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Week of June 22, 2003
BlasteroidsX v1.1 Final
>> A original game developed for the xbox, simliar to Asteroids ..
From the readme..
[QUOTE]
Release Notes: Many thanks to Wishi for the awesome help debugging!
Controls: Either use the two analog sticks and R (recommended) or the D-pad and A.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xfactordev.net (MorseKode and help from Wishi)
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
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(Saturday 28 June 2003 16:38 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
pixit v0.6
>> Whats New/Fixed:
v0.6 28/06/2003 - Added the -resign command to resign the XBE file using the XIP files.
Note: Only tested with the 4627 MS Dash. Results may vary if using a different dashboard.
Official Site: n/a (By Voltaic)
Download: here
News-Source: http://www.xbins.org
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(Saturday 28 June 2003 01:22 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBtool 0.9.7
>> What's new/fixed:
* Added option to change the DVD default xbe filename.
* You can now use 14 characters in the first two dashboard names in X2 BIOSes.
* Patch code tweaks.
* Fix: temp files not deleted on click close box instead of quit button.
Official Site: http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/xbtool.html
Download: here
XBMP Configer v1
>> Features:
* Easily configure the Settings in the config.xml.
* Change the names for the Main Menu buttons. (English)
* Use Static or DHCP.
* Choose if you want use the timesever feature or not.
* Shortcut Maker
* FileZilla Server.xml Maker
* Shortcut Maker
* Skin previews (downloadable via AllXboxSkin.com)
* Setup 4 Bookmarks, (ie; Games, Emulators, Dashboard and Programs)
* Choose if you want to use the CDDB feature or not.
* Works with xbmp_2.4_cvs_compile_xbins_6-24-03.zip
Official Site: n/a, by flattspott
Download: here
Group claims Linux advance on Xbox *updated2*
>> A group of security researchers gives Microsoft the choice: sign the linux bootloader or else a new exploit will be released - that could be used for a lot more then just linux.
From CNet news.com:
[QUOTE]
A group of Xbox security researchers say they have found a way to run Linux on the Xbox game console without a so-called mod chip and will go public with the technique if Microsoft won't talk to them about releasing an official Linux boot loader.
The group, which has asked not to be named in this article, approached ZDNet Australia after repeated attempts to contact Microsoft independently failed.
The researchers say they want Microsoft to release a "signed" Linux boot loader--software that runs when a computer starts up to load and give control to the operating system--that would allow Xbox users to run the open-source operating system on the console without installing a chip.
A signed Linux boot loader will not allow users to load pirated games, they say. However, the release of new Xbox exploits that the researchers claim to have developed to run Linux on the console could have the side effect of allowing piracy without the need to install a mod chip, something the hackers say they would like to avoid. Mod chips, which allow the bypassing of Xbox security systems, must be soldered onto the console's main circuit board.
The range of exploits will be released within weeks if Microsoft doesn't respond to their requests for talks, they say.
Microsoft says the issue is with its piracy division.
[/QUOTE]
Note: They are not talking about the 007:AUF or Mech Assault saved game exploit here - probably about something alot more 'serious' (an attack aiming the Xbox Dashboard).
Read the whole article at CNet news.com.
update: Team Xbox-Linux posted on their website that they aren't the group behind this new exploit:
[QUOTE]
Although this is very interesting news, the Xbox Linux Project wants to clarify that the aforementioned group of Xbox security researchers is not the Xbox Linux Project.
[/QUOTE]
update2: There's a slashdot discussion about this here.
XBtool v0.9.6
>> What's new/fixed:
*Enhanced boot options allow separate choice of partions and dashboard names. Up to 3 of each. Dashboard in a subfolder works. (See the ReadMe.txt)
*Presets changed slightly. DVD check and boot options not saved. Not much point really, and it's better not to have those things change when you probably just wanted to change colors. (If everyone thinks I'm wrong on this I'll fix it).
*File path finder changes should help on wide character set systems where config files weren't opening properly. (Thanks Myria.)
Official Site: http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/xbtool.html
Download: here
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(Thursday 26 June 2003 15:39 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X-ecuter2.2 PRO in stock *updated*
>> For everyone waiting for an xbox v1.3 compatible modchip - the first batch of X-ecuter2.2 PRO has now arrived at system-mods (only 49 USD!).
Same features as the X-ecuter2.1 PRO and of course also compatible with previous versions of the xbox (v1.0-v1.3).
updated: chips already out of stock ;)
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(Thursday 26 June 2003 14:59 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Book Review: Hacking the XBox
>> Peter Wayner reviewed 'Hacking the XBox' by Andrew "Bunnie" Huang on slashdot.org:
[QUOTE]
If you're a handicapped Windows user, Microsoft offers suggestions and assistance -- but XBox users were out of luck until Andrew 'Bunnie' Huang finished his book Hacking the XBox. Don't be fooled by the title. Officially, Huang's excellent book is not about helping the differently-abled. That would be against the law. Huang was forced by the DMCA to hide his humanitarianism under the cloak of 'reverse engineering' because this is one of the few legitimate uses given a small amount of protection by the law. But if you've got an urge to help the handicapped or any other reason to tinker with your XBox, buy this book before the Man sees through this ruse.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole review now on slashdot.org!
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(Thursday 26 June 2003 11:56 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Team Xbox-Linux confirms gamesave exploit in Mech Assault
>> Team Xbox-Linux confirms that the known game save exploit in '007: agent under fire' also works in 'Mech Assault' with new saved game released by x-free some days ago.
From http://xbox-linux.sourceforge.net/:
[QUOTE]
As posted earlier, there is a file on the Xboxhacker.net forums that is supposed to run Linux on an unmodified box usin the Microsoft game "Mech Assault". We can now confirm that it works - there seem to be quite some more vulnerable games out there!
You can do the same trick as with the 007linux exploit (memory stick or swapped hard disk with the hacked savegame and the Xbox-Linux-signed bootloader XBE), and you'll get the Item "Run Linux" when loading a savegame.
Using the key published on Xboxhacker.net earlier, everyone can sign their Xbox Linux bootloader themselves now and run it on an unmodified box either using the game "007 Agent Under Fire" or "Mech Assault".
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 26 June 2003 00:15 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Serious Sam +5 Trainer and sources
>> Features:
GOD YES/NO
FLY MODE YES/NO
GHOST YES/NO
INVISIBLE YES/NO
MEDUSA YES/NO
Official Site: n/a (by Destop from Crazy Nation)
Download: Sources
News-Source: http://www.xbins.org
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(Wednesday 25 June 2003 22:34 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBtool v0.9.5
>> What's new/fixed:
* Some people seemed to be having trouble with the archive on the prior release, so maybe this one will work better.
* Added filesize button. Now files can be resized without having to be modified--saving a file with the Save button always modifies colors slightly due to rounding errors. Plus it's quicker and works with any BIOS.
* Bugfix: LED timings reversed.
Official Site: http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/xbtool.html
Download: here
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(Wednesday 25 June 2003 14:13 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X-Pass v0.2.1
>> From the nfo/readme:
[QUOTE]
X-Pass is a password protection app for the XBOX, so you can stop people loading XBE's that you don't want them to, or even make it the default XBOX dashboard to stop them using it altogether (See bug section).
Currently it is only a beta, so please don't contact me flaming why things don't work etc., as I am still working on it, fixing as many things as possible.
Bugs:
There is one quite annoying bug, that will prevent this XBE from loading as the XBOX dash, which is kind of one of the main features, so this is bug priority #1.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xfactordev.net/
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: http://www.console-gods.com
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(Wednesday 25 June 2003 14:01 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBThingy! v0.7.1 *Updated*
>> Whats New/Fixed:
* Added automatic directory rename to match XBE name (next version will allow more customization of naming) (^tyrant^)
* Fixed 'remove games' not working properly sometimes
* Fixed right-clicking system tray icon to 'exit' locking up sometimes
* Changed radio buttons for sorting to combo boxes for more room
* Added option to search sub directories when finding games
* Added ability to rename XBEs (r0wdy)
* Cut down on the inordinately large amount of refreshes of all games that were causing slow-downs on some machines
Official Site: http://www.parnic.com
Download: here
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(Wednesday 25 June 2003 10:04 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XDeck Alive!
>> For those that forgot about this project:
[QUOTE]
XDeck is a vertical expantion for the XBox entertainment system that will add a great deal of features with as little trama to the original XBox as possible.
Original Feature list:
* Add up to 3 hard drives w/ automatic & manual switching.
* Add one DVD/DVD-RW drive.
* Add two standard USB v1.1 ports
* Modular design for add-on components
* Control of the MOD chip:
o Flash Protect enable/disable
o BIOS select
o MOD Chip disable (for Live play and original configuration)
o Parallel port for external MOD chip flashing
[/QUOTE]
Today they finally posted an update:
[QUOTE]
Good news, I got a corporate sponsor so development will finally pick up.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.xdeck.net
XBtool 0.9.4.2 *updated*
>> What's new/fixed v0.9.4:
* Flashing LED options. (Annoying, but some people like to be annoyed--who am I to argue?)
* Due to the new LED options the way the LED preset data is stored has changed. Rather than support another format, 0.9.4 simply loads the preset as is. I could have coded around this, but it's harmless. After loading an older preset you'll just have to set the LEDs manually (then you can save it again to fix it).
* Some minor reworking of the patcher code.
* Fix: commented out code writing out an MD5.txt file
What's new/fixed v0.9.4.1:
* Sorry. I really really really meant to not release another version for a couple of days (at least), but...
* Bugfix: LED saving codes wrong (e.g. coosing orange resulted blinking green).
* Uses a tmp directory for working files
* Temp files deleted on exit.
What's new/fixed v0.9.4.2:
* Important Bugfix in all but 4977 patcher. Don't use 0.9.4+ on anything but 4977 (0.9.4.2 and up okay.) Sorry, it's hard to keep supporting so many older BIOSes.
Official Site: http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/xbtool.html
Download: here
GNU/Linux bootable CD on XBOX: dyne:bolic
>> From slashdot.org:
[QUOTE]
The dyne:bolic bootable CD distribution is almost getting to its final 1.0 release, includes a whole bunch of multimedia applications making it easy to edit and stream audio and video, encrypt mails, share p2p and of course play games, all with a fancy GNUStep desktop. download the 1.0 alpha 5 ISO (~350Mb) and try it on your PC or XBOX!
[/QUOTE]
note: yes you still have to mod your xbox ;) - you just don't have to copy or install it to HD. This dyne:bolic distro boots directly from cd.
More info about dyne:bolic and download: http://dynebolic.org
Thanks to leftyfb on #xbox-scene/EFnet for the link.
X-ecuter 2.1 PRO shipping *updated*
>> For those waiting for the X-ecuter 2.1 PRO, first batch it now available at system-mods.com for $52.
Next batch will be X-ecuter 2.2 PRO ... exactly the same chip as X-ecuter 2.1 PRO but with support for xbox v1.3
update: chips sold out.
Cxbx 0.7.4
>> From Caustik:
[QUOTE]
I have some really amazing news today. For the first time ever, I have a screenshot from Cxbx displaying graphics on a retail game. Turok Evolution is officially the first retail xbox game to display graphics on Cxbx.
The graphics are simple, and in order for them to show up you have to hide the game from it's files (causing the error screen to display), but this is a huge milestone nonetheless. Before anybody sends me emails saying "but caustik, isnt that just text??", notice that those letters are actually a textured font being blitted to the screen. Incidentally, here is a dump of the original texture that is stripped apart to create the character textures.
Yes, and also I have completely redesigned the site. I felt it was time for a change.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.caustik.com/cxbx/index.htm (new site!)
Download: here
Connect4
>> A version of Connect4 for the xbox
From the readme...
[QUOTE]
Second release from team Jippie & Novahux(23-06-03).
The rules for connect-four are simple.
The game is played on an upright seven column board. Each column has six spots. Two players play by alternately dropping a chip down one of the columns. The chip drops to the lowest unoccupied spot in that column. The first player to get four chips in a row, either vertical, horizontal, or diagonal, wins. The game ends in a stalemate if it fills before someone wins.
Still no sound, having real problems. I want to try and make a class that can play wma/wav/midi/sgt files.
That works on both PC and Xbox, but what I see the PC & Xbox seem to be very different.
I found a simple class that does just that at code project (http://www.codeproject.com/audio/cmidimusic.asp),
But I wasted a lot of time on it and got nowhere.
Oh well I hope I sort it out soon :-(
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://members.lycos.co.uk/jippie666
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
XBtool 0.9.3
>> What's new/fixed:
* Replaced RC4 popup with BIOS type popup (better suited for handling MS debug BIOSes). RC4.ini no longer used.
* Xbtool.ini no longer used. Config files go in the Config folder and are selectable from the BIOS type popup.
* Should work with "boot from media 4977" using the correct config file (not tested but looks good in the hex editor).
* Misc. internal reworkings.
Official Site: http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/xbtool.html
Download: here
Game Save Flaw now also for MechAssault
>> free-x released the game save (uuencoded) for MechAssault with the exploit similar to 007: Agent Under Fire.
So now you can also boot resigned xbe's with MechAssault.
Check it out on xboxhacker.net BBS.
I decode the uu-txt in linux (for some reason it didn't work with my win32 uudecode (probably 'cause of the base64)), you can download it here (no copyrighted code or libs are used - this file is 100% legal)
BiosChecker v2.10
XBtool v0.9.2
X-B.I.T news
>> From http://www.dms3.com/xnews.htm:
[QUOTE]
We would like to clarify some of the features and installation of the X-B.I.T. The X-B.I.T has a 1 MB flash, the banks can be selected by dip switches on the control panel, which is positioned outside.
This means that you can store and individually select:
2x 512k BIOS or 2 x 256k BIOS + 1 x 512k BIOS or 4 x 256k BIOS.
There are three possible methods of installation, included in the X-B.I.T package:
1. Solderless POGO solution which works on v1.0, v1.1, v1.2 and v1.3.
2. Soldering solution using a connector with pre-stripped and pre-tinned wires which connect to the LPC port pads.
3. The Header and Pin solution which is secure and easy, this works on V1.1,V1.2 and V1.3.
It should also be made clear that the PC transfer software for the USB flash programming system is included, it is easily installed and does not require any kind of configuration. Your PC will recognize the X-B.I.T once it’s connected because it is a full H.I.D compliant device.
[/QUOTE]
XID v0.7.0.0 released under GPL
>> From http://www.grooveyardfunk.com:
[QUOTE]
I've released the source under GPL with as much documentation as I could provide. The version is 0.7 and I have not provided a binary build. The project has simply become stale for me and I do not want the community to suffer because of it. The site will remains up as I would like to mirror and changes that people make to the source as well as binaries. The site may change a little, but XID will be around. I had a blast writing this code as well as talking with some of you. I will keep the forums as well and do my best to answer questions.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.grooveyardfunk.com
Download: http://www.grooveyardfunk.com/files.php
MAMEoX v0.70.2b
>> From sourceforge.net:
[QUOTE]
0.70.2b should increase the number of working games, and should eliminate most of the reports of games working in older versions of MAMEoX that don't work today (keep them coming if you find them though).
The plan right now is to do some testing over the weekend and release on Monday. If anybody has the inclination, please grab the latest off of CVS and let me know if you see problems.
[/QUOTE]
Full changelogs here
Official Site: http://sourceforge.net/projects/mameox/
Download Sources: here
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK)
Reports wrong on Xbox successor
>> From zdnet.com.au:
[QUOTE]
A Japanese newspaper on Friday retracted statements attributed to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer regarding a new version of the Xbox.
The newspaper later said the statement was incorrectly attributed to Ballmer and instead was meant to reflect general expectations by industry analysts on the timing of next-generation video game consoles. The year was also listed incorrectly, the newspaper said--analysts expect new consoles will hit the market in 2005.
[/QUOTE]
For those who don't remember what this is about, the previous article can be found here
Read the whole article at zdnet.com.au.
X2 build4977 Bootable from media with debug BIOS
>> From nfo:
[QUOTE]
This directory contains flashROM images that will boot from
E:\XBOXROM.BIN
or
D:\XBOXROM.BIN
You will need to rename files for them to boot.
If you have an appropriate kernel installed (eg debug)
Totally independant of your version of Xbox.
Don't even *think* about flashing these to your TSOP.
[/QUOTE]
More info: http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=ST&f=38&t=67916 (by theLameOne)
Download: n/a (MS copyrighted code)
Note: No this will NOT work with a unmodded retail xbox. You need a debug xbox or retail xbox flashed with a debug bios (512k).
XBtool 0.9 (beta)
>> XBtool is an XBOX BIOS Pack, Unpack, and Patch Tool.
What's new/fixed:
* Completely rewrote the patch engine.
* Completely rewrote the BIOS recognition routines.
* Profiles no longer needed (due to the changes mentioned above)
* Removed the function for manually choosing the base BIOS type (no longer needed as per above).
* Fixed what was probably a long standing bug in the 4975 patch profile (I never was able to test 4975 because it hung my machine).
* Fixed broken terminology. What was the lip spot color is now correctly (I think) termed the lip color. What was the lip color is now termed the lip highlights. I think it's a more accurate terminolgy. Preset files not affected.
Official Site: http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/xbtool.html
Download: here
extract-xiso v2.2
>> New in this version:
* Finally ported the code to Win32 as a command line tool!
* Added automatic media check patching during xISO creation.
* Fixed a couple of minor bugs and made a few optimizations.
Download Win32: here
Download Linux: here
Download FreeBSD: here
Download MacOSX: here
News-Source: http://www.xbins.org
UAEX v0.81
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