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Week of June 27, 2004
News from Team AfterShock: Project updates and tutorials
>> Shizno posted some news on aftershock.xbox-scene.com about the Team AfterShock homebrew games currently in development and he also posted 2 tutorials about game developing:
[QUOTE]
- Just updated project page with our current WOP's/TODO's.
No promises that all will be completed, but thats what the goal is.
* Super Smash Bros (working project name)
This will be a beat em up featuring famous characters from videogames and possibly movies.
* Track and Field
This will be an Olympic sports game that should incorporate the Dance Dance Revolution pad in some way.
* Dune 2/C&C mix
This will be a RTS which will "borrow" elements from the popular RTS's
* Tokyo Wars
This will be a city based Tank FPS type game.
* Daytona USA
This will be a clone of the popular racing arcade game Daytona.
* Untamed Rillas
Untamed Rillas (codename) is a FPS on an island terrain.
* Star Wars(info) (released)
Star Wars was our first group game, it supported a short story mode, and a death match of up to 4 humans and up to 8 players (bots).
- Well i just threw up a real quick and ugly matrix tutorial in the math tutorial section, might help newbies, you should definately learn them and do further study that explains them and their use a bit better. Goes over matrices and various uses relating to game development .
- ken0sis submitted a tutorial on loading an .X file mesh, so go check that out. Includes everything needed to load a static X File into your game/app
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://aftershock.xbox-scene.com
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(Saturday 03 July 2004 18:46 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBConnect 4.1 beta (327)
>> From xbconnect.com:
[QUOTE]
We have released the latest build of XBC. Build 327 of XBC includes:
1. Revamped buddy list.
2. Voice communications via skype.
3. Better chat support.
4. New game list features.
5. More accurate pings.
6. My XBC integrated web interface.
7. Improved multi xbox tunnel code.
8. Various interface tweaks.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xbconnect.com
Download: here
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(Saturday 03 July 2004 13:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Freakdave's project updates
>> From freakdave on freakdave.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
Juan over at http://usebox.net/jjm/dd2 has just released Dodgin Diamond 2.0.1 for Unix/Linux.
The port for the XBOX is basically done. I'm just fixing some last bugs though. 2 Player Coop-mode is now fully working in DD2X :-)
Be prepared for new releases of Dodgin Diamond 2X(info), Abombniballx(info), Jump 'n BumpX(info), GluttonX(info) and some surprises in the next 2-3 weeks...
I'll keep you posted!
[/QUOTE]
WinSTonX v6
>> Xport released a new version of WinSTonX(info) - an Atari ST Emulator.
What's new/fixed:
* Speed issue should be resolved
* Added option to specify amount of memory (512k, 1MB, 2MB, 4MB )
* Added configuration option to select your own TOS file. You can either select the internal TOS1.0 or select a D:\TOS_A.ROM, D:\TOS_B.ROM, or D:\TOS_C.ROM
* Added support for virtual hard drive. Put all your files in D:\STDISKS\HARD_DRV
* Option to select your own flicker filter level 0-5 (default is 5 - max enabled)
* Added "Force PAL50" mode in Video Configuration section (off by default)
* Added 720x480 and 720x576 modes to Video Configuration menu
* Added option to hide filename extensions - find it on General Settings menu
* Added option to always bring up save/load state menu on General Settings menu. If this option is turned on, then whenever you press the in-game button-combo to save/load a state it will display the load/save state menu from which you can select the state.
If the option is off, then the normal default behavior of immediately loading/saving the current state slot will occur.
* Screenshot saved with each save state
* When you go up a directory, the cursor is positioned over the directory you just exited.
* Added text file browser
* Added default text-viewing dir. Set it via the default directories section.
* Added option to configure text screen size/position for viewing text files
* If you select the same text file to view you will be placed back at the position you left it.
* Added Controller -] Joypad Mappings -] UI Mappings option for "Text Browser" Assign a key-combo to this function and when invoked, it will take you back to the last text file you were browsing at the position you left it. This makes it much easier to jump back and forth from game [-] doc.
Note - you must first manually select a file to browse from the "Game Utilities" menu off of the "In Game Options" menu.
* Other UI updates to make it current with most recent UI core
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.co and xbins.org
ArnoldX v2
>> Xport released a new version of ArnoldX(info) - a Amstrad CPC emulator.
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed keyboard-repeat state on real USB keyboards. (This fixes the problem people were having with the SHIFT/CONTROL keys.)
* Option to select your own flicker filter level 0-5 (default is 5 - max enabled)
* Added 720x480 and 720x576 modes to Video Configuration menu
* Added option to hide filename extensions - find it on General Settings menu
* Added "Force PAL50" mode in Video Configuration section (off by default)
* Added option to always bring up save/load state menu on General Settings menu. If this option is turned on, then whenever you press the in-game button-combo to save/load a state it will display the load/save state menu from which you can select the state.
If the option is off, then the normal default behavior of immediately loading/saving the current state slot will occur.
* Screenshot saved with each save state
* When you go up a directory, the cursor is positioned over the directory you just exited.
* Text file browser
* Added default text-viewing dir. Set it via the default directories section.
* Added option to configure text screen size/position for viewing text files
* If you select the same text file to view you will be placed back at the position you left it.
* Added Controller -] Joypad Mappings -] UI Mappings option for "Text Browser" Assign a key-combo to this function and when invoked, it will take you back to the last text file you were browsing at the position you left it. This makes it much easier to jump back and forth from game [-] doc. Note * you must first manually select a file to browse from the "Game Utilities" menu off of the "In Game Options" menu.
* Other UI improvements - bringing it up to date with most recent UI core
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com and xbins.org
WinUAEX v4
>> A updated amiga emulator from xport ..
What's New:
- Fixed a bug where WinUAEX(info) would crash if you tried to load an ISO file before running a real CD game.
- Option to select your own flicker filter level 0-5 (default is 5 - max enabled)
- Changed max FastRAM to 8MB
- Added option for up to 1MB SlowRAM
- ADZ-as-ZIP and ADZ-as-GZIP should both work now (as well as normal .GZ)
- Added 720x480 and 720x576 modes to Video Configuration menu
- Fixed screenshot size to trim the edges of blank space
- Repositioned LEDs so the screen doesn't have to be horribly askew to see them
- Added option to hide filename extensions - find it on General Settings menu
- Added option to always bring up save/load state menu on General Settings menu If this option is turned on, then whenever you press the in-game button-combo to save/load a state it will display the load/save state menu from which you can select the state. If the option is off, then the normal default behavior of immediately loading/saving the current state slot will occur.
- Screenshot saved with each save state
- Fixed bug where if you ejected a disk from In-Game options menu and then immediately selected "Reset Amiga", it would act as though the disk was not ejected.
- Added option to configure text screen size/position for viewing text files
- If you select the same text file to view you will be placed back at the position you left it.
- Added Controller -] Joypad Mappings -] UI Mappings option for "Text Browser" Assign a key-combo to this function and when invoked, it will take you back to the last text file you were browsing at the position you left it. This makes it much easier to jump back and forth from game [-] doc. Note - you must first manually select a file to browse from the "Game Utilities" menu off of the "In Game Options" menu.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: http://forums.xbox-scene.com and xbins.org
Ava NetPrep 1.1
>> Team Avalaunch(info) released a new version of Avalaunch Netprep(info) - a program made for those that prepare hdd's - often. It works over SMB, easy to set up and very simple to use, and fast as heck due to a "kindof" boost mode transfer system.
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed cache problem that could mess up the flushing at the end of transfer
Official Site: http://www.teamavalaunch.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Thursday 01 July 2004 18:49 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Contest for developers: Win an Xbox + XLive + Halo2
>> Channel9 (a Microsoft-run blog for developers) is running a programming/development contest that offers an Xbox and a copy of Halo 2 as the prize in several categories to promote the adoption of their new *free* software development environment, Visual Studio 2005 Express (Beta right now).
From http://channel9.msdn.com/express/:
[QUOTE]
That’s right, we’re giving away six Xboxes each with an Xbox live kit that includes a one year subscription and a copy of the soon-to-be-released, Halo 2. The Summer of Express contest is a worldwide skill contest where developers are challenged to create “non-business” applications using the newly announced Express products. The Express products are lightweight, easy to use, easy to learn tools for hobbyists, enthusiasts, and students who want to build dynamic Windows applications and Web sites.
[/QUOTE]
More info on how to participate: http://channel9.msdn.com/express/
Thanks to recondite for the news.
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(Thursday 01 July 2004 17:42 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
tHc dashboard (xboxdash.net) update: Not the end....
>> From Discworld on xboxdash.net:
[QUOTE]
tHc has done incredible stuff and made amazing achievments. By helping create and/or using heXbe(X-Tech & volgusprofanum) and WinXIP(Voltiac) - the technology that single handedly created the msdash-modding scene, the technology, that without, no personalized, custom-designed 3d dashboard would exist. Voltiac, Gcue and JbOnE did that - and without that incredible work (and code) would the xbox hacking scene be quite as special as it is today? who knows.
Maybe it somehow prevented a communist uprising in Italy, by giving a few angry commi's a hobby and thus preventing a nuclear war and the consequent wiping out of all man kind. probably not though.
You should have noticed the lack of activity on this site (which has turned into a mess really) and the abscence of recent team announcments.
Some of you definitely have, as I realized when reading this heart warming topic.
tHc isn't dead, but it is hibernating. You won't be seeing any new public projects for quite some time. BlackStormX will come and go in this time, Nexgen will mature into a cool and special dashboard, while Avalaunch(info) will probably have some amazingly advanced features. MXM might even get that next version out that BenJeremy's been developing for over 6 months (respect to him).
Don't be sad, just move on - try another dash that you think looks cool, or of course continue using original/LITE (just because it wont have any follow-ups doesn't mean its not a good dash) and wait.
Thanks to xantium for supporting the scene and making it flourish, and all our fellow xbox developers for...uhh...developing, but most of all - we'd like to say a massive thanks to everyone who's supported us, used the dashboard, said nice things and given us constructive criticism other than "add ftp".
Both Jbone and Gcue will move to pastures new, keep an eye on them - I'm confident that their work will be amazing, and if you're reading this - thanks to you
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 01 July 2004 11:32 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XDesk update
>> From Team XDev:
[QUOTE]
Hello! The issue between the ex-coder HelloMoto and I has been cleared up finally.
I would just like to apoligise to few people who have had the brunt of it all. My apoligies goto, K3rn3l, HSDEMONZ, Syrus, XS Staff, Xantium, LumbraX, Mastag16, Jokko, CraiZE, EvolutionX(info), X-ecuter, ozXodus team(s). And whoever I have forgotten
I also have a tiny update which is quite snazzy, one of our moddelers Horrain has again done it with the Modchip models. We now have 4 modchips. Below is the link for you guys to have a look :)
Modchip Models <- Click Here
And also an updated XDesk Screen :)
XDesk Updated Screenshot <- Click Here
More to come everyone, I'll keep you posted! Sorry for the long delay a beta should arrive soon to testers to play around with we hope to have somthing soon!
We will also soon have our forums backup soon.
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 01 July 2004 10:01 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
HaloNMP v1.1
>> From DIE-HARD on teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
Post By: UltraMagnus From: files.halomods.com
*plat...plat* *testing* 'is this thing on?' 'Ladies and Gentlemen', 'Halo NMP 1.1' nuff said.
You can find out where to get it here teamxlink.co.uk
On a side note, the 'Driving' Arena and 'Flying' Arenas have merged. They are now in one arena called 'Racing and Flying'
Enjoy!
[/QUOTE]
You can find HaloNMP v1.1 and info on halomods.com[free reg. req. too see download links].
For those who don't know NMP stands for New Map Project. The purpose of this project is to create an entirely new game of Halo for the xbox with all new maps. The interface of the game is also changed in NMP.
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(Wednesday 30 June 2004 23:23 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Team Gueux Debug Bios 256k v2 and Hack Devkit V2
>> Team'Gueux released a new version of their 256k debug bioses for retail Xbox with Conexant (v1.0-v1.4) and Focus (v1.4-v1.5) videochip and also a new version of their Hack-DevKiT for Xbox DevKits.
From Team'Gueux (translated from french):
[QUOTE]
New versions of our debug bioses for retail and Devkit Xbox.
What's new (same for the both packs):
* Now you can launch Phoenix Bios Loader(info) to load an other bios from debug dashboard.
* You can launch any types of XBE like EvolutionX(info) or Linux XBE.
* Halo now works (Screen capture don't work)
* Add a boot on C:\avadash.xbe
* Add Eject Fix on Hack Devkit (already included in 256k debug bios)
* For the moment Svideo is not supported
Please, read nfo and txt files before using these bioses.
You can see Phoenix Bios Loader from debug dash in action in this video.
Don't hesitate to report bugs on our forums[Gueux.net] or on the X-S forums.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.gueux.net
Download: n/a (contains copyrighted files)
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(Wednesday 30 June 2004 20:04 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Halo SP to MP
>> From 'The Swamp Fox' on halomods.com:
[QUOTE]
Yes you read the title correctly. This is a working, kick-ass conversion of c20_1 from The Library to multiplayer, and its got banshees, turrets, bots, and plenty of other cool stuff to keep you occupied for a long time. The readme has more information, you can check that out for info on how to use this. Get the file here.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 30 June 2004 19:17 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Focus NTSC support in Gentoox fixed
>> From ShALLaX on gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
Just discovered that Focus NTSC support is broken.
Thanks to Gimli pointing out the newer CVS patches dont work properly. I've implemented a fix, unfortunately means another new kernel :(. I'll try it out from a new Pro v1.3 installation and let you know.
*Update*
Ok, the fix works here ;). If you tried to get Focus working on an NTSC box within the last couple of days but ended up with a blank screen, try again!
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 30 June 2004 13:12 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft offers free games for Live referrals
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
A new promotion from Microsoft in the USA is offering Xbox Live users a choice from a selection of free games in return for referring their friends to the online gaming service before the end of July.
New subscribers to the service need to register their details and those of the friend who referred them on the new [xboxlive-friends.com] website to qualify for the offer, which only applies to those who have signed up for a 12 month subscription.
The referrer can then select a free game from a short list of online titles - Links 2004, Top Spin, and Rallisport Challenge 2 - which will be delivered to them a few weeks later. The offer only applies for one month, however, so claims need to be made before July 29th.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 30 June 2004 10:34 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XboxMediaCenter v1.0.0 *updated*
>> XboxMediaCenter(info) v1.0.0 final has just been released!
From xboxmediacenter.de:
[QUOTE]
XBMC 1.0.0 point release source code has now been set in our CVS, so believe it or not, the day that many of you been waiting for is finally here, today, now! We felt that we had been holding off doing release candidates for so long that we now consider the XBMC CVS to be as stable as a point release should be, so we decided that we were ready to go final (gold) without a release candidate process. Yes, there are still a few known bugs but none serious enough to stop you from fully enjoying XBMC. Know that we will keep the CVS feature freeze for a few more days, just in case any huge bugs are discovered in this release (in which case we fix them then set and announce a 1.0.1 point release src). All XBMP and XBMC-Beta users out there are highly encouraged to upgrade to Xbox Media Center 1.0.0 point release which is now officially the only supported version. For those of you who are new to XBMC (and/or XBMP) please understand and respect that we do not release nor distribute Xbox executable (XDK binaries) at all, so please do not ask us where to find/download compiled versions of XBMC (which you do require to run XBMC on your Xbox). Please read through our FAQ and the online-manual carefully before you post anything in our forums.
[/QUOTE]
Changes since last CVS build (06-19):
* added: default language selection for subtitles now possible in mplayer.conf
* added: all know language codes for audio and subtitle selection.
* changed: made sure that resolution switching only happens once when starting in pal60 mode.
* changed: postprocessing is now turned off by default.
* fixed: playlist files on a remote share and whose entries have a '\' at the beginning, where not saved correctly
* fixed: switching srt's included in mkv + small bugfix for switching vobsubs in mkv's.
* fixed: deleting a program from My Programs works properly now
* fixed: no directory history if default path is set
* fixed: lockups when switching between fullscreen and small video window.
* fixed: when an autorun event occurs the screensaver is now reset
* fixed: subs not showing + added switching support for subtitles included in mkv containers (vobsubs).
* fixed: Not showning first icon during scrolling in control (sf patch #976191 by seism)
* fixed: support for foldername.tbn files
* moved: default subtitle selection to mplayer.conf to allow them to be overridden on a per file basis.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.de / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Download binaries: n/a (built with XDK)
Download sources: here[sourceforge.net]
News-Source: xbins.org
XBMC-Skinner Update
>> We received some news about XBMC-Skinner from Arddrive:
[QUOTE]
Due to some software problems the Skinner Project was held back a considerable amount, but after working the kinks out and speaking to some friends who are skinners we work the problems out. The First beta version of the Skinner will be released shortly, after a couple more very long nights. If you people have any questions about the skinner project like what it can do and what it cant do please feel free to email me – Gutterdrive [NOSP@M] hotmail.com.
The skinner website will also be release shortly.
But for those who want to see the early stages of the site and project please visit: http://xbmc-skinner.xbox-scene.com
[/QUOTE]
Xenium ICE and OS2 on Xbox v1.6 video/snapshots
>> From modwhiz.com:
[QUOTE]
ModWhiz.com are proud to release the first video of Xenium ICE with OS version 2.0 working fully on a version 1.6 Xbox with a sample chip received from the OzXodus Team. Take a look at the videos & snapshots on modwhiz.com.
[/QUOTE]
Reverse xbox's japan failure with local games and Square-Enix on Xbox2?
>> From bloomberg.com:
[QUOTE]
June 29 (Bloomberg) -- Two years after Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates handed out the first Xbox game console at a Tokyo video store, the machine's Japanese sales trail those of Sony Corp.'s rival PlayStation 2 console by 48 to one.
That's partly because Japanese Xbox owners have about 160 games to choose from, compared with more than 6,000 for the PlayStation 2. Microsoft, the world's biggest software maker, plans to gain on Sony by releasing new games tailored for Japanese users with the next version of the Xbox, said Norman Cheuk, head of Microsoft's game development division in Tokyo.
``It's too late to be No. 1 on this version of the console,'' said Cheuk, 35, who moved to Tokyo from Microsoft's Redmond, Washington, headquarters in September and oversees a team of 100 game developers. ``A lot of what we're doing today is to position ourselves. We're looking at the future generations where we'd like to be successful.''
Square Enix Co., Japan's No. 2 game maker, publishes none that can be played on the current Xbox. It's considering making titles for the next Xbox, said Michiro Sasaki, general manager for corporate planning. Tokyo-based Square Enix's ``Final Fantasy'' series for the PlayStation 2 console -- in which players assume roles and team up with other characters to achieve objectives -- has sold 60 million copies worldwide.
[/QUOTE]
Read the full article on bloomberg.com
X3 Challenge winners
>> Team Xecuter posted the results of the "X3 Rox My Box Challenge".
You can find all the names of the cashprice and Xecuter3 beta winners on their forum.
CXBX and Halo news
>> From ngemu.com:
[QUOTE]
Over in this thread on the ngemu.com forums, there's a nice progress update about the XBOX emulator Cxbx(info), which just recently started running games at real good speeds. But read for yourself:
"yeah, halo is making good progress. there are issues (probably simple swizzling problems) with textures; but other than that, halo is able to boot up very fast so it is mostly minor fixes to get the menu working really nicely. then i'll get it in-game and see what new fun there is to fix.
halo likes to modify it's textures at unusual times, which had me scratching my head until last night when I put in a fix and suddenly everything started showing textures."
[/QUOTE]
Thanks to Mace for the news.
BSX dash v1.0 video preview
>> From iCeCooL on blackstormx.com:
[QUOTE]
We now have video footage of our new BlackStormX {BSX} dash (a modified MS dashboard).
I have placed it in the Downloads section[free reg. req.].
The video is in wmv format with a running time of 1.19mins.
[/QUOTE]
Several Xbox CPLD codes released
>> Some CPLD code of Xbox modchips has been released by hkmod.com several days ago.
Code for the Enigmah, Xecuter1 and Aladdin Advance/+/++ have been made available to the public on their website.
Most of the files include hex, jedex, gerber file and more.
All files are given without any warranty, the purpose is your investigation and your pleasure, play with them at your own risk!
WinUAEX v3
>> Xport released a new version of amiga emulator WinUAEX(info).
What's new/fixed:
* CD32/CDTV support - Plays real CD32/CDTV cds and ISO files (playing CD32 ISO files does not support WAV/MP3 CDDA tracks at this time)
* Added "Extended ROM" to configuration screen
* Samba, Relax, Netplay re-implemented
* Increased max JIT cache size to 8MB
* Increased max Chipmem size to 8MB - WHDLoad games work now
* Added drive click sounds option "Floppy Volume" on game configuration screen
* Fixed bug with display of FastRAM. 1MB was displayed as 0MB and vice-versa.
* Screen tearing was not actually fixed in v2. Now it is.
* Added "Force PAL50" mode in Video Configuration section (off by default)
* Added "Disable Flicker Filter" to Video Configuration section (on by default)
* Create blank ADF/HDF files from In Game Options menu
* ADZ support
* Fixed all special/international character-conversion to be non-DEBUG FAT-X compatible (Workbench enthusiasts)
* Screen size/position saved for each game
* Added more fine-grain CPU speed options. 0 = Max, 1 = Real, 2 = 100% ... 33 = 0%
* Added "Reset Amiga" function to In-Game Options menu
* Fixed memory bug when reading ISO9660 files
* Added default text-viewing dir. Set it via the default directories section.
* Text file settings (fixed width, text width) are maintained each time you go back and forth from the menu
* When you go up a directory, the cursor is positioned over the directory you just exited.
* Because of changes to the structure of configuration file, you'll have to reconfigure all your games.
* Graphics filters were added back in, but only one or two of them could be used without slowing down the game (on even the simplest of games.) I removed them again so that the memory could be put to better use.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com and xbins.org
Xecuter3 beta sample preview
>> I received an Xecuter3 beta sample about 1week ago and I've been able to test the latest "X3 OS" beta builds.
What can you do in the software so far (keep in mind it's beta ... so more features may be available at launch):
+ 'X3 Live' - editing your X3 bios on-the-fly directly on your Xbox (screenshot).
You can enable/disable: Autostart X3 OS or dashboard, In game reset, debug bios, XBLive disable, No reset on eject, LBA mode, dashboard boot priority (fully flexible: filenames, bootdrive and order (max 4)), clock error-check (screenshot).
You can also change all Xbox Logo colors, flubber colors, flubber animation or use full color custom boot up logo. Disable or enable the start-up flubber animation, wireframe flubber and TM logos and choose the power-led color while you're in the X3 software.
Quicklaunch allows you to fastly boot a chosen executable from HD in the X3 sofware using the trigger button.
+ Network support: FTP with avalaunch compatible boost-mode and http (web).
+ Flash chip per bank from CD/DVD/HDD/FTP/HTTP (screenshot). The X3 software uses 1MB ... but it ofcourse already includes the X3 bios (hacked MS bios).
+ Bios naming and launching as you want(screenshot). You can select your bios bank from software (via X3 OS) or with the hardware dips on the external adaptor.
+ Backup and restore (on chip or on FTP) (screenshot) and modify all EEPROM settings (video region, video mode, Fan speed, Date/Time). Also LCD settings (doesn't work yet in beta) and password protection (screenshot).
+ Format specific drives of HD, install new HD, lock/unlock HD (screenshot - screenshot).
+ Full Hardware info (can also be saved to file on Xbox HD): X3 info, Xbox Info (Xbox version and other specific hardware versions/info (screenshot)), HDD info, DVD info, HDD Partition Info, Xbox Live Network Settings and all encryption keys (screenshot).
+ The X3 has a backup bios (256k) on separated chip. So if anything goes wrong with the default flashchip you can always use this to boot.
+ And some other specific features in the X3 software: cold reboot IGR, sreenshots, ...
I've also finally been able to make some High Definition pictures of the chip. Keep in mind this is beta hardware, the final will probably look a bit different.
The X3 beta I got requires 2 more headerpins then a X2.x mod (LPC #13 and #14). There is also a plug with the wires for D0, HDD activity (optional), LAN activity (optional) and 2 wires for eject/reset detection (will probably be detected from software in final). If you press power button, Xbox will boot with onboard bios (modchip off), if you press power+eject for 1+ sec it will boot backup bios, if you press power-button for 1+ sec it will boot bios on X3 selected by dip switches. (note that this might change in X3 final - short press on power will have modchip enabled and 1+ sec press modchip disabled).
The wire-adaptor changed on the X3 ... the wires now link to a headerpin, so even if you do a wire-install you have a headerpin and you can easily swap modchips.
Team Xecuter told us this will be added to final/retail X3:
* New Linux based backup bios with many new features
* PC app to take complete control of your xbox and modchip
* 16 bit I/O. Many ports open for expansion.
* 320x200 LCD support
* Optional solderless install adaptor
* X3 final will be available without external switch (you can only select bank via software-control then), with a simple external switch (similar to the one shipped with beta) or with the pro switch (the 'design'/funky version)
* If you boot from any other bios - you can switch to different X3 banks from any dash - TX will release all sources for dashboards to add this.
* And many new features added to the "X3 OS". The X3 software and bios can be updated ... so new features can be added whenever TX wants.
Official Site: http://www.teamxecuter.com
Microsoft cuts Xbox price in Taiwan
>> From digitimes.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft announced yesterday it will cut the price of its Xbox game console in Taiwan from NT$5,980 to NT$5,666, effective immediately.
The move came after rival Sony Computer Entertainment reduced the price of its PlayStation 2 console, the specially designed for the Taiwan market SCPH-50007, from NT$6,480 to NT$5,888 early this month.
[/QUOTE]
Xbox-Scene Skin Contest: the results
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