Bunnie, Mist and Tmbinc meet Designer of the Xbox360 Security
>> From Bunnie's Blog: [QUOTE] I was at Bluehat giving a presentation with Felix Domke on various hardware hacking exploits, including silicon hacks, dbox-2, Gamecube, and of course, the Xbox360 (Felix is a genius and a gentleman). Below is a photo of Dinart Morais (whose initials ironically are "drm"), the designer of the Xbox360 security, and Michael Steil [alias mist], Felix Domke [alias tmbinc], and me [alias bunnie].
It was quite an honor to meet the man who designed such an excellent security system. We had a lot of questions for him, and he was very friendly. I guess since we have given our talk now, there is no more secret about it, some of the folks in the picture above were part of the team that published the February 2007 Xbox360 Hypervisor Priviledge Escalation Vulnerability. Fortunately, Microsoft was very receptive to working with us to fix the vulnerability before it was published and in the end it was a constructive exercise for all parties involved.
omg wtf I'm at Microsoft talking about Xbox hacking??!?!? [/QUOTE]
MS Acknowledge 360 Messenger Problems with Child Accounts over 18y
>> Microsoft now acknowledge there's a problem for people who registered to Xbox LIVE under the age of 18 (Child Account with parental consent) but reached the age of 18 by now. These accounts are still Child Accounts and thus cannot access the Messenger feature in the new dash. There's no solution for now. From xbox.com: [QUOTE] * Why can't I use Messenger on my Xbox if I have a child account? * The Xbox Live Messenger team places high value on child safety and is working on a solution to allow users thirteen-years-old and older the ability to safely use Messenger on Xbox 360. The solution must ensure that children not be contacted by unauthorized Messenger users, and must adhere to our Family Settings policies that give parents the ability to determine with whom their children can communicate. This is important work which requires proper time and diligence. We will update the community when we have more information to share.
* I am now 18 or older. Why is my account still considered a child account? * There is a very small group of Xbox LIVE members who first created their accounts while under the age of 18 but have since passed their 18th birthday. These members cannot access Messenger on Xbox 360 at this time. We will explore solutions that enable these members to use Messenger on their Xbox 360 and will update the community when we have more information to share. [/QUOTE]
Maximus 360 FW Toolbox v3.1B with Hitachi-LG Xtreme v1.7 *repack*
>> Maximus released an update to yesterday's 360 Firmware Toolbox(info) v3.1: [QUOTE] Maximus - FIRMWARE TOOLBOX V3.1B (With C4E/Garyopa Hitachi 1.7) The Credit on the Hitachi 1.7 is to C4E for his original Hitachi Jitter Fix and to Garyopa for layout those changes on other versions
What's new/fixed (since v3.1): * Added: Missing File was causing troubles to users with Classic Mode.
On this release I am including a missing file that was causing problems to users that used the option of the external flashers mainly users with drives 59 and older, none 78 users complain
We are on the same line to having 1 tool for all hitachi versions and to allow that we already have figured out how to solve the USB-SATA issues and some SIL issues to, so on next versions you can use that devices (for versions prior to 59) whithout glitches.
Meanwhile since this version is not USB-SATA friendly you can use the "external flashers" option or use the C4E release earlier wich is MS-DOS (if your drive is 59 or lower) and this release if you have 78/79 [/QUOTE]
*update* REPACK, first v3.1b had corrupted OCX archive.
Official Site: n/a (by Maximus/C4E/Garyopa) Download: n/a (might be illegal under DMCA/EUCD) News-Source: xbins.org
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
>> Commodore4eva has released his version of Xtreme v2.4 firmware for Hitachi-LG GDR-3120L drives. Whats new: (2.4) Added Disc-Jitter for Challenge types 5/7 to all Hitach firmwares.
Always recommended: If your drive is flashed USE A RESTORE FIRST (Use the restore included on this package)
Notes about this release: This version is a set of batch files, like the previous garyopa hitachi releases. This version has been done for several days, as c4e had originally implemented the disc-jitter on hitachi drives, but wanted to fully test all drives before public use. This version will not support v78 drives (use fw toolbox 3.1) but does provide the most stable flashing routines for v32-v59 Hitachi drives. This release still contains the F900 (game SS ripping core) and firmware Stealth, both of which are removed in fw toolbox 3.1 version.
Official Site: n/a (by commodore4eva) Download: n/a (May Be illegal under EULA/DMCA) News-Source: xbins.org
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Maximus 360 FW Toolbox v3.1 with Garyopa Hitachi-LG Xtreme v1.7 Jitter-Fix
>> Garyopa, Maximus and C4E released a new Xtreme firmware + flashing tool for Hitachi-LG drives with the Disc-Jitter fix added and some support for v79 firmwares: [QUOTE] Maximus - 360 Firmware Toolbox(info) v3.1 (with Garyopa Disc Jitter Check) The Credit on the Hitachi 1.7 is to C4E for his original Hitachi Jitter Fix and to Garyopa for layout those changes on other versions
WHATS NEW ON V3.1: * Added: Hitachi Xtreme 1.7 (Disc Jitter Fix) * Added: Smart Hack Patcher now works for all Production Drives V40 thru v79 * Added: Correctly show and handle of keys for Hit79 drives * Corrected: Bug displaying Samsung FW as spoofed (display error) * Corrected: Several other bugs * Improved : Checksum checkup when dumping * Added: OCX's included on the release (they are available on Microsoft site anyway)
Release Notes: On Xtreme 1.7 the F900 core and Stealth FW have been removed. This could be seen as a Step Back, but indeed is 2 steps ahead. By one side we are trying to build one solid application (toolbox) that would make easier the future Hitachi Releases (which currently its a pain because of all the variations) and by other side it incorporates Disc-Jitter check fix for Hitachi drives.
The F900 core needs more work and can be easily incorporated on future versions along with other goodies that already are under development (media-stealth, single layer support, etc).
The Fw Stealth was a good idea but it has been proven that the fw could be readed by other means, indeed the newer versions (78+) does not have the need to implement stealth so I think it will not be used anymore.
WHAT IS NEXT ON FUTURE TOOLBOX VERSIONS ?: * Direct dump/flash of 79 drives * Smart Hack Patcher configurable by script (avoid hard coded rules) * Restore and Patch Wizards (for totally noobs)
PLEASE ADD A NOTE REGARDING UPGRADING DRIVES UNTIL WE UPDATE THE TOOLBOX TO HANDLE NOOBS. Some users are Bricking their drives.. The following must be clearly noted if upgrading already patched drive. #1: Please read the "Tutorial", it will save you time, and money fixing your bricked drive. #2: Please RESTORE using the same package to originally flash with (If use = Maximus-Garyopa-Xtrm-v2.3rev2 then you must restore with it first) #3: If your drive has Full Stealth from v2.3rev2 on it, you might not be able to restore if using USB to SATA. #4: USB to SATA is still not supported on the newer drives like v78 and v79. [/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a (Maximus, Garyopa) Download: n/a (might be illegal under DMCA/EUCD)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Spring07 Update Puts People Sharing GameSaves on Revocation List
>> From 360gamesaves.com: [QUOTE] In the Spring Update, Microsoft has implemented a new protection against gamesaving by using our gamesave archive against us - they went through our gamesave archive and downloaded all the saves, then everyone who has uploaded saves in the past has had their current local "ConsoleID" values added to a Console Revocation List implemented in the new spring update.
Decrypted Console Revocation List Any gamesave coming from these ConsoleID values is now recognized as corrupt in the latest update. Which means if your on the list, saves created on your console will now only work on your console. Your transfer privledges have been revoked.
If you are (or were) a member of 360gamesaves and uploaded any gamesaves, please check the forums for more information on determining if your ConsoleID has been "revoked". If your ConsoleID is not in the list but you have uploaded a gamesave recently and wish it to be removed from the site please PM a forum admin. [/QUOTE]
>> From xbox360fanboy.com: [QUOTE] Formerly known as the TID (text input device), the thumb board, and "that thingy," the Xbox 360 controller keyboard has received an official name. In the Spring Update help document (found by clicking the "Learn More" ad block on the Marketplace blade) the device is referred to as the Chatpad. Now all we need is a price and a release date. [/QUOTE]
More Xtender XCM Products: XFPS Mini Guitar and HDMI-cable for Original 360
>> Team Xtender already announced the XCM BestTilt and XCM XFPS 360 Pro earlier ... now they announced 2 other products that will be available in the near future (next 2 months): [QUOTE] 1.XFPS Mini Guitar --- This is half the size of the original one, easy to carry and best choice for gamers, using the real guitar wood for authentic gameplay. This unit must be must used with the XFPS 360 when you wish to use it on the Xbox 360. It is also compatible with the PS2.
2.HDMI cable for original xbox 360 (White 360 console) , this will be the world first HDMI cable for xbox 360 (white console) and up to 1080i . [/QUOTE]
>> From team-xecuter.com: [QUOTE] After many requests regarding the Blaster 360 LED glow being ported somehow to the 360 Ring of Light we have made a simple mod that makes the 360 Ring Of Light glow Red or Green. Only 5 easy wires to solder and you can choose between Green glow or Red glow.
Very cool effect for those that like to mod their consoles. Only $9.99 from Divineo.com and other resellers. [/QUOTE]
>> From the press release: [QUOTE] The summer blockbuster movie season is quickly approaching, and soon fans everywhere will be lining up around the block for four exciting new Xbox 360(TM) games inspired by this summer's big-screen favorites and a limited-edition console that will have fans of "The Simpsons" dreaming of donuts.
Gamers will have the best seat in the house when "Shrek the Third(TM)," "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," "Ratatouille" and "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" arrive on Xbox 360 for star-studded gameplay. With this cast of characters, players and movie fans of all ages can count on fun on Xbox 360. The entire family will be clamoring for encore performances -- perfect for an evening of family fun.
In addition, people everywhere will be seeing yellow as "The Simpsons" takes Xbox 360 by storm later this summer in advance of the famous Springfield family's big-screen debut on July 27, 2007. Xbox 360 is partnering with FOX to help promote "The Simpsons Movie," offering fans the chance to get their hands on one of 100 limited-edition "Simpsons" Xbox 360 Pro consoles through a series of special events and promotions. For anyone who is drooling like Homer about how to win, more details will be available at http://www.xbox.com. [/QUOTE]
>> XCM released a new version of their XFPS 360 keyboard&mouse adapter for the Xbox360: [QUOTE] The world's first and only keyboard and mouse adapter for Xbox 360 just got a whole lot better! The XFPS 360 PRO now comes with TWO wheels for 16 possibles levels of X and Y sensitivity adjustement, paving the way for optimal shooting in FPS titles on the Xbox 360.
The PRO version comes with 2 extra wheels with 16 levels of adjustment for X and Y sensitivity to adapt perfectly to every mice on the market.
>> From tversity.blogspot.com: [QUOTE] As you may know Microsoft has released today a new firmware update for the Xbox 360 and this broke compatibility with TVersity Media Server(info) (only with videos, audio and images work as before). We are glad to announce that we already have a patch that fixes this problem and also takes advantage of the new functionality of this spring update, letting you browse your video in a folder hierarchy instead of just a long flat list.
Thank you everyone for helping us test this. It will be great if people with a 360 from different regions in the world will test it since in the past we had cases where European boxes behaved different than American ones. [/QUOTE]
GaryOPA: Hitachi-LG Xtreme FW with Disc-Jitter WIP and Thoughts on MS Check
>> GaryOPA informed us that the Xtreme firmware for the Hitachi-LG ODD with added Disc-Jitter (like C4E's Toshiba-Samsung Xtreme v5.3) will be released very soon and that you can expect more HLG Xtreme FW updates in the near future. He also shared his thoughts about the Disc-Jitter 'check' and suggests Microsoft might perform this check on request of the Xbox Live servers at some specific/unexpected moments when you're trying to play online. Right now, according to member reports on our forums, it looks like all old Xtreme firmwares (for both TS and HLG) that were working on kernel 4552, seem to work fine on the 5759 kernel (Spring Update) too. So GaryOPA's theory might be right, or MS is playing the delay-ban game again and are just collecting data ... or they have even other plans with the check (if actually already implemented in the spring07 update).
From GaryOPA: [QUOTE] Commodore4Eva made an Xtreme FW with Disc-Jitter for Hitachi-LG v47 (test stage). Testing is almost completed. Updates on all the versions is in process.
I'm talking with Maximus in getting the Maximus 360 Firmware Toolbox(info) uptodate to handle all drive versions with this "c4e" fix, instead of "c4e" releasing the v47, then me releasing a v40 thru v59 package, and Maximus releasing a v78/v79 package. I think it would be better to have one solid program, to handle all the future Hitachi releases, as there is going to be a number of them shortly, but the "Jitter" one way or the other will be out within 24 hours or less. It would have been done earlier but I had a major hard drive crash, and have been working with older backups, and complete lost of all my emails.
Another personal thought regarding the "Spring Update": Was thinking about the update, for it to work 100% they might need to shut-down the Live service for a few hours on their end later and update the server side also, as this type of checking should be done only when playing a game on XBOX Live and should be a request from the XBOX Live service to RE-TEST or CHECK the disc and can be done anytime during disc spinning (yes / no?). Maybe also MS is waiting for the Bungie Halo3 beta startdate to start using this new feature, as getting everyone with a copy of CRACKDOWN on using HALO 3 beta would be the key to the puzzle and good press! [/QUOTE]
>> More details about the new video playback features in the Xbox360 Spring 2007 Update have been posted on the Team Xbox Blog (FYI: MS owned blog). A few of the many FAQs [QUOTE] 1. What exactly does the Xbox 360 support for H.264? Xbox 360 supports the following for H.264: * File Extensions: .mp4, .m4v, mp4v, .mov * Containers: MPEG-4, QuickTime * Video Profiles: Baseline, main, and high (up to Level 4.1) profiles. * Video Bitrate: 10 Mbps with resolutions of 1920 x 1080 at 30fps. See question number 6 for more information. * Audio Profiles: 2 channel AAC low complexity (LC) * Audio Max Bitrate: No restrictions. See question number 6 for more information.
2. What exactly does the Xbox 360 support for MPEG-4 Part 2? Xbox 360 supports the following for MPEG-4: * File Extensions: .mp4, .m4v, .mp4v, .mov * Containers: MPEG-4, QuickTime * Video Profiles: Simple (including Simple profile content mislabeled as Advanced Simple) * Video Bitrate: 5 Mbps with resolutions of 1280 x 720 at 30fps. See question number 6 for more information. * Audio Profiles: 2 channel AAC low complexity (LC) * Audio Max Bitrate: No restrictions. See question number 6 for more information.
3. What exactly does the Xbox 360 support for WMV (VC-1)? Xbox 360 supports the following for WMV: * File Extensions: .wmv * Container: asf * Video Profiles: WMV7 (WMV1), WMV8 (WMV2), WMV9 (WMV3), VC-1 (WVC1 or WMVA) in simple, main, and advanced up to Level 3 * Video Bitrate: 15 Mbps with resolutions of 1920 x 1080 at 30fps. See question number 6 for more information. * Audio Profiles: WMA7/8, WMA 9 Pro (stereo and 5.1), WMA lossless * Audio Max Bitrate: No restrictions. See question number 6 for more information.
5. What are the different ways to play video content on Xbox 360? You can play video from a USB 2.0 FAT32 removable drive, optical media, and by streaming from the Zune software or Windows Media Player 11.
6. What is the "real" max bit rate, resolution, and frames per second that you support for all the different formats? Xbox 360 does not specifically block video from playing based on a maximum bit rate, resolution, or frames per second. The maximums listed above for each codec are what we have tested for various video playback sources. Higher rated content will not be blocked, but playback may be less then optimal. Use higher bitrates at your own risk.
18. After the May 2007 update, my 3rd party software doesn't stream videos correctly. Why? Video navigation was changed in the May 2007 update. 3rd party software that does not support folders through network sharing will not work correctly. You'll have to contact the software developer for support.
22. How can I get Windows Media Player 11 to stream MPEG-4 Part 2 and H.264 to my console? By default, Windows Media Player 11 does not support MPEG-4 Part 2 and H.264. You can either convert your MPEG-4 Part 2 and H.264 content to WMV or you can install a 3rd party MP4 DirectShow decoder pack to import MPEG-4 part 2 and H.264 files into your library. Once they are in your library they can be streamed to your console just like WMVs. [/QUOTE]
Can't Access Xbox360 Messenger When Profile Created Before 18y
>> Several people are reporting on our forums that they can't access the new Xbox360 Messenger because their XBL profile is a 'Child Account' (users below 18 years created with parental consent). But even those who are already 18y but created their profile before 18y seems to have this problem.
Here's what Boiker said on our forums: [QUOTE] When I made my profile on XBL I was 17 so had to have parental consent to use it. The email I used is apparently still a child account even though I'm now 18. Consequently I can't use Messeger on the 360 because it is a child account. How crap is that? Has anyone found a way to change the email address that you use for Messenger on the 360? If it's tied to the profile, I see that as a big mistake. [/QUOTE]
About changing the email address ... here's what majornelson.com (FYI: MS owned blog) posted about it: [QUOTE] Now that you have had a few hours to play with the new dashboard update, some folks have asked some questions about the new Messenger integration. Let me see if I can help clear a couple of things up:
Q: I don't want to automatically sign in to Live Messenger on my console...how do I turn it off? A: Sign in to Xbox LIVE, go to the Xbox LIVE blade, then select your gamercard and press A. Go down to 'Auto Sign-in' and press A. You can set your preference for Xbox Live and Windows Live Messenger separately here.
Q: The email address assigned to my Xbox LIVE account is different to the email address I use on my PC for Windows LIVE messenger. Is there a way for me to still access my messenger account? A: Not at this time. We are working on the ability to allow users to change the email address they originally used when signing up for Xbox Live. The feature will be available in an upcoming release. [/QUOTE]
>> We received this news from Team Xtender: [QUOTE] Team X-tender introduces the XCM BestTilt. The comprehensive solution in turning your Xbox 360 controller into a Tilt sensitive controller in 5 simple solders!
Unlike other inferior brands out there, the XCM BestTilt doesn't only come with a Tilt controller chip but a replacement shell as well. No complicated USB configuration required, simply plug and play. Get your XCM BestTilt from our authorized resellers today and experience motion sensing for the Xbox 360. [/QUOTE]
Gentoo LiveCD Xenon Beta v2: TS-H943 Support - Free60 Asks to Open Platform
>> Like they announced last week, Stonersmurf of Team Free60 released a new version of the 'Full' Gentoo LiveCD for Xbox360 (kernel 4532/4548 only) with support for the Toshiba-Samsung TS-H943 ODD and more: [QUOTE] gentoo-livecd-xenon-beta-v2 This is a liveCD for Linux on the Xbox 360. It is based on the experimental gentoo liveCD. It has a few changes to boot on the Xbox 360 (codename xenon).
Changes to the previous BETA (v1) include: * New 2.6.21 based kernel * Improved networking support * Improved framebuffer kernel level support * Supports Toshiba-Samsung drives, now
How does it work ? Burn gentoo-livecd-xenon-beta-v2.iso. Upload the cdreader binary via serial, or use the new king kong patcher with built-in readcd code, this will open the dvd tray. Put the gentoo-livecd-xenon-beta CD in the drive. cdreader will automatically start the xell bootloader located at lba 0x20 on this cd and boot the Linux Kernel. [/QUOTE]
Free60 Team even issued a press release for this new version ... so we'll share that too: [QUOTE] Lübeck/Sunnyvale/Tokyo - Tuesday, May 8th 2007 The free60 project today announced the release of a new Live CD enabling users to try out the GNU/Linux Open Source operating system on Microsoft's Xbox 360 gaming consoles. The new Live CD supports all Xbox 360 consoles with firmware versions 4532 and 4548 and can be run without affecting the console's normal functionality. It conatins the latest free60 patches against the Linux kernel 2.6.21 and ships with a full Gnome desktop environment, including applications like Firefox and Evolution. It also offers an entire 64-bit PowerPC compiler toolchain for developers.
"We are quite happy that so many things are already working flawlessly", said project founder Michael Steil this morning referring to the full support for the console's networking, USB, SATA and framebuffer chipsets within the kernel. "But we are still far from where we want to be." On his opinion, especially the lack of accelerated X11 graphics drivers and missing sound support prevent GNU/Linux on the Xbox 360 from being superior to the version of GNU/Linux for its competitor, Sony's PlayStation 3.
"We are hard-working on both graphics and sound, but the lack of documentation of the chips used is giving us a hard time.", states Felix Domke, who made the first set of kernel patches available in March this year.
The free60 project is especially proud that all this has been achieved in only 18 months after the initial release of the console, despite Microsoft's enormous efforts to lock out homebrew development on their platform. "It is very questionable how much Microsoft seems to be concerned about locking out the homebrew scene, fixing the homebrew vulnerability in just 10 days, while they haven't fixed the holes that have been allowing piracy for more than 12 months", says Axel Auweter from the free60 project. Meanwhile, the search for other vulnerabilities in the Xbox 360's hypervisor based protection is continued by various people in the scene to enable homebrew development on devices with newer firmware versions than 4548.
Domke's conclusion: "There will always be ways for homebrew development on gaming consoles. If the people at Microsoft had offered a legal way for real homebrew development, like Sony does, they would be facing a much smaller community of hackers and there would be no core hack on the Xbox 360 by today". Therefore, the free60 project again calls on Microsoft to open their platform for homebrew development. [/QUOTE]
>> From majornelson.com (FYI: MS owned blog): [QUOTE] Ok, we're getting closer. I just learned that the May '07 dashboard release is set to be released just a few hours from now. To be more specific, the LIVE Operations team expects to start rolling out the update after 0200 PT tomorrow morning. [/QUOTE]
Remember, like I said yesterday, I highly suggest people with modified Hitachi-LG drives do NOT update their console yet or first flash back the original dvd firmware for now. If you got a flashed Toshiba-Samsung with the new Xtreme v5.3 you can give it a shot - but at your own risk of course ;) More Info
And here's the official press release for the Spring 2007 Update: [QUOTE] Beginning May 9th, Xbox LIVE, the most interactive gaming and social network available, is once again expanding with the arrival of Windows Live Messenger on Xbox 360. This new feature, available as part of the Xbox 360 Spring Update, will connect people across Xbox 360 consoles, Windows PCs and Windows Mobile devices. Xbox LIVE members will be able to socialize with people on their unified friends list, including their contacts from the more than 260 million Windows Live Messengers across the world. With Instant Messenger, Xbox LIVE members will have the ability to: * Chat via instant messenger with up to 20 contacts in a single conversation, and have up to six different conversations at the same time with people on PCs, mobile phones and other Xbox 360 consoles. * Instant message while playing games, listening to music or watching movies or TV shows downloaded from Xbox LIVE Marketplace. * View at a glance if friends on Windows Live Messenger have gamertags and add them to a unified friends list. * Utilize the virtual keyboard on the Xbox 360 to text chat or connect a USB keyboard to the console. Launching later this summer, the Xbox 360 text-input device accessory will connect directly to the controller to support instant messaging.
In addition to the availability of Instant Messenger on Xbox LIVE, the Xbox 360 Spring Update will bring with it hundreds of other features and enhancements to the console. Here are just a few: * On-screen pop-ups that immediately display the name and gamerscore value of a just accomplished Achievement, allowing gamers to see their progress without leaving or pausing the game. * An even safer way to communicate through Xbox LIVE with enhanced family settings that enable different default settings for video chat and voice chat. * A new, standalone Xbox LIVE Marketplace blade houses all Xbox LIVE Marketplace content in one easy to navigate space. * Xbox LIVE Arcade enhancements that showcase what games friends are playing directly from the friends list. Boasting about high scores, comparing progress and checking out leaderboards are all easier now as well. * Faster access to free, trial version of Xbox LIVE Arcade games through an improved Auto Downloads feature. * The ability to fast-forward, pause and rewind video as it is being downloaded on Xbox LIVE Marketplace. * Owners can now set their consoles to turn off after downloading content from Xbox LIVE Marketplace to help save energy, and download speeds have been increased. [/QUOTE]
>> Mercurynews.com posted an interview with Microsoft's Peter Moore. They talk about the amount of shooter and driving games on the 360, a CG animated "HALO" series, tilt controllers, Folding@Home for 360, console failure rate, future projects and why they don't buy a Japanese developer. A short excerpt: [QUOTE] * Q (from reader): I'd like a straight answer on issues with hardware quality (have suffered through 2 defective 360's in a 7 month span and am about to call it quits with this system). MS claims an 'accceptable' 3% failure rate but I imagine the actual number to be much higher -- perhaps 2x or 3x more? * A: I can't comment on failure rates, because it's just not something - it's a moving target. What this consumer should worry about is the way that we've treated him. Y'know, things break, and if we've treated him well and fixed his problem, that's something that we're focused on right now. I'm not going to comment on individual failure rates because I'm shipping in 36 countries and it's a complex business.
* Q (from same reader): Also, will future models be designed to run quieter? The fan noise generated from my 360 is so loud as to distract. * A: Noise is something I don't bury my head in the sand about, and it's primarily the DVD drive. People get confused with the fan noise, but it's actually, in some instances, the 12x spinning of the disc that annoys some people. The great majority of people actually don't notice it, but it's something we continue to look at. We take that feedback very seriously from consumers, and we'll continue to look at it. Can't tell you, can't make you any promises, that it's something that's going to be fixed overnight. I don't notice it, but maybe I'm different. But I am not oblivious to the fact that some people do. [/QUOTE]
TheSpecialist's HDDHackr v0.91 - Adds Support for WD BEVS-RST Drives
>> TheSpecialist sent us a new update of HDDHackr(info) with added support for Western Digital BEVS-RST HDD series. So you can now create your own 20gb/120gb Xbox360 HDD with any WD-BEVS SATA 2.5" PC/laptop HDD: [QUOTE] (v0.91) Added support for the WD BEVS-RST HDD series. This means that the hddhackr will now work with all WD-BEVS models currently available.
Special thanks to the thethinker_uk for supplying an RST drive and homer2102 for supplying an x360 with vulnerable kernel :) [/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by TheSpecialist (TS) Full Readme/Instructions/FAQ: here Download: here (does NOT include hddss.bin as it's copywrited)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Major Nelson: Spring 2007 Update 'not in next 24h'
>> More talk about when the expect the Xbox360 Spring 2007 Update from majornelson.com (FYI: MS owned blog): [QUOTE] I just heard from the Dashboard team that we'll have to wait at least another day for the Dashboard update to be released. The update is not being released in the next 24-hours. That is all I know at this time, but I'll get more information tomorrow afternoon (PT) and I will update this post as needed. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Edit: As has been pointed out by some community members, the official press release does say the 'week of May 7th' for a release time. So we're well within that so far. It sounds like some folks missed that part, so that's why I wanted to post this update. [/QUOTE]
>> We got several hints (including from people calling support) that the Xbox360 Spring 2007 Update will be released Tuesday May 8th, but some other sources told us it's coming next Tuesday (May 15th). One month ago Microsoft said they would release it "in the week of May 7th" ... and history shows they like to release dashboard updates on Tuesdays. May 8th, 15th or somewhere in between ... anyway it shouldn't be too far away anymore. The list of new features in the Spring 2007 Update didn't change since the official announcement last month.
Anonymous sources send some internal notes about the spring 2007 update with some interesting details: [QUOTE] Customers will receive an email detailing dash changes associated to the Spring Autoupdate on May 8th. The lists of Additional Features below are a supplement to training. Read and be familiar with these to help answer customer calls.
Additional Features * When the tray icon is highlighted in the dash, a list of achievements, game icon and Gamerscore for that game is displayed. * When devices are connected to the console, there is a folder view for video content now * You can set a new default start mode in the system area that will boot the console to Media Center * While downloading Video Marketplace content, you can now use Video trick modes. This includes fast forward, rewind, and chapter skip. You can use these trick modes only up to the point that the file has have already played to until the file has completed downloading * Some dash advertisement banners will be animated and cannot be turned off * When you earn an Achievement, the notification in the game will show the details of that Achievement and the Gamerscore without having to bring up the guide * The Player and Friends lists now show session presence information for quick identification of users that are joinable * The background and layout of the Marketplace blade will be updated dynamically by Live service. This will enables different themes for a day but cannot be changed by the user * When browsing the Marketplace, you can hit the Y Button to quickly navigate to the top of Marketplace * You now have the option to save your Windows Live ID password during Signup * Friend information is displayed in multiple locations throughout Arcade now. You can quickly find them, see what they're playing and join in the fun * Tell A Friend - You can send messages to your friends and boast about your latest achievements and high scores
Additional Spring 2007 Autoupdate Issues * ISSUE 1: Cheating Corrupt Files Issue We may see an increase in the number of users calling stating their saved game files are corrupt after the Spring autoupdate. Please refer and code to the following article for these issues: [KB# not up yet - ask after update ;)] [/QUOTE]
A bit of info about the update and modified DVD firmwares: As general rule, if you have a modified DVD FW we always suggest you wait till more details come in before you update your console or you can flash back the original FW. As always, update is at your own risk. As you know from previous news Commodore4Eva received information that Microsoft is working on a way to detect backup discs (the disc, not the flashed drive!). He already released a new Xtreme v5.3 firmware for Toshiba-Samsung TS-H943 with added Disc-Jitter to Challenge Types 5/7 to pass this extra check Microsoft might do. So if Microsoft adds the Disc-Jitter check to the Spring 2007 Update and you have a TS-H943 drive with the new v5.3 Xtreme FW, you should be fine (assuming they didn't add any other checks of course). If you have a Hitachi-LG GDR-3120L drive with modified FW, we STRONGLY suggest you do NOT upgrade your dash/kernel yet. These modified FWs do NOT have disc-jitter added yet, so if Microsoft added this check they will detect backup discs. People are working on a quick patch for Hitachi-LG Xtreme v2.x FW to just add Disc-Jitter and eventually it'll catch up the Toshiba-Samsung drive to bring it to v5.3 as well. We'll of course let you know as soon as any if this gets released ;) What will Microsoft do when they detect this? That's something we don't know atm, we'll have to wait for the update. They will probably stop the game from booting, but they could start banning consoles from LIVE too (even if that might cause bad press) or who knows what they planned ;). We'll have to wait and see ... but remember Microsoft has the tradition (see Xbox1) to ban consoles with delay, so don't take conclusions too fast ;)
>> T3CH released a new SVN compile (rev8807) of XboxMediaCenter(info) for Xbox1. This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in SVN at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.
Special Notes and Noteworthy/XML/Script changes: * Changed : PM3 Removed Dashboard button from the shutdown menu and replaced it with a button to the new Favourites menu. This means you can get to your favourites from anywhere now. For those people who don't use xbmc as their default dash just add your dash to the favourites menu instead. * Added: Smart playlist editor for music. Accessible from Playlists in music library, and on context menu on/in an existing smart playlist. * I'm including the XBMC Win32 PC environment.exe that is meant for skinners & python developers, read more about the concept here. It was built using Microsoft DirectX Summer 2004 SDK. * I've tweaked the win32 run_me_first.bat so it runs and then unmounts the virtual drives when you exit.
Keep in mind this is a SVN snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
>> From next-gen.biz: [QUOTE] Production costs of the Xbox 360 Elite have dropped to $323.30 per unit based on the latest estimates by research firm iSuppli. The lowered production costs are good news for Microsoft, while Sony's production costs remain far higher than the PS3's retail price.
The total cost of producing a 60GB PS3 stands at $840.35 compared to $323.20 for an Xbox 360 Elite. The 60GB PS3 retails at $599 while the Xbox 360 Elite can be purchased for $479. [/QUOTE]
Xtreme firmware 5.3A,5.3B,5.3C,5.3D for TS-H943 Xbox 360
>> Commodore4eva released a new version of his firmware for the Toshiba-Samsung TS-H943 Xbox360 drive with added protection against the new checks/detection Microsoft will probably add in the spring2007 dashboard/kernel update (coming next week). Whats New: (v5.3) Disc-Jitter added for Challenge Types 5/7 to avoid possible replay detection. Disc-Jitter is slight randomization added to the result of Challenge types 5 and 7 so as to emulate a result from an actual physical drive. This is to avoid any possible replay detection. (v5.3) Support added for DVD drive to Report as Hitachi 79
Official Site: n/a (by commodore4eva) Download: n/a (May be illegal under DMCA/EULA) News-Source: xbins.org
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