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Week of June 19, 2005
neXgen W.I.P update
>> From Fyb3roptik on xboxopensource.com:
[QUOTE]
Just to let everyone know a status on neXgen(info). We have the web server working, as well as a user login screen. Want to have user logins so that anyone can customize settings. NHD is working hard to finish most of the scripting for this. ILTB an I are working together to finish some skinning plans. If all goes well the 3D-skin will look awesome.
*UPDATE* Here is a link to one of our skins http://www.xboxopensource.com/upload/NHD/fceu360.jpg
[/QUOTE]
Non-XBL AuthKey Patch v1.0
>> From nfo/readme/forzacustoms.info:
[QUOTE]
BrienJ released a universal patcher that will input any xbe given and patch it to use what has been dubbed the ‘Non-XBL Auth Key’. If you are unaware what or how an Auth Key works I suggest visiting XBOX-Saves.com’s Forums for some research.
Syntax: authkeypatch [filename] [ID number]
ID Number must be a number from 0 - 65,535
Just run the program on any xbe file and it will patch it to use the same AuthKey and also patch it so it uses a different folder number, depending on the unique ID number you give it. I've made it so you can have up to 65,536 unique folder numbers, which should cover every Xbox game ever made, plus the number should never interfere with any real folder numbers used by any game.
Also, the xbe files will be patched, so that the game will show up in the dashboard memory manager, with the prefix "Non-XBL", so you can tell which saves are from your retail game and which ones are from your patched game. This will let you keep your old retail saves, in case you need them to play on XBL.
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Official Site: http://www.forzacustoms.info
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
TeamXbox Interview with Todd Holmdahl
>> TeamXbox posted a very interesting interview with Todd Holmdahl, Corporate Vice President of the Xbox Product Group.
Here's some stuff the interview covers:
* The different connections the Xbox 360 will offer: composite, component, s-video and VGA. But no digital connection.
* Xbox 360 will play high definition video in VC1 (WMVHD) format, they are still evaluating upscaling standard definition DVDs.
* Xbox 360 does not support 1080p at this time. It’s an incremental improvement at an astronomical expense. Microsoft deliver the capability when and if customers want it.
* Xbox 360 has hardware accelerated audio decompression for Windows Media audio content, rest is done on multi-core CPU hardware (dedicated audio chip).
* Wireless Network Adapter is connected via USB - so Xbox360 could in theory have a dual network setup (no plans for this atm).
* Launch headset is wired, but Xbox360 can handle 4 wireless headsets (truly wireless or wireless via the gamepad).
* The Xbox 360 OS (kernel) will be an extension of the Xbox 1.0 OS.
* Xbox360 games and Xbox live will NOT require the HDD or Memory Unit.
* Hardware supports 4X MSAA anti-aliasing without performance loss. Developers can perform supersampling for even better anti-aliasing.
They also talk about:
* The Xbox360 CPU/GPU/Architecture compared to the one of the PlayStation3
* The new dual-core AMD and Intel CPUs
* How MS made multi-core programming easier for developers
* PlayStation 3 ability to deliver two 1080p video signals
* PlayStation 3 vs. Windows Media Center PC & Xbox360-as-media-center-amplifier.
... and much more
Go read the whole interview on TeamXbox.com.
Kopin and 3001 AD to Bring Virtual Reality to Xbox
>> From TeamXbox.com:
[QUOTE]
Kopin Corp., the largest U.S. manufacturer of microdisplays for mobile consumer electronics, announced today that virtual reality gaming developer 3001 AD, LLC has incorporated the BDM-230K into its Trimersion virtual reality system, which for the first time will bring virtual reality gaming to the Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation and PCs. 3001 AD unveiled Trimersion last month at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), the world's largest gaming exposition.
The Kopin BDM-230K, a complete binocular video subsystem, delivers crisp, full-color, QVGA-quality (320 x 240 resolution) video with a virtual image equivalent to a 35-inch display viewed from a seven-foot distance.
Head-tracking capability lets gamers control key elements of their virtual environments, such as point of view and player position, with an intuitive turn of the head instead of a thumb or finger command. A non-tracking version of the Trimersion is available for players who prefer a mouse or hand control. Trimersion also lets gamers wield a pistol-style input device, rather than push buttons, to shoot within the game. Thousands of gamers, analysts and businesspeople thronged to the 3001 AD booth at E3, which took the form of an oversized Trimersion virtual reality helmet.
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Read the whole article/pressreleae on TeamXbox.com.
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(Thursday 23 June 2005 19:21 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Consumers educated about piracy, but don't see it as a crime
>> From GamesIndustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
New research revealed at the ELSPA International Games Summit suggests that British consumers are aware of the industry's position on counterfeit goods, but do not support its initiatives to cut down on the rate of piracy.
One of the key findings of the study was that consumers consider piracy to be a normal part of life, and that they do not share the view of the industry and the government that it is a criminal activity which is similar to common theft.
Crucially, they held very different views on downloading pirate software as against buying or selling counterfeit goods - with downloading being perceived as ethically very different, and somehow "cleaner" since no cash transaction is involved.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on GamesIndustry.biz.
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(Thursday 23 June 2005 09:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XCM Gamecube Replacement Case Update, Reviews coming for cases
>> From www.teamxtender.com:
[QUOTE]
With the recent arrival of our new XCM viper regular case we have simply been swamped with masses of orders. Maybe it's the official Viper GC hologram jewel that has made this case a great success, the high quality, or perhaps the value analysis technique that went into this project - making this case the best solution for all Gamecube modders out there. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our distributors, retailers and customers alike for their great support on our fine range of cases. Stay tuned for an exciting announcement shortly!
[/QUOTE]
HSD: My review of this XCM Gamecube case will appear shortly on our affiliate www.gamersreports.com and on other GameCube Sites and Forums.
Also in the works for the next week or so is a full detailed review of their XCM Xbox Replacement cases. I received the Clear and Blue a little while ago, and at first glance they look great.. and I can't wait to put them through my usual battery of tests. :) All of the other cases on the market have been brittle or missing parts (like the bottom) So it will be interesting to see if these are worthy.
Enough hype.. expect that review here on the news page shortly.
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(Wednesday 22 June 2005 23:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Minor league teams to play 'virtually'
>> News-Source: msn.foxsports.com
[QUOTE]
The Kansas City T-Bones and Schamburg Flyers of the independent Northern League can take it easy at the start of their July 16th game off. That's because the first two innings will be played virtually.
According to a report in the Kansas City Star two video gamers will climb into recliners stationed at home plate, grab their Microsoft Xbox game controllers and slug it out for two innings on the park's 16- by 24-foot video screen.
Whatever the score is after those two innings will stand when the teams take the field to finish the game in more conventional fashion.
The idea originally came from the 6-year-old niece of Bryan Williams, director of community relations for the T-Bones
"It was a fun way to get my niece involved in things I do every day," Williams said. "Then it just grew and grew and took off."
The two combatants will be determined through video game competitions at CompUSA stores in Overland Park and Independence, Kan.
The virtual game is a first for professional baseball, but unique promotions are commonplace for the Kansas City team. Last year, the T-Bones auctioned rights to a fan's night on eBay. The winning bidder found his likeness on 3,000 bobblehead dolls..
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(Wednesday 22 June 2005 23:20 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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Microsoft Japan promises slate of Xbox 360 launch titles
>> From GameSpot.com:
[QUOTE]
One of the major impediments to the growth of the Xbox installed base in Japan was the paltry number of titles geared specifically for Japanese gamers, available at launch and during the console's ongoing lifespan.
With former Square Enix executive Yoshihiro Maruyama now guiding Xbox ops in Japan, the story will be different for the 360--or so Maruyama hopes.
In an interview published in the current issue of Famitsu, Maruyama said he expects Japan will see a "good line-up" of titles at launch--somewhere in the double digit range. He added that seven or eight will be Japanese-developed games.
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Read the whole article on GameSpot.com.
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(Wednesday 22 June 2005 22:41 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Team Xecuter: X3CL W.I.P and Gamecube Case Finished
>> From teamxecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
* X3CL W.I.P
We are currently working on a new X3 Bios, adding all the features we included in the latest X2CL (16 new features!) and also fixing a few minor bugs inc some FTP fixes. You can also look forward to a brand new major feature - watch this space.
* Gamecube Case - Finished
After a great deal of quality management we are pleased to reveal our final product. Superior in every way this is THE replacement Gamecube case of choice. More news shortly.
More Pictures on teamxecuter.com
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 22 June 2005 12:15 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
MFXStream v1.0.0
>> A new version of MFXStream(info) has been released. It's an opensource media file streaming server for XboxMediaCenter(info) using the XBMS(info)P protocol. It's been about a year since the last release (v1.0 beta5) ... but here's v1.0.0 final!
What's new/fixed:
* A new share handling routine which is faster and better with less memory consumption.
* Support for removable media. Server/service has to be restarted when media is inserted and stopped to remove media.
* Bookmark update for XBOX functionality is removed and I´m working on a separate program to handle it.
* A system tray menu to manage service.
* Command line handling of service.
Official Site: http://mfxstream.sourceforge.net
Download: here
Gentoox New Magic Repository module
>> From ShALLaX on gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
Some may have noticed this new link on the left of gentoox.shallax.com. This basically replaces the "Links & Developer" section (which has been renamed to just "Links"). All developer items are now on the magic repository. This not only makes it easier for me to add new developer content (adding links to PHPNuke is a real pain), but it allows me to control the bandwidth usage of potentially large files released this way (such as the Gentoox Loader(info) source diffs).
[/QUOTE]
Xbox 360 to hit 10 million units in 12 to 16 months - Moore
>> From GamesIndustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Speaking at the ELSPA International Games Summit in London, Microsoft corporate VP Peter Moore has predicted that the company's first-mover advantage with Xbox 360 will allow the console to reach 10 million installed base "very quickly."
Asked what position he expects the Xbox 360 to be in by the time Sony's PlayStation 3 arrives on the market, Moore commented that it was "difficult to say until we know what 'Spring' means," referring to Sony Computer Entertainment boss Ken Kutaragi's stated launch window for PS3 of Spring 2006.
He reiterated his colleague J Allard's comment, made at E3 last month in Los Angeles, that the next-generation could touch a "billion consumers" - but clarified slightly, saying that he was referring to the industry as a whole, including all three next-generation consoles, rather than simply to Xbox 360.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on GamesIndustry.biz.
Samsung first to mass produce DDR3 memory chips
>> From reuters.com:
[QUOTE]
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., the world's top maker of memory chips, on Monday said it is the first supplier to mass produce graphic chips for the next generation of video games.
Mueez Deen, director of graphics for the U.S. semiconductor unit of Samsung, said it has begun high-volume manufacturing of a 512-megabit graphics DDR3 memory chip for use in gaming consoles and personal computers.
Samsung, which is based in Seoul, South Korea, has jumped ahead of rivals in the graphics memory chip market such as Hynix Semiconductor Inc., also of South Korea, and Infineon Technologies AG of Germany, he said.
Samsung's move to mass produce the chips comes several months ahead of the arrival of Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360, the first major device that will depend on the DDR3 powered chip.
By being first into mass production, Samsung stands to win a big chunk of the early market for these chips. But with the introduction of Microsoft's console still months away, Samsung rivals have time to reach volume production as well, analyst Dean McCaron of market forecaster Mercury Research said.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole news/pressrelease on reuters.com
ATI claims Xbox 360 Technically Superior for the next 5 Years
>> From spong.com:
[QUOTE]
In a recent interview with German magazine Gamestar, ATi has made some of the boldest claims to date regarding the base-level power of the Xbox 360 console.
Perhaps offering the most in-depth look at how the 360 chip operates, ATi head of developer relations Richard Huddy said, “First and foremost we have a 'unified shader architecture'. No other console or PC chip can boast this. And what, in short, it means is that the hardware is always able to run at 100% efficiency. All previous hardware has separate vertex and pixel shaders. That means that that previous hardware just had to hope that the vertices and pixels came in just about the right ratios. If you got too many pixels then the vertex engines would be idle, and if you got too many vertices then the pixel engines would starve instead. (...) With a unified architecture we have hardware that automatically moulds its-self to the task required and simply does whatever needs to be done. That all means that the Xbox 360 runs at 100% efficiency all the time, whereas previous hardware usually runs at somewhere between 50% and 70% efficiency.”
Huddy went on to explain how memory can be accessed from these shaders: “Next on my list is the hardware support for directly accessing memory from within the shader units. This makes the Xbox graphics chip work in a much more flexible way than has ever been possible before. Now it’s relatively simple for a games developer to write code to do anything inside the graphics chip that they could do elsewhere. Accessing memory in arbitrary ways sounds like a very esoteric thing to do within a graphics chip, but actually it allows you to do some amazing things which mean that Xbox 360 games will be more like movies than you ever imagined. It’s so powerful that I’d say that this feature alone makes the Xbox 360 technically superior to any other console planned for the next five years.”
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on spong.com.
Read the whole/original interview on gamestar.de.
Senator Wants to Ban 25 To Life
>> From TeamXbox.com:
[QUOTE]
Senator Charles Schumer called for a ban, earlier today, of Eidos’ upcoming 25 to Life videogame. The New York Democrat said the reason for the ban is because the objective of the game is to shoot police officers and use civilians as human shields.
“This is a sickening video game that offends all sensibilities”, Schumer said. He also requested retailers to avoid selling the game and asked Sony and Microsoft to terminate licensing agreements with Eidos.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on TeamXbox.com.
Sony to Develop Games for Xbox 360?
>> From TeamXbox.com:
[QUOTE]
Sony Online Entertainment and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment have signed an exclusive long-term licensing agreement allowing SOE to develop a DC Comics massively multiplayer online game for PC and next generation consoles. SOE also announced it has acquired The Matrix Online game.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on TeamXbox.com.
Xbox 360 Interview with Michael Wolf on Geek Speak Radio Podcast
>> From geekspeakradio.com:
[QUOTE]
We have special treat this week, an exclusive interview with Michael Wolf from the XBox Live PR Team. After we discuss our normal geeky subject matter we have Part 1 of a 2 part interview where we discuss a bit about Michael’s job and then dig into the questions everyone’s asking about how XBox 360 will work on XBox live. In this half of the interview, we cover loads of details on Gamer Profile, Gamer Card, Your Reputation, Player Evaluations, Improved match making based on evaluations / Intelligent matchmaking, Achievements, Gamer Zone, Gamer Score, Achievement Comparision, and finally customization options-faceplates, skins, colors.
[/QUOTE]
More Info/Download Podcast Interview: geekspeakradio.com
They also have a contest with 12months Xbox Live subscriptions, more info here.
Thanks to Rob for the news/link.
gXiso v1.5
>> Kassoulet reelased a new version of gX-iso(info) - a GTK2 graphical program to extract or upload XBox ISO images to an Xbox. What's new/fixed:
* added RAR archive support (win32 and linux)
* added rar extraction error handling
* fixed exception with ftp connection
* added bz2 and gz readers
* added/fixed progress dialog with current speed
* file dialog filters is now sync'ed with the readers
* some other minor bugfixes and internal changes
Official Site: http://gXiso.berlios.de
Download: win32 binary - Sources (for linux)
XenoChip XS
>> XenoChip.com announced a new version of their modchip PCB that you can now directly 'quicksolder' on an Xbox v1.6(b):
[QUOTE]
It's a long time there's silence for xs chip, but you can check by now.
For diagrams click here
[/QUOTE]
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