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Week of April 6, 2003
New Release: XBtool 0.8.11.5 (beta)
New Release: Hugo-xbox v6
New Release: XBThingy v0.5
>> From nfo:
[QUOTE]
XBThingy is the solution to world hunger, the end of all wars, and an application to help you keep your XBox games organized.
Features:
* Highly customizable
* Database-driven game list
* Extracts game names from isos, XBEs
* Facilitates organized handling of large amounts of games
Upcoming features:
* Ability to share your list with others
* Easily copy games to and from your XBox
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.parnic.com/
Download: here (requires .NET framework)
News-Source: #xbins (EFnet)
Official keyboard support for Xbox
>> From xbox.ign.com:
[QUOTE]
It's been Microsoft's position since day 1: "There will be no keyboard for Xbox." Proof that nothing is ever set in stone. An official Phantasy Star Online keyboard adapter will be available for free with a shipping & handling charge of $6.95 with the launch of PSO on April 15. The offer expires December 31, 2004.
[/QUOTE]
Xbox faces price cuts in US
>> After the the pricecut a few days ago to about 190EUR in Europe there are more and more rumors about a new pricecut in USA to 149USD.
From theinquirer.net:
[QUOTE]
HOT ON THE TAIL of the news that Microsoft is cutting the price of the Xbox in Europe, analysts are doom-saying for the US price. According to Reuters, the big prediction is that the Vole will be forced to cut the Xbox down to $149.
You might think that could cause a spike in sales of the Xbox over the PS2 but those same analysts reckon that Sony would simultaneously cut the price of its console. Sony has much more room to spare revenue wise, the PS2 is much cheaper to make.
[/QUOTE]
New Release: HUGO-xbox v5.0
>> HU-GO! is a PCE Emulator.
What's new/fixed:
* Now supports directories
* Fixed CD bug that would sometimes prevent games with more than one ISO track from playing correctly. (e.g. Cosmic Fantasy 2 )
* Fixed MP3 bug where MP3 was not stopping correctly ( e.g. Ys 1&2 )
* Fixed MP3 bug where audio would hang at end for a bit before restarting
* Now can use Left Analog Stick in game to control movement
* Use WHITE button on main menu to stop MP3 playing
Official Site: http://xport.xb-power.com
Download: n/a (build with XDK)
News-Source: #xbins (EFnet) , http://forums.xbox-scene.com
New Release: CDDISSECT v1.1
>> What's new/fixed:
* Version 1 of CDDISSECT was including the 2-second pre/post gap data in the MP3 files. This means that there is (probably) 2 seconds of silence at the end of each MP3 track. Most of the time, this is not noticeable, but some games have background music that is meant to sound seamless when it loops back to the beginning. This is why I thought another release was in order.
Official Site: http://xport.xb-power.com
Download: here
News-Source: #xbins (EFnet) , http://forums.xbox-scene.com
New Release: XBMP Toolkit v0.3
>> -rx- released a new version of his XBMP Toolkit for Mac OSX
What's new/fixed:
* simplified XBMS setup
* added dvd ripper/xvid & ffmpeg encoder
* added avi spliter
Download: here
Work In Progress: xSnes9x 1.05
>> From http://www.lantus-x.com/xSnes9x/:
[QUOTE]
I've almost finished adding in Samba (SMB) support. This is working really great - it reads any .smc, .fig, .swc and .smc files directly over the network. Zip files of course are supported however, since zlib is used, and i dont have the desire to make changes in the lib, for zips i had to 'cheat' and copy the file to the application swap space and run it from there.
The only other issue with this currently is theres no validation that the file itself is a snes rom - and may subsequently lock up the emulator. I'll need to work something out here but overall its looking very promising.
[/QUOTE]
CraiZE also created a PDF installation manual for xSnes9x and FBAx, you can get it from http://www.lantus-x.com/xSnes9x/.
New Release: CDDISSECT v1.0
>> From Xport on forums.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
This tool dumps all data tracks on a CD to ISO files, dumps\ all audio tracks on a CD to MP3 files, and creates a cue sheet with all the proper filenames.
Since it was such a tedious multi-step process to get your PCE cds in the right format for HUGO-X, I decided to make an all-in-one utility.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://xport.xb-power.com
Download: here
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com , #xbins (EFnet)
U.S. Man Gets Prison Time for Illegal Chip Sales
>> From reuters.com:
[QUOTE]
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A Virginia man has been sentenced to five months in prison and fined $28,500 for selling imported chips that illegally modify Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox video game console.
David Rocci, of Blacksburg, Virginia, was sentenced late last week in federal court in Virginia after pleading guilty in December to one count of conspiracy to violate copyright laws under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation, an organization that has opposed the DMCA as being overly restrictive on free speech and the fair-use rights of consumers, said Rocci was one of the first people to be sent to prison for violating the DMCA.
He was charged with importing and selling about 450 Enigmah "mod" chips, after-market processors designed to be attached to the Xbox's motherboard and circumvent its security measures.
The U.S. Justice Department seized Rocci's Web site, isonews.com (http:/www.isonews.com) after his plea agreement for violating provisions of the DMCA.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article here[reuters.com]
Thanks to everyone who sent me a mail about this news.
EU pricedrop to 129.99GBP (188EUR) tomorrow!
>> From http://www.indiemagazine.co.uk
[QUOTE]
Despite no official confirmation from Microsoft, there are very strong rumours suggesting a price drop for the Xbox is imminent.
A drop from 159.99GBP to match the GameCube's RRP of 129.99GBP is expected to be announced tomorrow (10th April). The move will surely boost Xbox sales further ahead of GameCube, with the PS2 clearly in Microsoft's sights, despite the money the company will be losing on the hardware sales (bearing in mind that the Xbox cost more to produce than it sold for when it was retailing at 299GBP). We'll have more details as soon as the drop is confirmed.
[/QUOTE]
129.99GBP (188EUR) is ~200USD , so this pricedrop would put the European xbox retailprice at the same level as in USA.
Thanks goes to XOR for the news.
note: information has been confirmed by serveral people and site (check out reuters.com). Online shops like amazon.co.uk (124.99GBP (~181EUR)) have already lowered the price.
New Release: XBox Image Converter 3.0
>> From the nfo:
[QUOTE]
OzXChip is proud to present XBox Image Converter 3.0 (formerly known as Image To XBX Converter) a Windows based application that allows you to convert a standard PC style image file into an XBX or TBN file for use on your XBox console. XBX files are used in the Microsoft dashboard to display icons for saved game data and in the neXgen dashboard to display pictures in the storage selection menu. A TBN file is used as a thumbnail image in XBox Media Player.
XBox Image Converter 3.0 features a simple FTP Client built into the application to make transferring of XBX and TBN files to the XBox easier. A database of E:\UDATA folder descriptions is also a new feature of this application.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.ozxchip.com/
Download: here[ozxchip.com]
New Game: ROTTX v1.1
New Emulator: Hugo v4
More chameleon news.
>> Team Xodus posted a comparison table on their website that shows all the new features of the chameleon modchip.
Some new things we didn't know:
* Preflashed with a custom made Linux Cromwell Bios that can be updated via CD (with a bios file on it - no need for raincoat/OZXflash disk)
* Boot up with 3 combinations (Power, Eject and Both together) Each combination is a different selection
* Programming Port for CPLD. Can be used in the future to support more new features with the use of a simple programmer.
Check it out the full features on http://xodus-chip.com/
You can now pre-order the Chameleon for just 25 USD. (worldwide shipping)
New Util: Px HDD Loader v1.1a
>> ProjectX just released a new version of their popular HDD Loader (copy games directly to HD).
What's new/fixed:
* Fixed to work with newer Library games.
I guess they now auto-patch games using the new MediaFlag. Note that X2 4975+ bios does this already in-memory. (Patching the file won't hurt - it will still boot on X2 4975+)
Download: n/a (build with XDK)
New Emulator: Daphne Xbox v0.20 Beta
>> What's new/fixed:
* Framefile parser improved.
* Multiple mpegs now work (DVD-VIDEO rips).
* Parsing mpegs should work now, and has a progress display (not finished).
* Changed to 720x480 video mode to support DVD-VIDEO mpegs.
* Blanks on skips and searches enabled.
* Revised readme.txt
Download: n/a (build with XDK)
News-Source: #xbins (EFnet)
ClassicX: DoomX, RoTT and Duke3d ports
New Emulator: HU-GO! v3
>> XPort is back! XPort did alot of emulator ports several months back and then mysteriously disappeared. Now he's back with a new version of HU-GO (a PCE Emulator). Great!
From XPort on our forums:
[QUOTE]
Well, it's been a verrrrry long time since I've done any developing on the XBox, but I got in the mood again a couple days ago and here is the result - a new version of HU-GO with.....are you ready for this? CD/SCD image emulation!
[/QUOTE]
What's new/fixed:
* CD/SCD emulation via ISO/MP3/CUE or BIN/CUE
* Internal MP3 player - play MP3s from the main menu
* Improved sound - I'm *much* happier with it now
* Improved compatibility ( e.g. Bonk's Revenge, GunHead )
* Should play all games just like HU-GO for the PC (actually better!)
* Force US encoding on games that need it
* Holding D-Pad on game menu makes it scroll
* Adjust SFX/MP3 volume in-game by using Right Analog Stick
* "Normal" sized font by default
* Press Left Thumbstick on main menu to bring up configuration screen
* Fully adjustable screen size
* Actually slightly better compatibility than HU-GO v2.10 for Windows (e.g. Bonk's Revenge and Dracula X work in XBox version)
(Thanks to Zeograd for providing up to the minute bug-fixes!)
News-Source: Xbox-Scene Forums
Official Site: http://xport.xb-power.com
Download: n/a (build with XDK)
New Emulator: Daphne Xbox V0.11 Beta
>> Kubik released a new version of Daphne on Xbox.
What's new/fixed:
* CGI overlays working (Astron Belt).
* Fixed rendering bug,should run even smoother now.
* Preliminary support for returning to menu from game (BACK + START).
* Revised readme.txt
Download: n/a (build with XDK)
News-Source: #xbins (EFnet)
Chameleon movie released
>> Team Xodus released a small video to show off Software Control of the upcoming Chameleon modchip that will allow easy TSOP flashing , bank selection , ...
This preview video shows how you can select the bios bank you want to use from within Evolution-X.
Check it out: http://www.xodus-chip.com
You can pre-order the chameleon now for just 25USD.
Flash Tsop With X2 (and Others) 12c508 Code
>> Ubergeek released the sourcecode to program a 12c508 chip that will allow to add 'd0' and 'a15' (also called 'T1') control similar to the matrix modchip.
This will allow to flash TSOP with Xecuter2 and other LPC modchips. You will need the 'EvoxMatrixTSOP' bios that only works on xbox v1.0 for now.
More information and instructions , go to our forums:
http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=ST&f=3&t=42522
New Software: ParalleX v0.1a
>> From the nfo:
[QUOTE]
ParalleX is a small launcher application that allows you to run hacked XBEs and their associated data files easily, without losing the ability to run the original game as well. This is particularly useful for DOAXVB. You can play with the money hack/nude hack turned on, then when your little brother wants to play, you can launch it in the original mode.
Each launch option can run a different XBE, as well as have different data files associated with it.
[/QUOTE]
Note: This will only work from the f: partition for now. It will be fixed to also work on other partitions in a next release.
Download: n/a (build with XDK)
News-Source: #xbins (EFnet)
New Tool: XMPatcher v1.2
>> XcalibEr updated his XMPatcher to support the new MF (Media Flag) found in red faction 2.
Patching games is only needed for new games if you are using a X2 bios prior build4975 or any other bios rls (evox , enigmah , ...).
Download: here
CXBX development
>> Not alot of public news the last few weeks , but behind the spotlights the development of CXBX/CXBE/OpenXDK continues!
Here's the latest update:
[QUOTE]
Things are going good. Kingofc has been contributing source code to Cxbx, including some preliminary support for OpenXDK applications. He has also gotten some 3d vertex rendering working. I am also recieving some much appreciated help from "anonymous" with some kernel emulation, which is going to help the project progress much more quickly.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.caustik.com
New Emulator: Daphne Xbox V0.1 Beta
>> From the nfo:
[QUOTE]
Here is the first release of Daphne Laserdisc Arcade Emulator for the Xbox. For general help on Daphne, please visit the website below. Most everything from the PC applies to the Xbox version also.
Game supported in this release:
Dragon's Lair, Lair 1.1, and Lair 2.0 (100%)
Space Ace, and Space Ace Enhanced (100%)
Astron Belt (Hitachi & Pioneer) (incomplete)
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: N/A , by Kubik
Download: N/A (build with XDK)
Sign 007 AUF saved games with PC util
>> Team [LOU-X] received a PC application from an anonymous source that will sign modified 007:AUF saved games so they can be loaded in the game. The application has now been released on the [LOU-X] irc channel.
This has a similar result to the pached 007:AUF .xbe TeamX4 released yesterday.
News-Source: #linux-on-unmodded (EFnet)
Download: here
New Game: Rise of the Triad
007: AUF Patch to load hacked game saves
>> We received this information from the guys over at xbox-saves.com:
[QUOTE]
Yesterday, a patch became available to allow 007: AUF to load hacked game save files. This is the first step in expanding on habibi_xbox's work in hopes of getting his method to work for loading other homebrew apps besides just XBox-Linux Live. Obviously, the next step would be to find out how he came up with the 380h bytes that he also patched to the XBox-Linux Live default.xbe file, but at least we are now one step closer.
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: http://www.xbox-saves.com/forums/
Download: here
New Tool: XBE Media ID Patcher 2
New Tool: Xbox Name Changer v0.6
>> What's new/fixed:
+ Added support for XBFileZilla FTP
Download: here
New Trainer: VEXX [+9]
>> Features:
* INFINITE LIVES.
* INFINITE ENERGY.
* INFINITE POWER BAR.
* INVISIBILITY.
* MAX SHARDS.
* MAX BOTTLES.
* NO NATER TIMER.
* COMPLETE JOURNAL.
* UNLOCK ALL HEARTS.
Official Site: http://www.xbox-saves.com (by SHEEP/COMPLEX)
Download: here
Thx to 'xad of nightfall' for the features.
New Operation Project-X Clients
>> Operation Project-X is trying to find the xbox private key using brute force. Although the chances that we ever find it are extremely small , it IS possible (with ALOT of luck :)).
They released new clients the last few days/weeks.
You have now a new Linux clients , a FreeBSD client , a HP-UX client and a new fully working Xbox client!
Official Site: http://www.operationprojectx.com
Download: here[operationprojectx.com] (don't forget to put XBOXSCENECOM or XBOX-SCENE.COM as Team Name during set-up)
Media Flags Manual Patch Update for Red Faction 2
>> I received this news from HSDEMONZ:
[QUOTE]
XEERO reported (April 5th) a change in his SEARCH and REPLACE HEX EDIT for MEDIA FLAGS.. which is of some importantance to those looking to patch RED FACTION 2 Manually, or with existing patchers from LIMIT or Copyhuanters.
"I would recommend changing:
74 4B E8 CA FD FF FF 85 C0 7D 06 33 C0 50 50 EB 44 F6 05
to
74 4B E8 CA FD FF FF 85 C0 EB 06 33 C0 50 50 EB 44 F6 05
As you can see, I've trimmed the 00 from the beginning of this string. Red Faction 2 contains a 01 instead of a 00.
I believe ADR had changed their sequence from 20-bytes to 18-bytes. I had advised them that they evidently read this thread wrong and used both strings that were originally noted, and they evidently changed their 20-byte string to aan 18-byte string for originality. However, as a result, theirs will work on Red Faction 2.
I would recommend updates to L!M!T's and Copyhaunters' patch tools. Until they are available ADR's toold is also very good and easy to use. Available at http://www.adr-uk.com "
XEERO's research.. and more info can be found in this thread on XBOX-SCENE http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=ST&f=11&t=37308
Users using an up-to-date x2 Bios will not need to be concerned about this change.
[/QUOTE]
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