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Week of October 5, 2003
XBox-Saves Manager 4.5
>> A new version of XBox-Saves Manager(info) has been released.
What's New/Fixed:
* Fixed bug where saves become corrupted when transferring individual saves from XBox to PC
* Fixed bug where empty saves are created when FTP connection to XBox is lost.
* Fixed bug when deleting saves on PC
* Descriptions for saves no longer allowed on XBox, only for saves on PC
* Autoconverts non-compatible XBSM/MXK saves so ALL saves should load in XBSM (except for Gameshark saves but who cares)
* Removes copy protection on saves during transfers so that they can be copied to memory card within MS Dashboard
* Added feature to indicate your XBox region so all saves transferred to PC will display correct region
Official Site: http://www.xbox-saves.com and http://www.megaxkey.com
Download: here
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(Saturday 11 October 2003 20:52 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XB-News v1.0 build 0276
>> XB-News(info) is an RSS newsfeed reader dedicated to specific Xbox sites.
What's new/fixed:
* BUG: If an error occured whilst downloading a news feed an alert box would be shown and would halt XB-News running until you clicked "ok". This is now fixed and the error is without halting XB-News
* BUG: My mistake, I accidently uploaded a version which had the popup alerts staying up until they were clicked, this was for my own debug purposes. I quickly took this one down but some of you may have already downloaded it. Now fixed.
* NEW: The RSS downloading is now done by a queue system. Before all feeds were downloaded simultaneously which could have cause problems if a feed site was down.
* CHANGE: I removed the news feed for the XB-News site. This is mainly becuase once a release is out you will get the news directly from any of the other sites.
* NEW: When a new version of XB-News is available you will get a popup alert notifying you. This will stay visible until you click on it. The latest version can then be downloaded from any of the Xbox distribution sites or from the XB-News website.
* NEW: Added a Multi user option. If XB-News runs on a system with different user accounts select this option. Each user will then have there own settings saved when they login.
Official Site: http://www.xb-news.co.uk
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Saturday 11 October 2003 19:16 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
StepmaniaX v3
>> Stepmania(info)X is a DDR like game ported to the xbox.
From the readme:
- Using 3.9 Alpha 7 sources
- Fixed PAL issue (I believe)
- Scores are now saved correctly
- JPEG support
- Can run from DVD ( sortof - see notes below)
===============
Important Notes
===============
There are changes to the file contents of the directories. You'll need to completely reinstall StepmaniaX using this v3 package. (Delete the old version first - don't just overwrite.)
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org and http://forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Saturday 11 October 2003 16:10 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XboxOpenSource/neXgen update
>> Update about the 'new neXgen(info)' dashboard from xboxopensource.com:
[QUOTE]
Dont worry we havent given up we are just busy @ work trying 2 get everything running perfect we just recently nailed 2 big bugs that were causing memory leaks. With these fixed i think thats all leaks are gone now. We are trying 2 get a easy config system written. Dont worry nexgen will be out when ready.
[/QUOTE]
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(Saturday 11 October 2003 08:06 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Team Xecuter website back online - Xecuter3
>> The website of Team Xecuter has been down the last few weeks.
Today it came back online ... not much on it yet ... just a 'coming soon' splashlogo for the Xecuter3.
To be continued ...
Official Site: http://www.teamxecuter.com
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(Saturday 11 October 2003 07:57 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
StepmaniaX v2
>> Stepmania(info)X is a DDR type game ported for the xbox.
From the readme:
Firstly, I'd like to thank the developers of Stepmania for making this program. It is truly one of my favorite things to play. They deserve all the credit for this, especially since the most recent CVS source code has preliminary support for XBox already. I just took it the "last half-mile" or so.
I would very much appreciate it if someone from the official Stepmania
development crew would get in contact with me via :
http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=Msg&CODE=4&MID=29881
I'd like to merge the changes I made into the official CVS sources. I know Stepmania.com has a BBS/forum system also, but I am not comfortable giving out my email address to gain access to it.
So, here's what many of you have been waiting for :
What's New:
- StepMania 3.9 alpha 6 sources (Alpha 7 came out just as I was finishing
this up....but I just wanted to get this one out since it was practicall done already. I'll get around to upgrading to alpha 7 soon.)
- Health Meter Bar bug fixed
- Sync'ing bugs fixed
- MP3 bugs fixed
- Default Joypad configuration maps to DPAD as well as A/B/X/Y
- Keyboard support
- OGG support
- You can remap the Joypad configuration if you have a USB keyboard. If you do not have a USB keyboard, do *not* select the option to remap input controls. If you do, you will not be able to do anything (since only the keyboard is read on that screen) and you will be forced to reboot.
Official Site: http://xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org and http://forums.xbox-scene.com
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(Saturday 11 October 2003 00:07 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
More X-B.I.T tutorials
>> Team DMS has added a new tutorial for their X-B.I.T modchip.
X-B.I.T Stealth Mode & LED Explanation: read here
Also note that these guides have been updated the last few days:
X-B.I.T Software Troubleshooting: read here
X-B.I.T Hardware Troubleshooting: read here
Official Site: http://www.dms-x-bit.com
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(Friday 10 October 2003 23:18 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Sega Disses XBOX - No OutRun2 or Virtua Cop 3
>> Latest Issue of Japanese gaming magazine Dorimage, reports that SEGA now has no plans to port Outrun 2 and Virtua Cop 3 to the XBOX Home Game Console.. despite these games running on MS/Sega Xbox based Chihiro Arcade hardware.
Months of rumours and speculation about Virtua Cop 3 in Magazines and on online sites would appear to not bear fruit.
"The reason cited for Virtua Cop 3 is that Sega would have to release a light gun, but it probably has more to do with the fact that the Xbox isn't selling very well in Japan, where both games are likely to do well. It doesn't seem inconceivable that Virtua Cop 3 could go without a home conversion, but OutRun 2 seems certain to make it onto a console eventually - and it's looking increasingly likely to be PlayStation 2."
News-Source: The Games Asylum (No Outrun/Virtua Cop)
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(Friday 10 October 2003 20:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Hardware Review: JOYTECH 6.0 inch TFT Monitor with SRS
>>
"Rigid, black, and sturdy, the monitor acclimates itself well to the looks and style of the stock XBOX case it attaches to. No sticky strips, no Velcro, just a simple slide down and grab connection is used to keep this baby where you want it. Do not lift the combined XBOX/MONITOR by the monitor only, as you’ll end up with some expensive broken hardware. (Likely the XBOX) The binding mechanism works well as a stationary unit, but if you are into porting the combo around, you’ll learn to handle them with care. However, that’s not to say the monitor doesn’t take a beating - it does. This review almost didn’t happen because I took a flip and tossed the monitor 6 feet up and 10 feet away. As you can see from the screen shots, it survived! I ended up with bandages on my elbow, and my wife laughing while she cleaned my wounds with alcohol."
Read the FULL Review...
XS Forums: General Hardware/Tech.Chat (Monitor)
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(Friday 10 October 2003 15:02 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox-Linux: Sdoradus' commentary on Microsoft deleting user data
>> From xbox-linux.sourceforge.net:
[QUOTE]
The article about the forced update of the dashboard for non-Xbox-Live users (that may delete user data) now also features a commentary that cites rulings on AOL and Dell lawsuits. Microsoft, stop this, we mean it.
[/QUOTE]
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(Friday 10 October 2003 11:25 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox clusters up at Linux Expo
>> From zdnet.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft may not have made it to Linux Expo, but its Xbox was there - running Linux and taking on extra workload from PCs.
Microsoft may have failed to occupy the stand it booked at this year's Linux Expo in London's Olympia conference centre, but some of the company's products did make a showing, even if the company might rather they had not.
On the stand of a multimedia-oriented Linux distribution called dyne:bolic(info), operating system author and maintainer Jardmil -- the moniker he prefers to be known by -- was demonstrating a hacked Xbox that can be used to offload processing tasks from a mixed cluster of PCs and Xboxes.
Although clustering Xboxes sounds an unlikely application, some organisations are investigating the computing possibilities of today's powerful games consoles, which tend to be smaller, cheaper and less power hungry (and therefore quieter) than PCs.
...
But the developers are fighting back. Even if Microsoft does manage to close the software bug, the controls that prevent Linux from being loaded can still be evaded in hardware. "You can still chip the Xbox," said Jardmil. "In a shop in Napoli (Jardmil is Italian) you'll always be able to get an Xbox chipped." Furthermore, he said, there are attempts by the hacker community to produce its own CD containing the software bug.
The only catch is that the CD would have to be digitally signed, or authorised, by Microsoft. "There are people trying to get a buggy CD signed by Microsoft using social engineering techniques," added Jardmil.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article on zdnet.co.uk.
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(Friday 10 October 2003 09:24 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox 2/II/Next - What can we expect when it comes?
>> Gamester17 from XboxMediaPlayer(info)/XboxMediaCenter(info) wrote about his speculations, educated guesses, hopes and dreams for the Xbox2 (alias Xbox Next).
Check it out on the XBMC forums.
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(Friday 10 October 2003 08:54 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBtool 1.0.9
>> XBtool(info) is a BIOS Pack, Unpack, and Patch Tool.
What's new/fixed:
* Fix: fan speed over 50% reset to 50% on read (did not effect actual setting of the speed).
* Unencrypted 2bl support (actually added a few versions ago).
Official Site: http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/xbtool.html
Download: here
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(Friday 10 October 2003 08:13 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
KegsX v1
>> A new released by Xport!
KegsX is a Apple IIgs/e/c/+ Emulator.
Features:
* Emulates Apple IIgs/e/c/+
* Excellent compatibility - ported from KEGS
* USB Keyboard support
* 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 the other features you see normally in other Xport ports. Check the full features list 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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(Friday 10 October 2003 08:09 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Not Really XBOX News : SunnComm to sue 'Shift key' student for $10m
>> "SunnComm has threatened Princeton PhD student Alex Halderman with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) for exposing a key weakness in the company's latest CD copy protection technology, MediaMax CD3."
"The company said today it will take legal action against Halderman for revealing how MediaMax CD3 can be bypassed by holding down a Windows PC's Shift key when a protected disc is inserted"
What is this world coming to.. when you can be sued for showing people how to use a documented Windows feature.
For the full story...
News-Source: THE REGISTER (SHIFT KEY Story)
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(Friday 10 October 2003 04:21 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBMC ALPHA CVS 10-10-03
>> The latest XboxMediaCenter(info) CVS compile from xbins includes these fixes..
-fixed crashes when trying to play a 2nd mpeg file in a session
-correct AR autodetected for vcd/svcd/dvd
you only need to update mplayer/mplayer.dll and default.xbe if
upgrading from the xmbc-2003-10-08.rar package
Please keep in mind that this is only a anonomous CVS compile, and it is still in alpha stage. Use at your own risk!
Official Site: http://www.xboxmediacenter.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Thursday 09 October 2003 23:33 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Modchip/Bios section updated
>> The last few days I have been working on improving the xbox-scene modchip and bios/kernel section.
The layout of some of the comparison tables have been seriously improved and detailed information about all modchip/bios features has been added.
I also added some of new 'alternative' modchips with own LPC code.
Thanks goes to akirachip.com for the akira/cyclone2 (gen3b) sample
and thanks to divineo.net for the Aladdin Advanced (gen3b) and X-Cutor (gen3a) samples.
More about these and new modchips soon :)
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(Thursday 09 October 2003 23:06 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XB-News v1.0 build 0257
>> XB-News(info) is a RSS interpreter application for windows that displays the latest xbox related news.
Whats New/Fixed:
• NEW: Added support for http://www.mediaxbox.com. A French language Xbox site. (Requested by Francky87)
• NEW: Since the Media Xbox site has been added I have made it possible to turn on/off sites. This is due to the sites now being in different languages. Some French guys may not be able to read the English sites and would like to turn them off, and vice versa. I know I cannot read French!
• FIXED: If there were no <item> tags in the xml code XB-News would crash. This is now checked for.
• NEW: The time of last update is now displayed in the windows caption bar.
• CHANGE: Settings layout has completely changed ready to support more sites without making the dialog any larger.
• NEW: Changes made to settings will only be saved if the "Apply" button is selected. You also have the option to cancel changes made. (Requested by Xlogik)
• NEW: User configurable option to close to system tray instead of closing XB-News. When new items are downloaded the tray icon will flash. (Iriez @ Xbins.com)
• NEW: User option to display popup alerts similar to the "you have new mail" popup's in MSN Messenger when new mail arrives. This only happens if XB-News is running in the system tray.
• FIXED: All news titles were being converted to lower case in the lists. This is now fixed and the newfeeds original formatting is reserved. This has the side effect of marking all items as unread the first time you update the existing news.
• NEW: Added user configurable option to run XB-News when windows starts
• NEW: User option to start XB-News minimised. If the "Close to system tray" option is selected XB-News will close to a tray icon, otherwise it will just minimise to the windows task bar.
• NEW: Right clicking on a site will allow you to mark ALL items on the site list as read/unread from the popup menu
• NEW: The background colour of a site will change depending on the content. If there are any new items it will be a light green, if there are unread items it will be light yellow and if all items are read it will be clear.
Official Site: http://xb-news.co.uk
Download: here
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Thursday 09 October 2003 19:44 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
X-B.I.T PC-Flash software problems on WindowsXP with NEC chipset
>> From www.dms3.com/xnews.htm:
[QUOTE]
We got informed that a few people have problems using the X.B.I.T PC-Flash software on systems running Windows®XP.
It took a while to investigate that problem but we think we have found the reason now:
We have tested the PC-Flash software together with the X-B.I.T hardware successfully on several PCs running Windows®XP. We can confirm that the problem is not only caused by the operation system itself. The error occurs when using Windows®XP together with a certain "NEC" chipset on your PC-mainboard. However this is a problem which is very difficult to track down since we can not test the software on all the different combinations of operation systems and chipsets out there. Due to the large number of different chipset manufacturers it might turn out that there is another combination of Windows®XP and a chipset which could cause similar issues.
We tracked down the problem and we will have a patch ready for you latest on monday the 13th. Unfortunately we will have to reprogram the USB-controller of the X-B.I.T if you are using Windows®XP together with a chipset which is causing the PC-Flash software to lock up. If that is the case please send back your X-B.I.T to your supplier, we will reprogram/exchange all devices quickly. We are sorry for the inconvenience but please be aware that we designed our product according to the official USB standards and that the problem is not caused by us however some PC hardware manufacturers do not go inline with those standards.
If you are using Windows®XP and if you have problems with the PC-Flash software please let us know the type of chipset and PC-mainboard you are using. Rest assured that we will offer support through our distributors and reslove all issues.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.dms-x-bit.com/
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(Thursday 09 October 2003 18:10 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox-Linux: Hardware Database is online!
>> From xbox-linux.sourceforge.net:
[QUOTE]
Xbox Hardware Database is online!
If you want to buy an Xbox, the Xbox Hardware Database can help you find out what's in the Xbox without opening the box - even though the list is still quite short. And don't forget, please enter your Xbox data into this form. Thanks to all contributors!
[/QUOTE]
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(Thursday 09 October 2003 17:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox-Linux: cheap RAM chips for Xbox
>> From http://xbox-linux.sourceforge.net:
[QUOTE]
Thomas Wuensche, a supporter of the Xbox Linux Project, has bought 268 "Samsung K4D263238D-QC50" RAM chips and is willing to sell sets of four chips for 40 EUR (+shipping) to Xbox enthusiasts. He does not guarantee that they work in all Xboxes, and that you will be able to successfully solder them into your device. If you are interested, please email him.
[/QUOTE]
Note that upgrading your Xbox with an extra 64RAM is only useful for developers or if you run linux on your xbox. It's really not easy to do the upgrade (RAM chips has very small legs). Only do this if you really need it and you know exactly what you are doing.
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(Thursday 09 October 2003 12:11 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
DMS X-B.I.T review
>> After several days of testing ... here's my review of the X-B.I.T modchip:
Official DMS X-B.I.T website:
* http://www.dms-x-bit.com
Where to buy:
* divineo.co.uk (official reseller)
What's in the package:
* X-B.I.T modchip
* external adaptor with usb-connector, bios switches and enable/disable switch
* wires needed to connect X-B.I.T with external adaptor
* diod (for optional power-button support feature)
* screw and spacer (for pogopin/nosolder install)
* wire connector (for wire install)
* All packed in a static shielding bag
Pictures:
* picture 1
* picture 2
* picture 3
* picture 4
Install the Modchip:
DMS made all the installation guides, you can find them on their website: http://www.dms3.com/xmanuals.htm.
You have the choice between 3 install methods:
* The PogoPin/Solderless install
Most people will probably install the X-B.I.T this way ... you pay for those pogopins, so might aswell use them.
I was surprized how easy the pogopins aligned. I don't know how they managed to do it ... is it due the spiked pogopins (for "d0" point), is it because the board is pretty large and fits around the corner of the IDE connector (which also causes it to be stable)? ... anyway the modchip alligns very easily. Just put the LPC pogopins on the LPC points, and the d0 pogopin is almost automaticly correctly alligned.
The X-B.I.T has 2 spiked "d0" pogopins, so it installs soldeless on all xbox versions till xbox v1.4 (power and ground are disconnected on LPC on xbox v1.5 ... so it will need 2 extra wires).
There's also no stability problem with the pogo-pins, they keep good contact with the LPC points and with d0.
I installed it on a motherboard with 'empty' LPC holes ... but I think it will also align without too many problems on filled LPC holes (v1.0 and early v1.1 only).
* The wire install
It's a typical wire-install for a LPC modchip. The X-B.I.T comes with a wireconnector, so you don't have to solder any wire on the modchip itself ... only on the xbox motherboard.
* The Headerpin install
Honnestly I have no idea why DMS decided to ship the X-B.I.T with a male headerpin soldered directly on the modchip.
While the actual install method stays the same ... it takes away all advantages of the headerpin (easy to swap/upgrade, mass flash modchips, easy to remove, ...)
For those who already installed a male-male headerpin in their xbox and don't want to solder to upgrade to X-B.I.T, there's only 1 solution ... get a female-female headerpin block at your local electronic shop.
If you want to solder your X-B.I.T, I suggest you use the wire-install.
* Optional En/Disable with Xbox power button.
With 2 optional solderpoints (1 on modchip, 1 on xbox motherboard) you can use the xbox power button to enable/disable your modchip. If you press power button 1sec modchip will be enabled, if you press power button 3sec your modchip will be disabled.
Testing:
The biggest new features on the X-B.I.T are:
- 2MB flash size
- PC flashing via USB
The PCB pogopins and ic's look very solid and of high quality.
The X-B.I.T can very easily be programmed with your PC using the USB port. You can download the flashing software for free from http://www.dms3.com/xdownload.htm.
Because it's using USB, there will be no compatibility problem people had with LTP (parallel port) programmers.
Also the modchip must not be installed to be programmed - it gets power from the USB. Their software is fully grafical and very easy to use.
Programming/Erasing itself is alot slower then I expected using USB ... but Team DMS explained why the flash speed is so slow here (because they use unshielded wires).
Xbox booted with the expected bios from the first try.
Bios swithching also worked correctly (1-3 switch on the exterenal adaptor). The bios selection is explained here.
The 4th switch is the enable/disabled switch (they call it 'Stealth-Mode'). You have the choice between these bios split-ups:
1. 1x2048k
2. 2x1024k
3. 2x512k 1x1024k
4. 2x256k 1x512k 1x1024k
5. 4x256k 1x1024
6. 4x256k 2x512k
On the external adaptor (that should be placed on the backside of the Xbox) there's a small led that shows if your modchip is enabled or not ... very useful to check before you go on xlive.
The X-B.I.T allows flashing directly from the Xbox software as far as I know, but so far no xbox program has support for the 2mb of the X-B.I.T. A new or updated (evo-x for example) program will probably be released sooner or later. I tried to add the correct flash-line in the latest evo-x ... but the program hang when I tried to flash ... I guess it doesn't like the 2mb file yet.
One feature missing is the 'flash protection' (there's a 'seal' on the X-B.I.T, but you have to remove it to install the X-B.I.T ... so once installed your X-B.I.T is always flashable). But so far MS has never tried to flash the bios ... and even if they did - you can always reflash your X-B.I.T via USB. So this feature is certainly not essential.
POSITIVE:
+ 2MByte flash size
+ 6 different bios split-ups possible and upto 6 different bioses on chip.
+ PC flashing via USB (no compatibility problems)
+ High quality PCB board
+ External adaptor with bios selector and en/disable switch+led
+ 3 ways to install it - you can choose
+ Pogopin/soldeless install: aligns very easily and stable
+ Wire-install: using connector so no need to solder on modchip
+ Optional en/disable with power-button
NEGATIVE:
- Very slow USB flashing/erasing
- HeaderPin install: Male headerpin soldered directly on X-B.I.T motherboard
- No flash disable (but you can flash via USB ... so it's really no must-have feature)
- Bug in flash software if you put window to background (will be solved soon)
- Can't flash directly with Xbox software yet (needs update of evo-x probably).
Feel free to post your questions/remarks/reviews about the X-B.I.T on our forums
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(Thursday 09 October 2003 09:52 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Sony Says 90nm PS2 Chip Production to Start in Oct.
>> YOKOHAMA, Japan (Reuters) Wed 8 October, 2003 14:46 BST - Sony Corp's 6758.T game division said on Wednesday it plans to start mass production of a new chip to power the PlayStation 2 (PS2) game console this month, using cutting-edge 90-nanometer processing technology, in a move that will lower manufacturing costs.
Monthly production of the chip, which combines the game console's microprocessor and graphics chip, will start at "several" hundred thousand units before growing to more than a million units by next year, Sony Computer Entertainment's Chief Technology Officer Kenshi Manabe said at an industry event.
"The development costs to shrink down the chip can become quite high, but if you consider that we sell 20 million PS2s a year, then in the end it's cheaper," Manabe said at a forum sponsored by the Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan.
News-Source: REUTERS (90nm PS2 Chip Production)
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(Thursday 09 October 2003 00:26 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
dvd2xbox 0.4.8
>> dvd2xbox(info) is a backup utility for the xbox.
Whats New/FixedL
+ changed ISO9660 to the newest from XBMC (Thanks to XBMC development and team Avalaunch(info)).
+ added fullpath to 'rename file' logging.
+ added the percentage as digits to the progress bars.
+ fixed a bug where box crashes while copying files (for more information use the search on http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php).
+ fixed a bug where .ogg tracks with too long file names weren't dumped.
Official Site: http://dvd2xbox.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Wednesday 08 October 2003 17:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox-Linux Xbox Versions Database
>> From xbox-linux:
[QUOTE]
Help us build an Xbox Versions Database!
Please enter your Xbox data into this form (you needn't fill all fields), so we can provide you a database that will help you find out the contents of an Xbox without opening it. This database will be online next week.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 08 October 2003 09:15 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Xbox Live launched today in Australia
>> From zdnet.com.au:
[QUOTE]
Xbox Live was launched in Australia today, allowing local gamers to hook up with half a million like-minded individuals around the world – for a price.
Microsoft are selling the Xbox Live starter kits (which include an Xbox Live Voice Communicator headset, used to chat both in and out of games, Starter Disc with 2 game demos – Moto GP and Mech Assault, and a 12 month subscription to the Xbox Live service) for AU$99.95 on top of the Xbox console.
[/QUOTE]
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(Wednesday 08 October 2003 08:47 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
An IBM processor? Unlikely?
>> From theinquirer.net:
[QUOTE]
THERE'S STILL SOME doubt about the future architecture of the Xbox console, but if ATI's involved, as it is, an IBM processor in there is unlikely.
Nvidia's CFO reminded us a few days ago in a conference call that the current Xbox actually uses three key bits of semi technology – the CPU, a graphics chip and a chipset.
ATI therefore stands to gain in a couple of ways from its recent agreement with Microsoft.
Whoever makes the graphic chip for Microsoft, is likely to have a chunk of the mobo and chipset real estate too.
But will the future Xbox 2 use an Intel or an AMD chipset? We know that there are special bonds chaining Intel to ATI, but this, we suspect is a marriage of convenience.
[/QUOTE]
On the other side ... we received some anonymous sources confirming a deal was being closed between MS and IBM for the 'Xbox Next' CPU.
To be continued ...
Thanks to gamester17 for the newslink.
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(Wednesday 08 October 2003 08:43 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBMC 10-07-2003-2 CVS
>> A fixed build of the 10-07-03 CVS build of XboxMediaCenter has been released:
* Previous build did not support all listed features due to the anonomous cvs server being slightly behind. Current build now supports the listed features (see our news of October 7 11:49 CEST for new features listing).
Keep in mind this is just a compile of the sourcecode in the CVS on 07 october and XBMC is still in alpha-fase. 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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(Tuesday 07 October 2003 23:22 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
KOLEKO-X 0.06 and SC3X 0.05
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(Tuesday 07 October 2003 21:19 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Sony puts $719 tag on PSX game/entertainment system
>> More news about the new 'PSX' console from Sony.
From reuters.com:
[QUOTE]
MAKUHARI, Japan, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Sony Corp said on Tuesday it would launch the "PSX" -- an entertainment system boasting a satellite TV tuner and DVD recorder plus its PlayStation 2 game player -- in Japan later this year at a minimum price of 79,800 yen ($719).
It hopes the all-in-one entertainment system, which also has a hard disk drive (HDD) recorder, will boost its electronics division, whose ageing product line-up and high costs were a big factor behind a net loss of almost $1 billion in the January-March quarter.
The PlayStation 2 (PS2) and Microsoft's Xbox console already come with a built-in DVD player, but Sony aims to justify the hefty price by including a top-of-the-line HDD recorder.
[/QUOTE]
More news on reuters.com or news.yahoo.com.
Thanks to X-ace and Sha for the news.
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(Tuesday 07 October 2003 17:42 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
TOP 10 most rented videogames (USA) - Xbox still dominates
>> This is the TOP10 of most rented videogames for last week (ending on 05nov03) - provided by GameFly.com, the leading online video game subscription rental service:
1. Freedom Fighters - Xbox
2. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 - Xbox
3. Simpsons Hit and Run - Xbox
4. Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes - Xbox
5. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004 - PlayStation 2
6. Simpsons Hit and Run - PlayStation 2
7. Freedom Fighters - PlayStation 2
8. Soul Calibur 2 - Xbox
9. Voodoo Vince - Xbox
10. WWE Raw 2 - Xbox
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(Tuesday 07 October 2003 17:28 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
How to acess the TSOP flash when booting over LPC bus
>> Hamtitampti/Franz released some more technical info on forums.maxconsole.com about how it's possible to access TSOP after you booted from LPC:
[QUOTE]
As a side effect , I discovered this technique a time ago.
I think, it is now time to show it to the public, as this is not needed anymore and the LPC / X-bus switch can be solved much more simpler
The fundamantal problem:
When you boot from LPC bus, you can not reach the X-Bus (ISA bus with flash) anymore.
So it is not possible to flash the onboard bios when booting from LPC bus.
So, there is a technique, very simple, but strange:
First, you start a “normal” Bios with D0 LPC boot.
This is not a real bios, as more a special loader.
This special loader places a compleate programm or kernel starting from 0x0 in memory.
Then, you remove the D0 (during running of the system)
And after a trigger from somewhere, the software issue a I2CTransmitWord(0x10, 0x0201); == reset
Together with the Reset, we Ground lines like A15 or so.
This would have the effect, of correctly working down of the MCPX bytecode interpreter, But fail at decompress / hash-validation of the MCPX
This would lead to a visor trick, where the mpcx swaps out and let the instruction pointer to 0x0.
As we dumped a programm on 0x0 there before, and a Reset does not kill the data there
We start now a good programm out of the memory now
But the systems sees this as On-board boot.
-> so it is possible to reach the onboard bios then ..
Limits of this techique:
You have to solder an aditional wire on the flash. (or other secret technologies i will not show here)
Also, the X-codes have to be “valid”
This technique does not help you in case of a real disaster, as when you have faulty X-codes, the bytecode interpreter will not exit / work correct.
I think, the Evox Tsop flashing bios works this way, but i never looked into it.
[/QUOTE]
News-Source: forums.maxconsole.com
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(Tuesday 07 October 2003 16:42 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XisoManager v 1.5.1
>> XcalibEr released a new version of XisoManager(info).
What's new/fixed:
* Automatically naming a new folder with the original game name taken from Default.xbe file (while making a new one on the xbox using the Browser).
* The ability to extract a FOLDER or A file directly to XBOX HD.
* FTP client which enables to Extract XISO files directly to xbox hard disk with ease.
Next to come:
* Building XISO (XBOX ISO) file directly from XBOX DVD-ROM.
* Displaying the Game Image/picture taken from the Default.xbe file.
Official Site: http://www.xtreemwarez.com
Download: here
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(Tuesday 07 October 2003 16:16 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Cromwell v2.27 (beta)
>> Xbox-Linux released a new version of the Cromwell(info)/Xromwell(info) linux bios/bootloader.
What's new/fixed:
* Focus support (xbox v1.4/v1.5)
* Faster Flashing with Speed Flash (tm) compatible Flasher
* Complete rewrite of Startup Code
Official Site: http://xbox-linux.sf.net
Download: here
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(Tuesday 07 October 2003 14:29 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBMC Xbins CVS 10-07-2003
>> A new Xbins CVS Compile of XboxMediaCenter has been released.
What's new/fixed:
[QUOTE]
- settings
--- added filter settings (not complete yet)
--- movie calibration now shows the current resolution
- my music
--- fixed: When deleting a file from the play list, selection cursor should not restart at the very beginning of the selection.
--- fixed:After stopping Playlist, selected item is not removed. (Stays red)
--- fixed: cursor now jumps to the next item when adding a song to the playlist with Y
- my files:
--- fixed: rename/delete not visible in my files when no destination directory is choosen
- my videos
--- video overlay window is now correctly scaled
- general
--- fixed: UI calibration didnt affect the movie/music overlay windows
--- removed the FreeMem info from all screens
--- textures are now cached so switching between menu's is a lot faster
--- added debouncing for remote control
--- added remote control support for the virtual keyboard
--- latest mplayer of 05-10-2003 with FLAC support
--- listcontrol: now cycles. when moving up on 1st item it jumps 2 the last item and vice versa
--- autostart discs in D: (thx 2 bobbin007)
--- new iso9660 library donated by The Joker from the Avalaunch(info) team (THX guys!)
[/QUOTE]
Keep in mind this is just a compile of the sourcecode in the CVS on 07 october and XBMC is still in alpha-fase. 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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(Tuesday 07 October 2003 05:49 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Five Years under the DMCA in USA
>> Introduction and conclusion from The Electronic Frontier Foundation:
[QUOTE]
Since they were enacted in 1998, the “anti-circumvention” provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”), codified in section 1201 of the Copyright Act, have not been used as Congress envisioned. Congress meant to stop copyright pirates from defeating anti-piracy protections added to copyrighted works, and to ban “black box” devices intended for that purpose.
In practice, the anti-circumvention provisions have been used to stifle a wide array of legitimate activities, rather than to stop copyright piracy. As a result, the DMCA has developed into a serious threat to several important public policy priorities.
Conclusion:
Five years of experience with the “anti-circumvention” provisions of the DMCA demonstrate that the statute reaches too far, chilling a wide variety of legitimate activities in ways Congress did not intend. As an increasing number of copyright works are wrapped in technological protection measures, it is likely that the DMCA’s anti-circumvention provisions will be applied in further unforeseen contexts, hindering the legitimate activities of innovators, researchers, the press, and the public at large.
[/QUOTE]
Read the whole article here[eff.org]. (they also speak about Bunnie's 'Hacking The Xbox' book and PS2 mod chips)
I saw the news on xboxhacker.net.
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(Monday 06 October 2003 20:31 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Work In Progress: Qwix 1.0
>> Devenic (Team avalaunch) is currently working on a new version of xISO xFER(info), that is now renamed to Qwix. It will have a lot of new special features that will only work in combination with Avalaunch(info) dashboard.
Here is some information about the project we received from Devenic:
[QUOTE]
Qwix 1.0 is a new Xbox and ISO management tool for the Windows platform.
It will be evolving rapidly, but the first version offers the following features. Many more features planned for upcoming releases.
Connection manager makes it easy to keep settings specific to different Xboxes or dashboards.
* FTP browser (more FTP features will be added later)
* ISO features:
-Create double-optimized ISO files
---Direct from FTP
---From PC folder
---Convert existing ISO to new optimized format
---Optional automatic cross-linking of files
-Extract files to PC drive
-Direct-to-FTP upload to Xbox
-Browse ISO contents
-Smart ISO loading routines compatibile with almost every xbox ISO file
-Detects invalid filenames for FATX, allowing rename or skip per file
-Batch transfer ISOs to the Xbox
-Automatic media patching
* Avalaunch-specific features:
-Supports the new Boost transfer mode in Avalaunch 0.47.5 and up
-Auto-detects Avalaunch boxes for easy connectivity
-Powerful game management features (as shown in the screenshot)
---Delete
---Rename XBE
---Launch
---Calculate MD5 values on all files
---Shows picture from XBE file
---Create ISO directly from selected game
[/QUOTE]
You can see a preview screenshot of Qwix here (released on their official IRC channel: #avalaunch EFnet)
I personally got the chance to test a beta version of Qwix with avalaunch 0.47.5 and I was really impressed by the 'Boost transfer mode'. On a 3.4gb ISO (extracting and transfering from PC to Xbox in realtime) I got an avarage speed of 9936kbytes/sec!
ETA: 8-10days (together with avalaunch 0.47.5)
Official Site: currently offline (#avalaunch EFnet)
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(Monday 06 October 2003 16:44 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBtool 1.0.8
>> NghtShd released a new version of XBtool(info) (XBOX BIOS pack, unpack, and patch tool).
What's new/fixed:
* LED/fan settings reading after save.
* Fix: third dash setting on Evox BIOS's
Official Site: http://home.alltel.net/nghtshd/xbtool.html
Download: here
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(Monday 06 October 2003 06:15 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
dyne:bolic 1.1 stable codename "MAKROLAB"
>> Verion 1.1 of the dyne:bolic(info) PC/XBox linux distro has been released:
[QUOTE]
Version 1.1 is allready out as a bugfix release, including fixes to the nesting mechanism and to the openmosix clustering, encryption support back in the mail program and better handling of X resolutions. Every user is encouraged to upgrade thru the 'spawn' tool present in dyne:bolic.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.dynebolic.org
Download: http://www.dynebolic.org/index.php?show=available
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(Sunday 05 October 2003 21:18 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
MSN features Xbox-Linux as 'cheaters'
>> From xbox-linux.sourceforge.net:
[QUOTE]
Go to www.msn.com and enter "xbox cheats": The results will show the Xbox Linux Project on rank #1 as a "Featured Site" and as a "Top Pick". Thanks, Microsoft, we think the project deserves your decoration, but, hey, the Linux savegame is not for cheating. ;-)
[/QUOTE]
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(Sunday 05 October 2003 19:14 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XB-News v1.0 build 0229
>> From the readme:
[QUOTE]
XB-News is an RSS newsfeed reader dedicated to specific Xbox sites and the news lists they produce. Each list is handled individually according to the information offered, for example Xbins includes article release dates which is specially catered for when viewing an Xbins news item.
The main aim of XB-News is to collect the latest news from various sites and display it in a very simple, straight forward design.
Features:
* Fully automated collection of news items
* Easy to view list of news item titles
* New items highlighted, no looking for the new news
* Uses internal XML parsing code, no Microsoft "illegal character" errors
[/QUOTE]
Note: There is also support for the Xbox-Scene RSS feed.
Official Site: http://xb-news.co.uk
Download: here
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(Sunday 05 October 2003 19:08 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
dvd2xbox 0.4.7
>> dvd2xbox(info) is a backup utility for the xbox. From the readme:
This version is only a bugfix for 0.4.6. It removes the double slash problem and should now copy all files without problems. Thanks to the xbox-scene community for testing and pointing me to the problem.
Supplemental for the 0.4.6 changelog: I removed the copy retries because I agree that it makes not much sense.
Official Site: http://dvd2xbox.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
News-Source: xbins.org
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(Sunday 05 October 2003 15:49 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
Gentoox updates
>> Some updates for Gentoox posted the last few days.
From ShALLaX on gentoox.shallax.com:
[QUOTE]
* Totally rewritten eject tool. Added some more functionality (i.e. it can now tell if the tray is already open or closed and tell you if you try double opening/ closing). It also uses proper getopt code now. Get it by running: magic fix eject && magic
* XBV now supports the "-vga" switch. To update, simply run "magic"
* Its clear that the Xbox does struggle to run what I've been running on it with only 64MB of RAM. With 128MB, the accurated 'used physical memory; guage usually floats at around 68MB, which obviously a stock Xbox doesnt have. If you look at the load graphs, youll see that the load is actually extremely low, except for a spike in the middle (accurate at time of posting) which was me updating/ compiling some software, but even this spike is extremely low. Usually compiling would take me up to about 5.00->10.00 load average. I can now run PISG without the xbox going into 40.00 load averages (See its results here). Also, when I'm doing some heavy processing, the SSH no longer becomes unresponsive.
In short, I HIGHLY recommend people upgrade to 128MB if they are running Linux fulltime. Though don't complain to me if you break your Xbox upgrading! Also, remember that Xbox-Linux have a couple of companies that can upgrade Xboxes for you!
* Fixed XFCE not saving icons/ settings issue: Thanks to Andres for pointing this one out. This should only affect Home 2.0+ users. If you run "magic fix xbvset && magic", then rerun xbvset, this should fix the problem. The issue was file permissions not being set correctly!
[/QUOTE]
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(Sunday 05 October 2003 13:50 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
)
XBOX TOY REVIEW: Halo Series 1 – WARTHOG
>> Finally hitting the Store shelves.. Halo Series 1 Figures and Toys from JOYRIDE STUDIOS
"Generally the vehicle is well made. It’s rigid, and has some basic shocks (simple springs) built into the front and rear axels. Joyride has done a great job paying attention to details… painting dirt on the tires, adding scoring marks and such to “metal” areas. You’ll be hard pressed to find any metal on this baby though so don’t expect some die-cast metal toy here. You’d be disappointed."
To read the FULL review...
News-Source: XS Forums (Warthog Full Review)
BTW.. this toy should qualify for a FREE Master Chief Action Figure. Check www.joyridestudios.com for forms and details. (US and Canada only)
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(Sunday 05 October 2003 06:15 EST) - (Category: (default)) - (Posted by::
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