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Week of April 4, 2004
Demonstration Against Software Patents in Europe
>> Not really Xbox news, but still important news for many xbox homebrew projects!
From michael/bram.be on slashdot.org:
[QUOTE]
On April 14, FFII is organising a walking demonstration in Brussels against the legalisation of software patents in Europe, as well as a legislation benchmarking conference. Like in August last year, these events will be accompanied by an online demonstration whereby webmasters are asked to close their websites in protest. The reason for the renewed protest is that after the European Parliament voted for a great directive, it is now the Council of Minister's turn, whose working party proposes as 'compromise' to simply discard all good amendments and on top of that to even make program publication an infringement. Already more then 1300 sites participate in the online demonstration. Among them are some big sites like KDE, the GNU Project and the Gimp. Also, on April 15 the European Greens/EFA group is organising a Euro-LUG party inside the European Parliament, 'with a view to enhance the networking among the free software community in Europe [...], to inform the EP about what free software is, how it works and which ideas lie behind.' Speakers will include Gwen Hinze (EFF), Jon Lech Johansen (DeCSS), Georg Greve (FSF Europe and Alan Cox. Prior registration is mandatory for this event.
[/QUOTE]
Most software will become illegal to use in Europe if this dangerous directive is adopted without proper amending. If you can, come to Brussels on April 14/15!
Last August several opensource Xbox development sites (including XBoxMediaPlayer, Xbox-Linux and others) participated in the online demonstration.
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(Saturday 10 April 2004 23:08 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
ScummVMx 0.6.0
>> A new version of ScummVMx(info) has been released. What's new/fixed:
Incase you didnt know, the newest games that are supported in 0.6.0 release are:
* Flight of the Amazon Queen (released as freeware)
* Broken Sword 1 and 2
New things added to this XBOX port:
* Screen calibration (LTRIGGER+RTRIGGER+RTHUMB)
* Take screenshots as PNG format (LTHUMB)
* SAMBA support, but doesnt work very well with big games :(
* Type numbers for copyprotection (hold LTRIGGER and use the DPAD)
* Save game names will be DATE/TIME as default
* Errors and warnings and other debug message are logged in debug.txt
* G Drive support (Partition7)
* OGG/Vorbis audio is now supported
* Gzipped savegames (zlib)
Official Site: n/a, by guybrush [NOSP@M] puter.nl
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org + Thanks to StaTiKMaT for mailing me about the release.
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(Saturday 10 April 2004 20:58 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
W.I.P. XboxDash xip based game
>> From Discworld xboxdash.net:
[QUOTE]
"The problem with this site" I hear you whine, "is that there are too many announcments and too few releases."
Well, we don't care. BobMcGee has finished his first AMAZING xip based game, which you'll see in either tHc FINAL or LITE.
Don't believe how great it is?
See for yourself:
Image1 - Image2
KICK ASS OR WHAT!?
In other news, good ol' Bob says msdash-Solitare is on the cards (bu dum)! No seriously.
[/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 10 April 2004 20:41 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox-Linux: Crystal Xbox update
>> From xbox-linux.org:
[QUOTE]
Good news for everyone wanting to buy a pretty Crystal European special edition xbox. Several team members now own them, and have found that they appear to be just normal 1.4 hardware revision Xboxes, and they work fine with Linux. (Users planning to use the MechInstaller(info) exploit should be aware that the dashboard versions included is too new to be vulnerable to the exploit. (Dash 5659 and Kernel 5713 on mine)
[/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 10 April 2004 10:57 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Nextpod ?
>> From gamespot.com:
[QUOTE]
RUMOR: The Xbox Next will come with an external, palm-sized hard drive which can be used like the Apple iPod.
Source: Tech-toy enthusiast site Engadget.com.
The official story: No comment.
What we heard: Besides being a juicy rumor, this one is also an amusing story. Apparently, Engadget was contacted by a snowboarder who claims he had an interesting après-shred chat with none other than Microsoft's J Allard in Whistler, British Columbia. According to the snowboarder, the newly dubbed Chief XNA Architect got quite gregarious after several rounds of Red Bull and Tequila concoctions, called "Hey Zeuses," and started gabbing about the Xbox Next. Allard supposedly said Microsoft was planning to sell its next-gen console's hard drive separately, have it be self-powered, and infuse it with MP3 and WMA playback functionality. He allegedly boasted it would be an "iPod killer," as Microsoft would sell it at a loss for a mere $100. While optional HDDs are undesirable from a development perspective (just look at all those PS2 HDD-compatible games!), the thought of a $100 handheld 40GB MP3 player and game storage device sounds like a geek's wet dream. However, a source at Microsoft laughed the story off. "Any story told over 'Hey Zeuses' is most definitely a rumor," said the source.
Bogus or not bogus?: We really hope it's not bogus.
[/QUOTE]
tHc LITE updates
>> Some news updates about the tHc LITE dashbaord has been posted the last few days.
From Discworld and iceuk on xboxdash.net:
[QUOTE]
* Its been "insania" (search google for lyrics to Insania, one of the most crytically acclaimed songs of its generation by Peter Andre) here at tHc towers, but prepare to reep the seeds you have sown!
Media has come to town! yes, not only do we have pictures of tHc dashboards, but now we'll have videos!
Cue two wallops of tHc LITE lovliness , just to get you fired up
1) IceUK -> LITE in action
2) Gcue -> Making a skin
As Gcue's is an AVI file not playable on wmp, why not try it on xbmc, for the ultimate xbox tHc experiance!
* With tHc LITE on the horizon .. GLiTcH has decided to make it even easier for us to choose a skin for this new masterpiece of coding by team tHc
GLiTcH is currently working on a whole bunch of new skins for all of us to use in this new release.. He has many ideas and is going to keep creating until his mind goes blank!
So heres just a few shots to give ya all a taste of whats to come.
Screenshots
Update: go check our new poll, vote for your favourite!
[/QUOTE]
GueuX'NeT Debug Bios Focus 512k
>> Yoshihiro of Team GueuX'NeT released a new 512k debug bios for xbox v1.4/v1.5 with a modchip:
[QUOTE]
2 days ago, we released the first debug bios with Focus chip support. This bios was a BFM ('Boot From Media' version).
In only 2 days, Yoshihiro, our dev, has made a 512k flashable version of this bios.
Just like the BFM version:
- Do not resize this bios
- XDK must be installed before on your Xbox
- Only works with Focus chip (xbox v1.4/v1.5)
How to use it:
- Simply flash your modchip with this bios.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.gueux.net
Download: n/a (contains MS copyrighted code)
Thanks to Legueux for the news/translation.
Note: this is *NOT* the 256k debug bios we mentioned in an earlier news. This bios will be released in about 1 week.
XDesk update
>> From Team XDev:
[QUOTE]
We now have a fantastic 3d designer… who has snapped up some pics for our new Xenium 3d modchip… as you can see, the modchip is now complete, we STILL need pictures of other modchips! So please do submit high res scans or snaps front and back, we'd like to thank brahm2 for the supply of Xenium pictures and also OzXodus.
So now you can see what is going on with the modchip kind of side, we just need your high quality pictures or scans for the rest of the modchips! Whatever mod, X-ecuter 1 or 2, chameleon, Matrix, SmartXX, Alladin, whatever. (Preferably the newer mods) So if you can help us with the modchips please send us your pictures!
We also need high res shots or scans of the xbox MOTHERBOARD! Version 1.0, 1.1 and 1.2 so if you can help us with this we would be very greatful, we also require, snaps of harddrives and dvd drives.
So please do sumbit! and yes, we did contact smartxx & the dms3 team for pictures but just no reply :( Maybe X-ecuter can send us some private pictures of there new work for XDesk ;)
Now.... We here ALOT of you have been asking what XDesk is...
As of yesterday we released some screenshots one of the actual application. Obviously that didn't help for you lot to figure it out (how hard is it lol). Well Here is exactly what XDesk does...
XDesk is a Win32 application that will allow you to:
* View Modchips in 3d
* 3d Installation Guide (Possibly including some hard tutorials)
* View the actual XBOX and hardware inside in 3d (Look b4 you buy)
* In-depth troublshooting system... (HTML Based possibly ported online)
* A toolbox with all the tools you will need to do with xbox (BIOS editors, ISO tools etc)
* It will also contain all information to do with modchips etc, spec etc
That's all we going to let you know for now
Thanks again and enjoy! "XDesk"
[/QUOTE]
Go watch the screenshots on xcover.xodus-chip.com.
W.I.P. Debug 256k BIOS
>> Yoshihiro of Team Gueux'NeT is currently working a Xbox Debug bios that will be just 256k instead of 512k like all current debug bioses. This means you will be able to install a debug bios on xbox modded with a cheapmod-based modchip or on a 256k-TSOP (xbox v1.2+).
Currently the bios works on xbox v1.0/v1.1/v1.2/v1.3, it 'boots' on v1.4/v1.5 but there's no video output yet.
The bios is NOT released yet and should be out in about a week.
Playing Video Games Makes For Better Surgeons
>> From Steve Wallach on games.slashdot.org:
[QUOTE]
ABC News on line is reporting that surgeons that play video games at least three hours a week make 37% fewer mistakes in laparoscopic surgery and complete the surgery 27% faster than their non-video game playing colleagues. '"I use the same hand-eye coordination to play video games as I use for surgery," said Dr. James "Butch" Rosser, 49, who demonstrated the results of his study Tuesday at Beth Israel Medical Center
[/QUOTE]
Xenium ID Tester
>> From nfo/readme:
[QUOTE]
This legal xbox app will check and display whether you have a Clone(Fake) or Original Xenium. Results are not 100% guaranteed. Source code is included.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a
Download: here (legal using linux bootloader - no XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Thursday 08 April 2004 20:42 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Virtual Xbox CD Ripper (Build PA404-104)
>> From nfo/readme:
[QUOTE]
Ok, today I released the first Beta copy of VXCR. For those of you who dont know what VXCR is: Virtual Xbox CD Ripper (VXCR) is a Windows Application which will allow you to transfer your Audio files from your PC to your Xbox, with out having to worry about converting Audio Formats! This means games like Project Gotham Racing 2 will playback the Songs that you transferred to your Xbox!
There are still alot of bugs in this version but please help me find them so that I can remove them faster: http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=199193
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by BlueCELL
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org / forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Thursday 08 April 2004 17:40 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
News from OzXodus: W.I.P. Xenium-OS v2
>> News update from Team OzXodus:
[QUOTE]
Ok, so it's time to start shaking things up a bit. As we have said many times before, we love being first with groundbreaking developments, so here we go...
For obvious reasons, we will be supplying you with small tidbits of information as to what our HUGE news is all about. As is to be expected from a team like ours, (unlike many others) we only begin releasing information days before we are ready to release, so we will be posting regular hints before the start of the new REVOLUTION!
Our developments are so HUGE, and GROUNDBREAKING, that we are forced to jump straight from version 1.1 to version 2.0. Our new core advancements not only provide more stability and flexibility, but will help to expedite our unique development process, and will open up doors and break through boundaries never possible before.
We have been working really hard and as we reveal more and more features in upcoming posts you will be amazed at what has been achieved!
That should be enough to get you guessing for now.
Stay tuned!
P.s. (could not resist one more hint) There are also new developments and improvements to our very own Super Crypt Stealth ACT system, that has been around since version 1.x, and is bigger and better than ever before.
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 08 April 2004 16:40 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xecuter3 demo video
>> Team Xecuter released a sneak peak video to us of the 'Xecuter3 OS'. It's the first look at the X3 graphics system. The video shows how you can edit the bios features/settings on-the-fly.
From Team Xecuter:
[QUOTE]
It's a small glimpse into the bios config - toggling startup anim on / off - its strictly beta and the menu design is of course far from final.
But it's a quick look on how quick and easy config on the fly is going to be.
[/QUOTE]
Download video (1.3MB): here
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(Thursday 08 April 2004 15:37 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Interview with J. Allard
>> ComputerAndVideoGames.com has a interesting exclusive interview with J. Allard of Microsoft.
The Xbox supremo goes in-depth on his company's plans to revolutionise game development on console and PC, ably assisted by Windows top brass Dean Lester.
Go read the interview on ComputerAndVideoGames.com[might require free registration].
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(Thursday 08 April 2004 15:35 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Console HDD patent filed for Xbox1 and not Xbox2?
>> It seems like the ealier news reports about the patent MS took on console HDDs was filed in 2001 ... which means Microsoft took it for the Xbox(1) and thus this is no indication the Xbox Next (Xbox2) will have a HD.
From xbox.ign.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft Corp. this week was issued a patent (#6,716,102) for a hard-drive like storage device for a game console, according to Globtechnology.com. However, on closer inspection, the patent, while issued on April 6, 2004, was filed in March 9, 2001 -- several months prior to the debut of the first Xbox, not the second one.
The patent filing, named "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING INFORMATION REGARDING STORED DATA IN A GAMING SYSTEM" and the concurrent image display the means for saving a game in progress storage. The lengthy patent further discusses the needs for improved storage and a device very much like the Xbox's hard drive. Again, on closer inspection of the detailed image of said device, it's clear the image is that of the Xbox itself. The first Xbox.
As it remains, Microsoft is still rumored to be in the process of finding a cheaper save-storage medium, and has an agreement with M-Systems to produce high-capacity removable storage devices suitable for Xbox Next.
We'll have more on Xbox Next as soon as possible.
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 08 April 2004 15:03 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
CyKiller quits scene
>> From CyKiller on maxconsole.net:
[QUOTE]
I have to apologize for all that you guy's don't know in the backrounds of the xbox scene. It is sad that now aday's people can't get a long to work together as a team. When it was all started everyone was working together as one and now it's all about a competitive race when we all are going for the same fucking thing. I will not make anything I know public cause it could not only destroy the scene more but I will be breaking promises which I don't do. Most of you in this scene I treat as a family and love the support that you have shown me in the past, not only in the scene but personal reasons and I love you for that. It's just some shit that you can't take cause inside you hurt to see it all go down like this. All my years into this I did nothing but try to make it easier for others and have contributed all that I can as much as I can. In the end I must think though was it all worth it? Countless ours helping others? helping companies get out there? trying to stop all of the arguments? and of all just improve the scene. What do I get in return? Respect and friendship, and that is all I ask for nothing more, CyKiller is a reputable name and I hope it will stay that way. I can no longer say that anymore cause of what I know and kept behind closed doors, but please do accpet my apologies cause I was just as clueless as to what I am saying as you are. I will not discuss any of the matters to the public but will leave in the hurt of me knowing and not making it public. If I had a chance I would thank you all one by one who has supported me by email, cards, letters, paypal, and anyother way you guys made possible when my father past and I will never forget that.
The more I type the more angry I get and I will not read it again when I'm done typing it, it's all coming out as I type. Well in closing words be safe out there and just all get along and stop bickering like kids. Wish the best of luck to all of you and please do keep in touch (cykiller [NOSP@M] msn.com). Once again I am sorry for what I didn't know, and what I do but have kept it behind doors so the scene could stay alive, have a nice life.
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 08 April 2004 14:58 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
xSEX - Xbox Soundbank EXtractor
>> From nfo/readme:
[QUOTE]
xSEX is a little tool for opening the soundbanks and wavebanks (*.xsb and *.xwb) used in the Xbox applications/games.
The soundbank have a corresponding wavebank, where the actual samples are stored.
xSEX opens a soundbank (*.xsb) and retrieves the sample names from it. These are the names of the samples that is located in the wavebank (*.xwb). xSEX then presents the names of the samples, the size of the samples, the name of the wavebank where the samples are stored and the location (offset) in the wavebank where the sample starts.
So, you need a soundbank and the wavebank that is related to it.
I haven't been able to figure out where the information regarding the wave files are stored, things like mono or stereo, bitdepth or samplerate.
You need to fiddle around with the xSEX settings until you hear that the sound plays okey.
When you have a 'good' sample, hit SAVE and xSEXsaves the wavefile, just like you heard it play.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by L!M!T (limit_ [NOSP@M] gmx.net)
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Thursday 08 April 2004 12:38 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XDesk update
>> From xcover.xodus-chip.com:
[QUOTE]
Yes, its getting there... and is looking quite good, We've decided to give you a small preview it wont be ready for a while but still We are urgently looking for 3d modelers preferably in 3d studio max to design modchips and other hardware we also need high res picture of modchips front and back, and also the xbox motherboard. So if you can help us please do, we do need help with this and we are sure this will benifit the scene. Thank you and enjoy! "XDesk".
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://xcover.xodus-chip.com
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(Thursday 08 April 2004 09:23 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 2 and PlayStation 3: A sneak peak
>> From CNN.com:
[QUOTE]
Here is what I'm fairly sure of: In less than five weeks, Microsoft will start talking about its next generation home console.
Here's what I'm not ruling out: In less than five weeks, Sony and Nintendo could have a few things to say about their own next generation consoles.
May is never a calm time for the gaming industry. It's when the annual madness known as the Electronic Entertainment Expo (the gaming industry trade show) occurs. It's when holiday line-ups are revealed. And it's when a lot of deals get started. But it's only every fourth or fifth May that new console and handheld hardware gets introduced.
[/QUOTE]
Go read the full article on CNN.com with a roundup of what we already know about the new generation console and some speculations.
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(Thursday 08 April 2004 06:51 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
CXBX (Xbox emulator) running Turok!
>> We didn't hear much from the Caustik's Cxbx(info) (Xbox Emulator for PC) project for some time, but work has continued and now they release a news update with some great info :-)
From caustik on caustik.com:
[QUOTE]
Sop Skrutt and myself have been hard at work :) - and we've got some great news...
These screenshots are taken on my GeForce FX 5600 (2.8 ghz P4). Turok is completely playable and suffers from only mild glitches like missing polygons and water effects. The gameplay is very smooth, frames per second are real-time. It is even possible to overclock Cxbx and play at 4x+ speed without choking the system.
The latest CVS source code is available at cxbx.sourceforge.net. This is a developmental build and a stable binary has not yet been released.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.caustik.com/cxbx/ and http://cxbx.sourceforge.net
Download Turok.avi CXBX Live Demo: here (8.9MB - DivX)
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(Thursday 08 April 2004 00:35 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Patent offers clue in mystery of Xbox2 HDD
>> From CNet news.com:
[QUOTE]
The likely fate of the game console's storage medium--the subject of ongoing speculation as Microsoft closely guards details on the planned successor to the current Xbox--got a new twist this week from a patent granted to the software giant.
U.S. patent 6,716,102, granted Tuesday to Microsoft, covers methods for storing data about games in progress.
The patent specifically references "a gaming system (that) includes a hard disk drive for storing applications and other data," indicating Microsoft may be more committed to equipping future Xbox configurations with onboard storage than previously thought.
[/QUOTE]
Read the full article on news.com.
Thanks to mathieuly and B.H. for the news.
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(Wednesday 07 April 2004 19:32 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Team XOS about clones
>> From xboxopensource.com:
[QUOTE]
At xboxopensource.com we feel we cannot keep out mouth shut any longer, we have all been in the scene for a while and have seen things develop from 29wire mods to 4th Gen mods (Xenium & SmartXX). We are part of this scene for the fun of it, we do not make money from Hardware mods, banner exchanges or any other source, so we are not making this statement for financial reasons.
Mods have been released to allow people to mod their xbox for free (cheap mod) and the we have never been scared of giving information to the masses (thanks www.xbox-scene.com) but the emergence of clones is a total disgrace, if someone spends time and money in developing hardware mods they should at least be given the chance to re-claim their outlay. And don't forget they have on-going development costs when it comes to OS releases. At the end of the day people selling clones are not only stealing from OzXodus but they are also affecting the future of the Xenium modchip and hence everyone that purchased a legitimate chip.
We need to get rid of this cancer before it starts to take hold, what ever they say about their product being just as good as the original cant be true, yes it may look 99% the same but from what I have seen there are some small but major differences, traces are not to the same standard as the original mods, so what you may think, but when its the trace that provides power to the chip and it cant feed the correct current do you think this will be good?
If someone else made a copy of an xbox with a box that looked the same would you consider buying it? No. Just because it looks the same doesn.t mean it is.
We should make it part of our mission to stamp out this disgrace before it starts to take over the entire scene.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 07 April 2004 19:07 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
(USA) Xbox Sales More Than Double on Price Cut
>> From reuters.com:
[QUOTE]
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Sales of Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox video game console have more than doubled since a price cut last week, one financial analyst said on Wednesday, confirming industry beliefs that lower prices would boost sales sharply in the short term.
"Our channel checks indicate the recent $30 price cut on Microsoft's Xbox (from $179.99 to $149.99) is causing a significant pickup in Xbox hardware sales," Southwest Securities analyst Arvind Bhatia said in a note. "We believe first-week retail sales of Xbox hardware, post-price cut, were more than double the weekly sales before the price cut."
"The question is whether or not it's sustainable," said American Technology Research analyst P.J. McNealy of any sales bounce from the new price. "My instinct says that it's going to be shorter than they hope. I don't think $149 is a sharp enough cut."
Console market leader Sony Corp. , whose hardware sales have lagged this year, is expected to make its own pricing move on the PlayStation 2 between now and E3, to the same $149 level.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 07 April 2004 15:04 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
(Japan) Microsoft plans another Xbox bundle
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Yet another bundle deal for Microsoft's Xbox will launch in Japan next month, with the "Platinum Pack 2" set to include copies of Halo and Crimson Skies as the company continues its battle to build installed base in the Far East.
The new pack will launch at the end of May, priced at 19,950 yen (€156), and will include an Xbox console, DVD playback kit, two-month Live subscription and two joypads as well as the two software titles.
Microsoft has repeatedly tried to stimulate sales of the Xbox in Japan by using bundle deals and special limited edition versions of the console, but these efforts have largely been to no avail as Japanese consumers continue to shun the console over its lack of locally developed content.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 07 April 2004 12:09 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xecuter2 4983 Bios
>> Team Xecuter released a new build of their X2 bios. What's new/fixed:
* Fixed X2 Lite Bank 1 XBE Crash Bug
From nfo/readme:
[QUOTE]
We were testing some X3 code in the 4982 bios and there was a part of our loader sequence that was not fully compatible with the X2 Lite mod. Therefore 4982 only worked on X2 Lite if you used it as a 1MB bios or on the second 512k bank of the mod. Users could not load XBE's from their hacked dashboard due to this bug - it's now been fixed. If you had this problem simply boot from disc with FlashX(info) or EvoX to flash again - it WILL boot the disc even tho XBE from dash crashed beforehand.
Thanks to those who informed us of this error.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxecuter.com
Download: n/a (contains MS copyrighted code)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Wednesday 07 April 2004 10:20 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Debug Bios 4 Focus (bfm version) v1.00.1
>> A new package released by Yoshihiro ...
From the readme:
Team Gueux'Net is proud to present the first debug bios with Focus support.
Actually this is a BFM version to launch from your favorite dashboard(Evox, Ava...etc).
WARNING :
Don't flash you modchip with this bios
Don't resize this bios
Only work with Focus chips
Official Site: http://www.gueux.net
Download: n/a (contains MS copyrighted code)
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(Wednesday 07 April 2004 02:30 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X2 4982 bios issues?
>> We received this news from Team Xecuter:
[QUOTE]
There seems to be many people who cant get X2 4982 to boot any XBE from dash. One sympton is that in Avalaunch(info) the Slave Drive in Hardware Info is displayed corruptly.
We cant seem to duplicate this at all and we do have many others with no issues - so those with problems we have found that it may be possible you flashed with Cromwell(info) and it corrupts in some way.
Can you please try to flash with FlashX(info) 1.2 or with EvolutionX(info) ?
Also if you use Ava boot the dash with no disc in the drive - see if this fixes the corruption.
If you can post your results to X-S forums or Team Xecuter forums we'd appreciate it - need to pinpoint this.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxecuter.com
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(Tuesday 06 April 2004 23:36 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Part 2 of interview with Robbie Bach - Microsoft's CXO
>> Here's part 2 of pcpro's interview with the 'chief Xbox officer' - Robbie Bach:
[QUOTE]
The second and final part of our in-depth interview with Microsoft's senior vice president.
March 2004 has been and gone, with Microsoft attempting to make the month its own with a display of intent at last week's Game Developers Conference in San Jose.
Despite going to remarkable lengths in order to avoid the specifics of next-generation hardware, Microsoft did, to all intents and purposes, show the first Xbox 2 software demos, albeit running on a souped-up PC.
Today we have the concluding part of our interview in which Bach makes startling claims for Xbox's future success, speaks on the possibility of a handheld console and outlines his vision for the future of gaming.
[/QUOTE]
Go read Part2 of the interview on pcpro.co.uk[free registration might be required].
Those who missed the news posted earlier about part1, can still read it on pcpro.co.uk[free registration might be required].
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(Tuesday 06 April 2004 11:31 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Taiwan's TSMC to make ATI chips for Xbox Next
>> From reuters.com:
[QUOTE]
TAIPEI (Reuters) - TSMC, the world's largest contract maker of semiconductors, will make chips for future Microsoft Xbox game consoles, the two companies said on Tuesday.
TSMC now has a contract to make graphics chips for the second generation of Xbox game consoles through Canada's ATI Technologies Inc, the world's second-largest graphics chip maker.
Microsoft signed that deal with ATI, which outsourced manufacturing to TSMC. The next generation of Xbox is set for release late in 2005.
[/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 06 April 2004 10:40 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xecuter2 4982 Bios
>> A new build of the Xecuter2 Bios has been released.
What's new/fixed (since 4980 - 4981 was an unofficial rls):
* fixed boot order and dash names
* made igr, xbl hack, clock check hack and no reset on eject hack configurable with files
* used files:
-x2_IGR_disabled
-x2_NROE_disabled
-x2_XBLC_disabled
-x2_CEC_disabled
* added x2config.xbe configuration app
* added app to verify if release is genuine (md5)
* some minor fixes done
* 4982.06 = LBA48 6
* 4982.67 = LBA48 6+7
From nfo/readme:
[QUOTE]
Hello again from Team Xecuter. Here is yet another release of the scene's most advanced feature packed Xbox Bios. I know we said there would be no more so I guess we should apologize for that statement, no doubt the usual haters will jump on it no doubt :)
There was a few bugs with 4980 that simply shouldn't have been missed. It was hacked a little by members of the scene and 4981 became an "unofficial" release. Looking at this we decided to build and official release of 4982 with a few adjustments and fixes.
First of all we seem to have many support issues with users of our bios that are in fact using one that has been edited or not the actual release that was tested working, so we have now included a new Bios checker that will confirm that the bios you have downloaded or acquired is indeed the correct and official version. It's a simple dos app that can be run from the command line. This new release checker is included with this release.
Other features we have added due to requests from reading posts on
our forums, xbox-scene.com and worldxbox.co.uk
- Added ability to disable the No Reset On Eject Hack
Reason: Most Requested Feature
- Added ability to disable the XBL Live Check Hack
Reason: Some people report issues when they have an older dash version
- Added ability to disable the Clock Error Check Hack
Reason: Some people report issues with clock constantly resetting
All of these features including the "Disable IGR Hack" can now be enabled / disabled by a simple XBE app which is included with this release.
If anyone wishes to use the XBL Check Feature we STRONGLY recommend you update to the latest dash version (Live 2.0 5659.03) as the patch does not block a game accessing the live service to upgrade if you have an older version. Games like Sega GTO have the file Dashupdate.xbe You can either disconnect your mod and update or rip the file from the game and run manually after FTP'ing to your box.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxecuter.com
Download: n/a (contains MS copyrighted code)
News-Source: xbins.org
Team OzXodus about new Xenium fakes
>> From ozxodus.com:
[QUOTE]
As expected, the thieves over at the "fake factory" have been so badly criticized and have had so many come-backs that they have been hard at work revising and revamping their chip to get it closer to the original (in looks mainly). Seriously, even though they are clowns they at least have the common sense to admit failure in their first attempt and will try, try again. Below you will find pics of the 'new and improved' version. Sadly, there are still many obvious mistakes that have been made, which is why we cannot call them clones yet, they are still FAKES. Very rough and raw and badly manufactured fakes. Copying is really easy, replicating and cloning is not that simple and straightforward is it?
We are now issuing our third and final warning. It is not about the few extra bucs saved as many people are thinking. It is about the few extra bucs lost when these chips fail. Many retailers have finally realized their mistake and are scrambling around to recover huge losses in capital outlay. All of a sudden chips are starting to fry without warning and failing in many other ways. What amazes us is how utterly naïve and short sighted some people are in that they try them out initially and assume they will work forever! Genuine Xeniums have been out in the market for over three months and have proven themselves in more ways than one. Fakes have not. WE HAVE NEVER LIED TO YOU AND DO NOT INTEND TO START NOW! FAKES WILL NOT WORK! We will not issue any further warnings after this post. It is now up to you.
 Click on picture for large version
Original Xenium
1. Solder filled pads (only on these points)
2. White spot(s)
3. Clear (see through) LED case
4. 3 Dots are blue
5. Font centre points of “W” and “M” go half way “D” differs as well
6+7. Grounding Mesh differs as shown
Fake Chip
1. No solder filled pads on these points
2. No White spots
3. Opaque (milky) LED case
4. 3 Dots are silver
5. Font differs
6+7. Ground Mesh differs as shown
Note : If you have bought a Fake thinking it was an Original please feel free to do a credit card charge back and site FRAUD as the reason.
[/QUOTE]
WinHME v1.55 Final Release
>> jimmsta released a new (and final) update of WinHME(info). What's new/fixed:
-dots, not checks ;)
* Changed the GUI look and feel a bit.
* Removed non-functioning buttons
* Changed a ton of code
* Final Release
* Source will be distributed in a few weeks.
* Probably a useless app now ;(
Official Site: http://www.sourceforge.net/projects/winhme/
Download: here[sourceforge.net]
News-Source: xbins.org
Xecuter3 (X3) update
>> From teamxecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
We first announced the features of the mod in December and now its April. Yes we know this sucks and we know it's become long overdue so thanks to the usual haters who continue to gloat as they bring this up in forums time and time again.
The fact is the project isn't going as smoothly as we hoped. The only thing we can promise is that we are working very hard to get this finished. We have no excuses for the delays, however the only people who seem to comment are the gloaters and fanboys who revel in repeating time and time again that we are indeed delayed and by doing so have lied and cheated everybody ???
It is wrong to compare the development with other so called "4th Generation" mods. This is not a simple mod design with a modified Cromwell(info) OS (sources?) It's a highly advanced hardware project that has to be absolutely accurate in its operation. The bios is the biggest thing we've ever done with more features than anything ever released before and we are sure you'll be satisfied.
We don't normally discuss current development issues but here are what's being worked on as we speak:
> Bios compression algorithm requires heavy debug
> Adding more features to X3 Config Live than originally documented
> Need to resolve issues with internal flashing controls
> Debugging webserver support
> Development of newly designed External controller
> Adding support for Backup Rom programming via PC
> Development of extra Cromwell function (source codes to be released)
> Development of new FlashX(info) Tool
> Development of new X3 Bios Manager with Web Server Support
Bottom line is we have no release date. If the delays have upset you then we apologize. If the haters feel the need to bash us or invent more silly conspiracy theories then go right ahead. We are still here and we are still working. We feel absolutely sure X3 will be worth the wait. Thank you to the scene in general for your ongoing support.
[/QUOTE]
FBI on Xbox Live
>> From spong.com:
[QUOTE]
In incredible news breaking in the US over the weekend, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has made an application to the Federal Communications Commission requesting easy access to all forms of Internet communication, including Microsoft’s Xbox Live and online PlayStation 2 servers.
The request includes all forms of digital online communication, from instant messenger services to voiceover IP communications, and mentions gaming services such as Xbox Live.
However, this raises the point of how many arrests per day would come from tapping into the Microsoft gaming service. The constant stream of abuse, coupled with the endless threats of violent reprisals, may be too much for the US law agency to handle. Is it illegal to threaten the safety of someone's family over the outcome of a Project Gotham 2 race?
[/QUOTE]
Thanks to Shadow_Mx for the news.
tHc LITE update
>> From Discworld on xboxdash.net:
[QUOTE]
While iceUK and myself have been lazy bastards not updating the site for ages....obviously Gcue hasn't.
tHc LITE has changed A LOT since you last saw it in the previews area. Its matured beyond all belief and is so brain numbingly great that if it were to metaphorically and physically urinate all over Norway, it would create a tropical rainstorm.
You won't believe just how great it is.
As you may have noticed from the ALL NEW picture below, it looks excellent!
Gcue's made some very nice little buttons including a shiny "play" one, whilst that control panel is straight out of the latest build of final and the skinning engine will rock! yay!
enjoy.
Now if only there was a decent way to download tHc....
[/QUOTE]
neXgen update - Dream-X acquired
>> We received this news from Team XOS:
[QUOTE]
As Easter is fast approaching , we thought we should give you some good news to look forward to over the holidays ;-).
As many of you know the major memory leak was fixed , now nexgen is stable and when i state stable I mean running for 1 week with hardly a leak at all! With this in mind we at XOS, will try to prepair a easter release for you to have a taster of. This is not a promise as my devkit was stolen from my cousins house , but we will endavour to bring an Easter taster release.
DreamX Donation courtesy of www.xbox-gear.com.
I would also like to send a big thanks to www.xbox-gear.com for his kind donation of a brand new Dream-X. With this little monster will try to add support with nexgen and see if the extra power assists in our development of nexgen.
On a side note , I would like to thank xbox-gear for his great support and contributions. www.xbox-gear.com is also an official Xenium worldwide reseller.
With all this said i hope everyone has a great easter , I hope the easter bunny brings you lots of easter eggs :-)!
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xboxopensource.com
C-Xbox Tool 2.0.4 beta
>> C-Xbox is a tool for XBox similiar to Craxtion(info) or ZXBTools(info).
Features:
* Extract ISO
* Create ISO
* Create CD/DVD multigames with MenuX
* Create CD/DVD multigames with MXM
* Create CD/DVD multigames directly from ISO
* FTP transfert PC<>Xbox from ISO
* Explore CD/DVD burned from ISO
* Patch XBE
* Rename XBE titles
* Images editor
* Themes manager
* Skins manager
* Multilanguage
Official Site: http://www.tacoban.cjb.net
Download: here
News-Source: gueux.net
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