 129.99GBP, 199.00USD
We will come with the Universal Remote and a HD-DVD version of Peter Jackson's King Kong (for a limited time).
Up to 1080p native resolution!
* 'Games for Windows' will get new branding (retail packages, presentation, ...) this fall in N-America, next year in Europe. Some trailers of upcoming 'Games for Windows' now.
* Live Anywhere starting early next year with the release of Shadow Run.
* Cryptic Studios, Marvel and Microsoft Game Studios will work together on a new MMO game: Marvel Universe Online.
* Partnership between Microsoft Game Studios and Peter Jackson (Lord of the Rings, King Kong). Crowd goes crazy when he comes up on stage.
He will be working on "filmic games" (he calls it a new form of entertainment). He'll be doing 'something' with Halo ... but it won't be Halo3 or Halo4, it'll be a new Halo series.
* Chris Lewis back on stage: "Xbox 360 leading the way in the new generation"
* 1 last thing before they say goodnight ... trailer by Ensemble Studios (Age of Empires).
Halo look ... it's "Halo Wars" (?!)
That's all we get ... no date or extra info. There's a bit of info on xbox.com however. It'll be a real-time strategy game based on the legendary "Halo" universe. "Halo Wars" places the player in command of human UNSC armies as they deploy for mankind's first deadly encounter with the enemy Covenant forces.
The complete press conference and (some/all) the trailers should be available on Xbox LIVE soon.
Read the official press release: here[microsoft.com]
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(Wednesday 27 September 2006 12:57 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Sample: Xecuter X360 USB
>> We got a sample of the highly anticipated Team Xecuter X360 USB kit (buy now: USA/CA|EU|UK). Our sample is final and online shops are getting stock as we speak.
This adapter allows you to connect the Xbox360 HD and Xbox360 Hitachi-LG GDR-3120L DVD-drive to the USB port on your PC. Expect a full review soon, but here are some high-res pictures of the sample already.
Here are pictures (click images for high-res) of the complete kit that comes in a great looking retail package. Everything you need to connect your Xbox 360 HD and DVD (HLG only for USB and mode-b!) is included: SATA cable, DVD power/eject cable, USB A to mini-A, SATA-to-USB adapter, Xecuter Connectivity Kit v2 (HDD and ODD adapter):
Official Description:
[QUOTE]
World's First Xbox 360 HDD, DVD** & ANY SATA Hard Disk to USB Converter All-In-One. You can now connect your Xbox 360 HDD & DVD(**) to USB on your PC. You can also connect ANY SATA Hard Drive. The X360 USB is a "plug and play" device that is easily recognized by Windows. The X360 USB supports USB 2.0 for super fast file transfer with speeds up to 480 mbps.
(**) HITACHI-LG GDR-3120L ONLY
Features:
* Backup HDD Game Saves:
Back up all your Xbox 360 HDD Game Saves and media files onto your PC with ease and comfort. Utilize your Xbox 360 Hard Disc storage space to the max by transferring files onto your PC.
* Update DVD Firmware:
You can now read and write to your DVD drives firmware chip. Get the latest updates to keep your drive running at its peak performance, no more SATA frustrations and incompatibilities. Compatible with all programs such as Birdy & Garyopa
* Portable:
X360 USB does not require the XBOX to be powered while in use. You can detach the Xbox 360 HDD & DVD and connect directly to your USB port (DVD Powered by Xecuter 360 Connectivity Kit). The X360 USB is the first and only device in the world that converts both the Xbox 360 HDD & DVD to USB
* No Sata?, No Problem!
Will also work for ANY Sata hard drives to use them on your PC if it lacks Sata ports, or no ports are available.
* Extremely Compact:
Can be easily hidden away behind your computer.
* Clearly Visible LED's:
Power, Activity, and Status LED's clearly visible on top of the unit.
* SS Dumper:
Dump X360 Disc SS's with appropriate firmware flashed DVD's.
* All Cables Included:
We also provide a high quality USB & SATA cable.
* Also included, the new Connectivity Kit v2:
NEW: Power On/Off for ease of hotswapping
NEW: PCB Design eliminating risk of shorts
NEW: Cool LED Design (Why? who cares - it looks cool)
NEW: Better connectors to eliminate risk of cable damage
All the standard Modeb / Eject Features are still there of course.
We are also STILL throwing in the 360 HDD adapter for FREE!
[/QUOTE]
Here are pictures of the SATA to USB adapter ... this wouldn't be x-scene if we didn't also open the device to see what's inside ;) PCB is custom made and seems to have a good build-quality:
   Click image for high-res view
More Pictures:
* Connectivity Kit v2 ODD Adapter Top: low-res | high-res
* Connectivity Kit v2 ODD Adapter Bottom: low-res | high-res
* Connectivity Kit v2 HDD Adapter Top: low-res | high-res
* Connectivity Kit v2 HDD Adapter Bottom: low-res | high-res
Official Site: http://www.team-xecuter.com/x360usb/
Buy X360 USB Now (50usd/45eur/30gbp): divineo.com | mrmodchips.co.uk | shopneo.co.uk
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(Wednesday 27 September 2006 00:28 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft Sues Viodentia (FairUse4WM) for Copyright Infringement
>> From Cnet news.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft has filed a federal lawsuit against an alleged hacker who broke through its copy protection technology, charging that the mystery developer somehow gained access to its copyrighted source code.
For more than a month, the Redmond, Wash., company has been combating a program released online called FairUse4WM, which successfully stripped anticopying guards from songs downloaded through subscription media services such as Napster or Yahoo Music.
Microsoft has released two successive patches aimed at disabling the tool. The first worked--but the hacker, known only by the pseudonym "Viodentia," quickly found a way around the update, the company alleges. Now the company says this was because the hacker had apparently gained access to copyrighted source code unavailable to previous generations of would-be crackers.
However, the federal "John Doe" lawsuit, along with "dozens" of legal letters sent to Internet sites that are hosting the allegedly copyright-infringing tool, is a decidedly different tack for Microsoft.
The copyright lawsuit was filed in Seattle federal court last Friday, without a name attached. Just as in the recording industry's many lawsuits against accused file swappers, it targets an unknown individual or individuals, whose true identity will be sought in the course of the case.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: Cnet news.com
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(Tuesday 26 September 2006 22:55 EST) - (Category: OffTopic) - (Posted by::
)
XCM 360 Custom and Chameleon Case
>> From Team Xtender:
[QUOTE]
* Team X-tender's is currently working on a new project that is called XCM 360 CUSTOM. These high quality cases feature professionally designed images on a piece of high quality Polycarbonate (PC) plastic. Along with our High Quality XCM 360 full case; this piece is truely a work of art. If you are interested in distibuting this limited custom design, please contact us at: sales -AT- teamxtender.com
* Team X-tender is happy to present XCM 360 Chameleon case!
The Chameleon Case is based on Black Knight 360 case. A see through X shape stands on top of the case, with a light system that changes between various colors (in rotation).
An extra button allows you to select a specific color (Red, Purple ,Green , Yellow , Blue, Apple Green or Orange). and keep it static on screen.
For additional information plesae contact: sales -AT- teamxtender.com
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxtender.com
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(Tuesday 26 September 2006 15:21 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Rumor: X06 Announcement Round-Up
>> From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
NeoSeeker forum member posted up what looks to be predictions for Microsoft's X06 conference coming later this week to Barcelona, Spain.
* Tommorow is the X06 conference in Barcelona. Some info has been leaked including some big surprises. Here is a list of what is going to be anounced tommorow. Tune in for the confernce at Xbox.com from 6pm GMT.
* Gears of War single player and multiplayer videos shown. Playable on show floor.
* HD-DVD anouncement. Release date and price for Europe and United States. £119.99/E149.99 and December 1st release in Europe.$199.99 USD and November 24th release in US.
All will be bundled with Universal Media Remote.
* A new Halo 3 trailer is shown. Some multiplayer info revealed. Aiming for 50-64 player online. Announce that Halo 3 will be the first game to run natively on 1080p. They will make full use of this update. Available in 2007. Playable behind closed doors.
* More info about 1080p and how it will be done. New dashboard announcement. Release date revealed for late November. Will allow users to try out homebrew content made with XNA game express.
* More news on Live Anywhere and how it will function. Talk about function with Zune and XBLA titles.
* Rare show off new version of Killer Instinct for the 360. Will support 4 player tag matches. Playable on show floor.
* Alan Wake shown and fully playable. Will also be availble on Windows Vista. Coming this Spring.
* Fable 2 trailer shown. Multiplayer confirmed.
* Black Xbox 360 anounced. Available this Christmas around the world. New Xbox 360 core and premium bundles shown. Xbox 360 Classics game list. Kameo, PDZ included. More this spring including Oblivion.
* Many more videos and games are playable. I have just listed some of the major ones.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: kotaku.com and neogaf.com
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(Tuesday 26 September 2006 14:14 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Square Enix Hints At Broader Format Support
>> From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
Square Enix senior vice president Michihiro Sasaki has hinted that the company may spread its support more widely across formats, compared to the current and previous generations of console.
Quoted by an article in the Wall Street Journal, Sasaki suggested that, "We don't want the PlayStation 3 to be the overwhelming loser, so we want to support them." He added, "But we don't want them to be the overwhelming winner either, so we can't support them too much."
The remarks suggest that Square Enix may now believe itself to be as important to the success of the PlayStation brand, in Japan at least, as the format is to the company's profits. However, rather than placing itself in the role of kingmaker, Sasaki seems to suggest simply that the company will spread its range of titles more evenly amongst the competing formats.
[/QUOTE]
[RM] gamasutra.com
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(Tuesday 26 September 2006 12:38 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
EkszBox-ABX v1.2
>> Kernel Master informed us he released a new version of EkszBox-ABX(info) - a tool used for extracting audio files & other formats from xbox audio banks.
What's new/fixed:
* 17 formats are now supported.
* Adx support (Always extracts to Pcm format).
* Sxb/Vxb support ('Ford Racing 3').
* Rez support (support for 'Mojo!' only). Note: Not all extracted audio works (sfx), however all of the music works fine.
* Rcf file swap compatibility (Simpsons Hit & Run, Tetris Worlds).
* Improved/Fixed Rcf support
Note: Offsets & pertaining chunk sizes are now sorted by size to match with filenames. Pcm files as found in Simpsons Hit & Run now have all the padding removed from start, (This padding caused clicks at the start of sounds).
* Batch mode file processing support.
* Beta stage X360 Xwb support.
* Major engine changes.
* Faster file extraction.
* Updated gui.
* Support for adding your own background bmp.
* New folder browse feature.
* Found some memory leaks -> fixed.
* Noticed that rename files was broken -> fixed.
* Fixed progress dialog position annoyance.
* Gui wasn't updated if SCX didn't find any files -> fixed.
* List now shows relevant icons for 16 different file types.
* Xact wave bank (xwb) info now shows version number.
* Filenames are now read from xwb's which contain thersuch.
* Removed non audio format support from SCX.
* Fixed a buffer auto-buffer backtracking bug which caused SCX to miss certain files.
* SCX refined & optimized (Better speed).
* Rewritten & improved xwb compatibility.
* Improved xwb file swap compatibility.
* Many other code changes, optimizations & fixes.
* Fixed San Andreas Xct database entries.
* Added Xct database entries for Burnout Revenge, Madagascar & Mojo!.
Official Site: n/a (by Kernel Master)
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Canessa On Xbox Live Arcade Imports and Improvements
>> From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
Talking at an interview conducted by Gamasutra during the 2006 Tokyo Game Show, Microsoft's Xbox Live Arcade head Greg Canessa explained the future of the successful Xbox 360 digital download service, including the concept of an 'Imports' area on XBLA to highlight the best foreign-territory titles, and upcoming improvements to the service.
Since the meeting was taking place at TGS, a natural starting point was a discussion of Japanese support for Xbox Live Arcade. Canessa commented that Microsoft was in the process of developing "deeper and broader support" from Japanese developers and publishers, pointing to deals with companies such as SNK, which is to debut Fatal Fury Special as an Asia-exclusive title for the service, joining another Asian-specific XBLA title, Konami's Yie Ar Kung Fu.
Canessa revealed a possible solution for those niche Xbox Live Arcade gamers who want to check out foreign content: "We're evaluating the possibility of having an imports area". The concept is that, from a developer perspective, the costs of localizing a niche title from Japanese (or another foreign language) to English may be too high compared to the return on investment. But Canessa asked: "What if we could create a dedicated area where you can get some of that [non-localized, but still playable] content?" There isn't yet enough XBLA content of this kind to justify such a section in the West, of course, but it's certainly an interesting concept.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamasutra.com
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(Monday 25 September 2006 13:50 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
(Europe) Xbox 360 in 'Cops and Robbers' Campaign
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
'Cops and Robbers', created by McCann Erickson, San Francisco and directed by rising Australian director, Garth Davis, features three 'robbers' wearing ski masks running away from 'cops', holding what looks like a bag of stolen goods. They try to evade the cops by scaling the rooftops of buildings, taking desperate, gravity-defying leaps from buildings to window ledges and into a waiting getaway car. A car chase ensues but eventually it's all over as the cops 'win' and close in on the 'robbers'. But there's a twist to the story as the chase is revealed to be just a mischievous game of 'cops and robbers' amongst friends who immediately start the countdown to begin another game.
The ad - a 60 second and a 30 second spot - will be shown across TV and Cinema screens throughout Europe from 23rd September through to the Christmas period. Filmed on location in Bucharest, the 'cops and robbers' spot sees real-life action with fabulous stunt car chases and Parkour athletes putting in elegant and jaw-dropping performances. One 'robber' is played by French stuntman, martial artist & movie star Cyrille Rafaelli, who has worked in films with directors such as Luc Besson and starred in breakout Parkour movie Banlieu 13. Cyrille carries out the daring roof-top stunt as the 'robbers' attempt to get away from the 'cops'. The other 'robber', Ilya, a rising star in Cyrille's famous Parkour troop does the window ledge stunt.
"We wanted to show how Xbox 360 lets you play in unexpected, new ways and remind us of how we feel when we're really having fun with our friends," said Richard Teversham, EMEA Director of Marketing and Platform at Xbox. "This campaign really brings out the sociability of Xbox 360 and taps into the playfulness that we all have in us. With Xbox 360 you get all the exhilaration and emotion that a simple game of Cops and Robbers inspires - but now that fun's evolved into high definition, next generation fun backed up with a fantastic array of more than 160 games to play by the end of the year"
[/QUOTE]
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(Monday 25 September 2006 12:24 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2006-09-24 CVS T3CH build
>> T3CH released a new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in CVS at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.
XBMC is in a FEATUREFREEZE at the moment. If you want to report bugs, please do it the PROPER way, see here.
Noteworthy, XML and Script changes since the September 18th T3CH release:
* QTB (QuickTimeBrowser) has been removed. It stopped working.
Instead I include an ALPHA version of a new "trailer" script that is being created by Killarny & Nuka1195. Cheers guys!
NOTE! about new script, first time you run it, it takes quite a while (5 - 10mins depending on connection). Also note that script isn't finished, so lots may still change.
For the full changelog since the 2006-09-18 T3CH CVS release click here.
Keep in mind this is a CVS snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) | Download SourceCode: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Fantasy360 Console Shells in the Works (Part II)
>> Xtreme Enterprise posted Part2 of their series about their upcoming Fantasy360 Console Replacement Cases:
[QUOTE]
In Part I, we talked about how critical the RF cage was in holding together the main elements of the Xbox360 together with its other role as a RF interference inhibitor. We also mentioned how the Xbox360 was actually a box within a box and how removing the RF cage will have a minimal effect on the gaming experience. Having said that, RF shielding plastic enclosures (available commercially in aerosol spraycan solutions at less than $25) can still be achieved painlessly should there be a need.
In designing a new console case for the Xbox360, due consideration was given to retain the original look of the 360 while endeavouring to add as many mod options to the user as possible. We continue our feature story with more design considerations of the Fantasy360-Console.
One major complaint that we have is how the 360 is shaped the way it is. If you take a closer look at the 360 faceplate and console case, you will realise that it is curved in 5 axes: X, Y, Z, A & B. This has several implications for the rest of the case. It means the front face with all its requisite parts (eg. dvd bezel, USB doors, power buttons) and the part where the faceplate attaches itself will have to be designed in the same degree of curvature, thus making the job of shell duplication alot more complex than usual. This is also a common cause of duplicate shells not being able to fit correctly since this curvature design requirement was given a quick-and-dirty-fix treatment.
Alot of gamers were quite surprised at the exclusion of the jewel (that became synonymous with the identity of the Xbox) in the Xbox360. In place of the jewel, M$ chose instead to carve its nexgen console name "XBOX360" directly on the plastic face. Deliberate or not, this was another design limitation due to the shape of the console. If you check the opposite side of the console shell sidefaces, you will find that the centre of each sideface is substantially shallower than its edges. To confirm this fact, lay the Xbox360 shells on its side and pour enough water on its center and soon enough, a little pool of water will collect in the center. Due to this design, there is very little to no clearance space from the sideface to the RF cage within, which meant the jewel idea had to be booted out.
The final complaint we had was the dualfans with its associated attachments. The air funnel that channels hot air from the CPU/GPU heatsinks was designed with 4 securing points, only 3 of which was used: The 2 screw positions, a tab that hooks to the dualfans and the unused 4th screw position next to the DVD leg insert (positioned directly under the screw position that holds the DVD drive cover). Although the merit of securing the air funnel to the DVD drive is questionable, we were unhappy with the air funnel's loose seating position and its effectiveness in channelling hot air.
The dualfans are exclusively designed to fit the use of the 360 and alot of users will have preferred that such a standard computer accessory was interchangeable with commercially available PC fans. The dualfans have 2 attachment points to the RF cage: the 2 bottom legs and top stubs that slots into holes. Also, the dualfan sits into an angled bottom slot on the RF cage, which is a further custom design point that makes it even more difficult to fit standard fans. The hot air is then exhausted via holes in the RF cage, then out of the box via holes in the console case. Due to the random nature of the exhausted air movement, accessory companies have come up with various devices to assist in withdrawing this hot air out of the 360 at a supposedly faster rate than stock. However, we feel that once the internal hot air guidance solution is solved, such "cooling add-ons" will no longer be necessary.
Indeed, at Xtreme Enterprise, we would go even further to say that M$ may not have considered the implications of its unfriendly design for its 2nd Xbox iteration. The giant of a machine with the first Xbox enabled gamers in such a way not even fathomed by its originator: Coders and developers, case manufacturers and third-party accessory makers all came together and created a powerful secondary industry that supported the growth of the Xbox and ensured its longevity until the plug was prematurely pulled with the introduction of the Xbox360. In an industry where game software sales make up for the losses of every console sold, swifter market penetration via a friendly and flexible console design is paramount.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.e-linksoft.com and http://www.xbox-central.com
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(Sunday 24 September 2006 23:04 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
ZsnexBox v2.97
>> Nes6502 released a new version of ZsnexBox(info), a port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator to Xbox on our forums.
What's new/fixed:
* All the paths can be changed in the ini. The default save location is in the directory where the default.xbe is. However, this can be changed via the Path.ini. The folders must exist, because I no longer create the base directories. All 8 screenshot paths, rumble, cheats, sram, save, roms, ini, and garbage paths can be changed. For example, you could set the Shots 1 path to point to the xSnes9x(info) previews folder and the Shots 2 - 8 paths to completely separate locations.
* The "Disable Key Combo Option" is now saved to the ini.
* Added support for loading cheat files when a game is launched through the command line.
* Added support for loading rumble files when a game is launched through the command line.
* Optimized the savestate loading/creation code
* I have included a few of my rumble files, so if you don't like force feedback, you can delete these or just turn them off if you load a game with force feedback.
Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 on forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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