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Week of August 7, 2005
Raincoat v0.10
>> ShALLaX released a new version of Raincoat(info). From gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
This incorporates a change from eXOBeX which checks that the manufacturer ID of a chip is correct (it needs an odd parity to be valid). If it is not it suggests what can be done to fix it. This should stop false-positive chip identifications (e.g. the dreaded 0x09 0x00 write-protected chip error).
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://gentoox.shallax.com and http://www.xbox-linux.org
Download: here (or run magic under gentoox)
Xbox game development costs the most
>> From GameSpot.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft's Xbox is the most costly platform for game development, followed by Sony's PlayStation 2 and Nintendo's GameCube, says the latest report by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA) in Japan. This week's issue of Famitsu covers figures from 2004 given by CESA, which calculated the average development costs for games on current-gen platforms. The reported figures are based on development fees that were voluntarily disclosed by 28 companies.
According to CESA, the Xbox is the most expensive due to the platform's high-end hardware specs. Development figures taken from 13 Xbox games came to an average of 202 million yen ($1.85 million), more than double the cost of other platforms.
The PlayStation 2 ranked as the second-most-costly platform to make games for, with development figures for 194 games averaging 96 million yen ($877,000). The GameCube came in third, with figures taken from 11 games averaging 90 million yen ($822,000).
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on GameSpot.com.
GS's Rumor Control: Leaked EB list, Allard mountain biking accident and more
>> From this week's Gamespot Rumor Control:
[QUOTE]
RUMOR: Microsoft Corporate Vice President and Chief XNA Architect J Allard got a boo-boo from mountain biking. (source gamesasylum.com)
Bogus or not bogus?: Not Bogus. Get well, J.
RUMOR: EBGames.com has leaked the list of launch titles for the Xbox 360.
Bogus or not bogus?: This is a solid, concrete, definite, mostly Bogus (okay, now we're covering our bases). Sure some of these games will go home with day one sales of the Xbox...the question is which ones.
RUMOR: The Halo franchise is being re-worked as a strategy-based simulation game.
Bogus or not bogus?: We have to say Bogus on this one. If only because the thought of the Chief moving across a hexagonal board is creepy.
[/QUOTE]
Go read the full story of each of these rumors on GameSpot.com
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(Saturday 13 August 2005 00:55 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Krayzie Ndure Installer v1.0 and Kingroach's Ndure Installer v2.1
>> * Krayzie Ndure Installer v1.0
From readme/nfo/forums:
[QUOTE]
This installer installs (using the gamesave exploit) the Ndure exploit along with Nkpatcher(info) 10 and the EvolutionX(info) or UnleashX(info) dashboard. There will also be an install of a complete Virtual C drive and a virtual Eeprom. The virtual C will be set up with an unmodded MSdashboard so it can be used without problems. The Virtual files are hidden on the real C drive and cannot easily be altered or deleted.
The Ndure exploit has the ability to load up to a stock state by using the eject button from where you could launch a retail game and access live. However you will have no access to any network settings or the live dashboard in this state. If you do want Live dashboard access you can switch the mod off temporary using this exploit. You could also launch retail games by loading them from bootup and access live that way. Either way of going live you are always able to receive game updates.
The installer only works on dashboard version 5960 (current latest dashboard). If the dashboard is too low you can upgrade by accessing the live tab in a recent Xbox live game or by connecting to the live
server.
[/QUOTE]
Full readme/nfo: xbins.org
* Kingroach's Ndure Installer v2.1
Kingroach also made a similar PC-version (as opposed to the game-save version above) of an NDURE exploit installer (installs over FTP) some time ago. Latest version of this installer is v2.1. You can find more info about it in this forum thread:
[QUOTE]
Ndure installer installs includes necessary files needed to run ndure on a xbox. This installer includes very basic sets of files and also advance components and configuartion for users. This can also be used a patcher for C drive files to enable Ndure.
[/QUOTE]
* NDURE exploit?
NDURE (Next dimension uber rmenhal exploit): Ndure is derived from UEEE. It uses xonlinedash.xbe from special 4920 MS dash. Instead of looking for fonts in C:/fonts folder, It looks for fonts in C:/xodash folder. This feature enables you to have a unmodified retail MS dash in C drive. It uses more stable fonts than UXE/UDE2. It allows you to run a alternative tray state modded-unmodded setup just like modchips, in unmodded state it has the ability to launch MS dash which will allow easier acces to XBL system. It does not mean that Ndure is safe from XBL banning. If MS checks you HD and finds modified files, they can still ban you.
Official Site: n/a, by Krayzie (game-save version) - Kingroach (pc-version)
Official Forum: forums.xbox-scene.com and forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (contains files built with XDK)
Reasons why the Xbox 360 will fail (or not) in Japan
>> From 1up.com:
[QUOTE]
After an embarrassing rookie season in Japan, Microsoft and its latest Xbox console bounced back at its Tokyo Xbox Summit 2005, where it proudly announced every single Japanese publisher is along for the Xbox 360 ride. Ridge Racer is coming, so is Final Fantasy and mega-popular Winning Eleven. Things look upbeat.
There are enough reasons (we have ten) to believe things will be different next round, and Xbox 360 will eat away at PlayStation's dominance in Japan. Yet there are those who still believe Japan will never embrace a non-Japanese game console (and we've got ten reasons why these arm-chair analysts are correct.) Warm up your typing fingers as we give you ten reasons why Xbox 360 could kick ass in Japan, and ten reasons why it could bomba bomba in Kutaragi's backyard.
[/QUOTE]
Go read the '20 reasons' on 1up.com.
X05 event confirmed for Amsterdam
>> From TeamXbox.com:
[QUOTE]
Today Microsoft lifted the shroud of mystery surrounding the location for X05 and confirmed that Amsterdam will be the city to host this years X0 event.
X05 will be held on October 4th and 5th this year and will offer global industry leaders the chance to fully experience Xbox 360; including the first opportunity to play next generation games.
As previous events have shown, location is a key part of the X0 mix. X01 was memorably held in Pierre Cardin's Bubble House in Cannes, whilst La Isla Magica (Seville) was the theme-park location of X02 and X03 saw guests at an exclusive beach club location in Juan-les-Pins.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on TeamXbox.com.
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(Friday 12 August 2005 10:33 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Incredibuild 2.40 With Xbox 360 Support
>> From devmaster.net:
[QUOTE]
Xoreax Software today announced the release of IncrediBuild v2.40. IncrediBuild speeds up Visual Studio builds by distributing C/C++ compilation tasks across machines in the local network. The latest version features support for Xbox 360 builds and includes an optimized file caching mechanism that pushes the average cut-down in build time to 90%. A 30-day evaluation version is available for download.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xoreax.com
News-Source: devmaster.net
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(Thursday 11 August 2005 23:40 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Official Xbox360 Details coming August 17th 9:30am ?
>> From 1up.com:
[QUOTE]
We've heard from analysts, pundits, and fanboys. Now, it seems, we are close to getting the true story. Our sources say that Microsoft is getting ready to announce the launch date and the price of the Xbox 360 on August 17 at 9:30 A.M. EST sharp. The spokespeople at Microsoft have no comment on this rumor, but that's hardly a surprise.
We predict that Microsoft will announce two prices next week: the Xbox 360 itself without the stand-alone hard drive will retail for $299; bundled with the drive, the package will be priced between $349-399. We also think the drive will be available separately for those consumers who bought the option one package and seek to upgrade. As for the launch date, everyone pretty much agrees that it will be November, pre-Thanksgiving.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on 1up.com.
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(Thursday 11 August 2005 17:10 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
dvd2xbox v0.7.0
>> WiSo released a new version of dvd2xbox(info). What's new/fixed:
* Second bugfix. No need to update if you're using the existing skins.
* fixed relX/relY not working in game manager and submenus of the actionmenu.
* added delay for memory calculation to avoid distorted text.
* added Jezz version of the Projekt Mayhem III skin (not the default skin yet, enter the settings to activate it).
Official Site: http://dvd2xbox.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 playable at TGS
>> From gamesradar.msn.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
Sony's PS3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360 will both be playable by the public at this year's Tokyo Game Show from 16 to 18 September, but Revolution will not be present.
This will be the first time that Sony has allowed anyone in the world to get their hands on its new PS3, while for many it will also be the first time that they have played on a real Xbox 360, particularly after we revealed that this year's E3 demo kits were Mac powered.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on gamesradar.msn.co.uk.
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(Thursday 11 August 2005 15:03 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xored ETM Mini Engine Launcher
>> Team Xored released the first version of their 'Xored Mini Launcher ETM Engine'. It allows to easily apply .ETM-trainers (EvolutionX(info) Trainer Modules - small trainer files that can be legally distributed) on Xbox games from any Xbox dashboard (it's standalone).
From forums.maxconsole.net:
[QUOTE]
To install:
Just ftp into Xbox and choose a destination dir on E:drive. Make a folder, call it what ever you want, the xbe will rename it. Then use what ever means you have to launch the engine within preferred dash. Here is an example. You could put it in the apps folder for evox. Then go into evox and scroll down to program manager and it will be listed as Xored Mini Launcher.
Once engine is running:
Our engine will auto detect your games. Meaning the engine will realize where the game you are trying to load is. It will know if it is DVD or HDD. So just scroll to the trainer you want to load and press start. Then choose options you want and press start. Then enjoy the game.
We added a rapid scroll key. It is the Left Trigger, just like the one we all have used in the EVOX dash. So getting through your trainer list will be quick and painless.
Please look for updated info on our engine in the days to come. Also watch for our updates. It will take time for the community to realize the full potential of our engine. So for now have fun with it. For all trainer authors out there, the size limit of evox is no more. Our engine will handle a much bigger ETM XBE. So go ahead and Keep those options coming. Maybe someone will train a game to play itself. Oh wait, I think that is called a demo. Never mind.
Team Xored wishes to thank all who have supported us. This release has been a long time coming and it required a lot of patients from everyone. Thank you so much. We look forward to providing our upcoming projects.
[/QUOTE]
Official Forums: forums.maxconsole.net
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Download ETM trainers: http://trainers.evolutionx.info
Mad Catz Obtains Xbox 360 Accessories License
>> News.com revealed yesterday already that Microsoft will only allow Xbox360 3rd party accessories if the manufacturer enrolls in Microsoft's licensing and royalty program. Today Mad Catz confirmed their licensing agreement with Microsoft.
From TeamXbox.com:
[QUOTE]
Mad Catz Interactive announced today financial results for the three-month period ended June 30, 2005. The company also revealed it has obtained a license to manufacture Xbox 360 accessories.
Mad Catz can only manufacture corded controllers, while Microsoft itself is making wireless controllers. The Mad Catz license agreement also excludes light guns, memory units, hard drives and cheat cards. Licensed Xbox 360 accessories include game pads, steering wheels, arcade sticks, flight sticks and dance pads.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on TeamXbox.com.
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(Thursday 11 August 2005 13:05 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 360 site updated with new game footage
>> From Joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
The official Xbox 360 site has been updated with a great new video montage featuring footage from lots of Xbox 360 games that ranges from the craptacular to spectacular.
Once you’ve loaded the site, seek out the Madden thumbnail and click that for the video.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on Joystiq.com.
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(Thursday 11 August 2005 10:45 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 360 Launch Lineup from Electronics Boutique?
>> From xbox360.ign.com:
[QUOTE]
North American retailer Electronics Boutique, which expects Microsoft to ship the Xbox 360 as early as November 2, 2005 for an MSRP of $299.99, has comprised a complete, albeit questionable, list of X360 games for the console launch, IGN learned today from several EB outlets.
The list IGN acquired from EB retailers today, features 21 launch titles, including three first-party games from Microsoft Game Studios -- Perfect Dark LE (i.e. Limited Edition), Kameo: Elements of Power, and Project Gotham Racing 3, approximate pricing, and sku numbers for every game.
EB's own data includes a $59.99 price for every Xbox 360 game, except one, Kameo, which listed at $49.99. The retailer told IGN that software prices weren't fixed yet, as Microsoft, third-party publishers, and presumably North American retailers agree on a firm prices.
EB even has Halo 3 listed as shipping July 1, 2006, presumably the same day as Sony's PlayStation 3.
[/QUOTE]
Go read the whole article on xbox360.ign.com.
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(Wednesday 10 August 2005 22:59 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
MS Seeks Entrance Fee to XBox Accessory Market
>> From games.slashdot.org:
[QUOTE]
According to CNET, Microsoft's newest licensing model for the next-generation XBox will effectively lock out 3rd-party accessory manufacturers who don't enroll in Microsoft's licensing and royalty program. The new console will employ hardware security mechanisms to ensure that only products created by developers willing to fork over cash to Microsoft can connect to and work with the console. Is Microsoft shooting itself in the foot by making traditional 'approved product' licensing mandatory for 3rd-party developers? Or will companies line up by the dozens to tithe to King Bill? Finally, will Sony follow a similar strategy to eke additional revenues out of its PlayStation 3?
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 10 August 2005 18:15 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Spong Interviews Peter Moore
>> From Spong.com:
[QUOTE]
In this frank and in-depth interview, Peter Moore offers a rare insight into the development of the Xbox program. Conducted on-site in Redmond, Washington, this interview should represent all you need to read on the emerging 360 platform and how Xbox emerged from a bare concept, became a rank outsider, and now represents a global brand worth billions.
SPOnG: Do you see the Xbox as a spiritual successor to the Dreamcast? It certainly set out to achieve a lot of the same things...
Peter Moore: Personally, yes. I always talk to Robbie about passing the baton. Dreamcast had the dream of online play though the big difference is Microsoft has the financial wherewithal to challenge the number one company at that time and to really take on the dream of online gaming and to bring global communities together. Dreamcast was dial-up. Okay, there was a latter-day broadband adapter launched, but still... I think at one point we got up to 50,000 uniques that were on SegaNet, as it was called at the time.
SPOnG: So hardware manufacture [of the original Xbox] will continue?
Peter Moore: Yeah, we're continuing. What people get confused about is they don't understand our inventory situation, where we are with componentry, chips...it's not as simple as saying "We'll, if they're not rolling off the line anymore, then it's out." I couldn't tell you the exact figure, but we're still flowing. Retail is placing its order for Christmas as we speak and the game line-up is huge, so there's nothing to worry about for the consumer who wants to buy Xbox this Christmas or into 2006.
[/QUOTE]
Go read the review on Spong.com.
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(Wednesday 10 August 2005 17:27 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Blu-Ray and HD-DVD camps clash over security features
>> From GamesIndustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
The consortiums backing rival next-generation DVD formats Blu-Ray and HD-DVD have moved to taking pot-shots at each other over security features - despite the fact that both systems are adopting near-identical technologies.
Among those measures is something called the Advanced Access Content System (AACS), which is also being used by HD-DVD and provides a content management system that apparently "enables new consumer usage models around network functionality and internet connectivity".
On top of that, Blu-Ray has a new step called the "ROM Mark", a hidden watermark on Blu-Ray discs which can only be mastered by licensed content creators and therefore cannot - in theory - be duplicated by pirates, and a system called BD+ which allows content providers to update their encryption dynamically to deal with hacks to players, thus avoiding the scenario with DVD where encrypted content could be ripped easily once the encryption had been broken once.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on GamesIndustry.biz.
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(Wednesday 10 August 2005 11:24 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 360 games cheaper than expected?
>> From pro-g.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
Recent reports have suggested that Xbox 360 games would retail for £44.99 (~65eur) when the console is launched in the UK later this year. However, Amazon.co.uk has begun listing Xbox 360 games for pre order with the prices at either £29.99 (~44eur) or £32.99 (~48eur). So far the only games listed are Call of Duty 2 - £29.99, Kameo: Elements of Power - £29.99, Perfect Dark Zero - £32.99, Quake 4 - £29.99, Tony Hawk's American Wasteland - £29.99 and GUN - £29.99.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on pro-g.co.uk.
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(Wednesday 10 August 2005 10:48 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Another Study: Gamers Prefer PS3 and Xbox 360
>> From 1up.com:
[QUOTE]
This blind study was conducted by the Strategy Group using natural selection via telephone, projected to the entire US and took place from May to July of this year. 1,558 total surveys were collected during this three month span.
Now, onto what matters! 37% are considering purchasing a PlayStation 3 over the next 12 months, with Xbox 360 close behind with 34% and Revolution trailing at 14%. That's a surprising jump for Microsoft, considering the study found only 30% owned an Xbox compared to 51% with a PlayStation 2. If this study's an indication, they've made some serious ground in the minds of gamers this past generation.
That's not all, though. The study also broke down what genres people are most looking forward two on the next-generation platforms, with racing fans looking leaning to the PlayStation 3, action and first-person-shooter fans keeping an eye on Xbox 360, and - unsurprisingly - strategy, puzzle, party and platform fans holding out for Revolution.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on 1up.com.
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(Wednesday 10 August 2005 00:04 EST) - (Category: Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
dvd2xbox v0.6.9
>> WiSo released a new version of dvd2xbox(info). What's new/fixed:
* updated to tinyxml 2.3.4 to fix special character issue in skins
* added possibility to set y position of the virtual keyboard
* item text of main menu and action menu now changeable (settings menu will follow later)
* fixed some smaller bugs in the skinning engine
* Note: Since no major bugs of the skinning engine were reported I see it as stable. Visit the skin forum http://forum.ws0.org/viewforum.php?f=14 for examples of the first skins.
Official Site: http://dvd2xbox.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
Raincoat v0.9
>> From ShALLaX on gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
Raincoat(info) now handles it's config file more gracefully. In the past when a "raincoat.conf" file was used it would cause Raincoat to forget about it's internal flash definitions... not so anymore! It will now check to see if any new flash types are defined in a given config file ("/etc/raincoat.conf" by default) - if it finds any, it will tack them on the end of it's known list.
Go run magic to update!
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://gentoox.shallax.com / http://www.xbox-linux.org
Download: For Gentoox run 'magic' or download from Xbox-Linux's sf.net
Man dies after online game marathon
>> From CNN.com:
[QUOTE]
SEOUL, South Korea -- A South Korean man who played computer games for 50 hours almost non-stop died of heart failure minutes after finishing his mammoth session in an Internet cafe, authorities said on Tuesday.
Lee had planted himself in front of a computer monitor to play on-line games on August 3. He only left the spot over the next three days to go to the toilet and take brief naps on a makeshift bed, they said.
"We presume the cause of death was heart failure stemming from exhaustion," a Taegu provincial police official said by telephone.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on CNN.com (news via joystiq.com)
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(Tuesday 09 August 2005 16:07 EST) - (Category: GamingGeneral) - (Posted by::
)
Team X-Changer website facelift and updated news
>> From TeamXChanger.com:
[QUOTE]
We redesigned the XChanger website, things are better structured now and design is more friendly. We hope you'll like it :)
We are working on he XC OS 2.2 bios these days, we plan to release it in late August, stay tuned...
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxchanger.com (news via maxconsole.net)
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(Tuesday 09 August 2005 15:25 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New reports point to 349 Euro price tag for Xbox 360 in Europe
>> From GamesIndustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Speculation over the price of Microsoft's forthcoming Xbox 360 console was fuelled today by new reports from the continent mooting a 349 Euro figure, supporting reports that the system will come in at UKP 249 in Britain.
The figure, reported by German website GameFront, reportedly originates with Austrian distributors who describe it as a "noncommittal" figure received from Microsoft - but implied that the trade price provides enough leeway that some retailers may offer the console at 299 Euro.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on GamesIndustry.biz.
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(Tuesday 09 August 2005 12:20 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X05 event touted for Amsterdam ?
>> From GamesIndustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
McNealy, an analyst at American Technologies Research, commented that "the other big event is expected to be X05 in Amsterdam in early October, where launch titles and hardware are expected to be showcased for developers worldwide."
When contacted, Microsoft UK's rep would not confirm or deny the information in the memo, saying only that a venue for X05 has yet to be announced - but as a well-regarded industry commentator, McNealy's claim certainly carries some weight.
The analyst also stated in his memo that he believes the Xbox 360 next generation console to be on track for its November launch, and the price will be around USD 299, with the option of a 20-gig hard drive at USD 60-99.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on GamesIndustry.biz.
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(Tuesday 09 August 2005 11:14 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 360 Connector Pics Revealed
>> TheInquirer has more pictures of the Xbox 360 from the Siggraph 2005 show. They already showfed us a picture of the Xbox 360 ATI demo last week.
From TheInquirer.net:
[QUOTE]
There are just a few ports on this relatively small console. As you would expect, one of the key connectors is for a power cable You can see this one at the bottom of the picture below.
The yellow cable at the top is a normal 100 bit Ethernet cable that will let you connect your console to the wacky world of the Internet.
The black port and cable next to the LAN cable is a USB port. There may be more on the final unit.
Possibly the most exciting connector is the video out connector. Many people might wonder how will you be able to connect your console on your TV or even a display. It turns out that at this point Xbox 360 can use Composite and S Video out, two standards widely used in the USA. We are sure that the console will come with SCART cable support for European market but we cannot confirm this yet. It's interesting that the Xbox 360 can be connected to VGA displays as the demo unit at Siggraph was using VGA 720P resolution.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on TheInquirer.net.
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(Tuesday 09 August 2005 11:05 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Microsoft Japan putting testers on the 360
>> From GameSpot.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft has begun a recruitment campaign for Xbox 360 beta testers in Japan. While the move is hardly novel, some are attributing the aggressive pitch (posted on the Xbox Japan Web site) as evidence of Microsoft's commitment to the new hardware.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on GameSpot.com.
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(Tuesday 09 August 2005 10:54 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Analyst: Two Xbox 360 Launch SKUs
>> As posted here during the weekend, Piper Jaffray believes the Xbox 360 is on track for launch, 1.6 millions units expected for the worldwide launch and they'll come in 2 packages (one at $299, the other for ~$399).
GameDaily.com spoke with Anthony Gikas, a Piper Jaffray analyst, about these predictions:
[QUOTE]
Gikas told GameDAILY BIZ that he knew with a "high degree of certainty" that the 360 would indeed launch with two SKUs, although he refused to speculate on the all-important question of whether the low-end model would include a smaller hard drive (thereby making it standard) as opposed to not having one at all.
"Microsoft knows $299 is important," Gikas explained. "They know that historically that's been the launch sweet spot, but they also don't want to take such large hardware losses this time. Of the 1 million units Microsoft is expected to have available at launch (for the US market), I expect 80% of them will probably be the more expensive SKU, because that's what early adopters are going to want."
As for the higher end model, Gikas conceded that it could come in as low as $350, but $399 seems like the most probably price point. He stressed that the model will likely include "all the additional peripherals gamers would want to buy anyway," as well.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Gikas' research note was news of Microsoft's heavy use of incentives for third parties to support the 360 100%, and to secure exclusive titles for the system.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on biz.GameDaily.com
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(Tuesday 09 August 2005 00:33 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XbitLabs: Both PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 Equally Anticipated by Enthusiasts
>> From xbitlabs.com:
[QUOTE]
Approximately equal amount of X-bit labs readers web-site are looking forward to buy Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony PlayStation 3 game consoles. However, loads of personal computer enthusiasts are going to acquire neither of the forthcoming consoles, according to a recent poll by X-bit labs.
Sony’s PlayStation 3 seems to be a little bit more popular than Microsoft’s Xbox 360 among X-bit labs readers, who mostly come from the U.S. or Europe: 23% of the polled said they were going to acquire Sony’s game machine, while 20% said they were planning to buy Microsoft’s console, according to the poll. Only 5% indicated intention to get Nintendo’s Revolution device, which is due later than the new PlayStation and Xbox. About 46% of surveyed answered that they had no plans to get gaming machines at all.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on xbitlabs.com (via joystiq.com)
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(Monday 08 August 2005 22:45 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Analyst Predicts Xbox Price Freeze
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
In a release over the weekend, the respected firm Analyst WMS stated, "We expect Microsoft to maintain pricing for the current generation Xbox following the launch of the next generation Xbox 360 console (expected in mid-November), in order to reduce demand for the current Xbox and spark demand for the Xbox 360."
It added, "Should Microsoft choose to maintain pricing for the Xbox, we believe that Sony will cut price on the PS2 in order to capture incremental market share in front of the launch of the Xbox 360. We believe that Sony’s PS2 shipment forecast of 13 million units worldwide does not incorporate a price cut this year, although we expect one no later than this fall. Should Sony cut the PS2 price, we believe that it will revise its PS2 shipment forecast upward by two to three million units."
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: next-gen.biz
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(Monday 08 August 2005 13:05 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 360 shown off with no games?
>> From engadget.com:
[QUOTE]
So we got it from a reliable source who recently caught a gander of an Xbox 360 prototype that Microsoft was showing off that unsurprisingly the device didn’t even have any playable games. Yes, you read that right, Microsoft could only show off the Xbox dashboard and media features, not gameplay.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on engadget.com.
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(Monday 08 August 2005 12:31 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 360 Launches 'Promo Frenzy'
>> From xbox.advancedmn.com:
[QUOTE]
Advanced Media Network has obtained internal reports from a Pepsi-Cola bottler saying that Xbox 360 will have multi-promotional offers along with Mountain Dew. Sources say that franchise stores such as 7 Eleven, Hollywood Video and Toys R' Us will be offering these promotional deals starting mid-end of this month.
Target stores calls for a three week program that endorses instant wins for the Xbox 360 in Mountain Dew 24-packs, coming in October. 7 Eleven will have a similar promo deal though with only two winnings in a 12-pack.
In other news, on July 31, Every10minutes.com had over 46,000 people registered just to know when the contest is going to start.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on xbox.advancedmn.com.
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(Monday 08 August 2005 10:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New Modchip: SpiderGX
>> We received a mail from the SpiderGX Team announcing a new 4th generation v1.0-v1.6 solderless modchip with its own 'OS' for the Xbox:
[QUOTE]
Completely solderless with its smart use of pogo-pins and a SpiderWire Board, SpiderGX also integrates a protection system against "bad flashes".
It's impossible to destroy your SpiderGX during a flash!
SpiderGX is full of features and updates will be regularly published to add more.
A new add-on connector has also been added and every blueprints and files are provided on our website to every users, for free!
SpiderGX is a complete solution that can be easily managed through its new OS and http-based WebOS.
More Pictures: 02 - 03.
The SpiderGX is provided in its protective package and contains:
- One SpiderGX Main Board
- One SpiderWires Board
- One SpiderFront Board
- Three cables
- One transparent plastic cache to ease installation of wires
- One ring
- One screw
- Five remplacement SpiderWires in case of bad installation.
Hardware specs:
[-] Full solderless solution for Xbox 1.0 to 1.6b
[-] Running on one full speed CPLD with low power consumption.
[-] 16Mb Flash Memory: (OS)+(BIOS)+(SETTINGS)+(EEPROM Backup)
[-] New Pogo-Pins with High electric conductivity metal.
[-] 5v connector for xbox case and/or customizing light.
[-] LCD Connector, full software controlling.
[-] LCD Backlight engine control. (can be controlled manually or by software).
[-] Front panel connector (with build-in real speed programmer connector).
[-] Connector for add-on and free plugging.
[-] Status control LED.
[-] Programmation Status LED
[-] Flash In Progress LED
[-] Hard Enable/Disable the modchip.
[-] Power LED.
[-] Full manual modchip management.
[-] External LCD light control.
[-] Installation LED Control for each wires of the Spider Wires board. Ease and safe your installation
Software Specs:
[-] Easy to use OS and fully upgradable
[-] All xbox version compatible “v1.0 to v1.6b”
[-] Full software management
[-] Network management
[-] Compatible with all the actual bios
[-] Display and change the Video standard
[-] Display and change the DVD Region
[-] Display and change the Game Region
[-] Display the Serial Number
[-] Display and change the Mac Address
[-] Diplay the full network informations
[-] Enable/Disable the embedded HTTP Server
[-] Choose the Bank to use for the Autoboot
[-] Add bios from CD/DVD
[-] Add bios from HDD
[-] Add bios from network
[-] Remove bios
[-] Enable/Disable function “AutoBoot On…”
[-] Allow the user to lock the HDD
[-] Can unlock the HDD
[-] LCD light control
[-] Case light control
[-] Flash SpiderGX’OS from CD/DVD
[-] Flash SpiderGX’OS from HDD
[-] Flash SpiderGX’OS from network
[-] Security file for SpiderGX’OS was choose to avoid against bad OS flash.
[-] Backup the EEPROM inside the SpiderGX
[-] Restore the EEPROM from the SpiderGX
[-] Display of all the content of the EEProm.
[-] Can backup the EEprom from the web’os
[-] Can backup the EEprom from the web’os
[-] Auto backup of the EEprom to the SpiderGX at the first time installation
[-] Auto configuration of the SpiderGX at the first time installatin
[-] Support direct boot of all media.
[-] Support all game regions USA / JAP / EUR
[-] Free DVD Zone
[-] Support direct boot for backup and homebrow
[-] Compatible MP3 (with xbmc)
[-] Compatible Divx
[-] Compatible picture jpg, …
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.spidergx.com
Download SpiderGX OS demo: here
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(Sunday 07 August 2005 20:01 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2005-08-07 CVS build
>> A new CVS compile (by T3CH) of XboxMediaCenter(info) has been released.
This T3CH-compile is a BAREBONE package (so less stuff that can cause issues) compiled with XDK v5849.
Here's the added (including 'on-the-fly' unrarring support!) and updated stuff since the 2005-07-31 CVS release - for the full changelog including the fixed and changed stuff go to the forum thread:
* updated: libdvdcss for dvdplayer to v1.2.9
* updated: mplayer.dll to cvs version( new ffmpeg, interlaced flag, cache uninit fix)
* added: option to disable archive handling in media windows. useful for ccx+unrar.
* added: New video OSD settings/bookmarks menus.
* added: Control.HasFocus(controlID) and ButtonScroller.HasIcon(icon) conditional visibility items.
* added: httpapi: GetCurrentlyPlaying now provides both picture and audio information if music is being played during a slideshow
* added: subtitles can reside in "subs/","subtitles/","../subs/" and "../subtitles/".
* added: proper stored rar support.
* added: More stuff for the new video OSD system.
* added: Initial support for audio and subtitle settings to new video OSD layout (currently disabled)
* added: more memory error handling in DLLLoader, should avoid some hardlocks when mplayer crashes
* added: New conditional visibility tag Player.CodecInfo - true when in Visualisation and the codec info is up, or if you are in Slideshow and the file information is up.
* added: Fading for controls and dialogs in the GUI.
* added: file and socket tracking for dlls
... read the full changelog here
You can add more scripts and skins yourself if desired. You can download them from allxboxskins.com, xbox-skins.net and xbmcscripts.com.
Keep in mind this is a CVS snapshot of the current development tree. It's not a official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Full Changelog/Xbox-Scene Discussion Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK)
Download SourceCode: here
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(Sunday 07 August 2005 19:22 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox As An Indie Movie Studio
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(Sunday 07 August 2005 19:21 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox360 Images From Gamecon 7
>> From TeamXbox.com:
[QUOTE]
Yesterday, the Xbox 360 made an unexpected appearance at GameCon 7, Ireland’s biggest multi-format gaming event. No playable content or new game trailers were available to the attendants but they had the chance to get their hands on the console and the wireless controller; which everyone agreed feels more comfortable than the current Xbox controller S.
[/QUOTE]
More Pictures: ga-forum.com, gamersreports.com or on TeamXbox.com.
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(Sunday 07 August 2005 17:36 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Boot Code: Three bugs in 512 bytes of code explained
>> From Michael Steil on Xbox-Linux.org:
[QUOTE]
You wonder why so much is possible on the Xbox that Microsoft did not want? Or why Windows has so many security holes? Read about The Hidden Boot Code of the Xbox to find out how Microsoft managed to fit three bugs in only 512 bytes of security code!
In order to lock out both copied games as well as homebrew software, including the GNU/Linux operating system, Microsoft built a chain of trust on the Xbox reaching from the hardware to the execution of game code, in order to avoid the infiltration of code that has not been authorized by Microsoft. The link between hardware and software in this chain of trust is the hidden "MCPX" boot ROM. The principles, the implementations and the security vulnerabilities of this 512 bytes ROM will be discussed in this article.
In short: The memory limitations in the hidden ROM made the system vulnerable in principle. A terribly wrong design and three bugs in the implementation opened three independent backdoors.
[/QUOTE]
Go read this very interesting article of Xbox hacking history on Xbox-Linux.org.
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(Sunday 07 August 2005 13:19 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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