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Week of November 7, 2004
Halo 2 Modding Group
>> Several skilled and known Halo1 modders joined forced to form a new Halo2 modding group. From tf6.epgservers.net:
[QUOTE]
The Fantastic 6 is a group of modders, many of whom have been modding Halo since before it was cool or easy. We are dedicated to releasing the most cutting edge Halo 2 mods around.
As a modding group we have developed a set of tools which allow us to perform otherwise impossible feats of modding magic. However, we are a modding group, not a developer group. As such, we release mods, not tools. If you want modding tools, find a developer group.
[/QUOTE]
They already have a complete set of offset lists for PAL and NTSC singleplayer and multiplayer maps and as exception they also released one essential tool available for download that allows you to re-sign a modified map with the Encryptomatic Signature which allows Halo 2 to load the map without giving a dirty disk error.
Official Site and Download: http://tf6.epgservers.net
News-Source: halomods.com
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(Saturday 13 November 2004 21:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X3 1959 and FlashBIOS v3.03 and X3 Logo Competition
>> From TeamXecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
* X3 Config Live: Bios Build 1959 Released:
- fixed: widescreen bug. Now switches to 16:9 instead of 14:9
- fixed: ram timing issues. Now works fine with cheap Hynix RAM (v1.6b)
* Xecuter FlashBIOS(info) v3.03 (fixed) Released:
Tested working on v1.0 v1.1 v1.2 v1.3 v1.4 v1.5 v1.6 v1.6b
Some users reported sometimes slow boot on v1.6 but perfect on all others inc v1.6b. For v1.6b detection RAM is usually Hynix and v1.6 RAM is usually Samsung.
* Our good friends (allxboxskins.com) have launched the new X3 Logo section and we are giving away a FREE X3 + X3 Control Panel with intergrated LCD screen to the winning entry!
Specs for the logo are:
Filename: e:x3logo.bmp
Dimensions: 180 x 50 pixels
Format: 24 bit / 256 Colors
Default trans color is hex - FF00FF (magenta)
Get your ass over to http://www.allxboxskins.com/logos/index.php
The winner will be picked by Xecuter on 20th December ! Be the first to get the brand new X3 Control Panel :-)
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxecuter.com
Download FlashBios v3.0.3: here
Download X3 BIOS/OS: n/a (built with XDK)
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(Saturday 13 November 2004 14:04 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Live Banning Survey Program
>> From intradream.com:
[QUOTE]
As most of you know Microsoft has started banning users from Xbox Live even if they haven’t done anything unusual. So the forums have been bombarded with different theories on how and why they got banned.
To help us get a better idea of what is going on I created a “Survey” program. With this application you can submit information about your Xbox/Modchip/Live/etc. The information you submit is all optional, but of course, the more information you submit the better the results will be.
NOTE: All information will be kept anonymous and will only be given to authorized Xbox Scene development teams.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.intradream.com
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Saturday 13 November 2004 13:43 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X-Tender/Xenium Competition Judging Begins
>> From Team X-Tender/Team Xodus:
[QUOTE]
Phase one of Xtender/Xenium competition is now officially over and we are overwhelmed at the tremendous amount of entries that have come in. We would like to thank you for your participation and are really flattered by your enthusiasm and response, which makes our decision to involve all of you, a definite winner! Short-listing and judging has already begun with results expected in the next few days.
Once a final name is picked we will announce phase two of our competition series, "Design the logo".
Thank you once again and also a very big thanks to Xbox-Scene for hosting such a successful competition. Good luck!
Team Xodus and Team Xtender
[/QUOTE]
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(Friday 12 November 2004 21:23 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SmartXX-OS build 3329 beta
>> From smartxx.com:
[QUOTE]
New Public Beta SmartXX-OS(info)!
This should solve Xbox v1.6B issues.
Sorry for the delay, but unlike other teams, we wanted to test it internally and it is now tested on about 1000 boxes already.
Downgrading to stable OS version 3327 is possible!
Thx to www.console-repairs.co.uk for testing.
ATTENTION! This is a Beta release and has possibly bugs!
Only upgrade if you know what you are doing!
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.smartxx.com
Download: here
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(Friday 12 November 2004 19:14 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X2 Bios Manager v2.3
>> Team Xecuter released a new version of Xecuter2 Bios Manager(info).
What's new/fixed:
* Now Supports Evox M8 Plus & M8 Bios's hacked with EVtool(info)
* Updated bios.ini with all latest X3 Bios's and some others
* Added X3 01 AD detect for possible X2.6 Programmer hack to flash first 1mb of X3 mod
Official Site: http://www.teamxecuter.com
Download: here
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(Friday 12 November 2004 15:12 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
(Japan) PStwo sales boost, Xbox outsold the GameCube
>> From GamesIndustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Sales of the new slimline PlayStation 2 reached around 91,000 according to some estimates, representing a huge increase over the 17,000 sales reported in the previous week; while Media Create reports that the console achieved almost 75 per cent share of the Japanese console hardware market last week.
The Xbox outsold the GameCube for the first week since its launch, taking 3.24 per cent of the market compared with 3.04 per cent for Nintendo's console.
Dead Or Alive Ultimate entered the software ranking at number three this week, the first Xbox title to enter the top ten since Dead Or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball, and sales of the console were undoubtedly boosted by the availability of a bundle deal featuring an Xbox and a copy of the game.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article at GamesIndustry.biz.
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(Friday 12 November 2004 12:25 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
FlashBIOS v3.03 and Delayed Supply of X2.6/X3 Due Reflashing *updated*
>> From TeamXecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
Here is a new version of Xecuter FlashBIOS(info). A few bugs fixed. Also correct version display in httpd. Tested working fine on all versions of Xbox including v1.6b. With v1.6 models you need to use standard AV cables or you wont get any video.
*UPDATE* DOWNLOAD REMOVED DUE TO A SMALL BUG - WILL UPLOAD NEW VERSION SHORTLY
Supply will be delayed to resellers as we have had to recall a large number of X2.6 & X3 in order for them to be reflashed. We suggest if you are buying a mod and you have a brand new Xbox - that if the manufacture date is after 13th September you should assume you have a v1.6b and you should notify your reseller so they can make sure you have the correct FlashBIOS version flashed to the mod. If the date is before the 13th you dont have anything to worry about.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxecuter.com
Download: REMOVED DUE BUG
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(Friday 12 November 2004 11:18 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XLink Kai Halo2 Flickering Fix
>> A new update of XLink Kai(info) - the global gaming network that allows you to play system-link enabled games online for free - has been released. From teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
We've rolled out another update that you'll get automagically when you run Kai next, that should help with people complaining about the flickering Halo 2 games. Please be patient before evaluating the tweaks, as *everybody* needs to be running the new engine.
Feedback would be very helpful. Thanks guys, especially for hitting up the users to record levels. We couldn't do it without your support :)
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxlink.co.uk
Download: auto-update next time you launch XLink Kai
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(Thursday 11 November 2004 23:53 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SmartJoy FRAG works with Halo 2 and Japanese Collector's Edition Promotion
>> From Lik-Sang.com:
[QUOTE]
Halo 2 is finally here. And it's a monster. But what the makers of Halo 2 would never have expected is now possible: Play Halo 2 with Keyboard and Mouse. The SmartJoy FRAG Keyboard and Mouse Adapter has been extensively tested with Halo 2 and will boost your gaming experience to a new level. To celebrate the launch the Halo 2 Limited Collector's Edition NTSC/J is sold for a very special price of US$ 34.90 only (Free Shipping Worldwide). Please understand that this offer is valid only until all the stock is gone.
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 11 November 2004 21:52 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
KernelBasher Source Code
>> From kernelbase.com:
[QUOTE]
To keep with the rules of the GPL licence, we are releasing the source code for v1 of KernelBasher(info).
Download: here (account on kernelbase required)
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 11 November 2004 20:26 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Windows Media Center Extender for Xbox Released
>> The Microsoft Windows Media Center Extender for Xbox has been released this week in North-America. Momdad bought one and took some pictures of the product for us!
The Media Center Extender is an 'official' alternative to XboxMediaCenter(info), it will allow you to connect your Xbox console with a Windows Media Center PC. It allows you to 'stream' several services from your MCE PC onto your TV through the Xbox:
* Watch and record television shows.
* Enjoy a free integrated TV Program Guide with no fees.
* Access your Media Center PC’s digital media library music, videos, and pictures.
* Stay connected with instant messaging and Xbox Live™.
* Watch DVD movies.
* Listen to FM and Internet radio.
More Pictures: back of the box - inside of box - remote close-up.
More info about this product is available on xbox.com. If your Xbox is modified you better get XboxMediaCenter thought ... it's not only a lot cheaper (free to be exact) it's also better for video and music playback :-). For Live-TV and recording there's also a free alternative on Xbox, run mythTV on an Xbox-Linux distro.
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(Thursday 11 November 2004 13:54 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft Set To Release Three Xbox2 Models?
>> From totalvideogames.com:
[QUOTE]
The Inquirer is today reporting Microsoft’s intention to release three models of the Xbox2, one of which appears to be a fully functioning PC device, whilst the other two are based closer to a home console – one with a HDD, the other without.
It’s believed that the leak stems from a presentation held within the UK, suggesting that the Xbox 2 and Xbox 2 HD are planned for release in Autumn 2005, followed by the launch of the Xbox 2 PC in Autumn 2006.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole articel on totalvideogames.com, TheInquirer.net, GamesIndustry.biz.
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(Thursday 11 November 2004 09:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Building a Linux XBOX Cluster
>> From samzenpus on games.slashdot.org:
[QUOTE]
Getting Linux to work on an XBOX became relatively easy a few years ago, and building an XBOX render farm became the next logical solution. Anandtech bought 8 XBOXes and clustered them into a neat project any hardware hacker could appreciate. Check out the results as Anand pits his 8-way cluster against some XEON and Opteron workstations as well.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks to ivc for the link.
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(Wednesday 10 November 2004 23:37 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Team Xecuter turns one of our biggest critics
>> From TeamXecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
With a growing market in Australia we identified a need to establish an official Xecuter Store in the region and recently asked for applications from interested parties.
We received lots of applications from supporters of our products who wanted to be our official partner and distribute our product range in Australia, amongst the applicants we received an email from an old "nemesis" called The Mad Maragan (Mike) who requested a meeting on IRC. As a result of this meeting it was decided that Mike was the most suitable person to fulfill this role. Mike is one of the founding members of OzXChip, a team leader from OzXodus and one of the original designers of the 4th Generation of modchips.
Mike has a great understanding of the Xbox and understands the need for excellence in customer service to complement our extensive manufacturing capabilities and talented design team. One of the biggest concerns that Mike raised during discussions with us was our ability to meet the demand for Xecuter products as availability of stock and delivery times within Australia has been an issue that isolated the Australian market and has caused Mike much grief in recent times. With our manufacturing facilities in Asia being located so close and our large reserve stocks of Xecuter products we are extremely confident that Australia will never be made to follow behind the rest of the world.
Our Australian customers can now purchase our X3, X2.6 and Xapter products from Mike's new store at http://www.xecuter.com.au with our upcoming products being added to the store's catalogue at the same time as they hit the streets in other markets.
To celebrate this new presence in Australia, Mike is offering special pricing on X3 and X2.6 for the month of November along with some fabulous giveaways.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 10 November 2004 23:18 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Halo 2 sells 2.4 million units in 1day
>> From news.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft beat even its own heady expectations for the hotly anticipated Xbox game "Halo 2," selling more than $125 million of the product its first day in stores.
The software giant on Wednesday reported sales of 2.38 million units for the game in the 24 hours since it went on sale in the United States and Canada at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.
Thieves briefly cast a shadow over the "Halo 2" launch last month, when a stolen French copy of the game began appearing on file-swapping sites. Microsoft quickly cracked down on distribution of the pirated copy, however, and the theft appeared to have no impact on retail demand.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole story on news.com.
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(Wednesday 10 November 2004 22:26 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
DOSXBox v8
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(Wednesday 10 November 2004 16:57 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New Xbox LIVE Banning
>> 'It's Good To Play Together' ... but not anymore if you modded your Xbox.
From all the reports we get in our Xbox LIVE forum section it's clear Microsoft added new checks on their Xbox Live service.
Here's a quote from shanafan the X-S XLIVE forum moderator:
[QUOTE]
Ever since Xbox Live came out officially, people who accessed Xbox Live with their modchip on were banned. Live detected the modified BIOS that was loaded, and the Xbox's EEPROM (the unique identity of each Xbox) was banned. However, their Xbox Live account was still safe. So, these banned users got a different EEPROM from various sources, and they were back onto Xbox Live.
That has been the way for a long time, and was the way to get banned, unless you used a Xbox Live cheat or was a disruptive gamer.
However, until recently, it seems MS is taking extreme measures to stop people with modified Xboxes from accessing Xbox Live, even with their modchip off.
[/QUOTE]
The Xbox Live Director of Programming already said a few weeks ago they were working on adding new 'security updates' to LIVE.
At this moment it's unknown what Microsoft is exactly checking when you log-in. There are many things they could check: HDD serial/model, HDD-EEprom match, crc check of xboxdash.xbe, search for specific files on HD (example c:/evoxdash.xbe), specific hacked or modified gamesaves, ...
While the banning does NOT appear to be game specific heinrich found the Halo2 .xbe is also checking kernel and HDD:
0x0041158C, "XboxHardwareInfo"
0x00411594, "XboxKrnlVersion"
0x00411770, "HalDiskSerialNumber"
0x00411774, "HalDiskModelNumber"
etc
It also seems (several days ago already) that many people who got banned previously and changed their EEprom to unban themselves are now banned again. This is probably because MS not bans an Xbox only based on the EEprom, but now probably also based on the HDD info. Team SmartXX proved some months ago MS was already sending HDD info to the LIVE servers during sign-in().
While waiting for more research to be done on these new checks, if you want to make sure you won't get banned best it is best to remove the xbox LIVE account from your modified Xbox console (save it on a memory card first so you can easily restore it).
If you still have your fully unchanged (no F, no homebrew files or modified gamesaves) retail Xbox HD - it *should* be safe to login with it and modchip off ofcourse. That's of course if you never connected to LIFE with your swapped HD 'cause MS might have detected it some weeks or months ago. It's not because they ban now that they only start tracking it now.
Right now it's doesn't seem all modded Xbox consoles are getting banned - but keep in mind they ban with a delay. So if you log-in on LIVE today it's possible you'll only get refused access tomorrow. It also looks like Microsoft only bans actual consoles and not gamertags.
If you want to play Halo 2 or other games against people around the world you can still use tunneling software like XLink Kai(info) and XBConnect(info) of course :-)
More Information About New LIVE Checks: forums.xbox-scene.com (forums are VERY busy atm 'cause several sites are linking to it - so you may want to surf it off peak or tomorrow).
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(Wednesday 10 November 2004 15:32 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBMC and Kai
>> From teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
XboxMediaCenter(info) - xboxmediacenter.com - has just updated its SourceForge CVS - and support for XLink Kai(info) has been massively improved. Amongst other features, we have got voice working (using the excellent Avalaunch(info) - teamavalaunch.com - port of SPEEX for the XBox). XBox <--> XBox and XBox <--> PC chatting works really nicely, and you can chat in "groups".
XBMC now supports private arenas, creating arenas, avatars, invites and lots of other KaiUI features. XBMC is also your friend if you intend to use a Linux-router like the WRT54G to run your Kai Engine - you could get a really nice setup, with XBMC and kaid - so no computer would be needed :) Look at these nice pictures, then read on:
More Pictures: 02 - 03 - 04
I'd like to take a second to thank runtime from XBMC for his time over the last few days - this new XBMC *really* rocks when using Kai - but incase you didn't know, it's not bad at media either - :P - supporting just about every format of audio / video available! If you have a modified XBox, you *need* this application. Go to the usual places, and download it. It's rumoured that Bill himself uses XBMC ... fancy a bit of Team-Slayer, Bill?
Lastly, I'd like a round of applause for ChokeManiac - critikill.net - for his awesome Project Mayhem II skin for XBMC - I think you'll all agree that it looks damn sweet.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 10 November 2004 10:17 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
neXBC alpha .1.3 for XBConnect PRO users
>> From xbconnect.com:
[QUOTE]
I have opened neXBC (next evolution XBConnect(info)) alpha to public testing with our pro users. You can grab the latest executable here. Ducati has put together a nice tutorial for us to get you started.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 10 November 2004 10:04 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Halo 2 to Reach $100 Million First Day Sales
>> From Reuters.com:
[QUOTE]
"I'm calling a $100 million day on 'Halo' today," Peter Moore, a corporate vice president in Microsoft's games division, said at the Harris Nesbitt investment conference in New York.
In addition to around 1.5 million pre-sold units, Moore said one retailer sold 8,500 units in the first 11 minutes of sales, while another sold 200,000 units by daybreak Tuesday.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on Reuters.com.
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(Tuesday 09 November 2004 23:58 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
User Interface X XM-Tool v01.00.05 and Logo Contest Results
>> From teamuix.com:
[QUOTE]
* The Logo Contest results are in!
Hi peoples, the votes are in and heres the winner, congrats to the artist and thanks to all who participated in this logo contest.
The winner is: drlovehoff
* 11.09.04.user.interface.x.xm.tool.01.00.05
Summary: Allows conversion from directx .x mesh format into proper dash .xm format as well as a viewer for both .x and .xm files. batch conversion between mesh.x and mesh.xm directories currently only supported for .x->.xm conversions. simply put all the .x meshes you wish to convert to .xm in the mesh.x dir - run the app and select 'file/batch.convert'
Just one of many tools still in the works for getting the most out of your user.interface.x experience - enjoy
ScreenShot: view
Download: here
[/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 09 November 2004 21:53 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Gentoox Loader v4.7
>> From ShALLaX on gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
After the Generous donation of a v1.6b Xbox from Team Xecuter I was able to narrow down (with a lot of help from 'dmp' and a lot of help from random stabbing in the dark) the cause of Cromwell(info) not booting on these Xboxes. So here's Gentoox Loader(info) v4.7 which seems to boot fine on all Xboxes. Give it a try and let me know!
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://gentoox.shallax.com
Download: here
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(Tuesday 09 November 2004 19:17 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xecuter FlashBIOS v3.02 Beta Testing
>> Team Xecuter.com released a new version of Xecuter FlashBIOS(info):
[QUOTE]
Tested working fine here on v1.6B. Can we have some feedback from the scene please - need testing with X2.6 & X3 - all Xbox versions. HTTP / Disc / HDD Flashing and Lock Unlock drives.
Please post feedback to this thread.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxecuter.com
Download: here
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(Tuesday 09 November 2004 14:40 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New SmartXX Package
>> From smartxx.com:
[QUOTE]
We have now included the v1.6 Rebuild PCB with each SmartXX package free of charge !
All resellers should now have v1.6 rebuild PCB's in stock so feel free to ask them if they have received their stocks ;)
[/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 09 November 2004 14:13 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Update XBMC Donations for DVD-menu campaign
>> Gamester17 posted an update of the 'Donations for DVD-menu in XBMC' campaign.
From xboxmediacenter.com:
[QUOTE]
Just thought we let everyone that the campaign is going very well which shows the demand for this feature, the fund have already received over 100 donations and so far the fund total is at just over $1,800(US), which includes one very generous donation today of $500(US) from Team-Xecuter (who said they will also donate 5 x X3-modchips to the fund). Short progress-report on the actual code development; our XBMC devs working on this internally have got basic DVD playback working and menus are also partially working, all showing great promise.
Make your donation towards DVD-menu support in XBMC via PayPal: $25, $50, $100 or other. If like to make a none-PayPal (money or maybe a gift) donation please contact Gamester17.
Forum discussion: Donations for DVD-menu in XBMC campaign (link)
[/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 09 November 2004 11:51 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
DOSXBox v7
>> Xport released a new version of DOSXBox(info) - a 286/386 PC Emulator.
What's new/fixed:
* Autoexec lines were no longer being automatically created in v6. This is fixed.
* Added support for USB connectors on your joypad upper/lower memory card slots. Unfortunately I cannot test this, so someone will need to let me know if this works or not.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Forum Discussion Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Tuesday 09 November 2004 11:20 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X3 News: New Package, Control Panel Ready and FlashBIOS v3.01 Sources
>> Lots of news has just been posted on TeamXecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
* Blank Screen After Flashing X3 Bios?
We saw a number of our users reporting that their X3 install went perfectly - FlashBIOS came on screen correctly etc - however after flashing with the X3 Bios they simply got a black screen (No Video or Sound) however a solid green LED and NO frag.
At first we figured there was possibly a bug in FlashBIOS but was a little dumbfounded as thousands had used it successfully on all Xbox versions with no problems whatsoever.
So we had one of our users send their Xbox to us. After testing flash with HTTP / Disc & HDD thats exactley what happened - a black screen with no video and sound.
One thing that would work fine was the X2 bios or even the Evox and Ind Bios 256k bios's - so could it possibly be something to do with flashing bios's < than 256k ?
Then it dawned on us - All bios's will boot perfectly with a standard LPC install - however the X3 Bios utilizies LPC points 13 & 14 to tap into the i2c bus for X3 Config Live. We cracked open the Xbox, touched up points 13 & 14 on the LPC and fired it up. Waddya know - X3 Config Live came on screen Wink
So to all of you who have this problem - make sure those two points are soldered correctly and all your troubles will be over. Thanks to Jez for sending us his Xbox :-)
* Xecuter FlashBIOS(info) v3.01 Sources Released
We are happy to release the source code for FlashBIOS v3.01 to the scene. Based on Cromwell(info), we added full HTTP server implementation so you can flash bios via your webserver and also HDD lock/unlock support as well as improved flash from hdd and disc functions. I'm sure others can make use of this code to develop further for other mods and maybe an FTPD. If you use our HTTPD please give relevant credits.
Thanks to the Xbox Linux Team and Xecuter's Linux developers for this code.
NB: Does not currently work in v1.6b - we are working on it - or maybe someone will beat us to it :-)
Download: here
* X3 Control Panel Ready For Production
Our much anticipated X3 Control Panel is now ready to roll of the production lines. As you can see we have now added 2 x USB ports that can piggy back onto gameports 3 & 4. The first shipment will be Black however we will be manufacturing Crystal and Green versions also.
The plastic moulding process has now been perfected and the material matches the Xbox wonderfully.
We feel this is the coolest add-on yet for the Xbox and will score many geek points with your buddies - order now in time for a Christmas delivery !
You can expect pricing to be around $60 / £35
More Pictures: 02 - 03 - 04 - 05
* New X3 Package
We have now included the v1.6 Rebuild PCB with each X3 package free of charge !
The new batches will be shipped to resellers within the next week. We have also included the v1.6 Rebuild PCB with the X2.6 packages free of charge for good measure. Resellers can expect them to filter through in the nxt 1-2 weeks.
All resellers should now have v1.6 rebuild PCB's in stock so feel free to ask them if they have received their stocks.
[/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 09 November 2004 09:06 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 2 hardware begins to shape up
>> From theinquirer.net:
[QUOTE]
Sources have told us that ATI is now starting to roll out the R500 part which will be the basis of Xbox 2, ahead of the machine's launch on January 5 at the Consumer Electronics Show.
R500 is a Shader Model 3.0 part, and will be similar to the R520 part that will be its next generation PC graphics chip. The tape out will be a relief to developers, who have been working on the 9800 class hardware that shipped in the Xbox 2 development kits.
We are hearing conflicting reports about backwards compatibility of the Xbox 2 hardware with Xbox 1, which appears to be one of the reasons for the delay. One camp is telling us that ATI is having a hard time making Xbox software work because of all the Nvidia-specific routines that were programmed in games.
Another source is telling us that Nvidia is being more than a little awkward about releasing details of how its chips work to its rivals, and that Microsoft is sitting awkwardly in the middle. The lacerations of pens on paper were rumoured to be coming from the offices of m'learned fiends.
[/QUOTE]
Go read the whole article on theinquirer.net.
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(Tuesday 09 November 2004 08:47 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Team XOS New Website and neXgen News
>> From HoRnEyDvL on xboxopensource.com:
[QUOTE]
XboxOpenSource.com has a new design something new, fresh & clean I hope you enjoy it. If you have any suggestion or recomendations then please leave us a messange on our forums.
Nexgen news. Well all the people that have been in our chatroom on EFnet would probably know what's going on. If you haven't been in there well I guess you miseed out pop in & you might find out. The devs have put alot of work in it. They have also banned me from having any beta alpha version or even source till they finished so I know as much as what the person next door to you knows. They just said I'm in for a suprise...
[/QUOTE]
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(Monday 08 November 2004 23:58 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
EVtool v1.0.9
>> NghtShd released a new version of EVtool(info) - the Evox M8 XBOX BIOS Pack, Unpack, and Patch Tool. What's new/fixed:
* Fixed failure to patch in IGR code on newly supported kernels.
* Removed support for outdated BIOS's (only M8+ and meetoo M8 BFMs supported).
Official Site: http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/evtool.html
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Monday 08 November 2004 19:58 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
EvolutionX M8+ BIOS
>> From readme/nfo/website:
[QUOTE]
Now works on Xbox v1.6B also.
* M8plus.bin is a new BIOS based on the latest 5838 kernel, and has the same features as M7, It will work on XBOX versions (1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5)
* M8plus_16.BIN is also based on the 5838 kernel and has the same features as M7. It will ONLY work on XBOX version 1.6 and 1.6B
This bios wont work on X2 lite/lite+ series off bank 1!
Thanx to Team Executer for bringing attention to this issue.
Thanx to Franz for uncovering the problem.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.evolutionx.info
Download: n/a (contains MS copyrighted code)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Monday 08 November 2004 16:31 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
EVtool v1.0.7 *updated v1.0.8*
>> NghtShd released a new version of EVtool(info) - the Evox M8 XBOX BIOS Pack, Unpack, and Patch Tool.
What's new/fixed (v1.0.7):
* Support for Yoshihiro-M8-1.6B.
* Support for metoo M8 BFMs.
What's new/fixed (v1.0.8):
* Support for Evox M8+
Official Site: http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/evtool.html
Download v1.0.8: here
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Monday 08 November 2004 14:30 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Revamped Xecuter3 Test Rig
>> From TeamXecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
As a further improvement to our quality assurance process, we have designed a rig which runs each X3 through every test including LPC header, read / write of main/backup flash, all led's, enable/disable/backup functions, all IO pads (for LCD etc) from both solder pads and from connector.
Every tester at the factory has one of these rigs on their desk. This has somewhat slowed down the factories output by 20% per day, however the chances of a faulty mod arriving in a users mailbox is now extremely remote. Here's some pics for those interested.
More Pictures: close-up - enable-test - disable-test - backup-test.
[/QUOTE]
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(Monday 08 November 2004 13:02 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Halo 2 Reviews *updated*
>> All big gaming websites were finally allowed to post their reviews of Halo 2 today. Check out reviews on TeamXbox, Gamespot, IGN and GameSpy.
9.9/10, 9.4/10, 9.8/10, 5/5: all near perfect scores of course, or what did you expect? ;)
*UPDATE* GamesIndustry.biz also reports that Halo2 might drive enough software sales to give the Microsoft's Home and Entertainment division its first profitable quarter since the arrival of the Xbox. In the most recent quarter the division still had losses of $273 million USD. As Halo 2 should easily sell over 5 million copies (1.5 million are pre-ordered in N-america alone) it can generate +$200 million in sales.
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(Sunday 07 November 2004 22:07 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
OpenXDK v0.05
>> A new version of OpenXDK(info) has been released - an Open Source, Free and Legal Xbox Development Kit. From craig on openxdk.org:
[QUOTE]
The feature that is of most interest is audio support. Currently, only 16-bit stereo 44kHz samples are supported, but auto-conversion for other types will be supported soon. The SDL_Audio layer will attempt to convert to something playable, but the conversion is still experimental.
In addition to this, OpenXDK also supports SDL_File, SDL_Timer, SDL_Thread, SDL_Mutex and SDL_Semaphore.
This release also contains a couple of minor bugfixes to the newlib/libc layer.
A huge thank you to Andy Green (for writing the original Cromwell(info) sound layer and answering my ridiculously naive audio questions) and also to the guys on the comp.lib.sdl newsgroup for their patience and advice.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.openxdk.org
Download: here
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(Sunday 07 November 2004 19:57 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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MooGUI v1.2.0
>> Moobar released a new version of MooGUI(info) - an xISO GUI tool with FTP and dash support. What's new/fixed:
* Multi-game "layout" maker
* Remove missing game folder files from layout.
* Layout viewer
* FTP download from Xbox with Boost Mode (Avalaunch(info) only)
* Simple FTP Browser
* Support for OEIBuf when released by CloneXB(info). (Currently not enabled)
Official Site: http://xboxlyt.freeunixhost.com
Download: here
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(Sunday 07 November 2004 16:59 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
DOSXBox v6
>> Xport released a new version of DOSXBox(info) - a 286/386 PC Emulator.
What's new/fixed:
* Every file gets a unique configuration regardless of whether or not the filename is unique. This fixes the configuration problems where different games have the same executable filename (e.g. play.exe ). This also fixes the screenshot filenames.
* Added configuration option to enable VSync. This should fix the screen tearing but performance will suffer with it enabled.
* Added ability to map the following keyboard keys:
+Num Lock
+Scroll Lock
+PrintScreen
+Pause/Break
* Added ability to use light gun as a mouse pointer
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Forum Disussion Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Sunday 07 November 2004 13:53 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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