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Week of March 28, 2004
XBC 4.0.2
>> A new version of XBConnect(info) has been released. What's new/fixed:
* Send Message not working sometimes. Fixed.
* Invites not working sometimes. Fixed
* New profile screen redone.
* Login after new profile failed. Fixed.
* Invites not working sometimes. Fixed.
* Autologin bug when changing nicks. Fixed
* Made connecting to chat server more reliable.
* Added a PM box to the Game screen so you can get at chat PMs.
* Added some code for dual monitors.
* Fixed chat connection issue. (Only could connect one time)
* Added and improved the UDP control code.
* Added interface to allow public and or private binging to the udp control code.
* Added switch to shut off buddy list when game room is visible. (In buddy list options)
* Plugin code is ready for testing. Will let you Refresh, Get Game list, Host a game, Join a game, and exit a game. Included is a Delphi 6 demo. Fuzz will be porting this to VB as well.
* Fixed PM bug that Wizzard found.
* Fixed some spelling mistakes.
* Made invite window a stay on top.
* Added a 'Find Xbox' menu item to the main menu.
* Added the following to the UDP plugin interface, Get supported game list, Get buddy list, Add a buddy, Delete a buddy.
* Added buddy events, and send/receive message to UDP remote control interface.
* Decreased the network interface name size buffer. May have been causing problems with Win98.
* 8 new skins.
* Forgot password button was not skinned. Fixed.
Official Site: http://www.xbconnect.com
Download: http://www.xbconnect.com/downloads.php
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(Saturday 03 April 2004 21:33 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Interview with Robbie Bach - Microsoft's chief Xbox officer
>> pcpro.co.uk has a interesting interview with Robbie Bach (Microsoft's chief Xbox officer):
[QUOTE]
'It's a great time to be in gaming,' boomed a confident Robbie Bach, Microsoft senior vice president and chief Xbox officer, during his keynote speech at last week's Game Developers Conference in San Jose.
Unveiling his company's next-generation software development package, XNA, Bach, assisted by chief XNA architect J 'Mr Xbox' Allard, laid bare comprehensive plans to ensure the continued success of the Xbox brand and eventual (Bach believes) victory over Sony in the next generation.
Delusions of grandeur? Well, despite Sony's clear dominance in the market, the general consensus is that, with XNA, Microsoft has struck a significant blow in the next-gen race; it's hard to fault the company's efforts to facilitate development on its future hardware platforms, something that is certain to give Sony cause for concern.
Shortly after Bach's keynote address, we were fortunate to pin the elusive CXO down for a rare interview with the consumer press. Today we present the first part of the frank, far-reaching discussion, where Bach further explains the thinking behind XNA, the convergence of Xbox and PC online gaming, and the shock departure of ex-Microsoft Game Studios head, Ed Fries.
[/QUOTE]
They talk about the new XNA framework, the Playstation2/3 and the future of Xbox1/2 and LIVE.
Go read part1 of the interview on pcpro.co.uk[might require free registration].
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(Saturday 03 April 2004 18:34 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
First Xbox 2, PS3 Game Revealed - with video!
>> From xbox.ign.com:
[QUOTE]
Digital Extremes, the Canadian developer that's worked hand-in-hand with the Epic Games to create versions of Unreal and Unreal Championship on various systems, announced today the development of a new and original game designed specifically for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 2. It's called Dark Sector.
The trailer, we're told, is not CG, nor is it pre-rendered in any way. According to Digital Extremes, the footage shown here is entirely in-game engine. The new engine is built using potential specs from both future consoles, which are unofficially due sometime in late 2005 or early 2006.
[/QUOTE]
BitTorrent links: Windows Media 9 version or QuickTime 6.5 version.
Or try to download it from one of the mirrors on www.darksector.com.
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(Saturday 03 April 2004 09:49 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
(USA) Halo Bundle Officially Announced
>> USA/CAN finally gets a limited edition Xbox! It looks alot like the Green LE Xbox released last year in Europe, but with a Halo jewel.
From teamxbox.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft Corp. today announced the a limited-edition retail special featuring the Xbox video game system and all-time Xbox best-seller HALO for only $169. Shipping to U.S. retailers April 13, the coveted combo features a special "Halo"-branded, green Xbox console and "Halo" jeweled controller with a copy of the game. However, only the best and brightest - or at least the fastest - fans will taste the glory: Just 200,000 of the boxed sets are available.
[/QUOTE]
2 years XBConnect + WIP v4.0.2
>> From xbconnect.com:
[QUOTE]
XBC made its public appearance in April of 2002. On a busy night, 20 people in chat, 200 user accounts, and 10 games hosted at any one given time, we thought we were doing pretty good. Ahhh, the gool old days.. :) Now with over 400,000 user accounts, 500+ in chat and 20,000 games hosted a day, we have really grown up. Thanks guys for making us the #1 XBox tunnel on the planet!
XBC 4.0.2 is due to be released this weekend. With more features and bug fixes, this version will be the best XBC yet. Special thanks to our staff and pro users for all their help and suggestions.
[/QUOTE]
New Xenium clones?
>> Maxconsole.net reported that a new version of Xenium(info) fakes/clones are being produced that fix many of the visual differences the first batch of clones had with the orignal/real Xeniums.
I searched for a new easy/fast way to detect the new fake/clone Xenium modchips (there are more diffs if you want ... this is just an example). This is a picture of an ORIGINAL Xenium. Looks in the 2 green circles I made. There's a white spot/point on the board. The new fake/clones don't have these.
More official/confirmed information about this should be released soon by OzXodus.
DreamX Price Cuts!
>> From xbox.upgrade123.com:
[QUOTE]
Effective immediately, we're dropping prices across the board! Save big on all DreamX gaming consoles and Gaming-Fever upgrades (and that's no joke).
DreamX-1480 is now sold for $479.00
DreamX-733 is now sold for $379.00
[/QUOTE]
Avalaunch turns One
New xbox's no v1.5 but v1.4 *updated*
>> From evolutionx.info (updated!):
[QUOTE]
After months of seeing noobs having ground bounces...
I think it's time to clear something:
Newer xbox's are NOT v1.5 but v1.4
Few v1.5 have been produced in august according to some respected people. Then MS decided to stop it and go back to v1.4 mobo.
Thats verified with dozens of installers...
Please never make fixes for v1.5 in first place,
Check the ground (LPC#2) and 3.3v (LPC#9) again.
If your console frags and you think you have a v1.5:
- Check your soldering
- Be sure your mod is not empty
- Learn to use a multimeter
Then you should do the fixes.
Sorry if it pissed off people that was not the point.
The fact is that hundred if people think they have 1.5 after unproper checking. I'm an idiot. Ho yeah :)
I'll read more forums before posting !!
Sorry Troed
[/QUOTE]
New (today) v1.5 discussion: here.
Original (sept. 03) v1.5 discussion/research: here.
SmartXX IRC Chat now via Java-Applet
>> From smartxx.com:
[QUOTE]
Now it´s possible to enter the SmartXX IRC channel directly from our website. Just click on the chat button and enjoy it...
Network: Quakenet
Channel Name: #smartXX
[/QUOTE]
Gentoox Magic update... *updated*
>> From gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
There have been updates to several of the magic patches which are mainly to do with code structure, but some have added new functionality (namely in displaytools and the kernel patches). Run magic to update (strongly suggested!).
*Update/ gotcha!*
Ok, so it was an april fools (if you hadnt already guessed). Hope you enjoyed it! For those of you who didn't have a chance to see it, run:
wget http://gentoox.shallax.com/mock && sh ./mock && rm -rf ./mock
Have fun!
[/QUOTE]
DO'H!
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(Thursday 01 April 2004 05:12 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
PS3 to use Blu-ray Discs?
>> From gamespot.com:
[QUOTE]
TOKYO--According to a report by Asahi PC magazine, Sony may be considering using Blu-ray Disc (BD-ROM) technology in the PlayStation 3. The news comes from an interview that the magazine conducted with Kiyoshi Nishitani, Sony's management director in charge of Blu-ray Disc development and next-generation home electronics. In his interview about the future business strategies for Blu-ray Discs, Nishitani commented, "We'd like to establish a ground by adopting read-only BD-ROMs for a home video game console."
[/QUOTE]
It's not about Xbox but if the PS3 will use Blu-ray, Microsoft will have to come with something better then DVD for the Xbox2.
Thanks to Valentin Z. for the news.
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(Wednesday 31 March 2004 22:37 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Not Quite Xbox News.. but...
>> NEWS RELEASE
March 31, 2004 - Ottawa, Ontario
CIPPIC lauds court decision protecting Internet privacy
Ottawa – In a victory for the privacy rights of Canadians, the Federal Court today denied the music industry's request for Internet Service Providers to disclose the identity of subscribers alleged to have infringed copyright law.
"This is a strong affirmation of privacy rights." said Philippa Lawson, Executive Director of the Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC), who intervened in the case. "The court's decision sends a powerful message to those who seek to uncover the identities of ISP subscribers in order to sue them. Don't try it, unless you have clear evidence of wrongdoing and can make a reliable link between that activity and a specific individual."
The Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) had relied on a rule which compelled disclosure but not creation of documents which did not already exist. At the hearing, several ISPs had noted that they had no business case to keep the kind of information the music industry sought and that to do so would be inconvenient and costly.
Justice von Finckenstein ruled that CRIA had failed to make out a "prima facie" case of copyright infringement by any of the 29 defendants, noting that CRIA's affidavit evidence was deficient, and that CRIA had failed to make a causal link between alleged filesharers' Kazaa usernames and specific IP addresses. More importantly, the court ruled that merely downloading and placing music files on a shared directory does not constitute copyright infringement under Canadian law.
Given the absence of clear evidence of infringement and the serious possibility of an innocent account holder being identified, the Court found that it would be irresponsible to order the disclosure of subscriber identities.
"This is victory for new technology and the Internet, and for the rights of users of new technology in Canada", said Howard Knopf, who acted as CIPPIC's lead counsel in the case. "It is now abundantly clear, if it was not before, that downloading songs from the Internet for personal use and merely making them available to others is not infringement of copyright in Canada. The Court has followed the recent decision of the Supreme Court of Canada and held that P2P users are not 'authorizing' infringement simply by placing a personal copy of a file on a shared directory."
This decision comes on the heels of yesterday's release of a study finding that online music sharing does not clearly affect CD sales (see www.unc.edu/~cigar/papers/FileSharing_March2004.pdf). "Even if they had the law on their side, the record industry's claims that P2P file-sharing are hurting it financially are now being seriously challenged", said Lawson.
News-Source: (Details in PDF Format)
Discuss it here: (XS News Forum)
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(Wednesday 31 March 2004 19:35 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
UK Xbox sales surge
>> From gamespot.com:
[QUOTE]
The arrivals of Pandora Tomorrow and the limited edition Crystal Xbox in the UK see a dramatic improvement in Microsoft's console sales.
The latest weekly sales figures for the UK from ChartTrack show that, for the week ended March 27, the Xbox came to within around 4,000 units of outselling the PlayStation 2. We're not at liberty to disclose any of the figures, but we can reveal that sales of the Xbox console were up a massive 65 percent on those for the previous week--a statistic that's being attributed to the arrivals of both the currently Xbox-exclusive Tom Clancy Splinter Cell Pandora Tomorrow and of Microsoft's limited edition Crystal Xbox.
PlayStation 2 sales for the week ended March 27 were actually down slightly on the previous week, while the GameCube enjoyed a small increase in sales--no doubt aided by the release of Metal Gear Solid: The Twin Snakes.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 31 March 2004 12:44 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Mod Chips Up, Game Industry Revenues Down?
>> From securitas on slashdot.org:
[QUOTE]
In his latest Game On column, the Boston Globe's Hiawatha Bray describes Xbox and PS2 game console hackers as software pirates who use mod chips and damage game industry revenue. The focus of the column seems to be on the use of mod chips as a way to circumvent game copy controls and glosses over legitimate uses, although he mentions some of them. Without offering any research or concrete numbers, Bray facetiously writes, 'But how many mod chip users are interested in making honest backups? You could probably fit them all into the trunk of a Cadillac, with space left over for a spare tire.' Are the majority of mod chip users 'pirates' or are they legitimate users with legitimate applications for the modifications that Bray hasn't considered?
[/QUOTE]
Read the discussion on slashdot.org.
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(Wednesday 31 March 2004 12:23 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SmartXX-OS build 3261
>> SmartXX Team released a new version of SmartXX-OS(info).
What's new/fixed:
Features
- Auto EEPROM backup function
Official Site: http://www.smartxx.com
Download: here
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(Wednesday 31 March 2004 09:42 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Australian Xbox prices drops too but no plans for Europe
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Although a price cut in Australia (to 249aud) has followed yesterday's cuts in North America (to 149usd) for the Xbox console, Microsoft UK has no imminent plans to change its pricing here (Europe) - with the company adopting a "wait and see approach" on future cuts.
That’s the word from a senior industry source close to Microsoft, who told GamesIndustry.biz that the company was planning to observe the impact of the US cuts before making any decision on its pricing strategy in the UK.
Microsoft already considers its offering here to be better value than the American pricing, he explained, because consoles here are sold with a significant software bundle which drives the effective price of the hardware down.
[/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 30 March 2004 12:32 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBE Title Changer (XTC)
>> From nfo:
[QUOTE]
If you install games on your XBox hard drive, many dashboards like EvoX will automatically generate a launch menu with the game titles on it; the title of each game is extracted from the DEFAULT.XBE file associated with the game.
Unfortunately, the title information in a given game is not always accurate, may be spelled incorrectly, may be in a different language, etc, making your menus look "sloppy".
There are a number of utilities out there that change the title within an XBE file, and file transfer utilities like Qwix(info) give you the option of retitling a game as you transfer it to your XBox hard drive. However, I store all of my games as ISO images, and I wanted a way to retitle them in bulk without having to extract/patch/repack each ISO or remember to change the title every time I transferred it to an XBox. Since I couldn't find a suitable tool, I wrote one.
XTC changes the game title inside the DEFAULT.XBE file directly inside an XBox ISO image -- no need to unpack/repack to use it. Simply select some ISO images, make changes as appropriate, and commit them.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by Captain Dunsel
Download: here
More news about X.PLOIT modchip
>> We didn't hear any news about the 'X.PLOIT' modchip (by Team Ankarah) since september. But today they updated their website with some news.
From ankarah.com:
[QUOTE]
X.ploit Design is nearly finished, we decided to not release any more informations and/even not produce any samples right now in order to keep all features secret as well as a big surprise to the scene, and this will remain like this, until Xecuter 3 comes out, as we do not see any others chips who can compete with us.
So Team X brings your X3 to the market ;)
Hardware
* Ultra Fast CPLD controlled
* 4 MB BIOS support (max. 8MB)
* 1 MB Emergency BIOS support
* 1 MB X.ploit BIOS support (2 new ways of using your Box)
* Solder Less PIN-Header Install (Only 1 wire to solder: D0)
* various solderpads and leds for status (a little bit like Smart XX)
* Various External Connector Port (secret feature right now)
* Display Support (contrast, brightness)
* Various HDD led, LAN led, and much more "tuning" options
* IO BUS (I2C, SPI, ..)
* Compatible 1.0 to 1.6
Operating System
* Multi Language
* Update OS and Banks via CDR/DVDR/LAN/HDD
* DHCP/FTP support
* Bios Management (auto split, size, rename)
* Eprom Backup & Recovery
* Toggle PAL/NTSC, Progresiv Scan
* DVD Region, Macro 5.1, 7.1
* Lock / Unlock HDD, Show PWD
* HDD Copy, Format, ..
* RAM and CPU upgrade compatible
X.ploit mode 1
Is that related to SAT ? ;)
Confidential right now.
X.ploit mode 2
Is that related to Compact Flash and/or Smart Media ? ;)
Confidential right now.
BOOT MODE FOR X.PLOIT
Modchip ON Hold Power Down for > 2sec (Green/Orange Led)
Modchip OFF Hold Power Down for < 2sec (Green Led)
Flashing Mode Hold Eject Down for > 2sec (Flashing Red)
X.ploit Mode 1 Hold Power Down for > 4sec (Flashing Orange)
X.ploit Mode 2 Hold Power Down for > 6sec (Flashing Green)
[/QUOTE]
iXia
>> Team Ankarah (Aladdin ADV/Aladdin ADV+/X.PLOIT) released iXia - software compatible with Xecuter programmer and Win 9x,2k,XP. Can be used to flash theAladdin ADV, Xecuter2.x Lite and Xecuter2.x Pro with the Xecuter programmer.
You can see a screenshot with features here.
Official Site: http://www.ankarah.com / http://www.hkmod.com/
Download: here
(USA) It's official: Xbox drops to 149.99USD tomorrow
>> After many speculation, some confirmation came already from retail stores and now Microsoft confirmed it in a press release:
[QUOTE]
REDMOND, Wash. -- March 29, 2004 -- The console dubbed the sexiest video game system is becoming even more attractive. Effective March 30, the Microsoft® Xbox® video game system will be available for a handsome $149.99 in the United States and $199.99 in Canada, representing a significant savings of $30 for consumers in both regions. In addition, Microsoft will reduce the price of the Xbox console in Mexico to $1,999*** pesos, which translates to a consumer savings of $500 pesos or roughly $45 (U.S.).
Microsoft goes one step further in broadening the appeal of Xbox today by lowering the price of several popular software hits. "Xbox Music Mixer," a pioneering product that broadens the system's audience with stellar karaoke features, an interactive media player and PC-to-Xbox connectivity functionality, taking the console video game experience beyond gaming, will be available for $19.99 effective March 30. In addition, "Project Gotham Racing® 2," "Crimson Skies®: High Road to Revenge™" and "Counter Strike" will be available starting tomorrow for $29.99, while "Voodoo Vince™" and "Grabbed by the Ghoulies" are available today for $19.99.
[/QUOTE]
SmartXX-OS Build 3259
>> SmartXX released a new version of the SmartXX-OS(info).
What's new/fixed:
Features
* Additional Characters for Naming
* Display at Quickboot
* First Line Custom Text
* Automated Dead Clock Time Correction
* Expanded EEprom Video to PAL / NTSC-M / NTSC-J
* EEprom menues shows all existing "backups" and you can download the eeprom.bin file to PC HDD
Updates / Fixes
* EEprom Crash fixes when doing eeprom Recovery
* Fixed Some Displays, more Display Options
Official Site: http://www.smartxx.com
Download: here
New tutorials
>> Posted a few new tutorials. I still have many to post - I hope to get them online soon. Thanks for the support!
Want to help the scene with new original tutorials or guides? mail 'em (any format) to tutorials@xbox-scene.com
* The Complete TSOP Restoration Guide
By Jesse M. - read now
* Better S Controller LED Install Tutorial
By Higherkin - read now
* How to Change the Microsoft under the xbox logo on boot
By Laurie - read now
* Understand Hex (Hexadecimal) and Binary Code
By crazyj0202 - read now
* Fast and easy lighted Jewel Mod
By Astrozombie831 - read now
* XBOX S-Video + SPDIF mod
By André - read now
* Xbox with red light
By Lucifer - read now
* Xbox to Xbox harddisk hot swap
By Sweetnutz06 - read now
* Internal Wireless XBOX Keyboard & Integrated Mouse MOD - Solderless
By n/a - read now
* Xecuter 2.x switches on back of Xbox
By Cacocalo - read now
xbftp 0.62
>> xbftp is a ftp client native to the xbox.
Changes:
0.62 released
- fixed variable overflow prefenting 'xbox ftp client' from transferring big repositorys
- some minor fixes, more could be done
Caution: he transfer rate depends dramatically on the file size and the amount of data. Transferring many small files (e.g. 'Tony Hawks Underground') is much slower than transferring few big files (e.g. XIII).
Official Site: n/a (by gboehler)
Download: Sources here Binaries: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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