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Week of July 9, 2006
Birdy Hitachi-LG friendly Flasher v2.0 with Xtreme v1.2
>> Birdy released v2.0 of his Hitachi-LG friendly GUI Flasher firmware package:
[QUOTE]
Birdy Hitachi friendly Flasher V2.0 with Xtreme v1.2
RELEASE INFO:
Friendly Flasher (Windows application) for Hitachi drives
Includes Xtreme hack 1.2 for All versions
FEATURES:
* Auto-Detect Hitachi Drive connected to Windows and its firmware version
* Auto-Detect Firmware on drive (original, xtreme x.x)
* Can restore / flash / Reverse patch with user friendly interface
* Auto Retry if flashing or restoring fails
* Auto Verify if Flash / Restore went sucessfully
* Xtreme Hack 1.2 contains all the goodies mentioned on previous releases (see releases from birdy and garyopa)
* Autocheck if loaded firmware is for GDR3120 and filesize ok
* Auto-decrypt firmware if you try to restore with crypted firmware
* Higly customisable : the flasher integrate a real macro language (see .scp file) with a lot of function.
* All functions are integreted in the file, no need extra software
Currently I am working on merged version with the F900 (extract security sectors) and with a Stealth mode. Stay tuned.
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: xboxhacker.net
Download: n/a (might be illegal under DMCA/EUCD)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
399usd Xbox 360 bundle with PGR3, points, Live account cooking?
>> From GameSpot's Rumor Control:
[QUOTE]
Those that are waiting for a price drop on the Xbox 360 will probably keep on waiting beyond this fall, as a Microsoft rep confirmed that the console would remain at its current $299 and $399 price points.
However, he never said anything about not getting more for your money. Over on the Gaming-Age forums, one poster who goes by the handle "Dr_Cogent" claims that a new Xbox 360 bundle with about $85 of throw-ins will go on sale beginning August 1 for just $399.
Allegedly, the new bundle will come with an Xbox 360, Project Gotham Racing 3 ($50 value), 1250 Xbox Live Marketplace points (just over $15), and a three-month Xbox Live Gold subscription card ($20 value). The post doesn't specify which Xbox the bundle will contain, but presumably it would be the 20GB hard-drive-equipped, $399 premium model.
The validity of the good Dr.'s source does leave a lot to be desired. Apparently a friend who is a Gaming-Age regular and works "for a large distributor" got the information, and asked Dr_Cogent to post the news for the community.
Bogus or not bogus?: Based on lack of any evidence, we're obligated to lean toward bogus, but our fingers are crossed for not bogus.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: GameSpot's Rumor Control
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
GaryOPA Xtreme v1.2 Hitachi-LG Firmware (7in1 - v32, 36, 40, 46, 47, 58, 59)
>> GaryOPA released an updated version of their Hitachi-LG firmware package with added support for the Hitachi-LG v58 firmware and improved flashing/restoring:
[QUOTE]
NEW UPDATED PACKAGE: "XTRM-HITACHI-7IN1-V1_2.RAR" - 07/15/2006
What's new/fixed (since XTRM-HITACHI-6IN1-V1_2.RAR (07/10/2006) release):
* NEW v58 Hitachi firmware added, now complete with SEVEN Hitachi drives! - Thanks to "dvdgorila" for providing the original dump
* GREATLY IMPROVED FLASHing - Almost perfect flashing system!
* GREATLY IMPROVED RESTORing - Can restore drive with NO BACKUP!
Next release will include Security Sector Extraction for all Hitachi's
Flashing your drive
FLASH.BAT automatically makes a complete backup of your firmware system
* To FLASH a drive, it must be in Mode B and a "Windows Drive Letter"!
* Then just run FLASH.BAT from "Command Prompt" while running windows.
* The new FLASH needs two things, the "Windows Drive Letter", and FOUR numbers for the BACKUP directory, use a new unique number like 1572:
-This is used to make your BACKUP directory!
-For Example: FLASH.BAT H 1572
-Will cause the FLASH after running to have, a BACKUP directory "X12-1572.OPA" and the program will store FIVE firmware files:
---- key.bin ---- DRIVE KEY /// DRIVE KEY
---- was.bin ---- Your drive before FLASH
---- gdrXX.bin ---- The untouch original fw
---- modXX.bin ---- The patched Xtreme12 fw
---- now.bin ---- Your drive after FLASH!
-Where the XX in the above names will be the version of your Hitachi
* Program will not start unless a BACKUP is correctly made and stored!
* Flash will auto-detect your firmware build of your Hitachi drive.
* You can flash over any version of firmware including "f900" or "v1.1"
* System will check flashed firmware, and redo until 100% completed.
* Once you get the PASS / DONE line, you can shut-down the system.
Restoring your drive
RESTORE.BAT automatically restores your drive back to original state
* To RESTORE a drive, it must be in Mode B and a "Windows Drive Letter"!
* Then just run RESTORE.BAT from "Command Prompt" while running windows.
* The new RESTORE does not need any backup, it will 100% restore your drive back to "ORIGINAL" state as long as it is visible in Windows!
* Program will not start unless it detects the version of your Hitachi!
* You can restore any drive, even "v1.1" or "f900" or your own hacks.
* System will check flashed firmware, and redo until 100% completed.
* Once you get the PASS / DONE line, you can shut-down the system.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a (release by GaryOPA on xboxhacker.net)
Full Readme/NFO: xbins.org
Download: n/a (might be illegal under DMCA/EUCD)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
KDX42 v1.3
>> From Team Foros360 (partially translated to english):
[QUOTE]
We released a new version of KDX42(info)(info). The new features are perfect compatibility with all the [original Toshiba-Samsung] firmwares of the year the 2006 and earlier and complete support for Commodore4eva's Toshiba-Samung FW v2.0 and v1.0.
KDX42 release v1.3 is the DOS version of KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher(info)(info)(info)(info):
* With KDX42 you can patch the key without booting windows, you only have to use a command for patch the key.
* Only compatible with Samsung hack.
* Compatible with firmwares 2006.
* You don't have to select the year of your firmware. KDX42 will detect it.
HOW TO USE:
* In boot diskette for hack Samsung drive, copy xtreme.bin or xtreme_proper.bin (renamed to xtreme.bin).
* Dump the firmware.
* write this command: kdx42e xtreme.bin
* KDX42 will detect if xtreme_proper patch has been applied on xtreme.bin, if not, KDX42 will do for you.
* KDX42 will patch the key in xtreme.bin file.
* Flash the drive with xtreme.bin file.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: foros360.com
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox Live Voice Ban
>> From Major Nelson (Microsoft's Xbox Live Director of Programming):
[QUOTE]
One of the teams that works on tools sits across the hall from me. Unbeknownst to me, they decided to test some of their tools giving Major Nelson a voice ban, resulting in the screen shot above. They let me suffer for a few hours before quietly removing the ban. I'll get even with them, don't worry, but here is an article on feedback that explains how you can avoid a voice ban on Xbox Live.
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
USA June Sales: Xbox360 277k, below the PS2 with 312k units
>> From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
According to a Reuters report citing research firm NPD, overall U.S. video games sales rose by 25 percent in June to a total worth of $844.5 million - led by the new DS Lite portable console and sales of THQ's movie license Cars.
Figures from Nintendo claim that combined sales of both Nintendo DS hardware iterations amounted to just under 600,000 in June. PSP sales for the month were put at 221,000.
NPD has also revealed a figure of 277,000 unit sales for the Xbox 360 - above previous estimates, but still below the PlayStation 2 total of 312,000 units. Xbox sales were put at 24,000 with no figures available for the GameCube.
[/QUOTE]
While we're talking numbers... here are the sales in Japan from July 3 to July 7:
* Xbox360: 1,610
* PS2: 23,332
* Gamecube: 934
* Xbox: 13
Read More: gamasutra.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xecuter Xbox360 HDD/DVD to PC USB Converter
>> Here's some news we got from Team Xecuter(info) about their upcoming "Xbox360 HDD/Hitahci-DVD to PC USB Converter" with some exclusive pictures of the (working) pre-production PCB and the mock-up of the retail case. The product should hit the retail stores in about 4 weeks from what we've heard:
[QUOTE]
Team Xecuter presents the X360 HDD/DVD to PC USB! Check out these amazing features:
* World's First Xbox 360 HDD & DVD to USB Converter
You can now connect your Xbox 360 HDD & DVD to USB on your PC. X360 USB is a "plug and play" device that is easily recognized by Windows. The X360 USB supports USB 2.0 for super fast file transfer with speeds up to 480 mbps.
* Backup HDD Game Saves
Back up all your Xbox 360 HDD Game Saves and media files onto your PC with ease and comfort. Utilize your Xbox 360 Hard Disc storage space to the max by transferring files onto your PC.
* Update DVD Firmware
You can now read and write to your DVD drives firmware chip. Get the latest updates to keep your drive running at its peak performance, no more SATA frustrations and incompatibilities.
* Portable
X360 USB does not require the XBOX to be powered while in use. You can detach the Xbox 360 HDD & DVD and connect directly to your USB port (DVD Powered by Xecuter 360 Connectivity Kit). The X360 USB is the first and only device in the world that converts both the Xbox 360 HDD & DVD to USB
* No Sata?, No Problem!
Will also work for PC Sata drives to use them on your PC if it lacks Sata ports, or no ports are available.
* Extremely Compact
Can be easily hidden away behind your computer.
* Clearly Visible LED's
Power, Activity, and Status LED's clearly visible on top of the unit.
* SS Dumper
Dump X360 Disc SS's with appropriate firmware flashed DVD's.
* All Cables Included
We also provide a high quality USB & SATA cable.
Please note that this version of the device currently only supports Hitachi-LG Optical Disc Drives
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.team-xecuter.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xtreme firmware v2.0 for Toshiba-Samsung TS-H943
>> Commodore4eva released a new modified firmware for the Toshiba-Samsung TS-H943 drive on xboxhacker.net:
[QUOTE]
Xtreme firmware 2.0 for TS-H943 Xbox 360
Here it is, the World first One Firmware Only Xbox 360 backup and extraction firmware modification!
No more reflashing of your drive with different firmwares!
I would like to dedicate this firmware to my father who passed away suddenly. He went into debt to purchase my first computer, a commodore 64, which enabled me to learn assembly language.
Please spare a thought or prayer for him around the world, this would make him chuckle. He will be sadly missed.
* Features
Extraction part of firmware enabled with Enable0800 DVD. ISO included.
In Enable0800 mode, allows drive to function natively under Windows without any hardware conversion/adaptors
Boots all Xtreme Xbox 360 backups
Boots all Xtreme Xbox 1 backups
Boots all Xbox 360 originals
Boots all Xbox 1 originals on Xbox 360
Use on Xbox Live at own risk
* Technical details
Firmware now also checks for Enable0800 security sector @ PSN 04FB1F and if found, enables 0800 mode of firmware.
ISO image Enable0800.iso included. Just burn and insert into drive when you wish to extract security sectors or dump games.
0800 mode of firmware deactivated by inserting game backup (Xbox 360 or Xbox 1) or DVD movie or turning off console.
Reads Xbox 360/Xbox 1 security sector from PSN FD021E (Layer 1)
Reads Xbox 360 security sector from PSN 04FB1F (Layer 0)
Reads Xbox 1 security sector from PSN 605FF (Layer 0)
Security sector must be extracted using Enable0800 DVD for Xbox360 games and Xbox 1 games
* Flashing your drive
Advisable to make a backup of your dvd drive firmware first.("mtkflash r /m orig.bin")
Please make sure you hexedit the Xtreme20.bin firmware to include your dvd drive key from your original firmware (just copy $4000-4400).
Plug SATA cable from DVD drive to PC. Power cable drive still connected to Xbox 360
Power on Xbox 360
Power on PC
Boot with standard dos boot disk with included mtkflash utility
Run "mtkflash w /m Xtreme20.bin"
* Extracting Security Sector
Ensue SATA cable is plugged from drive to PC.
(This is very important as may be possible in future for console to detect modified firmware due to Inquiry routine enabled for WIndows)
Power on Xbox 360.
Insert Enable0800 DVD into drive. Wait 5 or so seconds then remove the Enable0800 DVD. Drive now in 0800 mode.
Turn on PC and wait for Windows to boot
Insert original game disk into drive and wait for windows to detect disk change
Run DVDinfoPro
Enter the following four custom cdb commands:
AD 00 FF 02 FD FF FE 00 08 00 01 C0
AD 00 FF 02 FD FF FE 00 08 00 03 C0
AD 00 FF 02 FD FF FE 00 08 00 05 C0
AD 00 FF 02 FD FF FE 00 08 00 07 C0
Then save hexadecimal display as bin file as SS.bin
* Creating a game backup
Drive is still in 0800 mode.
Extract Isobuilder.rar
Insert original game disk into drive and wait for windows to detect disk change
Run DVDinfoPro
Enter the following custom cdb command to unlock drive: (game data visable)
FF 08 01 01
Run Isobuster
Right click on DVD and select Extract From-To
Click Length and enter number of LBAs as follows:
Xbox 1 Original Number of LBA to read 3431264 decimal
or
Xbox 360 Original Number of LBA to read 3567872 decimal
Select User Data (2048 bytes/block)
Click Start Extraction
Enter filename as game.iso and click Save
Upon read error dialogue box choose fill with blank zeros for sector and select use this selection for all errors
Copy game.iso and ss.bin to the relevent isobuilder directory (Depending on Xbox 360 or Xbox 1 game)
Run build360.bat (Xbox 360 game) or build.bat (xbox 1 game)
Ensure your burner will set the booktype of DVD+R DL to DVDRom
Burn with CloneCd and choose the image.dvd file
* Turning off 0800 mode of firmware
Either insert game backup (Xbox 360 or Xbox 1) or DVD movie. This de-activates 0800 part of firmware or turn off console.
I will not be doing any more work on the Hitachi as I will leave that to the excellent work of Garyopa,Spectrumforever,Birdie and others.
Still working on Media Stealth firmware and will release when there has been a reaction from Microsoft as until then it is not required!
[/QUOTE]
*Update* Note that this FW release is not compatible with KeyDrive Xtractor/Patcher(info)(info) (KDX) v1.5. From garyopa on forums.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
KDX v1.5 is NOT compatible with the original "c4e" release of Xtreme v2.0 or with his earlier v1.1.
The authors of KDX v1.5 released a Proper-Patch for the v1.1, and it should work on v2.0 but I have not personally tested it, to see if it is compatible.
There is no "proper" release yet for Xtreme2.0, as such please don't use the Xtreme2.0 with KDX v1.5, you must only manually copy your key by using a HEX editor.
For the "hackers" out there, in the original "c4e" releases of Xtreme v2.0, all the >4000 area is filled with >FF, and KDX v1.5 does not like that.
The Xtreme v2.0 bin needs to be patched like so, replacing the strings of >FF with the following HEX, to be compatible with the KDX v1.5 program:
At address >4000 = 01 11 11 11 11
At address >4015 = 02 EE EE EE EE
At address >401A = 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: xboxhacker.net
Xbox-Scene FW Install/Usage Guides/Tutorials: here
Download: n/a (might be illegal under DMCA/EUCD)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Employee Blogs on Xbox 360 with HDMI Port
>> I think those guys at Microsoft's Xbox division really don't have enough work lately (just kidding ;)) ... another 'Xbox blog' has been launched, this time by Andre Vrignaud (alias/gamertag Ozymandias), he's Microsoft's Director of Technical Strategy for Xbox Live. As always this is no "official" Microsoft blog, these are his personal opinions and they shouldn't be taken as Microsoft's per se.
Anyway ... he talked about our leaked picture of the Xbox360 motherboard with HDMI port:
[QUOTE]
Engadget ran a rumor a few days ago about the possibility of the Xbox 360 getting an HDMI port. I don't know anything about this (and couldn't share if I did), but I did want to share some thoughts about what I think Microsoft should do if this were the case.
I may be showing my age here, but I remember back in the 90's when Intel had a floating point bug in the Pentium processor. I won't go into all the details, but the gist of the problem was that in some rare cases, the processor would return a slightly off value. Most independent evaluations of the bug said that it wouldn't affect users in the slightest, and Intel offered to replace the processor to those users who could prove it affected them (but not all users). This quickly turned into a PR nightmare as consumers clamored for a general replacement policy. I recall talking to some of the marketing folks who were at Intel at the time, and they talked about how adamant Andy Grove was about not replacing the processors. He was approaching it from an engineer's perspective, and as he saw it, if the users couldn't even see the bug in their daily use it was an unneccessary cost to go and replace them.
External pressure from consumers grew, and the marketing and PR teams starting having almost daily meetings with Andy to explain to him that in spite of it being not logical, people felt very passionately about the issue and that the negative press was piling up. In the end he capitulated and agreed to replace all flawed processors at what could have been significant cost. What actually happened was that very few people took Intel up on the offer, consumers felt as though Intel had listened, and the day the announcement was made the stock actually rose.
I personally see a possible HDMI port for the 360 as being a similar issue to Microsoft. Other than taking away one of Sony's few differentiating factors, it's not really going to do much for existing gamers. A few will want it to use it to connect to their HDTV, and some will want it to playback HD-DVDs that might enable the image-constraint token in the distant future. For those few, my opinion is that Microsoft should offer some sort of upgrade program - even if it's one where you pay some reasonable amount for the upgrade. I doubt many people would actually take the company up on it, but the goodwill would be significant, and our core users (that's probably you!) wouldn't felt left out in the cold.
This is obviously all my personal opinion, and I don't even know if Microsoft will need to consider these issues in the future. But the whole scenario just seemed so eerily similar to the Intel floating-point bug issue that I thought I'd share. Enough deep thoughts for today. :)
[/QUOTE]
Original news about the Xbox360 motherboard with HDMI: www.xbox-scene.com
Ozymandias' Blog: http://www.ozymandias.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
MS Exec: We're Not Confident About X360 in Japan
>> From biz.gamedaily.com:
[QUOTE]
"Globally we are doing very well but Japan has always been tough," said Darren Huston, president and chief executive officer of Microsoft's Japan unit, at a company event, according to the IDG News Service. "We launched early and with not enough Japan-specific content."
And while more Japan-specific content has been released since launch, such as Ninety Nine Nights by Tetsuya Mizuguchi of Q Entertainment and Square Enix's Final Fantasy XI, time may be running out, as consumers seem to be eagerly anticipating the new consoles from Nintendo and Sony.
Back in May Cross Marketing conducted a poll with a sample of 366 self-professed gamers in Japan, and 256 of them said that they wanted to purchase a PS3, while those who selected multiple consoles tended to choose the Wii from Nintendo. 127 said that they would pick up a Wii and only 93 answered that they want an Xbox 360.
"I can't say I'm beaming with confidence in Japan," admitted Huston.
"We need to do deliver more Japanese content that Japanese gamers want. That's why we continue to work super hard with Japanese game developers and publishers. It's why our efforts with Sakaguchi-san and Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey are so important," he said. "Because those are the kinds of titles that can really drive new users to our platform. [We need to] demonstrate to everybody in Japan that we're very serious about being more successful in Japan. I think our expectations are realistic there; we don't expect to win in Japan but we definitely expect to do better [with 360]. And we need to deliver on Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: biz.gamedaily.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft wants to help you throw a party
>> From arstechnica.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft really wants you to enjoy their weekly Xbox Live Arcade releases. How badly do they want to make sure you're having a good time? They're willing to pay for your games and your food. I've already sent in my request because I'm a big Arcade geek, and I do enjoy some pizza. What exactly is Microsoft furnishing for your gaming pleasure?
A free pizza from Papa John's, 1,000 MS points, and music downloads so you can enjoy your favorite hits from the 80s. They're asking for pictures and reports from your party, and I think this is the best marketing gimmick I have ever seen. They're running the risk of solitary gamers sitting at home alone and eating all the pizza themselves, sure, but imagine the goodwill created if people actually do invite their friends over. You get everyone sitting around, enjoying their 360 with their free pizza and gamers, and people who may not have had a chance to really play a 360 may get the controller. It's like Microsoft is giving you a little bonus if you're willing to demo the system for your friends.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: arstechnica.com and xbox.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft portable dubbed 'Zune' won't game?
>> Microsoft's 'Argo' project (that will probably be dubbed 'Zune' for retail) is most assuredly a shot at the iPod, but according to Gamespot's Rumor Control it may not be going after the handheld gaming market (PSP, NDS):
[QUOTE]
Even though Allard is overseeing the project, the Zune looks like it will be mostly music-centric--for now, at least. The Wi-Fi capability is in place primarily for wireless song transfers, not multiplayer gaming. Gizmondo states that there will be some gaming however, just not anything like an on-the-go Xbox.
Of course even the iPod, which is rumored to be the target of Zune, has some minigames, such as a Breakout rip-off. The likely power of the Zune games? Think something like Palm-OS-based diversions, or even simple Xbox Live Arcade games.
Of course the Zune could also just be the first step toward something bigger. People are already speculating about Xbox 360 integration with the device, beginning with streaming audio, like the iPod currently does. But add a few buttons, a thumbstick, and a little more horsepower, and the Zune could soon be singing gamers' tunes.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamespot.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Thursday 13 July 2006 16:31 EST) - (Category: Xbox_Xbox360) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 360-branded Ecstasy on Sale in UK
>> From spong.com:
[QUOTE]
It seems that a new 'brand' of ecstasy powder (aka MDMA) is doing the rounds amongst the UK's finest drug abusers, thanks to the ever helpful stoners posting over on Squatjuice, where there is a debate raging about whether the Microsoft console-inspired hard drug is cut with MDMA, LSD or Mescalin.
Well, each to their own we say here at SPOnG. Whilst we spend our time discussing the relative merits of Mario over Zelda, others spend their time getting right off their nut, then comparing the experience on Squatjuice, SPOnG's new favourite site about hard drug abuse.
In the interests of science (you understand) we will be trying to get our hands of some prime, uncut Xbox 360 MDMA to see how it compares with Microsoft's Xbox 360 console, and also (in a controlled environment, you understand) if a combination of the two experiences proves to be synaesthetically pleasing or anxiety-inducingly displeasing.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: spong.com and squatjuice.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Dano2k0's Internal WaterCooled Xbox 360 in OXM
>> I'm sure you guys all remember Dano2k0's Internal WaterCooler Xbox 360 Project that was posted here some weeks ago (with Dano2k0's complete worklog on our forums). The mod features a watercooled CPU with Zern block and GPU with a Koolance GPU-180-H06 block, complete with Tank-o-Matic mini reservoir and 12v thermaltake pump all inside the original Xbox 360 case.
The mod is now featured in - at least the UK edition of - OXM 360 magazine (Official Xbox 360 Magazine) with a 2 pages article that includes a nice interview with Daniel Whitehouse (Dano2k0).
Below are full scans of the article we got from Dano2k0 courtesy OXM 360 (posted here with permission):
  Click image for full/high-res view
Original news about Dano2k0's Internal WaterCooled Xbox 360: xbox-scene.com
Dano2k0's worklog/forum-thread for project: forums.xbox-scene.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox Live Hits 60pct Attach As New Details Revealed
>> From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
The headline figure for Jeff Sullivan, one of Microsoft's developer relations managers for the Games Technology Group, was the attach rate for Xbox Live amongst Xbox 360 users - a massive 60 percent, which is a huge increase over the 10 percent gained by the original Xbox.
"Every time I do this presentation I have to check what the new figures are," Sullivan said, before rattling off up-to-date stats such as Xbox Live has hosted over two billion hours of gaming, including over 500 million games of Halo 2. It also handles over 900,000 voice and text messages per day. But there's plenty more where that came from, with Microsoft on-track to hit its target of six million Xbox Live accounts in 2007.
Two key drivers of this growth will continue to be Xbox Live Marketplace and Arcade.
Used by 75 percent of connected users, Marketplace has handled over 30 million downloads. Future developments will see Marketplace content integrated more fully into games, so players can download new content such as cars without leaving the game.
Meanwhile, over on Arcade (which is used by 65 percent of connected users), over five million games have been downloaded. Conversion rates between free content and paid for downloads currently averages around 21 percent, with top games such as Geometry Wars and Uno up at 50 percent, while the lowest conversion rate is around 10 percent.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamasutra.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Is Intel killing PC gaming?
>> From guardian.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
I'm just heading back to London after a quick visit to the Develop in Brighton conference, where some of the gaming industry's biggest developers are banging their heads together.
I was there to hear Mark Rein of Epic (they make games like Unreal Tournament) railing against Intel's dangerous influence over the PC market - and in the most extraordinary manner.
"I'm concerned about the level of growth in the PC games business," he told the audience, pointing particularly to the strategy of rolling out integrated graphics in computers rather than dedicated ones. "A $900 PC is nowhere near as capable as a $299 XBox 360 console: we're losing PC gamers in record numbers."
Rein placed the blame firmly at Intel's door, for an approach to the computer market that tended to go for the lowest common denominator.
"The high end is getting higher and the low end is getting lower," he said. "But even if somebody spends $1,000 on a graphics card, we're still only making $25 from them."
[/QUOTE]
Read More: guardian.co.uk
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
ATI's H.264 video decoder chosen by Microsoft for Xbox 360 HD DVD player
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
ATI Technologies today announced that Microsoft Corp. has chosen ATI's H.264 decoder for the Xbox 360 HD DVD player, bringing users sharper, more true-to-life visuals and smoother playback of high-definition content. HD DVDs encoded using one of three approved codecs deliver up to six times the resolution of traditional DVDs all on a single disc. Built on ATI's Avivo technology, the decoder used for the Xbox 360 HD DVD player brings to bear ATI's considerable multimedia know-how to ensure gamers, home theatre buffs, and casual viewers alike get a more perfect picture from the H.264 format.
"The Xbox 360 gives consumers access to a world of high-definition games and video content through Xbox Live Marketplace. With the new Xbox 360 HD DVD player using ATI's decoder technology, we're giving consumers the choice to playback the latest in high-definition movies," said Todd Holmdahl, corporate vice president of Xbox 360 hardware development. "HD DVD brings new meaning to the term home theater. When people see the visual clarity and realism that Microsoft and ATI are delivering through the Xbox 360 this holiday, they will be blown away."
To enable the smoothest H.264 video playback possible, the ATI decoder technology makes use of the Xbox 360's graphics processing unit (GPU) to accelerate video processing. The unified shader design of the GPU enables high-end processing techniques such as comb filtering and automatic gain control to ensure that video artifacts such as blockiness or color bands don't disrupt playback.
"With the Xbox 360 HD DVD player, Microsoft and ATI are pushing the boundaries of high-definition multimedia content," said Rick Bergman, senior vice president and general manager, PC Business Unit, ATI. "The decoder technology used in the new drive provides high fidelity visuals unlike anything ever seen before. This is another example of the close cooperation between our two companies, and the commitment we both share to delivering the most immersive experience possible for audiences around the world."
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox Live Arcade Overwhelmed by Pitches
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft says it's being overwhelmed by new game pitches for Xbox Live Arcade. At the Develop Conference today in Brighton, England, the firm's Jeff Sullivan said, "We're saturated."
He offered some tips for producers hoping to get their games on the service. They include:
* Gameplay that is immediately obvious to the player.
* Multiplayer options that include co-op play. "Co-op is crucial in the broadening effort," said Sullivan.
* A worldwide appeal -- not just North America.
* Appealing graphics.
* Downloadable content options.
* Tie-ins with orther products or games.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: next-gen.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
EU knocks Microsoft with 357usd million fine
>> From CNet news.com:
[QUOTE]
The European Commission issued the 280.5 million euro fine for the period between Dec. 16 and June 20. That figure amounts to a daily fine of 1.5 million euros, which the Commission is prepared to increase to up to 3 million euros per day if the software giant does not come into full compliance beginning July 31.
"I don't buy Microsoft's line that they didn't know what was being asked of them because the March 2004 order is absolutely crystal clear," Neelie Kroes, who heads the Commission's antitrust bureau as its competition commissioner, said Wednesday at a press conference in Brussels. "And in order to increase the incentive for Microsoft to comply, the Commission has decided the ceiling for potential fines will be raised."
The fine was based on the landmark 2004 ruling, which, among other requirements, ordered Microsoft to share complete and accurate interoperability information with rival companies that develop workgroup server operating systems, as well as license those protocols at a reasonable cost.
Microsoft plans to appeal the new fine to the Court of First Instance.
"We have great respect for the Commission and this process, but we do not believe any fine, let alone a fine of this magnitude, is appropriate given the lack of clarity in the Commission's original decision and our good-faith efforts over the past two years," Brad Smith, Microsoft general counsel, said during Microsoft's separate press conference Wednesday.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: news.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Wednesday 12 July 2006 11:33 EST) - (Category: OffTopic) - (Posted by::
)
Bill Gates to deliver 2007 CES keynote
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates will deliver one of three keynote addresses to the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next January.
The keynote, taking place on January 7th, will be Gates' ninth and possibly one of his most important, as Microsoft faces significant challenges on several fronts.
Microsoft's console business will face renewed challenge following the respective November and Q4 launches of rival PlayStation 3 and Wii formats, and the company will be looking to energise its software base with the 2007 launch of the Windows Vista operating system.
Widespread reports, anchored in the Seattle technology press, also suggest Microsoft will be launching a significant offensive in digital-media, with the release of the "Argo" media device and associated software and services anticipated before the end of the year.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamesindustry.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Fantasy360 Clear West Controller Case Installed Picture and Install Guides
Birdy Hitachi-LG Friendly Flasher with Xtreme v1.2 (All versions) *Update*
>> *Update* !WARNING! From GaryOPA
[QUOTE]
I get back and see nice "post" from Birdy. --- Neat program... BUT NEEDS WORK.
DO NOT USE FOR V32 / V36 / V40 DRIVES.
WAIT FOR AN UPDATE.
The reasons are:
#1: V32 code is in the V36 folder
#2: V36 code is in the V32 folder
#3: V40 is missing, has V46 code instead
Simple fix for "Birdy" to do. -- By the way, thanks for giving us credit for our work.
[/QUOTE]
Birdy released a new version of his Hitachi-LG FW package, that now has a nice GUI tool for flashing your drive (instead a of cmd-line application):
[QUOTE]
RELEASE INFO:
Friendly Flasher (Windows application) for Hitachi drives
Includes Xtreme hack v1.2 for All versions (v32/v36/v40/v46/v47/v59)
FEATURES:
* Auto-Detect Hitachi Drive connected to Windows and its firmware version
* Can restore / flash with user friendly interface
* Auto Retry if flashing or restoring fails
* Auto Verify if Flash / Restore went sucessfully
* Xtreme Hack 1.2 contains all the goodies mentioned on previous releases (see releases from birdy and garyopa)
Currently I am working on merged version with the F900 (extract security sectors) and with a Stealth mode. Stay tuned.
FLASHING YOUR DRIVE:
* This application automatically makes a backup of your firmware and asks for save location.
** Make sure you are flashing over an ORIGINAL image on your drive, if needed first do a RESTORE. Undesired results can be achieved if you flash over a previously flashed image.
- Plug SATA cable from DVD drive to PC
- Power cable drive still connected to Xbox 360
- Ensure drive is in mode b either by two wire trick or slax linux boot cd
- Go to Windows
- Run hitachiflash.exe and if the drive is properly connected it should get detected
- Choose the Action: "Patch your firmware with xtreme 1.2"
- Hit go and wait,
- There will be a prompt asking where you want to place the backup of the original
firmware (before patching)
- The flash must start, if some "retry" windows appears hit YES/OUI until finished
- At the end the application will check for 100% so you can shut down the system
RESTORING YOUR DRIVE (Requires previously saved Firmware Image)
- Plug SATA cable from DVD drive to PC
- Power cable drive still connected to Xbox 360
- Ensure drive is in mode b either by two wire trick or slax linux boot cd or if you have the Xtreme 1.2 then use the TWEAK starting the box with the tray opened
- Go to Windows
- Run hitachiflash.exe and if the drive is properly connected it should get detected
- Choose the Action: "Restore Original firmware"
- Hit go and wait,
- There will be a prompt asking for your original UNENCRYPTED image
- The restore must start, if some "retry" windows appears hit YES/OUI until finished
- At the end the application will check for 100% so you can shut down the system
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a (by Birdy on xboxhacker.net)
Xbox-Scene FW Install/Usage Guides/Tutorials: here
Download: n/a (might be illegal under DMCA/EUCD)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
NME-360 Chip Released to the Public
>> Team Underdog informed us their NME-360 chip is ready and already shipping to resellers. A list of official resellers will be available on their site soon. The NME-360(info) device, a chip that will allow to patch the DVD firmware of the Xbox 360 drive 'on-the-fly' and only when needed (so not for original x360 discs):
[QUOTE]
Today the first batch of our spectacular NME-360 Modchip got shipped to resellers. We are happy to have the chip released within the announced timeframe. You will see samples popping in to the major news websites pretty soon for their reviews.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.team-underdog.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Confirms Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays
>> From gamasutra.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft has confirmed a new program called 'Xbox Live Arcade Wednesdays', which features a regular weekly launch schedule for new Xbox Live Arcade games over the Xbox 360 online service, seemingly addressing multiple recent game delay issues for the much-vaunted service.
Starting today, Xbox Live Arcade users will now go live on Wednesdays at 0800 GMT (Midnight Pacific) to download the first in what will be a series of new releases.
The complete schedule is announced as follows:
* July 12 - Frogger
* July 19 - Cloning Clyde
* July 26 - Galaga
* August 2 - Street Fighter II Hyper Fighting
* August 9 - Pac-Man
[/QUOTE]
Read More: gamasutra.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xeno 360 Connectivity Kit
>> Another 'Connectivity Kit' coming to the market, very similar to Team Xecuter(info)'s Connectivity Kit(info):
[QUOTE]
* Optical Disc Drive Adapter (ODD)
-Debug mode
-Status LED's
-Eject Function
* FREE Xeno SATA HD Connection for Xbox 360
-High quality SATA HDD connection
-Effortlessly transfer files from your 360 hard drive to your PC without opening up the case!
* Free SATA-SATA cable
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: i-c.bz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
W.I.P. Firmware to Dump and Extract SS for Samsung SH-D162C PC DVD Drive
>> Kreon posted on the XBH forums that he is working on a modified firmware for the Samsung SH-D162C PC DVD-Drive that will allow you to dump original Xbox 360 discs and extract the Secuirty Sectors (SS):
[QUOTE]
Good news for all you 360 fans out there!
A few weeks ago I decided to look into the possibility of modding a standard PC DVD drive to do the tasks of ripping a 360 game and extracting the SS information. There's still some work to do, but it's all progressing very well, and I expect to release an alternative FW for the Samsung SH-D162C within a week or two. This drive is really inexpensive and should be easily available all over the world, making it a superb alternative to the original 360 drives.
The following have already been completed:
* Unlock command supported (FF 08 01 01)
* An extra unlock function that will give you access to both the video and the game partition at the same time (to make wxripper style images)
* Read and decrypt of SS
And this is what needs to be done:
* Implementation of the challenge/response functionality.
In a later release I intend to include RPC-1 support as well, making this drive a truly allround solution.
A complete DVD writer solution would be nice for those who lacks a slot for that extra drive. I will probably look into such a solution at some point, but it will be based on a current product like the SH-S182D or SH-S162L.
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
ZsnexBox v2.2
>> Nes6502 released a new version of ZsnexBox(info), a port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator to Xbox on our forums with lots of new and fixed stuff!
What's new/fixed:
* Command Line Launching. You must include the full path to the default.xbe (i.e. "F:\Games\SNES\default.xbe") and the full path to the game (i.e. "F:\Games\SNES\roms\Super Mario World.zip") as the parameter. (v2.1)
* Heavily optimized thanks to a tip from Xport. This may provide as much as a 20% speedup. (v2.1)
* Fixed a bug where the text was not centered in 720p and 1080i. (v2.1)
* In game audio adjust option is now saved. (v2.1)
* The GUI images can be in jpg format, png format, or any combination of the two. Previews must still be in png format. (v2.1)
* Added alpha channel support for the previewnotfound image. Now this image can have transparency. (v2.2)
* Disabled the darkening of the screen in the option menus. (v2.2)
Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 (official support thread on our forums)
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Talismoon Minispy SATA and Minispy USB
>> Talismoon announced 2 new products/packages:
[QUOTE]
However you may look at things, the fact is that 20GB of storage space for your average 360 gamer is just not enough. Talismoon have long kept their prying eyes on the situation at hand and have developed two innovative solutions to the problem described.
Both the Minispy and its bigger brother, the Minispy USB, allow you to free up space on a 360 hard drive via acting as a bridge between the drive and a PC.
In conjunction with powerful free file management software currently available such as Xplorer360(info), the Minispy will allow you to transfer game saves, mp3's, demos and other media as required. The possibility of all your drive information being backed up safely on an everyday home PC is now a reality. This not only gives you extra security for your files, but also allows you to squeeze out every amount of 360 hard drive storage space available as and when you need it! The Minispy is so simple to use, just pop your hard drive off your 360 and plug it into the Minispy, you will now be ready to begin your journey on the quest for mass storage capacity.
* Talismoon MINISPY SATA (original Minispy)
The Minispy SATA allow you to free up space on a 360 hard drive via acting as a bridge between the drive and a PC [via SATA port].
If you already have a computer with a serial ATA connection (SATA) and only wish to move data from a 360, then the original Minispy is for you! The MiniSpy consists of a special adapter and all the necessary cabling to connect the Xbox 360 to your PC. These cables pass through a PCI plate that can be conveniently installed in the back of your PC with no fuss. Install the PCI portion one time, and enjoy moving data quickly and easily for years to come without having to open your case again.
* Talismoon MINISPY USB
The Minispy USB allow you to free up space on a 360 hard drive via acting as a bridge between the drive and a PC [via USB port].
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.talismoon.com
Pre-Order Minispy SATA ($9.95): divineo.com | divineo.cn
Pre-Order Minispy USB ($31.95): divineo.com | divineo.cn
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Your Xbox 360 TV Ads
>> From xbox.com:
[QUOTE]
You've seen that the Jump Rope commercial won an Addy, right? No? Check it out here.
ThisGamerSpeak was for all the creative types in the Xbox.com forums. We asked them for their ideas for a great TV spot that would show off the fun of Xbox 360. The following gamers made like ad execs and pitched their commercial ideas. No, we're not going to make the commercial, this was just for fun. Which do you think is the best? Send us an email at xlmail@microsoft.com, subject line: "best 360 ad idea" and let us know.
[/QUOTE]
Go read and vote for the best idea on xbox.com (news via kotaku.com)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
MC360 Carbon Fibre XPR Theme Available
>> From Team Blackbolt:
[QUOTE]
Our resident superhero, Jezz-X has completed his work on a Carbon Fibre theme for MC360. The theme brings an amazing carbon look to the blades and backgrounds and adds some nice dark textures. You can download the skin now from the Themes section. Many thanks to Jezz-X and we look forward to more skins by the genious! You can discuss this theme in the forum topc here.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://blackbolt.x-scene.com/
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xboy's iPod murder plot exposed, will involve major online media service
>> From seattletimes.nwsource.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft is indeed developing a digital-media player to compete with Apple's iPod, and there's much more to the story.
A few details trickled out last week from music companies that Microsoft is lining up to support the device. Microsoft isn't commenting, but I was able to piece together a broader picture with some research, reporting and information from a source close to the project. What's being developed is actually a complete line of Xbox-branded digital-media products, including a device that plays media, a software media player and an online media service.
The project, or at least part of it, is referred to internally at Microsoft by the code name Argo -- a reference to the huge warship used by the hero Jason in Greek mythology.
As reported last week, initially by Bloomberg News, the device is expected to go on sale by Christmas. It has Wi-Fi capability so it can connect wirelessly to home and public networks and other players.
Wi-Fi sounds like a big deal if you're comparing the player to the wire-bound iPod. But this is more than just another MP3 player. It will also compete with game players from Sony and Nintendo that have long had Wi-Fi and work as media players, Internet terminals and communication devices.
Argo is likely to showcase another Allard project -- XNA, a new toolkit that helps game developers create titles for multiple platforms.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: seattletimes.nwsource.com (news via joystiq.com)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
New Device Reads Both HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc Media
>> From teamxbox.com:
[QUOTE]
Blu-ray Disc is incompatible with HD DVD and DVD media because instead of having a 1.2mm thick disc made of a 0.6 mm disc with 0.6 mm protective coating on top (as in DVD media), Blu-ray Disc is made of a 1.1 mm disc covered by a 0.1mm protective layer.
Because of the different thicknesses of the protective layers, the data layers of both formats are at different depths from the surface and thus the components required to read or write them are different...until now.
The Nikkei Net Interactive reported over the weekend that Ricoh Technologies has developed an optical device that can read and write both next-generation optical disk formats.
The device in question is a diffraction plate that is placed between the laser and the lens, which allows changing the laser beam's spot size on the fly. This will make possible to use the same components to read both Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD media. Hardware manufacturers would only need to make the diffraction plate change to the proper state depending on the media loaded in the disc drive.
[/QUOTE]
Read More: teamxbox.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
GaryOPA Xtreme Hitachi-LG Firmware v1.2r1 (v32, v36, v40, v46, v47, v59)
>> GaryOPA released a new version of their Hitachi-LG FW package.
NEW UPDATED PACKAGE: "XTRM-HITACHI-6IN1-V1_2.RAR" - 07/10/2006 - 02:46am
What's new/fixed:
* NEW v40 Hitachi firmware added, now all SIX Hitachi drives are supported! - Thanks to "Team Avalaunch(info)" for providing the original dump of the v40..
* FIXED v32 - Small bug found in the conversion of "Birdy" tweak to the v32
* FIXED v36 - Small bug found in the conversion of "Birdy" tweak to the v36
* IMPROVED FLASH.BAT - Even more fail-safe, and less user errors allowed!!!
* IMPROVED RESTORE.BAT - Just some small changes to improve the restoring!!
* Don't worry, more improvements are on their way.. Just hold on a little longer..
Official Site: xboxhacker.net
Xbox-Scene FW Install/Usage Guides/Tutorials: here
Download: n/a (might be illegal under DMCA/EUCD)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
New MC360 Beta v0.98626 Released, Plus XPR Theme Template
>> From Team Blackbolt:
[QUOTE]
We worked hard, you waited patiently and now finally we can get another beta for MC360 avaliable for download. There are over 100 fixes in this build, which is too many to name so I have packaged a change log and a new readme which has all the info about the fixes. Main things to look out for, the Extras are back on the guide blade, Xlink Kai(info) has been moved back to the Orange home blade which gains the new title of 'XBMC Live' in preperation for the next big addition to MC360, taking us to the 0.99xxx beta stage, The XBMC Live Marketplace, wip title. Using many amazing ideas from our forums, we have been able to get enough of them ideas into one place and we are starting work on the new market place in mc360 which will bring all sorts of features directly to your XBMC experience. This function is obviously only going to be for users with xboxes which are always online. You can discuss this release here in the forums.
Another new addition to the site is the Tutorials and FAQs section. We are going to finally start adding some content to it asap, first of which is a Template zip containing the entire England XPR Theme unpacked. You can see the textures uncompressed so you can get the sizing ideas from that and make your own custom themes. There is also a readme.txt within that zip so you can find out what each file does and a very important explaination from Blackbolt on how to do the background images correctly. You can find the template by choosing the Tutorials & FAQs button on the top right of this page.
So without wasting any more time get your ass to the downloads section and download! As always remember donating is one of the biggest ways you can say thanks, every little helps and we do appreciate the gesture.
UPDATE: Superman Returns theme has been delayed further because its now becoming an ENTIRE skin theme, which means it will have its own icons, buttons and more, it will be out soon, so please waiti patiently.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://blackbolt.x-scene.com
Download: here[blackbolt.x-scene.com]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2006-07-09 CVS T3CH build
>> T3CH released a new CVS compile of XboxMediaCenter(info).
This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in CVS at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions.
XBMC is in a FEATUREFREEZE at the moment. If you want to report bugs, please do it the PROPER way, see here.
Noteworthy, XML and Script changes in this build:
* changed: visualisations now load settings from userdata/visualisations. cleaned up saville and boxalizer.
* changed: combined gui and video calibration
* changed: Skin reload no longer stops the currently playing media.
* added: Support for UPnP Media Servers auto-discovery. No need to specify IP address of host in sources.xml. No need to use the SsdpProxy program anymore.
For the full changelog since the 2006-07-03 T3CH CVS release click here.
Keep in mind this is a CVS snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com / http://sourceforge.net/projects/xbmc
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) | Download SourceCode: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Halo Maps Presents - Halo Maps v2 (map pack)
>> From halomaps.com:
[QUOTE]
I like to introduce HALO MAPS v2, yes it's finally here! This project has been in the works for well over a year. I can finally sit down have a beer and relax while all you guys beat the shit out of each other on XBConnect(info) or XLink Kai(info). I have to say the only reason I thought about or even went about doing v2 was because of all the good responses I got from the first one I did. I know I am a pain in the ass with my work, I settle for nothing but perfection. Like I have said from day one, if it doesn't look as if Bungie did it then it's not worth releasing! Even when I start to get stressed out working on maps or even say I don't feel like doing this anymore I always remember one thing... my community! You guys have made HALO MAPS an absolute pleasure to be around and I could never give up on you guys. You guys kick ass and totally deserve this!
I would also like to thank everyone in my community for their patience; I know this was a long drawn out process, but wait until you play this shit. You guys are going to love it.
All the maps that I have converted to Xbox will be visually the same because they are not scenery conversions, they are actual BSP conversions. Also, nothing placement wise is the same, I wiped out all the maps internally and started from "scratch", meaning after I converted all these maps I wiped everything out from Vehicles, Scenery, Weapons, Starting Weapons, Player Spawns, MP Flags (game types), MP Equipment, and redid everything my way. I basically kept everything to a science when it came down to size and layout of the maps. I will not give away my secrets so well leave it as that. Let's just say I shoot for nothing less than perfection, and even though everyone has been waiting for me to finish this for about a year and a half now, the wait is now over and its time to blow up the XBConnect and XLink Kai Servers!
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.halomaps.com
Download: here[halomaps.com]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Fantasy360 Wireless Controller Replacement Shells in the Flesh!
>> Xtreme Enterprise posted pictures of their new ("frosted") Fantasy360 Controller Replacement Cases:
[QUOTE]
As promised earlier this week, we have brought back the first few production shells specially for a photoshoot. And we have them presented here right before you. Mind you, as we've taken these from the production rooms thousands of miles away (while everything is still in the process of getting perfected), we were only able to show partial images of how it would look fitted on an actual controller. This is the frosty look, guys. The one look which you've all been waiting for. And guess what? We're going to release Fantasy360-Console in the not to distant future as well! So everything will come in a high quality set to match your nail color.
We've done a few colors for a start to keep your adrenalin pumping and these are the ever-popular series of Rainbow colors which we have tested and proven to be high popular. So why change a formula which has worked thus far? So here is the list of amazing colors which we have come up with:
Production Status Check : Our products have just entered the final phase of assembly and packaging for the initial batch. Although we have yet to receive a final date for shipping to our customers, we are estimating it will be within the month of July. Already, so much has been done to ensure a high quality product is delivered to all customers that we are just so excited to the day it rolls out into the hands of all who have supported us.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.e-linksoft.com and http://www.xbox-central.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
ZsnexBox v2.0
>> Nes6502 released a new version of ZsnexBox(info), a port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator to Xbox on our forums with lots of new and fixed stuff!
What's new/fixed:
* Compiled with "Maximize Speed" flag set. This may provide a speedup.
* Minor GUI adjustments
* Added Black as a color choice to the GUI options.
* Fixed a bug that had garbage at the top of a saved screenshot
* Replaced the previewnotfound.jpg with the one by Wesker (Hope you don't mind and thanks)
* Multiple savestates are now supported (10 per game)
* Added a preview for each savestate
* Added option to resize/move the exit game snapshot and savestate preview.
* Changed the name of RomPath.ini to Path.ini
* Added the option to change where the ZsnexBox folder is created. Only the partition can be changed (E, F, or G). This is set in the Path.ini
* Fixed a bug where the GUI music could exceed the maximum volume.
* Adjusted the quality of the GUI files to make a smaller archive. This also frees up more Xbox memory (which gives more room for HQ screenshots).
* Added cheat searching. Up to 15 codes per game can be saved. RAM, extended RAM, and SRAM are searched.
* The rombrowser.psd is included in the media folder
Official Site: n/a, by Nes6502 (official support thread on our forums)
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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