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Week of October 19, 2003
Gentoox Wallpaper competition
>> From ShALLaX on gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
Whilst we're waiting for Gentoox Home(info) v3.0 I thought it might be fun to hold a wallpaper competition. Basically, anyone who is artistically gifted should post links to Gentoox wallpapers that they have made in THIS post. The best looking wallpaper (judged by myself) will be included in Home v3 as the default background!
The competition rules are as follows:
1) Any submissions may be modified by myself as I see fit.
2) You accept that the artwork may be used in Gentoox freely by myself and by other users though you will be given credit in the README file.
3) My decision is final on which artwork will be included and which will not be.
4) The artwork must contain the word "Gentoox".
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://gentoox.shallax.com
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(Saturday 25 October 2003 19:13 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SparkEdit 2.0
>> SparkEdit(info) is a map viewer and editor for Halo (xbox and PC). It was created to give modders insight into how the maps were constructed by the original developers.
What's new/fixed:
* added HPC map loading functionality
* added multiple BSP loading (SparkEdit now loads all the bsp sections)
* added sparkedit.ini file
* redesigned the BSP loader
Official Site: http://www.halomods.com
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Saturday 25 October 2003 17:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
SlaYer's EvoX Auto-Installer v2.5
>> A new version of the popular SlaYer's EvoX installer has been released.
From SlaYer on forums.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
New SlaYer's EvoX Auto-Installer v2.5 features (built on v2.1):
* Includes latest versions of all Xbox homebrew tools and bioses (as of release date)
* Support for >137GB HD's and the G: Drive
* XBOX v1.0 - V1.5 Support (possible future versions too)
* Ability to install EvoX & Apps in F: for Stealth Mode
* Ability to restore the retail Xbox HD to retail mode
* Ability to Format the F: or G: partitions independently
* Latest Stable Media Player XBMP Custom Configured with ShoutCast Radio
* Customized X2 4977 *FC* Bios that boot "evoXdash.xbe" 1st from F: then from C: with failover to "default.xbe" on DVD
* Further customized X2 4977 *FC* +137GB Bios that adds support for >137GB HD's
* Ability to flash virtually ANY v1.0-v1.5 XBOX TSOP and MOD chip with 1MB or 256K
* Ability to flash an X2, Chameleon, Akira or any other 1MB Cromwell(info) based MOD chip with X2 4977 *FC* +137G just by inserting this v2.5 installer disk.
* Ability to restore the "exploitable" M$ dash if replaced by Xbox Live
* Listened to everyone's concearns for size and kept the installer small, around the 105MB mark.
* Docs are now released as locked & encrypted PDF's to prevent fake releases
Software Included (along with the unchanged tools from v2.1):
* EvolutionX(info) Dash v1.8.3921
* XboxMediaPlayer(info) v2.4 CVS 09-24-03 (the 2.4 CVS 10-13-03 release was full of bugs so I ignored it)
* Px-HDD Loader(info) v1.2a
* dvd2xbox(info) v0.4.9
* boXplorer(info) 0.96 G: Patched
* BiosChecker(info) v3.1
* XB-FTP(info) v0.61
* XCommander(info) R2 G: Patched
* Avalaunch(info) 0.48 (can auto-download the Qwix(info) PC ISO Manager)
* xboxdash dvd region free patch disc(info) v1.03
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: N/A
Support: http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=ST&f=16&t=117478
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
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(Saturday 25 October 2003 09:57 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XboxMediaCenter AC3 5.1 passthru
>> From Frodo on xboxmediacenter.com:
[QUOTE]
After a looooong search Monkeyh0 and I finally discovered how we can output encoded AC3.51 directly to the digital output of the xbox. This means GREAT audio quality for AC3 5.1 encoded movies.
Currently AC3 5.1 streams get decoded by XBMC/XBMP and the 6 raw LPCM streams are given to the xbox hardware. The xbox hardware encodes this back to AC3 5.1 and outputs them on the digital output. The decoding/encoding process means quality is lost. With our new way we can transmit the encoded AC3 5.1 stream directly to the xbox digital output. No decoding/encoding is needed resulting in much better audio quality
Although things are highly experimental right (and thus buggy) right now, we wanted to share this information.
You can try it yourself using the latest XBMC. Make sure to enable AC3 passthru in settings->music and to enable DTS/DD in the msdashboard.
Then select a movie with AC3 5.1 sound and .... voila
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com
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(Saturday 25 October 2003 09:32 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Sony's Sales Slip as XBOX improves it's share of the market.
>> Sony Corp., maker of the No. 1 video- game console, may be losing dominance in the game industry after lagging PlayStation 2 sales, hurt by price-cuts and competition from Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox, contributed to a 25 percent drop in quarterly profit.
Group net income for Tokyo-based Sony, the world's No. 2 consumer-electronics maker by sales, fell to 32.9 billion yen ($300 million) in its second quarter, from 44.1 billion yen a year earlier, the company said yesterday.
Sales of Sony's PlayStation2 fell a third in volume in the six months ended Sept. 28, the second-straight half-year decline, according to researcher Enterbrain Inc. In June Sony cut the machine's price from $199 to $179 to compete with Microsoft's $180 Xbox, which is making inroads in a market that used to belong to Sony, investors said.
"Prior to Xbox coming into the market, Sony was pretty much the dominant game in town," said Brian Eisenbarth, who helps manage $900 million for Davidson Investment Advisors, including shares of Microsoft. "The market has not grown enough for Sony to offset the Xbox entry into the market. It has taken share."
For the FULL Story...
News-Source: The Detroit News (Sony's Dominance Slips)
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(Saturday 25 October 2003 00:06 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
CANADA: Xbox announces holiday bundle
>> Microsoft has announced that during the holiday shopping season this year, gamers will be able to purchase the Quest Collection that includes an Xbox console, an Xbox Controller S, a two-month trial subscription to Xbox Live and two exclusive Xbox games - Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, and MechAssault - for $279.99 (CDN).
The Quest Collection is officially scheduled to hit store shelves across Canada on October 29, 2003.
Also available is the Holiday Pack, a $249.99 value bundle that offers gamers an Xbox console, an Xbox Controller S, a two-month Xbox Live trial, and the games Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Tetris Worlds Live.
News-Source: The Globe and Mail (Canadian XBOX Bundle)
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(Saturday 25 October 2003 00:01 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBConnect 3.4
>> A new version of XBConnect has been released:
[QUOTE]
XBConnect 3.4 is available for download. This build fixes known issues with 3.3 and adds additional reliability.
Game joins more reliable
Better XBox detection
Peer to Peer code fixed (Midtown Madness, MotoGP, etc)
Wireless detection improved
Grid sorting fixed
Gamestart detection improved
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xbconnect.com
Download: here
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(Friday 24 October 2003 18:18 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New Xbox Xmas bundle for Europe *updated*
>> From gamespot.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft announces a new Xbox bundle containing two games and two months on Xbox Live for the UK.
Microsoft has today announced the release of a new Xbox Christmas bundle in the UK. Now available for Ł139.99 (US$237), the Christmas pack contains an Xbox console with a single controller, a DVD containing both Halo and Midtown Madness 3, and a voucher for a free two months' subscription to Xbox Live.
[/QUOTE]
Update: Seems like some retailers will even add more games. From bbc.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
Some retailers, like Game, are going one better by throwing in two more games, TimeSplitters 2 and Medal of Honor: Frontline Classic too.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks to Pedro for the update.
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(Friday 24 October 2003 09:46 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Where is ATi's Radeon 9100 IGP chipset?
>> From theinquirer.net:
[QUOTE]
IT SEEMS ATi's Radeon 9100 integrated chipset has been just around the corner for well over a month, yet there is still no word about its availability.
MSI has shown at least one, as our friends at UK gamer tested it, but the boards are still not in the channel and, as far as we are aware, there are no shops you can buy them at.
Shuttle should introduce its XPC system based on this chipset as soon as it is ready and we remember that ATI told us that it will ship some of these machines with TV tuner and new Windows Media Centre Edition 2004. But where are they?
We also know that ColorPower will have this board but there is still no information about them and even big boys such as Asus haven't yet introduced them and don’t have them in retail - at least not in Europe - and we haven't read anything about its availability on the Interweb.
We reckon that these machines will be ready soon, but how soon we have no idea. It's sure not so easy to make a Southbridge as ATI as well as Nvidia have learned.
But still they need some practice for Xbox 2 chipset, don't they? Gates wants this Xbox 2 to be killer stuff and ATI's chipset to glow. If he dreams not of Linux, maybe Sony stirs his unconscious meanderings.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks to Gamester17 (XBMP/XBMC) for the link.
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(Friday 24 October 2003 08:25 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Revenue increased by $53 million
>> Amid Microsoft's announcement of quarterly results today for the three months ending September 30 was some positive news for its Xbox business, which has perennially drawn flak as a drain on the software giant's balance sheet. This past quarter, revenues from the Xbox increased by $53 million compared to last quarter, a 20% jump.
While the increased volume of hardware and software sales could have raised revenue as high as $85 million, price cuts around the market offset that figure by $32 million.
News-Source: www.1up.com (Xbox Revenue )
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(Friday 24 October 2003 02:08 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X2 Bios Manager 2 Beta 7
>> Team Xecuter released a beta of their new Xecuter Bios Manager(info):
[QUOTE]
It's not final and there any be bugs - but it seems to program and detect the X2 Pro much better than the previous version. You can also manage your bios's with this app much easier. Please post your opinions / bugs / whatever to this page.
Use at your own risk. The program has bugs and is not any kind of final version.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxecuter.com
Download: here
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(Thursday 23 October 2003 15:14 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Australia: Xbox takes off down under
>> From zdnet.com.au:
[QUOTE]
Xbox sales have leapt upwards, corresponding with the launch of the Xbox Live online gaming service.
Figures released by GfK Marketing Services Australia revealed that 32 percent of the 'next generation' console market was taken by Xbox during September. Sales of the Microsoft console grew by 12 percent in the July 1-September 30 period, while sales of Sony's Playstation 2 fell by eight percent and sales of Ninendo's Gamecube dropped by 15 percent, according to GfK.
[/QUOTE]
For the Full story..
News-Source: www.zdnet.com.au (Xbox takes off down under)
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(Thursday 23 October 2003 09:52 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Canada: BioWare Corp. is recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers
>> XBOX Game Dev BioWare Corp. is honoured to announce that it has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. “This award is a great honour, and it reflects the continuous hard work of our Human Resources department to make BioWare a great place to work. It is important to BioWare because it reflects our core value of quality in our workplace, and it also demonstrates that BioWare is an employer of choice for prospective employees not only in Canada, but world-wide,” said Joint CEO Dr. Ray Muzyka.
The future for BioWare continues to look bright. The recently announced Jade Empire,™ an Xbox title to be published by Microsoft in late 2004, marks BioWare’s first creation of an entirely new, proprietary intellectual property since the company’s inception. “BioWare is very excited to be in a position where we have the experience, maturity and confidence to undertake the huge task of creating a compelling new game property. Many BioWare employees have been interested in this type of creative challenge for quite some time, and we’re very pleased to be able to provide this opportunity,” commented Dr. Greg Zeschuk, Joint CEO, BioWare Corp.
For the Full story..
News-Source: www.xboxusersgroup.com (BioWare Corp, Canada)
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(Thursday 23 October 2003 01:35 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
TOKYO: Microsoft Invites Fonix to Japan Xbox Xfest; Fonix speech technology showcased on the Xbox gaming platform
>> Fonix(R) Corporation (OTCBB:FNIX), an international provider of award-winning speech solutions, announces we will present our speech technology at the Xbox Xfest on October 24 in Japan.
The Xfest is Microsoft's premier event to showcase current and future developments for the Xbox game platform. Fonix expects to further expand our visibility to Japanese game developers by participating in this high-profile event.
Speech-based interfaces signify the next generation of sophisticated games, as users demand more and improved interactive features from the gaming experience. Fonix voice recognition gives players new access to games features, making the experience more engaging and fun. The Fonix speech interface solution is already included in the Xbox development kit (XDK) for game developers, and Xbox games including Fonix speech will be released in the near future.
At Xfest, Fonix will highlight our speech technology capabilities as a part of Microsoft's gaming presentation. Fonix will also showcase our speech technology running on the Xbox platform. The Fonix speech demonstration has been designed in English and Japanese.
The Xbox Xfest takes place at the Nomura Conference Plaza, Nomura building 48F, Shinjuku 1-26-2 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo. The Xfest office can be reached at 03-5994-7183 from 10:00 -12:00 and 13:00 -17:00, Monday through Friday.
News-Source: new.stockwatch.com (FONIX at XFEST)
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(Wednesday 22 October 2003 23:57 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Old official Xecuter forum restored
>> From teamxecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
Luckily we kept a copy of our original forums with it's extensive knowledge base, and was able to port ot over to our current software. So if you were signed in with us before - you can use the same account details here.
If you have any problems please let us know - but we've tested this all day today and we fixed pretty much all the bugs we could find.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 22 October 2003 22:05 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Halo Map Tools V2
>> A new version of Halo Map Tools(info) has been released.
From the readme:
[QUOTE]
HMT is an app designed to make Halo hacking easier. It is plugin based and can be easily extended to provide additional features. Currently, HMT supports the following for both XBox and PC:
- Texture injection and extraction for DXT1, DXT2/3, DXT4/5, A8R8G8B8, X8R8G8B8, and A1R5G5B5 formats.
- Texture thumbnail previewing.
- Sound injection and extraction of both sound formats (Xbox ADPCM and Ogg Media).
- Scenery, Vehicle, and PlayerSpawn placement and type editing.
- Raw MetaData Injection and Extraction.
- Easy editing of Index Data.
- Offset swapping.
- Batch resource extraction.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by MonoxideC
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Wednesday 22 October 2003 21:17 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
KOREA: Microsoft Claims Xbox Live a Success in Korea
>> Microsoft sold out its first batch of Xbox Live starter kits in 10 minutes- but only shipped out 500-1000 units. The company plans to ship in the coming days an additional 1000 units of the kit, which includes a 12 month subscription to Xbox Live, a voice communicator, and demos to Mech Assault and Moto GP.
Sony and Microsoft have been fighting for online supremacy in Korea, a nation that has extensively embraced online gaming. However, Sony has an overwhelming advantage over Microsoft, with the PS2 having an installed base of 600,000- ten times more than Xbox’s installed base of 60,000. Microsoft hopes to tap into the huge online community to boost sales, and to prove that Xbox can do well in Asia.
News-Source: www.gamepro.com (Live a Success in Korea )
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(Wednesday 22 October 2003 20:25 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
dvd2xbox 0.4.9
>> dvd2xbox(info) is a file manager for the xbox.
Whats New/Fixed:
+ fixed a bug where ISO files weren't copied in the main copy module (not disk browser) when they're in the root dir.
+ fixed a bug where not all encrypted DVDs are decrypted properly (still needs some tweaking to prevent css key generation for each vob separately. So dvd2xbox isn't crashed it's just generating the keys :-).
+ implemented newest ISO9660 sources from XBMC (Thanks to XBMC development and team Avalaunch(info). Seems to be a little slower but much more reliable. The most of my ISO CDs are working now).
+ added cdio library for iso9660 and CDDA detection (Thanks to XBMC development).
+ incorporated the newest source for lba48 support from XBMC (guys, what would I do without you ?). Should fix some issues with larger f:\ drives ] 120GB.
+ added 'enableFdrive(info)' do dvd2xbox.xml for boxes without f: drives.
+ renamed 'enablePart7' to 'enableGdrive' in dvd2xbox.xml.
+ fixed a bug where xbox games with a d:\video_ts folder are wrongly detected as video DVD.
+ fixed a bug where CDDA tracks with the same first 42 letters overwrites itself.
+ fixed a bug where dvd2xbox randomly crashes while counting the XBOX game size.
Official Site: http://dvd2xbox.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Wednesday 22 October 2003 15:34 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Gentoox Kernel 2.4.22 released + opinion asked for Home3.0
>> From ShALLaX gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
Kernel 2.4.22 is released! Go grab it by running 'magic'.
See the kernel upgrade tutorial here.
This patch has been tested 3 times in Home v2.1 and 2 times in Pro v1, so it should work!
I need to know what YOU want in the next 'Home Edition'. If you want some software adding, something removing, something changing etc... let me know HERE!
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 22 October 2003 10:22 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Media Center (XBMC) Xbins CVS 2003-10-21
>> A new Xbins CVS Compile of XboxMediaCenter(info) has been released.
What's new/fixed (since last CVS build):
* fixed: several memory leaks, some visualisation issues and other stuff
* added: swedish language file
* added: new python stuff by darkie!! (thx m8)
* added: output 2 all speakers for ac3 5.1
* fixed: hangup when playing movie and entering my files
* fixed: hangup when switching between GUI & Visualisation a couple of times
* fixed: my programs: scan F: / G: depending on settings in xboxmediacenter.xml
* fixed: my settings: when switching language, keep the focus on the language instead of skin
* fixed: memory leak with visualisations
* fixed: crash when 1. switch language then 2. play a song
* fixed: removed compiler warnings
* fixed: LBA48 should now be supported now (specify which drive 2 use in xboxmediacenter.xml)
* fixed: xboxmediacenter should now be able to start from F: or G: now
(edit in xboxmediacenter.xml)
Keep in mind this is just a compile of the sourcecode in the CVS on 21 october and XBMC is still in alpha-phase. There's no guarantee this version is stable or bugfree. Only use at OWN risk if you like to test out new things.
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Wednesday 22 October 2003 10:01 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New Xecuter website + new X3 picture and WIP Bios Manager/FlashBIOS v2.27
>> Lots of new stuff from from Team Xecuter.
First of all a new color picture of the Xecuter3 prototype has been released:
[QUOTE]
I'm sure many of you are wondering about the forthcoming Xecuter 3 - or "X3" as we tend to call it these days. Well development is going strong and to give you a glimpse of what we're up to - here is a picture of our debugging and dev hardware (and before you ask no this isn't what the mod will look like heh)
[/QUOTE]
A new version of the X-ecuter2 Bios Manager(info) will be released soon:
[QUOTE]
The very popular and much used Xecuter Bios Manager has received a facelift. A few bugs have been ironed out along with a couple of new features including much improved Xecuter Modchip detection (It can auto detect if you have a Lite or Pro fitted). Also included is an online bios.ini updater so you can keep up to date with the latest MD5 database. We expect it to be finished in the next few days - however hre's a screen shot of our current beta.
[/QUOTE]
Check out the preview screenshot here
Also a new Flashbios (based on cromwell 2.27) will be released soon with added support for Xbox v1.4 and v1.5:
[QUOTE]
The current version of FlashBIOS is based on the Cromwell(info) v1.8 code which as most of you know is quite buggy. The new Cromwell v2.27 fixes many problems and is so much more stable including support for the new Focus video encoder (v1.4 / v1.5 Xbox's) We're doing some final testing so you can expect it to be in our downloads section in the next few hours.
[/QUOTE]
They also launched their new website:
[QUOTE]
After gallons of coffee and a years supply of pro plus, we are very pleased to reveal our new support site. It's still a work in progress so you may see many changes day to day - especially to the tutorials section. Please feel free to sign up and take advantage of whats on offer.
[/QUOTE]
And there's some news about the Xecuter FlashX(info) v1.2 that was released some days ago already.
Official Site: http://www.teamxecuter.com
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(Tuesday 21 October 2003 20:54 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
More about new Aladdin Advance
>> We received this from Team Ankarah with some different info then the previous news we got about the new Aladdin Advanced:
[QUOTE]
We are maker and manufacturer of the original Aladdin Advanced (gen3b modchip) and actually suffers from clones, imitation or whatever.
The true about next Ankarah's product is as follow:
The classic Aladdin Advance (let's call it OLD) will be dedicated to OEM work, We are printing web site name on CPLD and/or FLASH for marketing need. Programming and Producing with customer OEM flashbios and OEM flashcd.
About the new range to comes out:
* The PCB will be different (for different convenient use, header pins, window under the flash for easy pull out, impossible to pull out without correct tool or without taking riskt to damage it, until now.)
* The design will also offer Header Pins adapter as well as classic Aladdin pcb connector
* Blue, Red LEDs are included
* The design is compatible with Xecuter Programmer & Software as well as iXia (Xecuter programming software for win 9x/2k/Xp to be released soon by hkmod.com)
* The Design didn't need any other CPLD to manage a bigger flash, ressources consuming = lack of programming skillz.
It's still use the same 64/32, and the team are trying to add // programming capabilities into it.
Here is the list of supported flash (with the same lattice M4A3 64/32 cpld)
256k (2Mb): SST49LF020, W49V002A, Pm49FL002, M50LPW002, AT49LL020
512k (4Mb): SST49LF040, w39v040a, Pm49FL004, M50LPW040, AT49LL040
1MB (8Mb): SST49LF080A, Pm49FL008, M50LPW080, AT49LL080, LHF00L07
The 2 ranges are as follow:
Aladdin ADV: Improved PCB (flash easy pull out), Improved CPLD code (support more flash), 256kb Flash PLCC included => It replaces first Aladdin Advance
Aladdin ADV+: Improved PCB (flash easy pull out + Header Pins), Improved CPLD code (support more flash), 2 Leds, 1Mb Flash PLCC included
[/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 21 October 2003 19:32 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox set to get industry watchers talking at X03
>> On 23 October 2003, Microsoft Singapore will host the first ever ‘X03’ in the Asia region. Over 30 new games and Music Mixer to be previewed, and details of a multi-million dollar plan to create a chain of Xbox multimedia centers.
Prelude Microsoft Singapore will host the first ever ‘X03’ – the Xbox invitation-only event that will see more than 500 invitees, including media, trade and gamers, treated to a preview of more than 30 upcoming Xbox games and announcements that will set industry watchers talking.
X03 invitees will be treated to exclusive early previews of upcoming blockbuster game releases from world class game publishers - Microsoft Game Studios, Electronic Arts, Ubi Soft, Atari and Vivendi Universal. Among the exciting titles previewed include Project Gotham Racing 2, Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, Magic the Gathering, Counter-strike, Magatama, Crimson Skies and more than 30 upcoming titles arriving at retail stores in time for Christmas.
The biggest announcement of the evening will be the revelation of a multi-million dollar marketing partnership to bring to the Singapore public - a chain of Xbox multimedia centers to be set up in the next 24 months. Full details will be revealed only at X03.
News-Source: www.hardwarezone.com (X03)
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(Tuesday 21 October 2003 18:09 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
P. Diddy New Celebrity Endorser For Xbox
>> While dodging lawsuits, opening Sean John stores, releasing new Bad Boy albums and running the New York City Marathon, Sean "P.Diddy" Combs has just announced he will now become the first celebrity endorser for Microsoft's Xbox game console.
Diddy's voice and signature adlibs are scheduled to be featured in forthcoming Xbox commercials for the Holiday season. During the 30 second spots, Diddy will name drop some of Xbox's stand out games, including "Project Gotham Racing 2," "Grabbed by the Ghoulies" and "Amped 2."
"P.Diddy was the perfect fit as our first celebrity voice because he embodies the same spirit as Xbox," Xbox's Director of Brand Marketing, Don Hall told Ve3d.com. "He's multi-faceted, has made a significant social impact, and pulls millions of people together in a positive way with his powerhouse talents."
For the FULL Story...
News-Source: www.sohh.com (P. Diddy ) /www.allhiphop.com (P.Diddy/XBOX)
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(Tuesday 21 October 2003 18:04 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
New Aladdin Advanced with bigger flashes
>> We received this news about the Aladdin Advanced (gen3b modchip):
[QUOTE]
We will release a new version of Aladdin next week that supports SST49LF0x0A flashes. This is done by remapping out-of-range addresses to the actual 256K present. Since all LPC communication has to be done through the CPLD another CPLD with 7.5ns delay and faster slewrate will be used (from Lattice as well). The PCB will have the same appearance but some tracks will be rerouted.
[/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 21 October 2003 14:02 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Evolve v1.0
>> From the readme:
[QUOTE]
Evolve v1.0 (formerly EvoXSkinDes(info)) is a GUI based skinner for Win32 that lets you easily create EvolutionX(info) skins by using a drag-and-drop interface. By using project files, you can save a skin, and work on it later.
Changes:
* Various bug fixes
* INI preview can auto-refresh at specified intervals. ie: real-time INI file previewing
* Code tidied up a little. But still, my coding sucks ass ;)
* Saved projects now stored in a single file. Not multiple files as before.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by SYNeR
Download: here
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(Tuesday 21 October 2003 13:12 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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IGN Entertainment Acquires TeamXbox Website
>> From teamxbox.com:
[QUOTE]
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 21, 2003-- IGN Entertainment - home to IGN.com®, the web's largest gaming and entertainment destination with over 10.5 million unique monthly visitors - today announced the purchase of the TeamXbox.com, one of the world’s largest Xbox-only sites. The acquisition, which further solidifies IGN’s position as the leading online destination for gamers, allows IGN to provide the most complete Xbox coverage online.
TeamXbox will continue to deliver quality information as well daily features such as up-to-the-minute gaming news and weekly “Xbox on the Net” that wraps up everything Xbox covered by other sites. TeamXbox averages over a half million unique visitors per month and is the “official” game forum for over 15 Xbox titles.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on teamxbox.com
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(Tuesday 21 October 2003 12:36 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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XBox 2, PS3 set for 2006 battle
>> From theinquirer.net:
[QUOTE]
GAMES MAKER THQ has its nose to the grindstone readying games for the next generation of consoles heading for a high street battle in 2006, CEO Brian Farrell said.
In a conference call to discuss THQ's latest quarterly results, Farrell said the company's Rainbow and Volition studios were already working on ideas for the consoles. "We still believe that the next generation will launch in 2006. That's our best guess as of today's date," Farrell said. But he added that he couldn't rule out an earlier launch date for either one, or both of the consoles. "We're certainly preparing in the event that there is a 2005 launch," he said.
Having carved itself out a niche in the maket dominated by Sony, Microsoft will live or die in the next round of the battle which has seen the Vole squeeze into Nintendo's shoes as the number two contender, Sega having given up the hardware ghost some time ago.
The big two are likely to go head to head within weeks of each other, in a battle for the hearts and minds of nimble-thumbed youngsters everywhere.
[/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 21 October 2003 09:46 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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xSnes9x v1.05 private beta out!
>> From Lantus on http://www.lantus-x.com/xSnes9x/:
[QUOTE]
xSnes9x update! you will be pleased to hear that last week ive sent out beta's to my testers who are currently in the process of testing/breaking/reporting any issues they find.
we are not far off a release folks!
Some folks have been asking me weather the new S-DD1 "on the fly decompression" will be in this build. The answer is no . The Snes9x team do not wish for this to be released until more testing is done, most likely in their 1.42 release and i must respect their wishes.
However, the new xSnes9x will definetly be the last release that requires graphics packs.
And for those interested : Matthew Kendora has posted an interesting journal update about whats coming in future Snes9x builds. You can read his thoughts at http://www.snes9x.com/journal.asp
[/QUOTE]
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(Tuesday 21 October 2003 05:57 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Baku Baku X v1.0
>> Baku Baku is a baku baku clone written from scratch, for the xbox.
From the readme:
The only known problem with this gane i know of ATM is that the eating is still not perfect, but if you learn what 'trips' the eat engine, you will get around it and itll be fine for the moment... someone should go over my source and write a new eat function (because i suck)...
The reason im not adding every single thing into this game is due to the fact i cant plan for shit, so this will be a 'guide' for my next Baku Baku (2), which will hopefully play -perfect- and include all the features i wanted for this version... (like more customisation).
Official Site: http://www.xfactordev.net/index.php (by SHiZNO)
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Monday 20 October 2003 19:09 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
xBmsx v0.8 for OSX
>> xBms is a streaming utility for the MAC.
From the readme:
xBmsx v0.8 for OSX is available. I recompiled the binary with Frodo's
xbmc-compatibility-patch, and this seems to have gotten rid of some
directory browsing problems I was having with xbmc and xBmsx v0.7. It also
seems (on initial tests) to be compatible with xbmp and Panther.
Official Site: http://4four.net/osx_code/
Download: here
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(Monday 20 October 2003 16:51 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
xboxdash dvd region free patch disc v1.03
>> From the readme:
[QUOTE]
Description:
A xboxdash dvd region free patch disc bootable directly in any modded xbox. The disc is fully automated and can be used to quickly switch between original and patched m$ dasboard, good for xbox live users.
Info:
The disc is based on a fast and very powerful "mini Linux ram disk dist" which boots in less than 10sec (not counting xbox splash screen). All patch data provided by sylver from his excellent 'xboxdash dvd region free patcher v1.03' for Windows. The patch tool used is ApplyPPF v3.0 (Linux) by =Icarus/Paradox=. All ppf3 patches features "undo data" to provide a slick restore function when needed. The only file touched by this tool is 'xboxdash.xbe' on your hd system partition (C:), no backup files needed for restore function.
Supported original m$ dashboards:
3944, 4034, 4817, 4920 rev. 10027100, 4920 rev. 1012a700, 5659 rev. 17e4cd00, 5659 rev. 17f14d00
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.eurasia.nu
Download: here
Thanks to venturahighway for the news.
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(Monday 20 October 2003 10:55 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xecuter3 new prototype picture
>> Team Xecuter just released another image of their Xecuter3 prototype.
No design/layout image this time, but a synthetic picture of the Xecuter3 mainboard.
Keep in mind this is a DEVELOPMENT board (for debugging and software development) ... the final pcb will probably look completely different.
Full size picture: http://www.teamxecuter.com/x3dev.htm
What I see from the picture (!nothing official!):
* 2 flash chips of unknown size (one clearly larger then the other). Just an extra fail-safe feature? or do they plan to do something special with 2 'bios' chips instead of one real big. Maybe one will be used to store an .xbe ...
* all solder install methods (wire connector, male(?) headerpin and I think on the top it's a X1-style alias 'quick-solder' install system)
* connectors for the external adaptor and (optional) expansion board you could see on the design/layout image
* 2 series of 6 pins ... no idea what that is ... this board isn't final though, so it might just be debug-stuff ... or might not ;)
Thanks to Harel for the link
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(Monday 20 October 2003 09:58 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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XSN titles and tunneling software - 110-120ms ping limit
>> An anonymous source told us today that all of the XSN titles so far have a ping limit of about 110-120ms. If you are playing a linkgame through tunneling software like XLink(info) (or any other) and your opponent lags over 120ms the game will die.
So just make sure you have good pings before you start playing and enjoy free online gaming :)
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(Monday 20 October 2003 09:44 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Hardware: Radica Makes FPS Xbox Controller
>> The FPS Master, the first controller specifically designed to optimize performance in first person shooter (FPS) games on the Xbox video game console, is now available from Radica Games (NASDAQ: RADA) under the Gamester brand. The button layout on standard Xbox controllers requires users to take their thumb off the right control stick (used for aiming in FPS games) to hit the action buttons. The distinctive A, B, X and Y button layout on the FPS Master's specially designed twin grip handles allows gamers to keep both thumbs on the analog control sticks at all times.
-Thumbs never leave the analog sticks
-Fingertip A, B, X, Y Buttons
-Dual gun grip design
-Reassign button locations with built-in LCD
-Stores 3 custom setups
Designed specifically for Next-Gen First Person Shooter games, the FPS gives you unparalleled control.
Featuring symmetrical left and right analog sticks, rubber grips, easily programmable buttons, and ergonomic shape, the FPS gives gamers what they want most: more control and comfort.
Works with all Xbox games
"There's nothing worse than getting fragged while playing Halo or Ghost Recon because you can't reload and aim at the same time," said Chris Wilson, vice president of marketing, Radica Games Ltd. "The FPS Master gives the ultimate unfair advantage to Xbox FPS fanatics."
The FPS Master, which is fully compatible with all other Xbox titles as well, is now on shelves at major retailers for a suggested retail price of $29.99.
Manufacturer: (Gamester)
News-Source: www.gameindustry.com (FPS Master)
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(Monday 20 October 2003 08:53 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
MAMEoX 0.76.1b
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(Monday 20 October 2003 00:42 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Wonderswanx V1
>> Xport made a port of a WonderSwan Emulator.
Features:
* Emulates WonderSwan
* Excellent compatibility - ported from OSwan
* Full sound
* ZIP support
* Cheat system - Search/Create your own cheat codes (see notes)
* Favorites list
* Netplay
* Resizable game screen
* 480p, 720p, 1080i support
* Virtual Keyboard - go to Controller Configuration / UI Mappings to select the button combo that will bring up the Virtual Keyboard while in-game.
and all other features found in other Xport releases. See full features here
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: forums.xbox-scene.com and xbins.org
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(Sunday 19 October 2003 17:00 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
KegsX v2
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(Sunday 19 October 2003 10:41 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Windows CE based settop boxes
>> From doom9.net:
[QUOTE]
I was visiting ITU Telecom World fair this weekend and found something interesting at the Microsoft booth: In their Windows CE section, they had a couple of Windows CE.NET based devices capable of playing WMV9 video. Besides the Samsung DVD player with integrated WMV support, they had 7 settop boxes for VOD services. Most devices used a standard 733 MHz Celeron processor which limits their playback capabilities somewhat. In fact, those devices are designed for streams of 1.5 MBit/s or lower, and resolutions up to D1 (720x480/576). Prices are as of yet unknown, but the devices should be ready for field trials in Q4 2003. They also had a €35'000 hardware real-time WMV9 encoder by Tandberg on display, which could be used by VOD providers to encode content on the fly. The settop boxes also supported TV playback and interactive services via Microsoft TV, which seems to indicate in which direction Microsoft is going to conquer the living room.
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: doom9.net.
Thanks to Gamester17 on XboxMedia Player/XboxMedia Center where I saw this news.
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(Sunday 19 October 2003 09:09 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
JOYRIDE STUDIOS adds 4 new sets for November release
>> ... releasing 4 new sets for the XMAS season.
(2x 3" Mini 2 Piece Sets), and (2x 3" Mini 5 Piece Sets). The mini Master Chiefs feature 10 points of articulation, and the mini Jackal's include Shields and Plasma Rifles.
Free Halo Figure Offer should still be valid when purchasing these new sets.
More Details: (Joyride Studios)
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(Sunday 19 October 2003 02:23 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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XBOX part of the US New Military Industrial Entertainment Complex
>> The Navy-produced "America's Army" is only the tip of the military's video iceberg. While the game may be a recruiting device masquerading as a toy, there's nothing clandestine about who was involved in its creation. Much less evident is the Army's role in "Full Spectrum Warrior" (FSW) – a videogame for the recently unveiled Microsoft Xbox system that will be released to the public early in 2004. FSW is a realistic combat simulator that allows the gamer to act as an Army light infantry squad leader conducting operations in "Tazikhstan," a fictional nation, nestled between Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China. Following the lead of America's present commander-in-chief, the game leaves out all gray areas, casting Tazikhstan firmly within the axis of evil due to its fanatical strongman Mohammad Jabbour Al-Afad, a former guerilla leader of Mujahideen fighters. His "hatred of the western world is well known" and he has turned his nation into "a haven for terrorists and extremists," especially "Taliban and Iraqi loyalists." In short, "Tazikhstan" is a one-stop shop for evil-doers.
ICT's Hollywood team put together the concept for the Army super soldier of the future and its video-game corps developed the military simulator "Full Spectrum Command" that has now spawned "Full Spectrum Warrior," a video game produced by the military-entertainment-videogame complex at ICT for Microsoft's Xbox system. And Microsoft isn't just adapting Army video concepts either. It turns out that this sort of "gaming" is a genuine two-way street, for Microsoft is also the core software provider of wearable computers for an Army program now in production, the Land Warrior, a proto-super soldier package to be introduced next year which, just to square the circle, is scheduled to be replaced in the 2010s by the Objective Force Warrior.
Microsoft also appears to be embracing the OFW concept, because its futuristic combat game "Halo" features soldiers who look strikingly similar to the Army's future super soldiers. Dropping down an age level, Hasbro may also embrace the Objective Force Warrior concept for its toys as they have evidently been given advanced access to the OFW plans. Whew. Got that? So now from tots to video-playing teens to teen soldiers playing video to soldiers turned into cyborg warriors, we know what "full-spectrum dominance" actually means.
Seriously.. for the FULL story...
News-Source: www.commondreams.org (Microsoft part of US War Machine)
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(Sunday 19 October 2003 01:08 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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