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Week of October 31, 2004
SmartXX v1.6 LPC Port Recovery PCB
>> From smartxx.com:
[QUOTE]
Finally the v1.6 LPC Port "Recovery PCB" hits the stores.
The SmartXX set now includes the v1.6 LPC Port "Recovery PCB" on sale.
Manuals will be addes soon.
[/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 06 November 2004 13:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Yoshihiro EvoX M8 1.6B Memory Fix Beta *updated Beta4*
>> Yoshihiro released a modified version of the EvoX M8 v1.6 Bios for Xbox v1.6B.
From Yoshihiro on forums.xbox-scene.com:
[QUOTE]
Added:
* Fixed Hynix Memory (RAM init timings). Full init is now same as MS 5838 retail.
* Can now retrieve temperature info but CPU and Motherboard values are wrong for an unknown reason. HDD temperature is correct.
Bad:
* Doesn't work with EVtool(info).
PS: Nghshtd u can add this M8 on EVtool please.
Hi all. After I saw the news of SmartXX about M8_v1.6 problems I have been working this night on a M8 fix.
I rewrote all memory stuff on the init-table. Now the init-table is 100% same as 5838 MS retail and I've forced the xcalibur encoder so this bios is only for the v1.6/v1.6B.
If any one can test on Xbox v1.6B, please report. I have tested this bios only on a simple v1.6 and it all runs fine.
WARNING: Do NOT run this bios on a Xbox v1.0 to v1.5 please - it is very dangerous!
Friendly Yoshihiro
Greetz: Team SmartXX , EvoX Team , Gueux.NeT, XOS team, And all guy of the scene :-)
[/QUOTE]
*UPDATE* Yoshihiro has now released Beta4 that should fix the blank screen issue. The bios should now boot correctly on v1.6 and v1.6B. Yoshihiro apologizes for the problems the previous release might have caused.
Keep in mind it's still beta (so use at own risk), but if you try it out make sure to post your findings on this thread.
Official Site: http://www.yoshihiro-dev.com
Download: n/a (contains MS copyrighted code)
News-Source/Discussion Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Saturday 06 November 2004 10:55 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Live Arcade available now
>> From GameSpot.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft launched its Xbox Live Arcade service today. The service brings retro and original games to Xbox Live users sans discs and packaging. Subscribers can download a select group of titles over Xbox Live and have the charge billed directly to their Xbox Live account. The titles will range from $9.99 for basic games to $19.99 for "fully features titles." Gamers looking to use the service will need to get their hands on a launch CD, available from Microsoft for a $4.99 shipping and handling fee. Launch titles for Xbox Live Arcade include Ms. Pac Man, Bejeweled, Super Collapse 2, Ricochet Lost Worlds, Dangerous Mines, Hardwood Solitaire, and Namco Vintage, which includes Dig Dug, Pole Position, and Galaga.
For a limited time, the launch disc will include a free copy of Ms. Pac Man. Microsoft plans to add new titles spanning multiple genres every month.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole aricle on GameSpot.com.
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(Saturday 06 November 2004 00:07 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Team SmartXX about Xbox v1.6b: RAM Timing Causing Lockups
>> From Franz on SmartXX Forums:
[QUOTE]
To end the controversy from the last few days. Some facts:
Team SmartXX knew about a "1.6b" (Improper terminology) for a long time, but nobody wanted to listen.
Initially, the Xbox PCB was designed for Samsung and Micron SD-Ram chips. However, MS was mainly using Samsung Memory.
When the first 1.6 boxes came, we saw a different RAM pad, which made it possible to change the RAM and also use other vendors.
After a quick analysis, I found out, that this was more of a Signal HF termination issue rather than an "anti-Ram upgrade"
After analyzing the 5838 bios, I saw that the memory timing table had more entries.
Why more entries?
1: to use RAM from different Vendors
2: to use buggier ram
If you have a PC, you can change Ram timings, from Fast, to slow or failsafe.
I personally have had this issue in Cromwell(info) already, when we had "crazy boxes." After searching for weeks I found out, when we took timing dumps from an "optimistic" Xbox.
The Xbox has a table with RAM timings.
During the startup period, RAM is in fail-safe mode and very slow.
To get optimal performance, MS makes a small memory diagnostic and then decides which mode they will set the RAM to based upon this diagnostic. Strangely, this was only in the beginning of the BIOS builds and in another occurrence later in the BIOS build-tree this "choice" was not included and they simply used static values.
MS has basically used "high quality" RAM so far.
But to lower the costs, MS is now buying anything they find, even class B and C ram. These parts are outside tolerances. Every production of eg. CPU is the same.
If you buy eg. a 2.4 Ghz CPU, it is essentially the same as a 2Ghz CPU
But after the production, you see some CPUs failing at higher rates, so they are reconfigured and sold as slower CPUs.
For example:
Same production
* 10% = 3.0 Ghz Cpu
* 50% = 2.5 Ghz Cpu
* 40% = 2.0 Ghz Cpu
This is why overlocking sometimes works and sometimes doesn't
The same process applies to RAM.
The Startup diagnostic diagnoses the ram, and then looks at which timing is best, and then they dump this information io the chipset.
Like a Bios on the PC.
As this wasn't enough on xbox v1.6, MS also changed the layout of the EEProm and the Xcodes during Startup read from the EEprom. The last 0x20 (or 0x30 I don't remember for sure) are then read out by the X-codes and the values dumped to the chipset.
These values are very likely to be the "vendor specific" inits for the RAM to put it into failsafe mode.
They are created during Xbox Testing (memory testing) at the MS factory.
They have 3 main advantages:
* Use any RAM they find
* Buy cheaper RAM (RAM is a very expensive product)
* Have optimum performance on the system
Why is this so important?
Those of you who know anything about PC architecture can tell you the random bugs that invalid memory timings can cause. If you configure your RAM too fast or outside parameters, your RAM might not store information correctly or lose information.
So during operation, and temperature changes, the RAM loses information or might not even work correctly from beginning and it leads to sporadic symptoms like: crashes, hangs, boot deny, working/nonworking, freezing after a little while, freezing after a long time, and all kinds of various effects.
If you take a modern PC RAM module, you will find a small SPI/I2C EEprom called the SPD. If the SPD falls off or ceases to function your system still runs but not as stable. Since the Xbox does not have an SPD EEprom they store the information inside Kernel and the central system EEprom.
The M8 BIOS uses a self written 2bl loader, I think, and not the full RAM timing table. Evox M8 bios, uses the same table (offset 0x1c00) as 5713 bios (and others).
But in 5838 this table was dramatically expanded. (surprise!)
So M8 BIOS simply used the timing table which they had from history and ignored the possible appearance of lesser, different, cheaper RAM.
This is possible to fix, and I think this will be done very soon.
I hope they will, because the RAM settings are completely false and can lead to permanent RAM damage.
(sorry for english, i have tooth-ace and i already wantes=d to go home for 2 hours)
[/QUOTE]
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(Friday 05 November 2004 18:01 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Team Xodus About Team Xecuter's Support Against Cloners
>> From TeamXodus.com:
[QUOTE]
We would like to thank Team Xecuter for the support regarding the fight against fake Xeniums. The press release by Xecuter is not only factual, it also clearly defines a viewpoint that we obviously agree with 100%. It is important to note that between the two teams we represent a very large portion of the market and that both our sentiments regarding this issue are very strong for the reasons outlined in the release. Make no mistake, tomorrow we will both resume the war for market share and domination, as that is the nature of the business and it is what makes the products better for you, the consumer. We welcome fair competition, it is healthy and, in fact, essential for the scene. However, sniveling cowards out to make a fast buck on the backs of genuine developers and manufacturers, is intolerable and must be stopped. The costs of developing our own, unique software for our product are astronomical and the money that is re-invested back into the product really shows in the results that are being produced.
These fakes are not only appalling in quality, and incomplete, but they will fail at a pre-determined time due to ACT, and that is a guaranteed fact. Thank you once again to Team Xecuter and all their fans for the support in fighting this evil disease. With both Teams united in this matter we will win and we issue advanced warning to Neil, Chris, and their idiotic crew. “Find some other stupid people to try and rip off. Our fans are way smarter than that!”
Now let both our teams get back to doing what we do best and let the games begin :)
[/QUOTE]
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(Friday 05 November 2004 17:07 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
More Xbox v1.6B Updates: Lockups caused by Hynix RAM and Philips DVD?
>> From TeamXecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
Some interesting finds....
All v1.6B's that we, and others have found to freeze at dash or during game have Hynix RAM chips and Philips DVD drives.
All v1.6B's that we found to work fine have Samsung Ram chips and Samsung DVD drives.
Feedback is appreciated to further confirm these findings.....
Also this was posted by XOR, A moderator on the Smartxx forums
Quote:
How ironic is this... I've just had a 1.6 with a brown Eject lead...
Anyway, did everything as per normal, but wouldn't work, locking up on flubber... Anyway in cases where I've seen this happen before I decided to change the HDD for an older one pulled from a 1.1 unit.
In it went, formatted it up, installed the software, locked the drive, bingo it worked...
Currently testing the HDD now, and it's already showing hundreds of physical errors on the drive (this was new out of the box?), so just re-affirming my initial thought, bad HDDs...
If someone gets an equivalent by all means do what you can to fix your own issues, but don't discount that the HDD itself may be bad, regardless of if the XBOX still has it's selaphane on and had never yet been used.
We tested new hard drives on all the machines that lock up and it didnt make any difference - however its another thing for users to check.
We have found the bug in FlashBIOS and will hopefully release an update over the weekend. We should also be releasing a new X2 and X3 bios shortly.
[/QUOTE]
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(Friday 05 November 2004 16:27 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
More XLink Kai GeoLink News
>> From TheDaddy on teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
Thanks to everyone who's signed up to the numerous illegitimate GeoLink beta threads :D I'll trawl through them and add people who meet the requirements soon. Here's a few more details about the service - we've just finished the planning stage and work has already started on some of the modules.
OK. So what is it, and what does it do? Well, a number of games for all 3 consoles we support have ping limits, or do not work especially well with high pings. GameCube games are typical - they're frame-sync based, so you need 20-30ms pings to really play at full speed. Also, with the looming release of the Nintendo DS and the Sony PSP - short range wireless LAN play appears to be on the cards - it may even be tunneled :)
So, GeoLink is a location based service. You tell it exactly where you live (hopefully using a funky scrollable map), and exactly what games you own. You can then ask it do a number of things. The most obvious function is to ask GeoLink to "Find people near me with game XYZ". It will find you the nearest X people *geographically* and allow you to get in touch with them (Kai(info) contact list integration). There are also numerous applications for LAN party arrangement, although we are working hard to make the service "safe" - letting people know exactly where you live could attract some psychos - so we need to work it all out to ensure privacy.
Besides the obvious uses (of which there are many more - but we're listening if anyone can think of more), we can also do some good stuff for these new wireless handheld units.
It appears that the DS is able to "chain" when doing its wireless LAN thing. Let's say you live in some big city. Wouldn't it be cool if you could fire up GeoLink, and it would show "you and your DS", with a circle round you - representing the range of your DS wireless. It would also show circles for every other guy in your area with a DS. "OMG if i go outside and sit across the street, i would be in range of 2 other players - and they're already in range of 6 more!". You get the idea.
What would make this *extra* cool is if we can manage to tunnel the DS. Then we could show "user hotspots" on the map - users who have a KaiDS hotspot working, "bridging" two sets of otherwise out-of-range players.
Anyway, this is early stage stuff - but we've got the basics worked out. Every day or so we think of new potential uses for the database of locations - can you think of anything we might not have? We'll keep you informed as we enter the Beta stages of this project.
[/QUOTE]
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(Friday 05 November 2004 14:04 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBConnect announces neXBC
>> From xbconnect.com:
[QUOTE]
The next evolution of XBConnect(info) is due out very soon. neXBC (next evolution XBC) will change the way you play system link games. You will no longer need to join rooms, or even be at your PC to play. neXBC is designed to let you play the games you want, with the people you want, for as long as you want without having to touch your PC. Fire up neXBC, set your game type filters, and relax in your recliner for a evening of non stop gaming.
Currently we are internal testing and tweaking our filters. Keeping our fingers crossed, we hope to have it in the hands of our Pro users by the weekend. Stay tuned!
[/QUOTE]
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(Friday 05 November 2004 09:55 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
(USA) Halo 2 retail date broken in Midwest
>> From GameSpot.com:
[QUOTE]
Numerous reports surfaced today from the Midwest claiming several retail chains had broken Halo 2's street date. Several reports on the Gaming Age forums--which included photos of the limited edition of the game--said that several individual Meijer stores, a self-described "grocery and general merchandise retailer" that operates in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky, were selling the game early. Outlets in Toledo, Ohio, were mentioned specifically.
However, calls made by GameSpot to several Meijer outlets made it sound like the franchise was sticking to the deadline. "Halo 2? That doesn't go on sale until next week," was the typical response. Regardless, people have already gotten their hands on copies of Halo 2 from somewhere, because several "in-hand" copies of the game are already on sale on eBay, some with options for next-day shipping.
[/QUOTE]
Read the full article on GameSpot.com.
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(Friday 05 November 2004 00:25 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Team Xodus Welcomes Xtender Aboard
>> From www.teamxodus.com
[QUOTE]
Team Xodus would like to take this opportunity to officially welcome aboard our friends at Team Xtender. Our co-operation agreement to develop unique and exciting advancements and enhancements for the Xbox is already well underway with new and exciting hardware and software features scheduled for release in the near future.
As many of you may have already noticed, this co-operation will be as interactive and transparent as possible so as to involve all of you in as many stages as we can, (after all we are developing for you are we not?) Phase one of our planned series of competitions is going extremely well with over 700 entries received so far. There is no limit to the number of entries allowed so we encourage you to submit as many ideas as you can think of. Help us find a name for this new, unique product.
We will be updating you regularly with new competitions as well as planned features for our product, so get involved and stay in touch.
Thanks to our loyal wholesalers, retailers and fans for the sponsorship, advice and encouragement. Thanks, once again and welcome to Team Xtender. Lastly, thanks must go to all of you for your participation thus far and for the tremendous support!
[/QUOTE]
Xodus/Xtender Contest: Click for Contest Info
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(Thursday 04 November 2004 21:04 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
More v1.6B News
>> From www.teamxecuter.com
[QUOTE]
It seems there is some fool spreading rumours that we are telling lies about v1.6B to cover up issues with alleged faulty Xecuter chips. Well done to the nameless moron who continues her crusade in slandering Xecuter's efforts. Here is some follow up discoveries since we asked for input for the general public.
We have confirmed feedback from a number of people using v1.6B - using X2.6, X3, Xenium, Smartxx, Aladdin and DUOX2 so far. I am sure Xodus and the other makers will confirm this too in the next day or so. All chips had EvoX_M8 v16 flashed (X3 was tested with X3 bios and Evox M8 16) All same results of locking up and freezing at flubber or freezing in games.
All mods work perfect when flashed with MS 5838 Bios (Originals of course) demonstrating that the mod hardware is fine.
So far we have found the "v1.6B" to be very random indeed - results in 3 areas.
1. Xbox Freezes during flubber sequence.
2. Xbox boots fine but freezes during games.
3. Absolutley no problems whatsoever.
We have 6 of these boxes so far in our hands that are confirmed crashing at flubber (6 faulty out of a batch of 20 with the same date - the 14 were perfectly fine as normal). All dates range between 13-09 and 17-09. The strange anomoly is in the process of being investigated.
Click Here for v1.6B news and reports.
[/QUOTE]
Thanks to Artifex for the news
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(Thursday 04 November 2004 19:41 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Team Xecuter About ModChip Clones
>> From TeamXecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
A little off topic but we feel we should comment on the recent news of fake Xeniums once again surfacing.
We know how much hard work goes into designing something as advanced as a 4th Gen Xbox modchip and for someone to produce a cheap copy of it in order to make a fast buck is not only bad for the scene in general but bad for future development as it hits the relevant teams profits hard - profits which are ploughed back into development of mod hardware and also into new and exciting products for their customers. If people think development costs are low, how about this for an example. To design the X3 Control Panel - the plastic moulds alone that we had to create have so far taken an investment of $35,000. Its not even on the shelves yet and not even final - this doesnt include the custom made LCD and other parts involved - do the math guys.
Fakes or Clones are known to be of poor quality and many customers end up being duped into thinking they bought a genuine product. When this product does not work or breaks down due to protections (such as ACT) then the customer is left high and dry and general opinion is soured by none working chips and frustrated users who expected a high quality mod for their money.
What's also shocking is that the clones are not only poor quality, an incomplete package and has the danger of breaking down with future Bios updates - but the sellers are giving a discount to wholesalers just a couple of dollars !
You may think its strange for Xecuter to comment on this as Xodus are one of our competitors, but this is an issue for the scene in general. Fakes and clones are damaging to all mod teams, all members of the scene and all customers who buy our creations in good faith. We ask all Xecuter customers and Xecuter software users to boycott anyone that offers these poorly manufactured chips for sale.
Remember when you buy a genuine product you are assured of its high quality, that it comes as the full package intended by the designers and you also buy the peace of mind that it will work and you will be offered full technical and customer support.
We offer Xodus our support in this matter - let's stamp out this disease to the Xbox Scene once and for all.
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 04 November 2004 18:56 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
dvd2xbox v0.6.1
>> WiSo released a new version of dvd2xbox(info) - a DVD/CD-R to hdd copy program.
What's new/fixed:
* fixed the copy retry function and added support for ISO9660 and Video DVD.
* added log texts for CDDA ripping.
Official Site: http://dvd2xbox.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Thursday 04 November 2004 14:53 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Canada Gets SE Crystal Xbox Bundled with 2 Games
>> We received some news from MomDad, who found a new SE Xbox Bundle in Canada:
[QUOTE]
Canada gets another Special Edition XBox -- Last time it was the "Extreme Green Edition", and new on store shelves now is the Special Edition Crystal Bundle -- packed with a copy of Fable and Crimson Skies. Retailing for CAD $249.99 (~207USD or ~161EUR) at FutureShop, BestBuy, and other select electronics outlets.
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 04 November 2004 11:12 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
C-Xbox Tool v2.0.5
>> Ali Coban released a new version of C-Xbox Tool(info) - an xISO creating/extracting and managing tool with FTP support - on gueux.be. What's new/fixed:
* Boost Mode support implemented. This feature can be enable from options-preferences.This feture does not work with FTP-Explore and works only for uploading ISO's or directories from FTP-tab. This feature is default disabled, to enable it, go to options - preferences. It must be also enabled on your dash.
* Ability to Create ISO-images from your (XBOX)FTP-server.
* A new tab added named "FTP Explore" which is acting just like a FTP-Client. With this option you can; tranfer to/from (XBOX)FTP-server, delete, rename and move(this means "cut/paste" but only in the same partition). It's simple but very usefull.
* Bugfix while transferring to XBox which uses XBMC as dash, but if there were moredashes where it did went wrong, I didn't test.
* Ability to remove the iso-file when the file is extracted (immediatly, before the batch is completed)
* Ability to remove the source-folder when the iso-file is extracted (immediatly, before the batch is completed)
* Checking for necessary space before adding/editing Createion/extraction items. If remove option is used for extracting or creating, the checking will be done just before creating or extracting one iso-item. This because after creating or extractingthe item, the source will be deleted and there will be more space available again. Checking, just before creating/extracting, will be done even if the remove option is selected this because you need some free space for the first extraction or creation.
* Checking for necessary free space for multigame-iso
* On the multigame tab you can select up to 9000 mb discsize. No idea if a dual layer disc burnt (for example) for 8000 mb's should work, but no problems creationg that sized iso-images.
* 4 More languages are added: Swedish, Italian, Finnish and Spanish.
Official Site: http://www.tacoban.cjb.net
Download: n/a (contains dashboard xbe's to create multi-game discs)
News-Source: gueux.be
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(Wednesday 03 November 2004 20:33 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox v1.6B - New Xbox Causing Lockups ?
>> From teamxecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
It seems there is a new Xbox that is crashing randomly when booting to the dashboard. This box has been labelled as v1.6B (the power/eject cable is brown instead of yellow - however there are many that of Xbox's with the Brown cable that work just fine - except for FlashBIOS booting to a black screen, but still functions correctly for flashing from http, hdd or disc - we found the manufacture date of these was 2004-9-13)
The manufacturing date of the boxes that seem to be affected is 2004-9-16.
The Dashboard version is 5960 and the kernel version is 5838 (kernel seems the same as v1.6)
We are in the process of updating FlashBIOS to support video on v1.6b and will be working on the X3 bios (also a new X2 bios as the Evox M8 just doesnt work at all with this Xbox.)
We would appreciate input from the scene. Please post Manufacture Date, Region of Xbox, Country bought, Dashboard/Kernel versions, Lockup reports/workarounds etc. - Please post in this new dedicated forum[teamxecuter.com].
Note: The X2.6 and X3 mod hardware is fully functional with these versions. This is a hacked Bios issue.
[/QUOTE]
Xbox-Scene v1.6B Discussion Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Wednesday 03 November 2004 12:34 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
(Europe) PStwo sales triple, Xbox sales +7%
>> From GamesIndustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Almost 50,000 units of the redesigned slimline PS2 console (dubbed PStwo) are believed to have been snapped off shelves all over the UK when it launched last Friday, pushing the PS2 way out ahead of Microsoft's rival Xbox.
PlayStation 2 enjoyed well over double the sales of Xbox last week despite a gain for the Xbox which saw its sales picking up by seven per cent. The GameCube barely registers on the scale, though, being outsold by a factor of 17 to one by the PS2.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on GamesIndustry.biz.
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(Wednesday 03 November 2004 11:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox to be Launched Today in India
>> From techtree.com:
[QUOTE]
Widely popular in the United States and elsewhere in the world, the Xbox makes a late entry in the country (India)].
According to Sanjeev Jha, country manager, Sujata Softech, Xbox had not yet been launched in India due to the relatively low broadband penetration in India. "Good Broadband access is an essential prerequisite for the Xbox to be successful in India."
He said. "We will at first be seeding the market, and as the broadband access improves, the market for the device will increase and then everything will fall into place." he added. Though the cost of the device is pretty steep for the market here (~280USD), they expect a sale of about 2,500 to 3,000 units in a month.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on techtree.com.
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(Wednesday 03 November 2004 07:04 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xenium Ice Fakes/Clones
>> From www.teamxodus.com:
[QUOTE]
WARNING: FRAUDSTERS ARE BACK
We thought we had rid ourselves of bad rubbish but it seems that the thieving animals that tried to rip you all off a few months ago are back. We have received several reports that the Fakesters are trying their luck again and we are issuing as stern a warning as we possibly can. THEY WILL FAIL AGAIN. DO NOT BUY THEM!!
ACT (Anti Clone Technology) worked 100% effectively against fake Xeniums before and ACT2 will be as effective this time.
We are also told that these fakes are NOT being shipped with the standard Ice Accessories that are supplied with genuine Xenium Ice chips. Should you receive a Xenium Ice chip without a wire loom, external led or USB adaptor, you have been defrauded and you need to make a Credit Card charge back. Fake chips will be rendered useless by our OS, leaving you with no recourse and no compensation at all.
We will be highlighting the many mistakes made by these fools in due course. For now it is really simple to tell which is the real deal and which is not. Please take a look at the pictures below.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: www.teamxodus.com
Note: Check www.teamxodus.com for a list of Official Sellers.
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(Tuesday 02 November 2004 21:08 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
PCSXBox v13
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(Tuesday 02 November 2004 08:40 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Publishers face lawsuits in new patents row
>> From GamesIndustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
A number of the industry's top publishers have been targeted in a lawsuit taken by Texas law firm McKool Smith, which alleges that 3D graphics display techniques used in their products infringe on a 1988 patent.
The patent in question is US Patent No. 4,734,690, which refers to a "method and apparatus for spherical panning" - essentially, a system for moving around an object in 3D space and projecting the results onto a 2D plane.
The patent, originally filed in 1987, describes a system for storing 3D representations of objects in a computer terminal, and then rendering it onto a 2D screen (such as a television or monitor) while allowing the user to move their perspective around the model and zoom in and out from it.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on GamesIndustry.biz.
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(Tuesday 02 November 2004 08:35 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
FBAxxx 02/11
>> A new version of FBAxxx(info) has been released.
What's new/fixed (since Sept 01 2004 build):
* As I don't have manto's optimizations, I forced fm interpolation in neogeo mode or when no menus are used to avoid balck screen.
* I fixed the problem with the rom counter.
* I removed dat creation on first boot, it was freezing, I verified 3 times and didn t found the problem (probably fix later).
* I added new drivers + ss5snd.zip aka Samurai Showdown V special
* The only new thing, I removed all CRC warning when booting a rom in no crc mode.
* I re-added sound when fast forwarding.
* Sources up to date, sound must be perfect now
* nFMinterpolation resetted to 0 if it was set to none after playing neogeo game
* Fixed dat generation
* Fixed roms properties displaying 4 times when booting a game (if you still have problem, delete fbaxxx.ini or change the three last szapprompaths)
* normally fixed this damn clock bug (freeze when launching a neogeo game)
* fixed loadstate not working anymore
* fixed unibios not being saved (it works at least with unibios 2.0)
* now available with ips patch, so the xbe is clean by default, no more problems with this license thing (thx to Prican)
Official Site: http://fbaxxx.fr.st/
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Tuesday 02 November 2004 07:47 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XLink Kai GeoLink Beta Users Required and Halo 2 Arena Opens
>> From TheDaddy on teamxlink.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
* I will shortly be recruiting a number of people to beta test GeoLink - XLink's all-new player matching component. Based on real-world-positioning, GeoLink will be completely integrated with the next series of Kai(info) components, revolutionising the way in which players find "low ping" opponents. I expect this will be more useful to Gamecube guys than XBox / PS2 - but others will be able to use other aspects of it for other purposes. I'll be posting in General Discussion shortly, and will be "vetting" applicants personally :D
* I have been shown proof that a number of people possess legitimate copies of Halo 2. Guess they must work in game stores or something. Hence, we have opened the Halo 2 Arena on XLink Kai. I am told that this game works amazingly well in public Arenas - making Kai the best place to play it online for free. I'm looking forward to the 9th, and I resent the lucky bastards who have got legit copies early :)
Enjoy this game.
[/QUOTE]
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(Monday 01 November 2004 20:49 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Open Transport Tycoon v1.1
>> HCl released a new version of Xbox Open Transport Tycoon(info) - a port to Xbox of Open Transport Tycoon, an open source clone of the Microprose game "Transport Tycoon Deluxe".
What's new/fixed:
* fixed/added screen stretch and position, configurable by editing the values in xottd.cfg (first two numbers are top left x, y, second two numbers are the bottom right adjustments which actually should be in the minus (works oddly.))
Todo:
* better joystick -] mouse routine
* fix the local lan games to use the xbox system link interface so it'll work over kai and xbc (networking already works as long as you know a server ip)
Official Site: n/a, by HCl
Discussion Thread: forums.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Monday 01 November 2004 17:14 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
PS3 and XBox 2 Processors Similarities?
>> From slashdot.org:
[QUOTE]
themuffinking writes "IBM (the manufacturers of some of the parts for the PS3 and Xbox 2) told Alex Albrecht that the processors they are putting in the new PS3 and Xbox2 are going to be the same processor, with the parts around it arranged slightly differently. Alex pried this information out of an IBM employee, likely while interviewing him for the show on which Alex is a cohost, The Screen Savers. Alex equivocates by saying "Now again, this is a rumor... so no Slashdotting". Too late for that, but keep in mind this is just hearsay at this point.
[/QUOTE]
While both CPUs are developed by or in co-operation with IBM, note that officially the PS3 should be a CELL-based CPU(more info) and the Xbox2 a G5/PowerPC-based(more info) CPU.
Unless Sony gave up CELL there should cerainly be atleast some difference between the 2 CPUs ... IBM, Sony and Toshiba didn't invest so much money in CELL for nothing I'd guess. It's of course possible that a lot has been taken from Power(PC) to develop CELL and differences are not as big as some want us to believe.
*UPDATE* from replies on slashdot.org: "It seem the PS3 CELL processor will be using the PPC architecture as the 'Processor Unit' of the 'Processor Element'. On PS2 each CELL would be 1 'system' cpu and muliple PS2-style vector units. The vector units would be running the user-level code (all game code, tv decoder / tivo code, etc) and the system cpu would be in charge of divvying out some of the onboard resources to each of the VUs, ensuring security permissions, and stuff like that. Oh, and the system CPU was, IIRC, a PPC core. While the Xbox 2 will probably use the G5 (PPC arch) the same way it is used in a PowerMac"
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(Monday 01 November 2004 13:18 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
(EU) Xbox Further Strengthens European Product Marketing Team
>> From GamesIndustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Xbox today announced three new appointments to its European organisation, bringing a wealth of gaming and entertainment experience to the product marketing team to further strengthen and build on the success of Xbox. At a time when Xbox is enjoying strong growth and making inroads into the crucial casual gaming market, the new team members will help structure the drive of the Xbox business forward with their insight and knowledge of the market.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on GamesIndustry.biz.
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(Monday 01 November 2004 12:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
WinUAEX v8 , PCSXBox v12 , DOSXBox v5
>> Xport released 3 new builds of some of his emulator ports!
+ WinUAEX(info) v8 - Amiga emulator for XBox (Forum Discussion Thread)
What's new/fixed:
* Support for 2 mice
* Can assign any mouse/joystick to either L/R analog stick
* Settings are now saved when you launch real CDs
* Will switch to PAL50/PAL60 mode for PAL users depending on if you have selected PAL50/PAL60 from the Game Configuration menu. No effect for NTSC users.
* Upload/Download configurations to/from xport.xbox-scene.com via GUI
+ PCSXBox(info) v12 - PlayStation emulator for XBox (Forum Discussion Thread)
What's new/fixed:
* Improved speed 5-10% on average
* Most recent version of standard GUI (lots of updates since last version)
* Fixed a bug with loading save states
* Fixed problem where it was impossible to return to main menu
* Changing discs now works (tested with Chrono Cross)
* Upload/Download configurations to/from xport.xbox-scene.com via GUI
* Implemented FF9 movie fix - select the option from the CPU fixes menu
* Diablo works now (?) see notes
* Fixed default ROM path not being set at startup
* Support for simultaneous shared memory cards and game-specific memory cards. To select a game-specific memory card, change the Memory Card number to 10 via the Game Configuration menus.
* Memory card settings saved per game
* Merged in PEOPS SPU v1.9
-speed optimized ADSR mixing
* Merged in PEOPS GPU v1.16
-Dark Forces fix - set it on the Graphics Fixes Menu
-Skullmonkeys y-coordinate fix
+ DOSXBox(info) v5 - 286/386 PC emulator for XBox (Forum Discussion Thread)
What's new/fixed:
* Implemented DosBox 0.62 sources
* Added standard XPort GUI
* Removed SDL
* Upload/Download configurations to/from xport.xbox-scene.com via GUI
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: XPort Projects forums and xbins.org
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(Monday 01 November 2004 10:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
BiosChecker v5.0
>> A new version of BiosChecker(info) - a program that can tell you what bios is installed on your Xbox - has been released.
What's new/fixed:
* BiosChecker ported and compiled under Vstudio.NET 2003
* Some internal bug fixes
* Released with bioses.ini version 01102004 whith some new bioses recognition: SmartXX 3321, SmartXX 3325, SmartXX 3327, Xecuter3 1777, Xecuter3 1835, Xecuter3 1859, Xecuter3 1879, Xecuter3 1884, Xecuter3 1892, Yoshhihiro 1MB Debug Multi2004, Yoshhihiro 256k Debug Multi2004 (BFM), Yoshihiro Debug 1.6 1MB Beta, iND-BiOS 5001, iND-BiOS 5001 VGA, iND-BiOS 5001 VGA (BFM), iND-BiOS 5002, iND-BiOS 5002 (BFM), iND-BiOS 5003, iND-BiOS 5003 (BFM)
* Remember that SmartXX, Xenium and similar firmware images can be detected using Windows BiosScan utility ONLY!
* Please report me problems about bioses recognition or bugs (especially regarding X3 bios recognition!) mailing me at crjackita -AT- hotmail.com
Official Site: http://www.darkmoon.org
Download: n/a (contains files built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Monday 01 November 2004 09:31 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
HaloMaps SP->MP Map Pack
>> Hizlo and CLuis from HaloMaps.com released a new map pack for Halo:
[QUOTE]
Here are the best SP->MP (SinglePlayer->MultiPlayer) Mods and the MP Mods ever created. All time was spent making these maps as perfect as they can be, and as close to their SP counterpart as it'll ever get.
All the bitmaps are perfect, all the sounds are perfect. The placement of weapons, vehicles, and power-ups maximize the amount of game play value that each map has.
Maps released so far: The Maw, The Library, Winter Gulch, The Wrong Way, Hang 'Em High, Sidewinder, Dual Bridge and Winter Creek. Five more maps will be released soon. MP Mods for Large Maps and Longer Games are also available.
[/QUOTE]
More Info and Downloads: halomaps.com
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(Sunday 31 October 2004 20:41 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xform beta v0.2
>> A new version of Xform (info) - a win32 tool to help you make XboxMediaCenter(info) skins - with manual has been released.
What's new/fixed (since beta v0.1):
* The No Label now works
* The Skin Background box pops up (use this to add a background image to your skin and you will be able to save it now)
* Changed the fonts dropdown so it doesn’t crash on the font select.
* Updated the button control
* Started the manual, it only covers a bit of xForm for now until the next update but it should help a lot of people out.
* The Tool tips work better not so much slow down or over head. Bloody infinite loops.
Official Site: http://xbmc-skinner.xbox-scene.com (Gutterdrive -AT- hotmail.com)
Download: here (requires .NET framework)
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(Sunday 31 October 2004 08:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
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