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Week of July 25, 2004
MediaXMenu update
>> From BenJeremy on mediaxmenu.com:
[QUOTE]
Just wanted to fill you all in... work continues on MediaXMenu(info) (MXM) for it's next release. Speed for booting up, without menu cacheing, is now on par with the rest of the dashboards out (seconds). I am also revamping the skin management a bit.
I've added the ability to create, dynamically, images in ActionScript, which will enable skinners some interesting possibilities.
[/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 31 July 2004 23:31 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Friendtech Media Center Beta4
>> From ShALLaX on gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
Here it is, Friendtech Media Center! It was scheduled for release at midnight eastern time, but I was far too tired to stay awake. Better late than never, though. You can download it here.
[/QUOTE]
For those who forgot/missed the news:
[QUOTE]
Developed in collaboration with Friendtech, both ShALLaX (the developer) and CyKiller (the coordinator) are proud to announce "Friendtech Media Center". Based upon "Gentoox(info)" and the tried and tested "MythTV(info)", the media center currently allows for playback of videos and audio while offering more advanced features such as an image gallery, DVD ripping and encoding, CD ripping and encoding, web browsing and weather forecasting. All the time an FTP server and SAMBA server are running in the background to allow you to upload new media and even download ripped media to/ from your Xbox. Read more...
You can check out some screenshots here
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://gentoox.shallax.com and http://www.friendtech.com
Download (503.81MB): here
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(Saturday 31 July 2004 11:11 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Next coming 'next year'
>> From xbox.ign.com
[QUOTE]
MS CEO Steve Ballmer offers the quote of the year.
July 30, 2004 - "There's no new Xbox in the next year, but, man, are we hard at work on that next Xbox." These words came from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at Microsoft's Financial Analyst Meeting yesterday in Redmond, Washington.
Microsoft's future console -- which may be called Xbox 2, Xbox Next, Xenon, Xbox 360, The Big X, Next 'Box, X2: Electric Boogaloo, or something completely unexpected -- has been the source of endless speculation over the past year. Supposedly authentic internal memos and design specs leaked on the Internet over the past few months spurred rumors and cemented -- at least in the public mind -- that Xbox 2 was indeed a near certainty for 2005. Now it appears those assertions were false.
Though Ballmer said Xbox 2 would not come in "the next year" it's unclear whether he meant the next calendar year (all of 2005) or Microsoft's next fiscal year, which ends July 2005. Microsoft declined to comment or offer any clarification on Ballmer's statement.
If Ballmer was referring to the fiscal year, that would mean Xbox 2 could still be on tap for holiday 2005. If not, we can all enjoy an extra year of rumor, speculation, denial, and wishful thinking.
[/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 31 July 2004 00:20 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XLink Kai Update goes live
>> From TheDaddy on teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
I got through just about everything on the lists - and it's on the autoupdate now. Anything I've missed is basically gonna have to wait a month..
Remember - the launcher will crash this time - simply press 'Close' on the messagebox about the error, then click 'OK' on the Kai message about the launcher crashing :D (The launcher crash has plauged us for a while now, but it wont be back after this update :P )
[/QUOTE]
In case you missed the earlier news about the changes/new-stuff in this update read on here
Download: XLink Kai(info) will auto update next time you login.
Tokyo Wars update and screenshot
>> Tokyo Wars is a homebrew Xbox game currently in development by Team AfterShock. It's a tank game in an urban environment.
From shizno on aftershock.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
Well its been a slow few days , due to some textures totally going fucking nuts (aliasing due to sampling of the brick textures)... but now thats under control, and work should start to steamroll again... heres a new screenshot for the hell of it.
[/QUOTE]
Xbgm# 0.2
>> A new version of Xbgm#(info) - a game manager for Xbox using Avalaunch(info) dashboard features - has been released. What's new/fixed:
* Shutdown and Reboot Xbox
* Add icons to toolbar
* Add Export Game list in HTML
* Add show free disk space from the scan directory.
* Add cache support for game listing.
* Conf support, now i save the config into a file.
* Better error (exception) handling.
* Add PASSIVE tranfert, that mean you can do everything from the Internet passing by firewall.
* Corrected some bugs.
You may want to check out the new interface in the screenshots section.
Official Site: http://xbgm.sourceforge.net
Download: http://xbgm.sourceforge.net/files.php (win32 and linux)
Heroes of RoswellX and SDL tutorials
>> Freakdave released a new gameport: Heroes of RoswellX (HoRX).
From nfo/readme:
[QUOTE]
Destroy a fleet of alien invaders, blast open power ups, and save the earth in this off beat vertical shooter. The action takes place top down as you blast your way through 4 action packed levels of shooting mayhem. Do you have what it takes to be a Hero of Roswell?
Game Features:
-4 Intense Levels
-4 Unique Regular Enemies
-4 Tough Bosses
-Weapon and Speed Upgrades
-3 Difficulty Levels
Visit http://www.patrickavella.com to get more info about this game.
[/QUOTE]
Freakdave also released 2 SDL tutorials on his website.
Check it out: http://freakdave.xbox-scene.com/tut_main.html
Official Site: http://freakdave.xbox-scene.com/
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Alternate 5v for v1.6
>> From www.teamxecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
Here's a nice spot we found. Outputs a perfect 5v only when the Xbox is powered on, gives 0v when powered off (no standby).
Currently working on v1.5 PSU to v1.6 conversion also - will post instructions as soon as everything is tested.
Full Size Pic: .JPG
[/QUOTE]
Fba-xxx 30.07.2004 build
>> Fbaxxx team released a new version of Fba-xxx(info) - a neogeo, cps2, cps1 emulator for Xbox. What's new/fixed:
ADDED :
* get more fps in games
* software filter fully rewritabled (but not advanced mame 2x)
* lowpass filter fully rewritabled
* auto creating DAT files (clrmame and romcanter) if not present in the fbaxxx folder.
* "Take Screenshot" option is now in the "in game menu"
* new great feature : replay. FBAXXX can now record game replay compatible with fba PC (not if recorded with autoboot unibios activated or CPU not at 100%)
* replay can be looped played.
* help screen
* neogeo macro added
* OSD (On Sreen Display) now many infos are directly showed on screen play.
* 7 new softwares graphics filter added (Scanline 75%, Bilinear, Bilinear plus, Eagle, 2xSai, Super2xSai, Super Eagle)
* cheats for neogeo games =)
* overclock is now by %. select between 50% and 200%
* flicker filter added
* Gamma correction added
BUGSFIX:
* Stupid Bug with fonts (can't creat more than 1 save)
* CPS1 sound bug
* font size
* Bug with Guwange
* lowpass filter unvailable
We're still looking for developpers, if anyone is interested, contact anyone of the team on the forum.
Official Site: http://www.fbaxxx.fr.st/ (english version)
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
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(Thursday 29 July 2004 23:44 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Test new XLink Kai update *updated 02:46am build*
>> From TheDaddy on teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
The XLink Kai(info) update is available - but I have *not* triggered the auto-update system yet. If anyone wants to help us test the update out, get it from http://www.teamxlink.co.uk/kaiUpdatePre_0246am.zip
All you do, is extract the files in the zip to your Kai program folder, and launch Kai as usual.
Note that this is a pre-release - and the 1536pm on the filename is a timestamp. If we change anything, I'll let you know on here.
I'm going to make a thread in General Discussion right now for you to give me feedback - the crucial things are WET11 / Wireless translation testing, Speex in Arena and language translation features - but feel free to test everything on the list in the post below if you feel the urge.
Unlike others, we encourage all users to help test pre-release builds - but please keep the feedback concise and relevant.
*UPDATE* Pre Build Update - 02:46am
+ Increased locking threshold to 2.5kBps
+ Fixed Speex in arena
+ Some other bits
Download: http://www.teamxlink.co.uk/kaiUpdatePre_0246am.zip
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 29 July 2004 10:57 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Friendtech Media Center (MCE) screenshots available
>> From ShALLaX on http://gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
A picture says a thousand words... so imaging what a whole forum post of them says! Also a video has been released demonstrating how MCE can cope with DVD ripping whilst playing back a pre-ripped movie! Check it out here.
All images captured and hosted by Kris of xboxrepairguide.com.
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 29 July 2004 07:36 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Huge Xbox Software Exploits news update!
>> Much development has been done on the Xbox eploits the last few weeks and months in our forums which haven't really been covered in detail on the news (shame on me). I'll try to correct that error by giving you a nice overview of the current status and I will try to keep more up-to-date with exploit development from now on.
Not much has changed on the gamesave exploits, the 007: agent under fire(info), MechAssault and the non-officially-released Splinter Cell gamesave exploit are still working correctly on all xbox and kernel versions. There has been lots of development on the font exploits thought, the double dash exploit was already covered here, but now there's the “Ultimate Dashboard Exploit” aka UDE and very recently also the “Ultimate Dashboard Exploit2” aka UDE2 that even allows kernel 5713+ to use font/xbe exploits. Several tools to help installing and setup these exploits have also been released!
The new XBE (not really 'dashboard' anymore) exploits we have:
* The “Ultimate Dashboard Exploit” aka UDE (by Rmenhal - latest revision: v7)
Instead of exploiting the original xbox dashboard xbe the UDE exploit will exploit the C:\xodash\update.xbe file. Rmenhal released hacked fonts files to exploit this file.
From PedrosPad on forums.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
The result? The “Ultimate Dashboard Exploit” allows the booting of a habibi signed XBE, with no risk of a clock loop.
Pros:
+ Directing booting to Linux/PBL/Evox, etc.
+ No risk of clock loop.
+ Can still use custom sound tracks in games (the M$ Dashboard can still be accessed from Evox).
Cons:
- No Dashboard access to the XBOX!Live console.
- No XBOX!Live game access to the XBOX!Live console.
It achieves this by not actually booting a Dashboard at all, but by booting another M$ signed XBE, with the appropriate flags set to enable it to run from the hard disk. The actual XBE exploited is the C:\xodash\update.xbe, installed by the “updater to Live 1.0 Dashboard 4920” that is part of the original XBOX!Live startup kit, and shipped with most of the early XBOX!Live games (Splinter Cell, etc.).
There are a few different versions out there. Ensure you use the right expoit font for the right update.xbe!
Warning: This version of the exploit does not work on Kernels that prevent the execution of pre-live Dashboards, such as K:5713 or higher! Owners of K:5713+ XBOXs should look at the UDE2
[/QUOTE]
More info: forums.xbox-scene.com (by PedrosPad).
Download fonts: here
* The "Ultimate Dasboard Exploit 2" aka UDE2 (by Rmenhal - latest revision: v7)
UDE2 is the solution for people with newer Xboxes with Kernel (bios) 5713 or higher. Kernel 5713+ does not allow to run pre-live dashboards, thus preventing the UDE(1) or older xbe/font exploits to work.
Rmenhal found that NFL Fever 2003 !Live content (thus signed for HD) has/had an update.xbe that works with all kernels (3944-5838). PAL, JAP, and ELSEWHERE owners can use it too, but it requires an edit of the EEPROM to region 1 (by devz3ro) for those specific consoles. Rmenhal made his fonts work with this specific xbe too.
More info: forums.xbox-scene.com (by devz3ro).
Download fonts: here (also includes UDE1 fonts)
Also some other usefull applications have been released to work with exploits:
* Nkpatcher(info) (by Rmenhal - latest revision: v6):
[QUOTE]
Replacing the running kernel on Xboxes with kernel 5530 or higher doesn't work through the regular Phoenix BIOS Loader (PBL) and Bootable From Media (BFM) BIOS images - a fact of which owners of such boxes are painfully aware. Nkpatcher is proposed as a simple and temporary solution to the problem. Nkpatcher should now behave similarly with all kernels (3944, 4034, 4627, 4817, 5101, 5530, 5713, 5838).
Currently nkpatcher has the following features:
+ Runs unsigned code - no more signing everything with xbedump
+ Runs debug xbes
+ Mediaflag patching
+ Support for F drive (hard disk size limited to about 137 GB = 2^37 bytes)
+ Boots evoxdash.xbe first by default then xboxdash.xbe (can be set to D:\default.xbe first then the dash by recompiling sources)
+ Eject fix
[/QUOTE]
More info: forums.xbox-scene.com (by Rmenhal).
Download: here
* Phoenix bios loader - The Metoo Edition (by rmenhal - latest revision: beta3):
A modified Phoenix Bios Loader(info) that works with all xbox kernels (also 5530+).
The problem that's fixed now is that the newer kernels set the code segment size to something too small for the bootloader (2bl) to be accessible.
More info: forums.xbox-scene.com (by Rmenhal).
Download: here
* Pbl-lite (by ldots - latest revision: v1):
[QUOTE]
A PBL version that did nothing but load a bios. No animations, no multi-bios selection menu etc. Reason was that I would gladly give up those features to speed up boot-time.
Pros
+ No problems using severel controllers. No USB initialization.
+ No Focus chip screen flicker. Screen stays black.
+ No S-Video screen flicker. Screen stays black. All AV cable should be supported.
- As fast booting as possible. No animations or text.
Cons
- No animations or text smile.gif Some people might like that.
- No multi-bios setup. To change bios you need to replace xboxrom.bin or edit the boot.cfg
[/QUOTE]
Was already on the news before, but I'll mention it again to get an overview.
More info: forums.xbox-scene.com (by ldots).
Download: n/a, in package with bioses/xdk stuff
* Frosted BIOS Loader(info) (by Tomilius - latest revision: RC1):
[QUOTE]
Frosted BIOS Loader (FBL) is based off of Yoshihiro's PBL 1.4.1 source. The video "drivers" are, however, from PBL 1.3. FBL should be just as compatible as PBL-lite (by ldots), only with integrated Nkpatcher (by rmenhal), it works with kernels above 5530 (though it's not able to load a BIOS for these kernels.) Whereas the object of PBL-lite was to remove features, FBL's object was to add more. Compatibility, however, was the biggest issue, so in the process some features had to be scrapped. There should be enough options to satisfy a newbie or an expert - and this is the first derivative of PBL to not require a boot.cfg! (It will work similarly to Nkpatcher without one.) Still, if these features don't impress you - go with PBL-lite, as it is better than PBL 1.4.1 by far (compatibility-wise.)
NO, REALLY, WHAT IS IT?
FBL is half BIOS-loader, half kernel patcher (Nkpatcher by rmenhal) making the name misleading. For users of Nkpatcher, it adds new features, such as fan speed and LED control. For old PBL users, it adds compatibility and extra features to reduce screen corruption, etc.
[/QUOTE]
More info: forums.xbox-scene.com (by Tomilius).
Download: here
* ltools(info): Memcard UDE1/UDE2 Installer/Uninstaller + a lot more (linux-toolbox) (by ldots - latest revision: v1.7)
Install UDE and UDE2 from your memory card using gamesave exploits:
[QUOTE]
Features :
+ No linux command typing nessecary
+ Works on all presently known kernels (3944-5838) IN PRINCIPAL V1.6 xbox owners will not yet be able to run the mini-linux that is the engine of this package, so dont use this installer if you have a v1.6 xbox. PAL users read on...
+ No dashboard downgrade nessecary. From v1.7 it will even work as it is without adding any additional files.
+ Installs/uninstall the UDE. (uninstall is Xbox Live safe - complete removal).
+ Retrieve eeprom and HDD password via M$ Dash, via game save.
+ Includes all sorts of check to insure a working install and uninstall. Both are aborted if the installer finds than an install or uninstall is not possible. Once installed leave your system files (C-drive) alone!
+ A backup of you eeprom is made
+ A complete compressed backup of C: is made.
+ This can be used to restore C: if this should get corrupted.
+ Choose between PBL 1.4.1, PBL-Metoo and nkpatcher.
+ Choose between MXM and Evox as default dash (other dashes can easily be added)
+ Previous installations are detected allowing you to custemize PBL and your dashboard without loosing these changes on re-install/uninstall. Convienient when used as Xbox Live switch.
+ Automatically makes a copy of your MS dash and patches it to look for the orignal fonts.
+ Uses dualboot (determined by the DVD tray state) to reach the Installer menu and bypassing PBL and your default dash. (For rescuing an installation).
+ Boxplorer is available as a filemanager. Users without ftp-access should be able to transfer files to their xbox this way. Usefull for changing the default dashboard.
+ Includes a mini-linux with some usefull xbox modding tools, like xbedump
[/QUOTE]
More info: forums.xbox-scene.com (by ldots).
Download: n/a contains XDK programs
* xboxhdm(info) : Xbox Hd Rescue/(re)builder Cd. All-in-one Package (by ldots - latest revision: v1.8)
This is xboxhdm that was already covered often on xbox-scene:
[QUOTE]
This package will let you create a bootable CD that can access and manipulate/rescue, clone and even rebuild working xbox HD's from scratch. I see this usefull for people who want to :
+ Upgrade their xbox with a larger HD (either by cloning or building from scratch)
+ rescue or rebuild a corrupt xbox HD.
+ Calculate the HD passwd for locked and unlocked HD's
+ Locks and unlocks HDD's with the password automatically calculated from the eeprom.
+ Can also set a Master Password (XBOXSCENE) when locking to allow an unlock later even without the eeprom or the user password.
+ Install the official softmod package including the audio and font hack, Evox and PBL 1.4.1.
You also have the option to make a patched copy of you MS dashboard to be run from Evox when using the font hack. Do not use this package is you do not have a kernel below 5530 and dashboard version 4920.This is meant to provide users without memcards or any of the exploitable games (MA,SC,007) with an easy to use softmod package.
+ have a stable package to access and delete, move, change files on the xbox HD.
An included program will also let you rebuild the C-drive alone, which could be very usefull if this has become corrupted, if you are in a clock loop and dont know how to manually restore the C-drive or if you need to downgrade the dashboard.
This is all done by letting you boot to a small live-linux with fatx support, like xlinux, but with so many more tools and options. Better hardware compatibility due to a updated kernel/syslinux and NTFS support are things to mention. Also from this CD you can boot to DOS and use HD lock/unlock tools.
[/QUOTE]
More info: forums.xbox-scene.com (by ldots).
Download: here
* UDE1/UDE2 and Software Package For Xboxhdm (by ldots - latest revision: v1.4 (UDE) v1.1 (Soft))
Includes files needed to install UDE with Xboxhdm, easy install if you dont have a memcard.
More info: forums.xbox-scene.com (by ldots).
Download: n/a, contains bioses/xdk files
* Dashboard Font Patcher (by ldots)
Patches your MS Dashboard to read the fonts from another location
More info: forums.xbox-scene.com (by ldots).
Download: here
You can also find several tutorials written by members of our forum:
* SoftModding for Absolute Beginners (by mbriody) (not yet updated about UDE2): here
* Xboxhdm For Dummies, hdd rebuild, restore, upgrade ..so on (by kingroach): here
* Dashboard exploit summary (by PedrosPad): here
* UDE2 Guide To Kernels 3944 - 5838 (by scrupul0us): here
* HD Hotswap Faq (by Grospolina): here
You can find more tutorials here (by Angerwound and LepPpeR)
Help the exploit scene and submit your new tutorials on our forums!
I just want to say a big thanks to all people who have contributed to all this work (developers, reseachers, forum moderators, people who wrote tutorials or posted useful information/remarks, ... I won't give names as I'm scared to miss someone ;)).
More info about all of this: XBE exploit forum and Gamesave exploit forum
Thanks to devz3ro for helping me with the news :-)
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(Wednesday 28 July 2004 19:39 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
neXgen BSX build screenshots
>> Some new information has been released about the BSX build of neXgen(info).
From ZogoChieftan on blackstormx.com:
[QUOTE]
I thought that it was about time that you saw some neXgen screenshots, please note that these are very early code base and since acidbaths been away for a while i've had to stick with the neXgen models in some places. They look like very early shots and should be treated as such, anyway here they are enjoy.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 28 July 2004 15:51 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBGM# v0.1
>> We received this mail from KaYa:
[QUOTE]
I am please to announce you the XBGM# project.
XBGM# (new name of Xbgm(info)) is an Xbox Game Manager, so basiclly It use Avalaunch(info) dashboard features.
It allow you to rename, delete and launch a game from you PC using a GUI.
It is working on Linux and Win32 platforms.
It has the following features:
* Distributed under the terms of the GNU Public License Agreement
* Written in C# and a GTK# interface
* Supports the FTP protocols
... And many more to come.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://xbgm.sourceforge.net
Download: here
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(Wednesday 28 July 2004 09:25 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Announcing a new project... Friendtech Media Center
>> From ShALLaX on http://gentoox.shallax.com/:
[QUOTE]
Developed in collaboration with Friendtech, both I (the developer) and CyKiller (the coordinator) are proud to announce "Friendtech Media Center". Based upon "Gentoox" and the tried and tested "MythTV(info)", the media center currently allows for playback of videos and audio while offering more advanced features such as an image gallery, DVD ripping and encoding, CD ripping and encoding, web browsing and weather forecasting. All the time an FTP server and SAMBA server are running in the background to allow you to upload new media and even download ripped media to/ from your Xbox.
The project itself is still only in BETA stages and has been in development for under a month. The release of BETA 4 brings Gentoox and the Media Center together in one package - when installing the Media Center, it will ask for a Gentoox CD and install both in one go. This means you can either boot straight into the media center to watch some movies, or boot into Gentoox to use instant messaging clients/ chat such as GAIM and Xchat (irc). Basically, this turns your Xbox into a complete computer and then some. Remember, the emphasis of the project is on ease of use. There is no messing around trying to set the software up - it works straight out of the box! Just run through the fully automated installer and you'll be up and running in no time... Linux has never been this easy.
"So whats so great about this?", you may think. Legalities. XBMC/ XBMP, while being very good piece of software, are illegal. This is because they have been compiled with illegal, stolen software development kits (XDK) and require illegal, hacked BIOSes to load them. Friendtech Media Center (or MCE for short) only requires a special version of Cromwell(info) to boot. Cromwell, as many know, is a clean implementation of a custom BIOS for the Xbox which was designed specifically for booting Linux and nothing else.
While the software is indeed in its early stages, it is full functional and (hopefully!) unhindered by bugs. The software also comes with a quick and automated rescue feature, so in the unlikely event of something going wrong - you can recover from it without even getting out of your seat to change CDs. MCE has been thoroughly tested by myself, CyKiller and a few other select testers who have all deemed it to be a great step forward. MCE can be operated entirely from a remote control, though a keyboard and xpad are HIGHLY recommended. Plans include PVR support in the future among other things.
"So what will this cost me?". Nothing. Absolutely nothing. The founder of Friendtech, Paul Hu, has generously decided to give this piece of software away free to the community and it will be shipped as standard with all future Friendtech Bravo Xbox machines and with their DreamX line by customer request.
"Ok, when can I get it?". Current plans schedule the release of BETA 4 for July 31st 2004! Be patient until then, and keep watching Friendtech's Xbox Homepage and here for updates!
Now for some technical information:
* You will need at least a 20GB hdd installed in your Xbox.
* You will need a raincoat flashable modchip/ TSOP with a 256K bank for this to work. (Xenium/ SmartXX will NOT work).
* MCE formats your F: drive COMPLETELY to a Linux recognisable format - it will no longer be FatX and you will no longer be able to backup games to it. If you have anything on F:, BACK IT UP FIRST! The decision to make it Linux Native was based on two factors, legality and speed. Native filesystems are faster than loopbacks and if you are using your Xbox legally, you have no need for F: to be accessible by your standard Xbox software.
* Gentoox will require 3.5-4.5GB of space on E: depending on whether you choose "Home" or "Pro" respectively.
Thats all for now. Please do not contact CyKiller or Friendtech regarding this project, all details will be posted later on their site. If you do have some urgent questions, feel free to contact me via this website.
*Update*
I've opened a new set of forums for MCE discussion. Just click the forum link on the left and scroll down!
[/QUOTE]
Xecuter 2.3b v1.6 Diagram
>> From Team Xecuter:
[QUOTE]
Most of our users have bene using the Smartxx or Xenium diagrams to convert their v1.6 boxes. However 3.3v is not required so as promised we made our own to help you out. I think you'll find these are very high quality. Click on the thumbnail to view.
[/QUOTE]
dvd2xbox 0.5.9
>> WiSo released a new version of dvd2xbox(info). What's new/fixed:
* ACL: added possibility to patch NTSC and PAL titles separately. dvd2xbox tries to detect it from the xbox eeprom and then searches for [titleID]_pal.acl or [titleID]_ntsc.acl. dvd2xbox uses its standard behaviour if the video standard couldn't be obtained or the pal/ntsc acl file isn't found.
* ACL: added ppf3 patcher sources and the makeppf3.exe binary as ppf2 seems to produces some error in conjunction with dvd2xbox (http://www.paradogs.com/pdx_ppf3.htm for more information).
* linked to the newest OggVorbis and Lame libraries compiled by the XBMC team. This almost doubles speed for ripping/encoding to ogg and mp3. Kudos to the developer.
* fixed a bug which could cause dvd2xbox to crash while ripping to ogg vorbis.
Official Site: http://dvd2xbox.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
XLink Kai Update Looms!
>> From TheDaddy on teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
We've made a few changes to XLink Kai(info) over the last few weeks, and I'm just about to start updating XLink's distributed filesystem with the new components (actually I'm about to go to the pub - but if I'm capable when I get back, I'll do it then). Read on to see whats changed since before.
* Arena performance improvements - This one is pretty involved. Before, even when you were playing, other users in your arena who were looking for games would generate traffic which you received - and if there were a few of them, it could generate lag. What happens now, is that when you are playing and your status changes to 'busy', you will no longer receive broadcast traffic from other users. This would be great, apart from some games where people can join once the game is in progress - obviously if you're playing and 'busy', nobody else will see your game. In this case, it's crucial that you set your arena status to 'Hosting' - so the kaiEngine will know to allow broadcast traffic through.
* Multi-UI Update / Switching - You'll notice a couple of new bits in kaiConfig - most notably a choice of ui. For now, only default is available - but I'll merge in the kaiKart component and a few more as time goes by.
* Wireless / WET11 Translation - Yep, finally got it in. Simple set up the MAC partnerships in kaiConfig, and play as normal. Thanks for everyones patience with this one.
* Arena Favourites - A mechanism whereby you can mark arenas as 'Favourite' - allowing you to check how many people / private arenas are in them without leaving your current arena.
* XBox homebrew DHCP Toggle - XBox dashes were being confused when they got 10.252.X.Y IP addresses - this is now turned off by default (you can turn it back on in kaiConfig). Remember - you DO NOT NEED IT to use a dash as a kaiUI - it's only for legacy homebrew stuff like XPort Emulators etc.
* Remodelled Chat - The chat window has been sexed up a little, with colours and a friends filter - which when enabled will make everyones chat light grey, apart from people on your contact list, who will be black. You can also turn on a little bell sound to indicate someone entering / leaving an arena, as well as saving / clearing chat with the little buttons on the top right.
* Language Translation - This is pretty awesome. Say you're in a chat room with a lot of foreign speaking users. The game looks *awesome* but you dont know how to ask if you can join. Now you just choose 'English -> Spanish' from the dropdown and type your chat messages in English. They will appear in the chat window in Spanish!
* Arena Content - Each arena can now hook into its own specific web-content - shown in a small embedded web-browser in Kai. To begin with, content is gonna be pretty sparse - non-existent maybe - but we will link in the existing ladders, as well as some pretty funky new stuff over the coming weeks.
* Invites - Invite someone from your messenger contact list into your current arena.
* Speex in Arena - Implemented at last, but I decided to limit who you can talk to in Arenas to people on your contact list. Seriously - if we just opened it up for everyone, millions of people would start bitching about how 'badly Kai lags' - because they undoubtedely had like 300 speex connections open at the same time. This should allow people to get what they need from Kai's voice support, without confusing everyone else.
* Numerous UI Fixes - The infamous 'Raf's List Of UI Stuff' is about 70% done - some recommendations were just too much for this update.
* Lots of other stuff - I never remember exactly what I've changed - I know, I should make a changelog or something - but thats pretty pointless really - it would just make all the crap you've just read 3 times as long, and much more boring...
So, there's the latest - I'm backpacking in Peru for a month as of Friday, so I hope nothing goes badly wrong ;) Expect more good news when I get back, including a couple of juicy announcements for modded Xbox users and our growing Gamecube userbase :)
[/QUOTE]
Official Site/Sign-up (free)/Download Client: http://www.teamxlink.co.uk
Download Update: once update is released your client will auto-update next time you login.
Xebian v1.0.3
>> Xbox-Linux released a new version of Xebian(info) - the Debian distro for Xbox.
What's new/fixed:
* Updated Samba to 3.0.5
* Updated Freevo to 1.0.5
* Updated xfce to 4.0.6
* Enabled interlaced modes in xfree driver
* Updated pc kernel to 2.6.7
* Updated xbox alsa driver + libs to 1.0.4
* Updated samba to 3.0.4
* Updated mplayer to 1.0-pre4
* Updated xine-lib to 1.0-rc4
* Updated mplayerplug-in to 2.50
* Updated xine-lib to 1-rc3c
* Updated xine-ui to 0.99
* Tons of package updates
Official Site: http://www.xbox-linux.org
Download: here[sourceforge.net]
New IndBios teaser, flubber loader *updated: 2nd video*
>> From xboxinfocenter.com:
[QUOTE]
This video just shows the flubber loader (made by zinkoxyde).
Off course it mix up with all hacks shown in the previous video.
You can see the XS man in place of the flubber, of course you will be able to load your own mesh
*UPDATE*
Another video just been released. It demonstrates the XS man (again) instead of the flubber, of course you will be able to load your own meshes!
(This Video has a different outro then the previous one, so you can see you are still able to load your own images)
Enjoy the Show
[/QUOTE]
For those who forgot IndBios is a new independent bios currently in development.
Dash2GAM v1.2
>> A new version of 2GAM(info) dashboard has been released:
[QUOTE]
What's new/fixed:
* 3 first patches are integrated.
New options :
* 'debug'option for people having a black screen when run the dash.
* Option to change the clock size.
* Option to change the track title display size.
* Option to dsiplay an icon in MainMenu Orb.
* Option to display an icon in first HD submenu.
* Option to display (if exist in Icons.xip ) the game or apps icon in the second HD submenu.
* Option allowing to set and launch EvolutionX(info) FTP from the dashboard.
[/QUOTE]
You will find video, screenshots and differents patches for this v1.2 version on the official website: http://topsecret.myftp.org
Official Forums (english users welcomed): gueux-forum.net
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Thanks to gueux.net for the news/translation.
X3 Flubber Fun
Flubber Text Tool Beta
>> Flubber Text Tool (FTT) is a joint venture between the developers of FlubberTool & XBox Text Changer, It has the features of both applications built into one, there is no more need to hex edit you bios.
Features:
* Changing of the flubber animation colours.
* Abititly to alter the 'xbox' text using DirectX .X files.
Supports All Xecuter X2 bioses, EvoxM7 (M8 coming very soon!) and All Guex.net Bioses.
Official Site: http://www.xbhacker.co.uk
Download: here
(Europe) Pre-Christmas console price cuts possible
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Electronic Arts' report on market outlook following its first quarter results last week has indicated that while further price cuts to the Xbox and PS2 are unlikely in North America this year, new prices may be forthcoming in Europe.
"We don't necessarily expect another round of price reductions," EA chief financial officer Warren Jenson said in the company's conference call, speaking about the US price point, "but one is possible."
However, he seemed more positive about the idea of a European cut. "In Europe, it's possible that a price reduction could happen prior to the holidays," he continued - echoing predictions from many European market watchers that this spring's US price drops could well be repeated in Europe in early autumn.
EA expects the PS2 to sell between 6.5 and 7.5 million units in North America during the year, while sales of between 7 and 8 million units are expected in Europe. This contrasts with the expectations for the Xbox (3m to 3.5m in North America, 1.5m to 2m in Europe) and GameCube (2.5m to 3m in North America, 1m to 1.5m in Europe).
[/QUOTE]
xboxhdm v1.8
>> A new version of xboxhdm(info) has been released.
What's new/fixed:
* Updated the "Sha1 Middle Message" hack from the linux cromwell source. The old code did not decrypt some eeprom correctly, meaning wrong HDD keys/password in some rare cases. This seems fixed now.
* Wrapped locking/unlocking tools in scripts to easily choose the password input:
Unlock a Xbox HDD
Usage: unlockhd [-a] [-p] [-f]
-a Automatically get password from Eeprom
-p Type in password on commandline
-f Get password from file only containing the password
* When building a HD from scratch the tool will now look for an F-folder on the xboxhdm CD and add files and folders from this to the F-partition on the drive.
* Default mode of xbrowser is still to start up with the xboxhdm Cd on one panel and the primary master xbox HD on the other panel. Adding a flag (xbrower -HD), xbrowser will search for another xbox HD on Secondary Master and start the filemanager with both the HD's shown, if found. This should allow easy HD to HD copy.
Official Site: n/a, by Ldots
Download (10.96MB): here
News-Source: xbins.org
Modding Mayhem 2004
>> Just got the report in that Modding Mayhem 2004 was a success. A number of XS Staff and other XS members gathered for what was the first inaugeral Modding Mayhem Event.
Held in South Burlinton, VT, it ran from Friday night till this Sunday morning with NoRemorse, deadfukkr, Metalb00, Turncoat, Leftyfb attending. Due to scheduling issues other who were expected were unable to attend.
Reports from those who attended show that modding wasn't the only thing going on.. as Friday was spent raising beer and hell in the local bar district. Followed by hangover remedies and 12 hours of nonstop Xbox modding.
Sponsored by Mad-Modder.com and OzXodus. Future events may be held pending sponsors and interest.
To view the people and fun had by all that attended check out the album of photos at Modding Madness 2004
Do you have an Xbox Scene gathering coming up? Take pictures of the event and show off your modding fun. Have at least 5 people show up, show us what you did, give us some details.. and please wear an Xbox Scene T-Shirt. (I'm much more likely to post these human interest stories if you show off your X-Scene T-Shirt. Contact me (HSDEMONZ) on the site or in the channel if you got something to show off. We won't guarantee a news post.. but if it was interesting.. we'll do what we can. :)
Virtual Xbox CD Ripper Source Code Release
>> From readme/nfo:
[QUOTE]
Alot of you guys where asking for the Source Code of Virtual Xbox CD Ripper(info) so I decided to release it since I dont have the time anymore to actually sit down and fix it. Also if any of yall have questions about the Source please PM me so I can explain whats wrong and how to fix it. Well here it is.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by BlueCELL
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
W.I.P. RelaX update
>> From raforce.nl:
[QUOTE]
Guess RelaX(info) and XBMC don't work well together anymore (because they radically changed the way they use XNS).. I'm working on a total rebuild of RelaX.. but it's LONG from finished.. and now with the release of XBMC v1.0 i now get many request of making RelaX work with it.. so now i decided to put the RelaX rebuild on hold.. and put the time into making RelaX work with XBMC again...time i sadly don't have enough of... hopefully i will get RelaX to work with XBMC before next week.. then i'll release a RelaX version for XBMC.. which will be stripped from some functions like ZIP/ISO/XISO/Directory flattening support.. because with the way XBMC now works it's to mutch work to make all of that work again in the RelaX... hopefully i'll get it working again in the Rebuild of RelaX...
[/QUOTE]
Halo2 trailer: ilovebees.com speculations
>> From Sgt. Tard on halomods.com:
[QUOTE]
Well, this is a wierd one... Remember the theatrical trailer for Halo 2 (look back down a few posts)? Well, someone discovered that in the very end, the Xbox.com logo actually changes for a split second into another url - ilovebees.com. Now, let me tell you that what you are about to see will confuse the living hell out of you... If you go to http://ilovebees.com/ , A message pops up that something inside the system is degenerating it - a virus or other proggie. But, if you looked closely at the "SYSTEM PERIL DISTRIBUTED REFLEX", you would notice that those first letters can also spell something else - "Single Player Demo Release". Yep, we believe that on August 24, 2004, at 00:06, A Demo of Halo 2's Single Player Experience will be made available. There are also other allusions to other dates (on the 27th, "network throttling will erode", possibly AKA "beta-testing will finish", and on the 10th, "this medium will metastasize", possibly AKA "Copies will start being made"), and a whole barrage of other extremely odd clues ("Seek the truth, Behold the truth, Reveal the truth, That is the law and the whole of the law").
Now seeing as Halo 1 had a massive amount of bible references, we can only assume that that is the source for all of these wierd clues, so I whipped over to http://crosswalk.com/ to search thru the bible for clues, I think this might be a The Da Vinci Code-type clue system set up by Bungie. I had no luck, but you guys might...
[/QUOTE]
You can also read more about it on halomods.com, games.slashdot.org or bungie.net
Team Xecuter releases more Xapter news
>> From TeamXecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
As most of you are aware the X2.3B Lite Plus and the X2.3B Pro were discontinued in order for us to streamline our manufacturing process in preperation for the launch of X3. However we have received many requests for a no-solder adapter for those who are purchasing the massivley successful X2.3B Lite. As far as we were concerned the best solution currently for a seperate add-on was the Chameleon adapter designed by Xodus a while back. We attempted to source a large quantity of these to pass onto our resellers, however it proved impossible without having to buy a bundled modchip. Naturally we made our own version - the Xapter (inventive name lol). There was no real need to change the basic design as it was fine the way it was - so kudos to Xodus for that. As design quality is always of paramount importance at Xecuter there were a couple of things we wern't too happy with - the untidy mould process and shoddy hand soldered wire from ground to the d0 loop. We have illustrated comparisons between the Chameleon and the Xapter design / build process. The Xapter is sold seperatley and should work with all LPC based mods (except X3) - you should be able to buy it without having to also buy a particular modchip.
More pictures: picture2 - picture3
Package includes:
* Xapter Adapter
* Phillips Screw with larger head
* 9 LPC Rivets (Optional Use)
On sale now at all recomended resellers:
divineo.co.uk system-mods.com baldbouncer.co.uk mrmodchips.com
[/QUOTE]
MAMEoX 0.84.b2
>> Xport released a bugfix release for MAMEoX(info) 0.84.
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed Namco System 1 bug - this should fix the following games:
shadowld, dspirit, quester, blazer, pacmania, galaga88, ws, berabohm, alice, bakutotu, wldcourt, splatter, faceoff, rompers, blastoff, ws89, dangseed, ws90, pistoldm, soukobdx, puzlclub, tankfrce
* Fixed bug with DigDug, Xevious, Bosconian
* All cleanup activity is now skipped when exiting a game and the launcher is simply reloaded. This should fix most of the freezing issues during exit.
* Fixed input mapping bug where changes made to game-specific mappings were being applied to the primary default configuration file.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Original Site: http://mameox.sourceforge.net
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com and xbins.org
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