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Week of April 30, 2006
FBAxxx build 06-05-2006
>> Team XXX released a new version of FBAxxx(info).
What's new/fixed:
* fixed 60fps support in PAL50Hz, now the synchronization is perfect, could be useful for later
* fixed a bug sound in D3d sound (sorry, it was my fault)
* optimized a little lowpass ( 1/(1[[15) = ]]15), lowpass filter was always executed, corrected that
* removed neogeoblackscreenfix, it doesn t seem to crash anymore, if you have a black screen with neogeo roms, try to mess with FM interpolation
* added a minimenu, hope you'll like it, you can desactivate it in the menu option, it can't be desactivated in kiosk mode though
* added kiosk_mode, if you don't know what it is, you just don't need it
Official Site: http://fbaxxx.fr.st
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Updates Numbers: 3.3 million Xbox 360s Have Shipped
>> From Dean Takahashi on mercurynews.com:
[QUOTE]
I attended an engineering speech by Nick Baker, the director of Xbox Console Design Architecture. He's one of the top chip architects on the Xbox 360's chips. Most of the chat was deep in the woods. But one of his comments was startling. He said that Microsoft had now sold 3.3 million consoles worldwide. Microsoft PR confirmed that number to me just now.
What's interesting is that Microsoft said in its earnings statement that it had shipped 1.75 million consoles by March 31. Because of its rough start in manufacturing, it took 4.5 months to reach that number. The original goal had been 3 million units in the first 90 days, but the manufacturing glitches scotched that goal. Now it looks like Microsoft is making up for lost time.
Microsoft's goal is 4.5 million to 5.5 million units by June 30.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: mercurynews.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Custom Xbox1 Soundtracks on Xbox 360
>> From 360gamesaves.com:
[QUOTE]
One of our forum members discovered it is in fact possible to use the custom soundtrack feature of your legacy xbox games by simply transferring the music and 'st.db' music database file to your XBOX360 HardDrive! Makes us wonder if this functionality will be added in a coming 360 Dashboard update.
From ravage on the 360gamesaves forums:
I haven't seen any mention of using custom soundtracks for Xbox games working on your Xbox 360, and I got it working today when I got Forza Motorsport, so I thought I would share this.
On the Xbox, soundtracks are stored in "/E/TDATA/FFFE0000/".
You need to ftp the entire directory "FFFE0000" off your modded Xbox, then connect your Xbox 360 HDD to your PC and put the "FFFE0000" directory into "Partition 3/Compatibility/Xbox1/TDATA/" with Xplorer360(info).
Load up a Custom Soundtrack enabled Xbox game on your Xbox 360 and choose your own music from it's menu.
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: http://www.360gamesaves.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
KeyGen360 v0.4b Source Code
>> Xisko released the sourcecode of KeyGen360(info) v0.4b released a few days ago. It's a commandline tool, similar to the Team F-360s KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher(info)(info) GUI tool, that allows you to extract and write the unique DVD key of an Xbox 360 DVD drive firmware (support for both the Toshiba-Samsung MN25 and Hitachi-LG firmware files).
Official Site: http://www.xboxers360.net
Download: source code / binary
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Firmware Patcher v0.5
>> Scener of F-360 TEAM released Firmware Patcher v0.5. Note that no patch is included, this is a win32 tool that will allow you to apply a diff/ppf-style patches to an Xbox 360 DVD firmware file whenever they get released:
[QUOTE]
FEATURES 0.5:
* The program can patch (without overwrite) any firmware file with a fpx patch (fpt format will be released when we have a pfx creator).
NEXT FEATURES:
* Improve validation system of patches.
* Graphic environment.
* Code a fpx generator.
* Join this software with KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher(info).
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.foros360.com
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2006-05-05 CVS T3CH build
>> T3CH released a new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in CVS at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.
XBMC is in a FEATUREFREEZE at the moment. If you want to report bugs, please do it the PROPER way, see here.
Here's the added/changed/updated stuff from the changelog since the 2006-04-27 T3CH CVS release:
* added: "Safe mode" key combination (WHITE + Y) on startup to invoke the fatal error handler (gives FTP access). Thanks to Bizzeh.
* added: Direct3d Setviewport export for dlls.
* added: manual allmusic button to my music.
* updated: lame to version 3.97beta2 (system/cdrip contains the updated dll)
* changed: Cleaned up the video assigning code. Video thumbnails are now stored in UserData/Thumbnails/Video.
* changed: Cleaned up the IMDb thumb code a little. GetThumb from the Movie Information page now allows users to select between the IMDb thumb and their local thumbs.
* changed: Thumbs in My Videos are set via a background loader.
* changed: IMDb thumbs are now cached in the usual method (no need for the separate imdb folder). Will require rescanning.
* changed: Removed <logpath> tag. By default it logs in the XBMC folder, unless it's running off DVD, where it logs in TDATA. UserData is also moved to TDATA if running off DVD.
* changed: Moved albums/ and thumbs/ folders to UserData/ folder.
* changed: Moved more settings from XBoxMediaCenter.xml. External DVDPlayer and Dashboard to GUI settings.
* changed: Added UserData/AdvancedSettings.xml loading ability, and moved a bunch of XBoxMediaCenter.xml settings into it.
* changed: Animation attributes can use float coordinates instead of just integer coordinates.
* changed: my weather location selector (id=3) can now be a select button.
* changed: cd-ripper's lame encoder now uses --vbr-new for ripping in vbr mode
* changed: cd-ripper now writes unicode tags
* changed: FATX filename shortening now makes sure to keep important numbers such as .partXXX.rar, CD2.avi in filenames (for FTP uploads to xbox, etc.)
* changed: Keymap settings - Keyboard users have more control over fullscreen info. Changes also mean remote,gamepad,keyboard users have consistent buttons on all fullscreen media.
d.
* changed: Music OSD keymap - CodecInfo & MusicInfo changed from global to local settings (Gamepad/Remote). Slidehow keymap fixed changed from 'Info' to 'CodecInfo' (Gamepad/Keyboard).
* changed: Slideshow keymap - Info button on remote now correctly shows image information.
* changed: music info is now loaded via a thread, result is a smoother gui while loading and better ability to cancel
* changed: removed playing of start.wav, this can be done via startup.xml on window init
* changed: visualisation preset and lockstate are now remembered between windows and sessions.
* changed: Stack button can now be a radiobutton.
* changed: B in now playing should return to My Music. Back in Slideshow should stop the slideshow.
* changed: Reverted the XBE title commit earlier. They're now back to reading as UTF16 as they should be.
* changed: removed the 'search imdb' item from context menu since it's not contextual. use the button on the left instead.
* changed: XBE titles are now converted from string charset, rather from UTF16.
* changed: Playlists location is now a bookmark in Music and Videos.
* changed: switched info/title remote mappings in visualisation window.
* changed: volume up/down/mute mapped to remote 3/6/9 in keymap.
... rest of changelog (including many fixes): here.
Noteworthy, XML and Script changes in this build:
* Please note: Support for skins with versions < 2.0 has been removed
* I include a working modded QuickTimeBrowser script, I also enabled the background in the script.
* There's some -MAJOR- changes this time, Team XBMC has started to move towards a new setting system. I can't explain it all here, but I can say this much - you will have to move some of your old folders, if you don't want to start fresh.
I suspect there will be even more changes soon, so you might want to wait with upgrading till things stabilizes a bit.
Music and Video libraries may need rescanning to get the thumbs.
More info here and here
* Keymap.xml: Slideshow keymap - Info button on remote now correctly shows image information. Music OSD keymap - CodecInfo & MusicInfo changed from global to local settings (Gamepad/Remote). Slidehow keymap fixed changed from 'Info' to 'CodecInfo' (Gamepad/Keyboard). Keymap settings - Keyboard users have more control over fullscreen info. Changes also mean remote, gamepad, keyboard users have consistent buttons on all fullscreen media.
* XboxMediaCenter.xml: Many settings have been removed. Some are now in UserData/AdvancedSettings.xml (user created file)
Keep in mind this is a CVS snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) | Download SourceCode: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XboxMediaCenter: Google Summer Of Code (developers wanted)
The Essential E3 Top 50 Preview
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
With anticipated titles that include Red Steel, Command & Conquer 3 and "the mythical Halo 3", how can we not be excited about this year's E3? Here are 50 titles that are mandatory to check out at E3, spanning mobile to next generation platforms.
[/QUOTE]
Go check it out on next-gen.biz.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Friday 05 May 2006 10:23 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xplorer360 New Build W.I.P.
>> From 360gamesaves.com:
[QUOTE]
Wow, just glanced down at the date of our last news announcement. It's sure been awhile.
Xplorer360(info) is still being developed and we hope to bring a new build very soon. The saves archive has really grown as well, we encourage everyone to share their saves even if they aren't 100% Perfected.
We'd also like to state that after the last few game releases, more and more games are assigning achievements when a user downloads a save file. This site wasn't put together just for people wanting achievements. It's about sharing your game experience with others. So for whatever reason you take part in our site, don't abuse their abilities.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.360gamesaves.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 console in South Park
>> The Xbox 360 console made an appearance yesterday in the latest episode of South Park (s10e07). Would have been great if I could show you a short video of the episode, but I'm sure Comedy Central wouldn't like that. So I'll keep it to a few screenshots (made with XboxMediaCenter(info) btw).
What's up with all the wires for the controllers? The Premium packs are sold out even for the South Park writers? With 4 wired controllers you even need a USB-hub ;)
Also note the brand of the TV (3rd image below) ... "FONY"! What could that be? ;)
The episode, titled "Tsst", tells the story when Cartman's mom realizes she can't control her son anymore, she gets help from an expert. Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer" takes on the challenge and while he might have what it takes, Eric Cartman's not going down without a fight.
More Screenshots: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Makes "Massive" Purchase
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
Last week's Wall Street Journal report has been confirmed, as Microsoft announces its acquisition of New York-based in-game ad firm Massive Inc.
The deal exhibits Microsoft's faith that in-game ads will be a significant revenue stream somewhere down the line. The price of the acquisition was not disclosed, but The Wall Street Journal gave a broad estimate of $200 to $400 million.
Microsoft said that in-game ads will help reach out to the 18- to 34-year-old male demographic that is becoming increasingly unresponsive to ads on more traditional venues, such as TV.
The two companies again tried to allay gamers' fears that in-game ads would become an encroaching annoyance, saying that ads that detract from gameplay would not be implemented. Ads will also be applied to Microsoft's casual game space, targeting an older female audience.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: next-gen.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Llamma RockStar Xbox 360 Case Mod and Crystal Clear Xbox 360 Case
>> From llamma.com:
[QUOTE]
A new fully customized Llamma Edition Xbox has been completed. We are proud to announce: 'The RockStar Box'. After seeing our R1 Blue 360 RockStar games contacted us to get one done to showcase some of their new games. We wanted to do our best to capture the whole RockStar Image in a console... you be the judge did we do it? the RockStar Box. This has been several months in the making and we are pleased with the result. If you are a member of the media you might even get a first hand look at it in the RS meeting room at E3. But for now everyone can read our article about what was done and to see a full barrage of photos.
[/QUOTE]
More info and pictures about this mod on llamma.com.
Also note that Llamma updated their tutorial to change the color of the ring of light.
Here's another case mod by oSc JASON that was posted on the xbox.com forums (via kotaku.com). The CPU and GPU heatsinks have been replaced by 2 zalman PC CPU coolers, for power he used a PC PSU and it's all put together in a huge crystal clear plastic case with several blue-led fans, and the orignal Xbox 360 ring of light:
More info and pictures about this mod on the xbox.com forums.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
StepmaniaX v12 and MednafenX-NES v5
>> Xport released a new version of StepmaniaX(info) and MednafenX-NES(info).
* StepmaniaX v12
What's new/fixed:
-Added the "Show Banners?" option to Graphics options. You need to replace xboxpackage.smzip on your xbox with the new one.
+Recompiled with some better optimizations. Things should be a bit faster now.
Official Support Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com
* MednafenX-NES v5
What's new/fixed:
-Added game configuration option : "Hack Fix". If your game is not working, try toggling this.
Official Support Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Visit of the Xbox Team Offices at The Millennium Campus
>> Julien E., who's working at Microsoft in Redmond on the XNA team posted some nice pictures of the Xbox Team offices on his blog:
[QUOTE]
Here is a little post about where I work. As you might know, the Xbox team is not located on the main Microsoft campus, we're a little further north in what is called "The Millennium Campus".
Here is what the buildings look like:
Not too bad if you ask me :). As you step into one of the building you enter our reception area, which is decorated with the Xbox theme.
You gotta have the Master Chief somewhere! He's guarding our company secrets (and he's not the only one). As you pass the security you enter the heart of Xbox land. There you can find, like in all Microsoft buildings, one of the fridge with free sodas. We also have some cool artwork (Silver Surfer FTW!) which has been carefully chosen as you can see. The last picture is the the cafeteria.
The XNA team is located on the first floor, right in the middle of the action. Here is my office:
[/QUOTE]
Read More: http://blog.3deurope.com/
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Thursday 04 May 2006 13:15 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft E3 Passes and Pre-Brief Video
>> From John Porcaro on the Team Xbox GamerScore Blog:
[QUOTE]
Okay, I'm no Steven Spielberg, so forgive the lousy camera work. I had a camcorder at work yesterday, and I caught a few minutes from a big E3 briefing we had yesterday for employees going to work at the show.
I thought you might like to see the meticulous process we go through handing out these coveted show floor passes...
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox Security Sector Patcher/Extractor v1.2
>> Maximus (carranzafp) released a tool that will allow you to easily extract the Security Sector (SS) from an original Xbox1 game and to easily patch an image of an Xbox1 game with the Security Sector (SS). It's made to be used with the recently released Xbox1 modified DVD firmware by Commodore4eva that requires DVD9 images to be patched with the SS:
[QUOTE]
DESCRIPTION:
This Graphical tool to easily calculate the right address to patch your xbox game images with your own Security Sector file. It also does the patching process more easy and fast.
Added the option to dump the SS from the Original XBOX game inserted (read below for details)
You can also extract the SS if you have the image already patched. (I dont know if this is useful for somebody but anyway does it)
Supports raw images created with swap method and also images created with concatenated partitions.
This app is for those who wants to create a game image to play with the Commodore4eva hacked firmware
Example of use:
a) Open your created image (with dvd swap or with concatenation of video+game+ss, it doesn't matter)
b) If you have the .dvd file it will load the layerbreak value, if not just type it
c) Go to Image Options->Patch Image...
d) Pick your SS file (leave other values on default) and click patch...
Note: If you are using the Arakon's tutorial, don't do the step of calculating where the security sector is... let my tool calculate it (with the example above shown)
REMARKS:
* If you does not understand any field leave the default value.
* This app does not contain copyrighted code from M$
* You must supply your own game image and your own Security Sector file
* No warranties from any kind. Tested only on Win XP
RECOMENDED TUTORIALS:
* To create a Raw Image with swap: here (by Arakon)
* To create a Concatenated partitions image (faster): here (by Bluecop)
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: xboxhacker.net
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
John Dvorak's 8 Signs MS is Dead in the Water
>> From John C. Dvorak on marketwatch.com:
[QUOTE]
For the past year or so, this is what I've been telling people in private. Now that there appears to be some sputtering by both the stock and by those who defend Microsoft I think it might be high time to explain my position.
Let me preface by saying that Microsoft is not about to stop making gobs of money. It's just that there is virtually nothing interesting or exciting happening (with the lone exception of the Xbox360) with anything the company is doing.
To make matters worse none of the upcoming upgrades to the operating system or Microsoft Office appear to have any 'must-have" qualities needed to boost sales in a meaningful way.
Let's just look at a casual status report of Microsoft's bed-ridden condition:
5. Xbox360. The potential to become the dominant game platform and an eventual and enviable profit center. Unfortunately the company did not foresee the Sony delays and failed to manufacture enough units to satisfy the demand. This was an exhibition of poor planning and bad business intelligence gathering.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: marketwatch.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XCM Crome Faceplate in the Official Xbox Magazine
ESRB Re-rated Oblivion from Teen (13+) to Mature (17+)
>> From majornelson.com:
[QUOTE]
Looks like our friends at the ESRB have changed the rating for the PC and Xbox 360 versions of 'Oblivion.' The PC version received the 'M" rating due to a mod that can cause topless (female) characters. Meanwhile, the Xbox 360 version rating was changed to 'M' based on ''Blood and Gore, Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence'
You can read Bethesda's response to the ratings change over at Gamespot.
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
This Is The Future of Xbox Live?
>> From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
A Kotaku reader just took at an online survey at goZing that sheds some light on what Microsoft possibly has planned for Xbox Live. The survey was created by online research firm OTX and asks what future Live services are of interest. They are:
* Use Xbox Live as my browser
* Download TV episodes
* DVR Television shows
* Download music concerts
* Download feature films
* Download music
* Live video conference with other live users
* None of the above
[/QUOTE]
Read More: kotaku.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
KeyGen360 v0.4b
>> PabloAM of the spanish website xboxers360.net, informed us Xisko released a new version of KeyGen360. It's a commandline tool, similar to the Team F-360s KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher(info) GUI tool, that allows you to extract and write the unique DVD key of an Xbox 360 DVD drive firmware (support for both the Toshiba-Samsung MN25 and Hitachi-LG firmware files).
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed a lot of bugs importants.
* optimization of code.
* Note: It's important you use this new version if you want to test this program because the previous version has some important bugs.
Official Site: http://www.xboxers360.net
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Datel releases Xbox 360 Headset Communicator for Xbox Live…
>> Here's a new pressrelease from Datel:
[QUOTE]
With its comfortable, over-the-ear design and snazzy hi-tech look, Communicator Headset for XB360 is the ideal companion for Xbox L!ve. Communicator Headset works with any Xbox 360 game with voice chat. With a microphone positioned near your mouth and an earpiece for crystal-clear sound, you can bark out your orders or taunt your opponents as you play.
Xbox L!ve's online gamers' community is a great way to make new friends and keep in touch with your old ones. You can talk to anyone who's currently online, regardless of whether you're playing the same game. In fact, you don't need to be playing at all - with Communicator Headset and your Xbox L!ve account, you can log on and simply chat.
But it's in the games that Communicator Headset really comes into its own. Taunt your opponents and discuss strategies with your team-mates during the game, and get ready for your next blast in the lobbies. All Xbox 360 games which feature multiplayer online gaming are compatible with Communicator Headset, so you've no shortage of titillating titles. So if you want to keep in touch with gamers from all over the world as you batter them in a beat-'em-up, drive 'em crazy in a driving game or blow 'em to bits in that first-person shooter, Communicator Headset is the ideal choice.
Features
* Comfortable, stylish design
* Crystal clear sound
* Mic positioned near mouth - no need to shout...
* Works with WiFi connection
[/QUOTE]
Pre-Order (14.90usd - World-Wide Shipping): play-asia.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Next-Gen.biz Peter Moore Interview
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
Next week is going to be all about PlayStation 3 and Wii. But that won't stop Microsoft's irrepressible Peter Moore from boosting Xbox 360, while launching a few brickbats at the competition. Next Generation spoke to Moore about...a whole bunch of stuff...
Peter Moore is chatty, chucklesome, affable and given to warming self-mockery. "Winning E3 is overrated," he says, despite the self-evidence of his attempts not to let anyone else win it too well. "I won it at Sega in '99 and 2000 with Dreamcast and see where that got me! This idea that you must win E3 is fine but the majority of consumers want to see more substance. It lasts for a few weeks and that's it."
Maybe, but Moore recognizes the conflict here - this E3 won't be about Xbox 360, even though it's selling decent numbers, attracting good games, and breaking new ground in online gaming. After a year of trips and stumbles, Microsoft has some reasons to be fairly self-congratulatory; I say fairly because there are still things that aren't going so well. More on those, later.
Blu-ray? "You can over burden the features [of a console] and therefore offer features that the consumer is not particularly interested in. Case in point, look at the PSX in Japan that Sony launched - with PVR plus PS2 for $700 - it disappeared because the pricepoint did not deliver. It's a very delicate balance between features and price and the difference between good enough and great.
Clearly, Microsoft sees price as a problem for Sony. "With Xbox 360, we wanted to be able to be able to reduce the cost of the box over a period of time. We want to bring the price down so we can drive mass market adoption."
Nintendo? Microsoft is not convinced by the controller's claims to innovation of the year. "If the controller is different and innovative; fine. But I would say that Xbox Live is the bigger innovation. It depends on your definition of innovative. If having a DVD style controller defines innovation; great. I would argue that talking millions of gamers and connecting them with friends and strangers around the world... I'd call that pretty innovative."
[/QUOTE]
Read More (3 pages): next-gen.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Transcode 360 v1.0 Beta 4.1
>> Runtime released a new version of Transcode 360(info):
[QUOTE]
This new release of Transcode 360 features a user interface for managing your settings as well as a number of substantial improvements:
* There is a new 'Automatic' installation option that will run T360 in the task notification area (system tray); this makes configuration super-easy and mitigates the network permissions issues some users encountered.
* Both 2 and 6 channel (5.1) AC3 is supported and the AV sync issue affecting NTSC content has been fixed. Note that due to reliability issues Forward/Backward Skip are disabled while streaming AC3 soundtracks.
* In addition to regular playback of XviD and DivX, Transcode 360 supports DVD ISO and VIDEO_TS folder streaming with subtitles; determining the best combination of soundtrack/subtitles appropriate to you based on your locale.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.runtime360.com
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
StepmaniaX v11
>> Xport released a new version of StepmaniaX(info).
What's new/fixed:
* JPEG files work now
* Changing screens not randomly crash anymore. This was caused by an out-of-memory error because, by default, the current screen objects are not freed before loading the new screen objects when backing out. I'm not sure why this is not enabled by default, and why there is no way to configure it in the menus, but it may be because it's buggy. I guess we'll soon find out. :)
* Characters now work. If you want to use Characters, download the following file and put it in your "PACKAGES" directory:
That file contains a set of "bones" that is required for some older character sets to work.
* Added controls for menu navigation on all other games types (including Pump). If you already switched to Pump mode and cannot control the menus anymore, then delete the e:\saves\stepmaniax\keymaps.ini file. You will have to configure the input to your liking on the Options screen.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox Live and Xbox.com are Back Online: New My Xbox Section
>> From majornelson.com:
[QUOTE]
Xbox Live, Xbox.com and the Xbox Forums are now back online. In addition we have some new features for you. An all new 'My Xbox' section (with the ability to quickly see the number of friends online, messages) with quick links to:
* View your recent players list
* Read your Xbox Live messages on Xbox.com
* Send messages Xbox Live messages on the web (no way to currently send/listen to voice messages yet!)
* A quick way to compare your profile with anyone on your friends list.
Now, it's important to know that there are certain things you can ONLY do with a Gold account.
You can read more details on the new features over at Xbox.com, along with a handy grid that spells out what Silver and Gold members can do regarding messages.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: majornelson.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Tuesday 02 May 2006 19:55 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
KeyGen 360 v0.4
>> PabloAM of the spanish website xboxers360.net, mailed us about a new application released by Xisko: KeyGen 360. It's a commandline tool, similar to the Team F-360s KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher(info) GUI tool, that allows you to extract and write the unique DVD key of an Xbox 360 DVD drive firmware (support for both the Toshiba-Samsung MN25 and Hitachi-LG firmware files).
[QUOTE]KeyGen 360 -by Xisko for everyone
.Features
- Extraction key from hitachi and samsung (MN25) in a file
- Add key to hitachi and samsung (MN25) from file
- Can modify key file (is a txt file)
.Use
- This is a msdos program:
keygen noumfirmware.bin noumkeyfile.txt
- It autodetect the firmware and show a menu. It's really easy! :)
You can modify the key file but it may have a format. The format must be: 16 pairs of hexadecimal characters with a space between each one of them, except in the end that must not have space and in the beginning either.
This software is for all those peculiar ones to which xbox360 gets passionate to them. Soon upload the program sources so that any person can see her operation and can modify it.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xboxers360.net
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
How IBM Out-foxed Intel With The Xbox 360
>> From Dean Takahashi on reed-electronics.com:
[QUOTE]
Learning from failure is a hallmark of the technology business. Nick Baker, a 37-year-old system architect at Microsoft, knows that well. A British transplant at the software giant's Silicon Valley campus, he went from failed project to failed project in his career. He worked on such dogs as Apple Computer's defunct video card business, 3DO's failed game consoles, a chip startup that screwed up a deal with Nintendo, the never successful WebTV and Microsoft's canceled Ultimate TV satellite TV recorder.
But Baker finally has a hot seller with the Xbox 360, Microsoft's video game console launched worldwide last holiday season. The adventure on which he embarked four years ago would ultimately prove that failure is often the best teacher. His new gig would once again provide copious evidence that flexibility and understanding of detailed customer needs will beat a rigid business model every time. And so far the score is Xbox 360 one and the delayed PlayStation 3 nothing.
Baker is one of the people behind the scenes who pulled together the Xbox 360 console by engineering some of the most complicated chips ever designed for a consumer entertainment device. The team labored for years and made critical decisions that enabled Microsoft to beat Sony and Nintendo to market with a new box, despite a late start with the Xbox in the previous product cycle. Their story, captured here and in a forthcoming book by the author of this article, illustrates the ups and downs in any big project.
[/QUOTE]
Check out the full article on reed-electronics.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox Live: Brings E3 Home - Sneak Preview at What You'll Get
>> From the Team Xbox GamerScore Blog:
[QUOTE]
Can't make the trip to E3? Or worst, you live in LA and can't get in the show? We're committed to doing all we can to help you feel like you're there (without the sore feet, bad food, long lines, and crowded, noisy halls).
First off, everyone with an Xbox 360 will get Xbox Live Gold access, all week. Starting Monday , you'll also get lots of content on Xbox Live Marketplace, including the first-ever Gears of War high-definition game trailer, and the playable demo of Capcom's Lost Planet: Extreme Condition. Over 60 pieces of new downloadable content will be available including:
* Playable game demos and/or trailers from highly anticipated titles like:
-Crackdown (Microsoft Game Studios)
-Dead or Alive : Xtreme 2 (Tecmo)
-The Lord of the Rings, The Battle for Middle Earth II (EA Los Angeles)
-Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (Capcom)
-Moto GP '06 (THQ)
-Sonic the Hedgehog (Sega)
-Splinter Cell Double Agent (Ubisoft)
-Test Drive Unlimited (Atari)
-Viva Pinata (Microsoft Game Studios)
-Plus a flood of HD trailers from games that have yet to be announced
* Call of Duty2 - New Multiplayer Map Packs (Activision)
* The release of UNO on Xbox Live Arcade
* Game with Fame celebrity gaming sessions with stars like Jenny McCarthy, Method Man and Panic Channel (Featuring Dave Navarro, Stephen Perkins, Chris Chaney and Steve Isaacs).
* Play and Win contests with the latest Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Arcade titles
* Exclusive high-definition blockbuster movie trailer downloads
* Limited edition E3 Gamerpics and Themes
* A Backstage Pass to see developers preparing for E3
In addition to Verizon sponsoring the free week of Xbox Live Gold access, and sponsoring the Xbox.com E3 coverage for the week, they'll also be giving away a million Microsoft points. For more information, check out www.xbox.com/e32006 and www.richerdeeperbroader.com/xbox/.
Xbox 360 owners in Europe can take advantage of the Xbox Live Football Free-For-All, sponsored by adidas, taking place at the same time. If you're in Europe, check out www.Xbox.com for more details.
Stay tuned to the Xbox Live Calendar pages on Xbox.com for more information on the schedule of events taking place during "E3 Bringing It Home" week. Sign up for Xbox Live and Bring E3 Home on your Xbox 360, because remember, membership does have its privileges!
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Joytech Answers LCD critics
>> From xbox360fanboy.com:
[QUOTE]
JoyTech's PR manager has responded to criticism on this site of their JoyTech 9200 Digital LCD Monitor:
1) The Monitor does NOT block any air vents to the console. It has been designed to avoid damaging the console in any way.
2) The Monitor is not deisgned to be portable (It has no In-Car Adapter). It is best used where space is at a premium.
3) The Monitor is VERY good quality. It is a TFT display and in terms of quality, it is on a par if not better than our PStwo 8inch Monitor that has scored many, many great reviews. Please don't compare to our competitor's models!
4) JOYTECH have NOT advertised nor led anyone to believe that this Monitor is Hi Def. It is NOT. Any website that is communicating the Monitor as High Definition is incorrect and doing so without the concent of JOYTECH. The Monitor does however produce a surprisingly clear picture however, perfect for it's size. DVD's look great through it as well. In the UK it is now available through Argos.
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: http://www.xbox360fanboy.com
Note: Our news about the LCD Monitor indeed uses the words "High Definition" (altho it also specifies the actual resolution is 800*480, which is correct) ... but it's quoted straight from the technical specification paper written by Joytech themself.
However the document does mention in small letters that "this documentation is an early release of the final documentation, which may be changed substantially prior to final commercial release", so I guess it was just a bad word choice in their early documents. The actual hard numbers in the document are right however.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
xHeretic v1.0 and xHexen v1.0
>> A600 released a port of the FPS PC-games Heretic and Hexen to the Xbox on our forums:
[QUOTE]
* xHeretic v1.0 ported by A600
This port is based on HHeretic, UHexen and Heretic32 (my GP32 port) and it was possible thanks to the SDLx libs by Lantus.
Copy heretic.wad (full version) or heretic1.wad (shareware version) to the folder where you installed xHeretic
* xHexen v1.0 ported by A600
This port is based on HHexen, UHexen and Hexen32 (my GP32 port) and it was possible thanks to the SDLx libs by Lantus.
Copy the full or shareware version (hexen.wad) to the folder where you installed xHexen
IMPORTANT NOTE: Don't use the 1.0 version of the full game (20.128.392 bytes) because there are some problems with it. Use instead 1.1 or 1.2 (20.083.672 bytes) versions.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by A600 (support thread here)
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Connect360 v2.2
>> A new version of Connect360(info) has been released, it's a tool to stream your music and images from your Mac OSX to your Xbox 360 console.
What's fixed/new (since v2.0):
* Now updates iTunes play counts and play dates (optionally)
* Adds option to show only checked songs
* Adds option to toggle system sleep when connect360 is active
* Fixes sorting of multi-disc albums
* Fixes a content refresh bug (v2.1)
* Improved service shutdown code (v2.1)
Official Site: http://www.nullriver.com/index/products/connect360
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
A Chronology of Xbox History Part5: 2003
>> We already reported about Part 1 (1999), Part 2 (2000), Part3 (2001) and Part4 (2002), here's now part 5 (2003) of the Chronology of Xbox History by Dean Takahashi:
[QUOTE]
Here's the latest year from the chronology of Xbox history from my book. It was the year when Microsoft made some critical decisions about the plans to deploy Xenon. Secret vocabulary such as 3-30-300 and Xe 30 and the Xenon Integration Group and Project Atlas and North Star flew around the halls of the Millennium campus in Redmond. Here's a tough question: who can tell me what Helium is?
[/QUOTE]
Check it out on mercurynews.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Monday 01 May 2006 18:56 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
WMS: Xbox 360 to Retain 1st-mover Advantage for atleast 2years
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
Wedbush Morgan Securities says that the primary driver of next generation hardware sales will no longer be the amount or quality of videogame titles per console, but rather consumers' willingness to adopt new high definition DVD formats.
"We expect the dominant console at the end of the next cycle to be the Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3), primarily due to our assessment that Sony will win the high definition DVD format war," the report explains. "However, we expect Microsoft's Xbox 360 to enjoy a first mover advantage for the next two years, capturing approximately 42 percent of US and European combined next generation hardware unit sales through 2007."
The firm believes that the PS3 will capture 39 percent of the US and European market, with the Wii claiming 19 percent during the same two-year period. For the same two regions, WMS expects that "As consumers begin to purchase a second console, we think that market shares will normalize, with Sony capturing around 45 percent of the total market, Microsoft capturing 35 percent, and Nintendo capturing 20 percent."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: next-gen.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox Live Going Offline Tomorrow for Maintenance *Updated*
>> From teamxbox.com:
[QUOTE]
Larry Hryb, the Xbox Live Director of Programming, has announced that Xbox Live, Xbox.com and the forums will be offline on Tuesday May 2th from 0200-1500 PT for maintenance.
Rumor has it that the reason why Microsoft is performing this maintenance just a week before E3 is because new features could debut during the expo.
[/QUOTE]
Update from Major Nelson:
[QUOTE]
Oh, and this is for maintenance only not a dashboard upgrade as many people think.
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: teamxbox.com and majornelson.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher v1.1
>> Juanker, Scener and Apol of F-360 TEAM released a new version of the KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher(info) - a tool that will allow you to easily extract and write the unique DVD key to/from an Xbox 360 DVD firmware file (so no need to hex-edit it manually anymore).
What's new/fixed
* Complete language support
* Fixed bug with variable keys of Samsung firmwares
Official Site: http://www.foros360.com
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Bugs test Xbox 360 fan's loyalty
>> From Dean Takahashi at mercurynews.com:
[QUOTE]
Chris Szarek has had a nightmare in his quest for a properly functioning Xbox 360. He hopes that his experience with the hot video game console isn't normal.
The 37-year-old photographer for a health care company is now on his fourth Xbox 360 because of quality problems with his earlier machines. Microsoft has replaced each console at its own cost, but Szarek is annoyed at the hassles he has had to endure.
Microsoft knows that well, because a perceived quality problem caused a lot of gamers in Japan to stay away from the original Xbox in 2002, hurting the momentum of console sales so much they never recovered. The lesson is that companies have to act fast to address quality or be prepared to deal with public relations problems.
This time, Microsoft has been moving quickly to deal with complaints. Szarek has gotten swift responses from Microsoft lately, including an apologetic call last week from its top Xbox executive, Peter Moore.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: mercurynews.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Dashboard Bug You Can Duplicate
>> From xbox360fanboy.com:
[QUOTE]
No, that's not a modern art masterpiece, it's a dashboard bug you can replicate by doing the following:
* make sure the screensaver on the X360 is activated
* start any download from live marketplace that takes longer than 10 mins. to download (to let the screensaver kick in)
* leave the download going and don't touch the controller. the screensaver will dim the screen after 10 mins.
* unplug the ethernet cable or end your internet connection from your router/modem
* you'll see the screen graphics scramble on the screen when it tries to tell you that the connection has ended.
* However, when you hit the controller the dashboard screen goes back to normal (at least that is what happens to mine)
[/QUOTE]
Read More: xbox360fanboy.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Console Launch Lines and Shortages Explained
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
The fundamental dilemma for companies launching new products is that initial demand for hot new products often exceeds initial capacity to produce that product. Sure, companies could invest heavily in production capacity, but if they overinvest, they'll never make any money with the venture once the spike of launch demand is fulfilled and demand levels off to a more predictable rate. But such heavy investment would saddle companies with high-cost factories that do nothing but sit idle and cost money.
Stockpiling products in preparation for a big launch is also impractical, as this (a) delays launch (and therefore recoupment of development costs), and (b) greatly increases investment in inventory. Storing money in the form of inventory is a very bad idea.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: joystiq.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Now your Xbox 360 can blog
>> From majornelson.com:
[QUOTE]
It's creepy and curious... all at the same time. XboxVoice.com give your Xbox 360 the ability to blog all by itself. In other words, you enter your gamertag at the site, and based on what you do on Xbox Live (games played etc) Xbox360voice will automatically create a blog for your Xbox 360.
Each day your Xbox 360 will blog an entry...even if you don't game. I told you, it's kinda scary huh? You can even subscribe to an RSS feed of your Xbox's blog... or anyone else's Xbox that signed up for the service. Gives a new meaning to the term stalker, huh?
So, the next time you go to game and your significant other gives you 'that look'... just let them know you need to keep your console company or it will get lonely... and point them to your console's blog as proof.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: majornelson.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
StepmaniaX v10
>> Xport released a new version of StepmaniaX(info).
What's new/fixed:
* Core updated to Stepmania 3.9 Final
* SM-LAN support (see instructions below)
* Better support for running from a DVD (see below)
* Should be able to accommodate around 700-1000+ songs depending on how large the stepfiles are and on how many extra themes you have installed. I tested it with 700 average-sized songs and there was still enough space for another few hundred. I imagine this will be sufficient for 99% of the people out there. If you're part of that 1% with 239873298324 song files and claim to like/play all of them, then pick up a 128MB XBox.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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