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Week of July 29, 2007
EkszBox ForzaMod v1.0
>> From the readme/nfo:
[QUOTE]
EkszBox-ForzaMod is a Forza Motorsport mod tool, which includes an Xbe CRC patcher.
EkszBox-ForzaMod Main Features:
* The best/only (Real/Non spoofware) Forza Motorsport car performance mod tool.
* Includes EkszBox-ForzaPatch: An Xbe CRC patcher.
* Allows you to modify cars far beyond whats possible via in-game tuning.
* Allows you to mod as many cars at a time as you like, just click save edit after making changes to each file.
* Allows you to load modded ca2 file to make changes to existing mod/s.
* No need to rename/overwrite original cars.ca2 file as xbe is patched to use ModCars.ca2 (Put in same folder as default.xbe).
* Drap & Drop/Exe file drop support.
* High performance & a reasonably small memory footprint.
* No major known bugs.
* No dll's, no registry entries & no .net runtime dependencies.
* Written in C/C++ & Delphi- (EkszBox-ForzaPatch).
LEGAL:
Included programs are for educational purposes only & should not to be used for online/offline cheating.
The author of this software is beyond reprimand until the end of time.
This software is freeware & comes with no warranties of any kind, it may be
freely distributed as long as it is not re-packaged.
By using this software you must accent to the following condition; I as a human/humanoid/other agree to waiving all rights and or autonomies I have.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by Kernel Master
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
USA: Xbox 360 bundled with Table Tennis?
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
The new Xbox 360 shipments are coming in for next week's super-ultra-secret price drop weekend. And what we originally thought was just a deal of purchasing an Xbox 360 and getting Table Tennis for free at Circuit City appears to be a little bit deeper. Turns out the game is actually bundled in the packaging and not just an add on.
We don't know if this has anything to do with Best Buy's Top Spin bundle.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: joystiq.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox Classic XBMC SVN Revision 875
>> From Team BlackBolt:
[QUOTE]
Sorry its been so long since we had a website update for Xbox Classic, but Blackbolt has been busy with his semi-retirement/vacation thing and Jezz_X has been so busy with his 1001 projects that we've forgotten to update it. So here without any delays is the very latest build of Xbox Classic for XBMC. There have been many improvements and new features since the last release, for a full list check the SVN log, but our favourite new addition is the 3D Coverflow for the Music section, check it out here.
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Official Site: blackbolt.x-scene.com
Download: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
CNet Editorial: Console Modding Right or Wrong?
>> From CNet news.com:
[QUOTE]
Banning modding is nothing more than a business ploy. And although organizations like the Immigration and Customs Enforcement division of the U.S. government claims that it raises our prices and maintains an unhealthy business environment, I'm not sure where John Doe, modding his PlayStation in the comfort of his home so he can play overseas games, is contributing to the "facilitation of multiple other layers of criminality, such as smuggling, software piracy and money laundering."
I am strongly against the sale and distribution of modded video game consoles, but I can't help but be a proponent of modding video game consoles for your own pleasure, as long as you use it for the benefit of those who hold the software copyright. In other words: buy the legal software, not the pirated stuff.
But what makes modding so awful? Is it because you agreed to an implied contract upon breaking the shrink wrap that you wouldn't own the rights to the system, no matter how much you paid for it? If so, that's a bunch of garbage. If I paid my hard-earned money for a game system, then I should have the legal right to open it up and make it do whatever I want. And if that means that my American Xbox 360 will be able to play a Japanese Xbox 360 game, then so be it.
Sorry ESA, Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony; I trust people. Maybe you should too--it might help your bottom line.
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Full Story: CNet news.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XNA Dream-Build-Play Finalists Announced
>> From blogs.msdn.com (FYI: MS owned blog):
[QUOTE]
On behalf of everyone here in the XNA organization at Microsoft, I'm pleased to announce that the top 20 finalists in the Dream-Build-Play competition have been announced on our main contest website. Back in March we challenged the world to dream big and to go for it as you build it into reality. Not only did our community rise to the challenge but the quantity and quality of entries blew the judges away. Simply put - you all have proven without a doubt that a tremendous amount of talent and creativity lies within hobbyists, students and indie game developers. Soon, one talented team will win the grand prize opportunity to sign a publishing contract and millions will have an opportunity to play the first community created game on Xbox 360!
Special thanks go out to everyone who worked on a game - whether successfully able to complete and submit it or not. It is through your efforts and creativity that we will all experience new game creations today within the XNA Creators Club and ultimately beyond.
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Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
New Microsoft Site Now Online for Xbox Repairs in US
>> From gamerscoreblog.com (FYI: MS owned blog):
[QUOTE]
For those of you who require sending your Xbox or Xbox 360 in for repairs, we now have another option to speed things along. Xbox.com has an online option for customers in the US, now available at http://service.xbox.com.
This new service lets you register your Xbox or Xbox 360 console, setup a repair, and track the status of the repair, all online. This new site lets you create In-Warranty or Out-of-warranty repairs, and even gives you a $5 discount for Out-of-Warranty repairs.
We hope you don't need to use it, but if you do, we hope it speeds things along.
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Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Check if your Xbox360 has the new GPU HeatSink without Opening Case
>> From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
First, get a camera. Then put your camera on top of an overturned 360. Then take a picture. If you can see your DVD drive, you're fresh outta luck. If you can't see it, you've got a new heatsink in there and your luck reserves are in good shape.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: kotaku.com and benheck.com (currently inaccessible)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft resolves lawsuit over Xbox Fall Update
>> From blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft has reached a resolution in one Xbox 360 lawsuit. The latest court filing in the case of Kevin Ray v. Microsoft Corp. (PDF, 3 pages) indicates that the two sides have agreed to dismiss the case. Ray's lawyer, Darren Kaplan, said via phone Friday that the case has been settled, but the terms are confidential.
Ray's suit focused specifically on the Xbox 360 Fall 2006 software update, alleging that it caused his Xbox 360 and others to stop working. Although the case was filed as a proposed class action, the two sides agreed to settle it as an individual action. That means it won't apply to anyone else.
The settlement of the Ray lawsuit isn't the end of the Xbox 360 litigation. In particular, Microsoft has recently been the subject of several suits over alleged disc-scratching by the console. Ray's lawyer, Kaplan, is also representing a plaintiff in one of those cases.
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Full Story: blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Raid casualty comes forward to tell his story
>> HSD - Hours before the raids were news and broadcast across the net and the mass media, an XS member (FallsInc) tried to warn those of us in the inner circle that the noose was about to tighten around US Modchip shops. In all honesty many amongst us didn't give too much credence to the tip. Those of us running this site aren't running Modchip shops. To our Utter shock and dismay, hours later we watched as one shop after another in the US market either went down, stopped answering the phones and stopped taking orders. Shops, big and small across 16 states were raided, and had modding, piracy, and alot of unrelated goods and materials confiscated under the wide brush strokes of the DCMA.
The following is a firsthand account, written in his own words of the last 24 or so hours in the life of FallInc.
FallsInc - When ICE hit me, they had a warrant for my grandma's house where I had all my packages sent. They had a picture of the house, and a description of it, meaning they were ready to come find me. When they were there, they didn't find much, since I hadn't had my computer and most modding stuff there for a while, but I continued to have the orders sent there for security of the packages. They went in the house and woke everyone up and watched them get dressed and started going though everything that was in my old room, and the stuff I had in the garage. They took anything that was related to gaming. They opened all the mail I had waiting for me there (which included someone's Xbox and $150 for a mod and 400gb), and took all the consoles and all console parts that I had stored there they even took my original xbox1 games, that were in retail cases. They took my 360, power brick and video cable, while its modded with xtreme 5.1b, it has never had 1 single burned game booted on it. They also felt it necessary to take all my old Xbox parts, mostly dead, my controllers for the 360 and Wii (?) and packed it in a box, and left.
They got my phone number from my grandma and they called me, but I was sleeping, just like everyone else in Ohio. They eventually figured out where I was, and came to find me at my girlfriends' house. They asked me about modding and what I did, and how I did it. They showed me the list of modchips that they collected, and asked me if I ever imported modchips from Canada. I told them I did, but I didn't know it was a Canadian site until after I made the order. They asked me how much money I made, and how many mods I've done, and how many chips I still had, and where they were and where my computers were.
I wasn't forced to turn over my stuff since they didn't have a warrant for where it all was, but they told me that if I volunteered it, it would look better when the case is reviewed. They also said that I would have a better chance of getting it back (at first, they promised that I would get it back in 10 days, but once we got to the location, that was changed to "better chance" and "looks better in the eyes of XX". I did the only thing I felt I could do, I let them take what they wanted. We went to where I had my workshop area. They took my laptop, and desktop, and the soldering iron (which was one of their main things to find for some reason). All the chips and relative parts were taken on the recommendation of the computer forensics guy who was to be doing the analysis on my things.
In their defense, the ICE people who came to my girlfriends house were nice people, and they tried to help me make the right decision. I knew they were just doing their job, but I have been out of work since early may, and modding is the only thing that was keeping me above water with the bills. Now I can't mod, and I can't even sell anything off to pay for bills either since it has all been confiscated due to a ludicrous interpretation of the DCMA. Now it's all said and done, and I just have to wait for them to decide what I did wrong, but while I'm waiting, I have NOTHING of any worth anymore, other than a computer monitor, and my car. Because of what happened I'm not allowed to see my girlfriend and our 4 month old daughter, and last night, I slept in my car and my girlfriend sent me a text message telling me it felt like someone was taking me away from her. They took my life away. I would like to formally thank Microsoft and Nintendo for cracking down on the little guy with a soldering iron in his garage, rather than going after the people that are responsible for the bootlegs being available.
HSD - Xbox-Scene and it's affiliate sites do not condone or endorse piracy, however we do strive to discuss, educate, and explore methods of modifying and operating game consoles in ways not originally intended or envisioned by the manufacturers. We whole heartedly believe in the right to backup your investment. This act in and of itself isn't legal in many jurisdictions. Running a "modchip" store, site or service in many jurisdictions isn't legal. XS advises that anyone, regardless of country you are in take the time to educate yourselves on what is legal, and not legal in your jurisdiction. FallsInc wasn't some large modchip site or service. He was an individual making a few coins on the side. While his story won't be the last we'll hear about the raids, we do encourage everyone reading, especially those in the US to take the time and the measures necessary to ensure that you won't be in the next batch of raids.
This isn't JUST a problem for the United States. Europe isn't exempt from the broad strokes of the bloated DCMA legislation. Europe in 2001 passed the EU copyright Directive which has many similarities to the DCMA. There are many good resources on the net about the DCMA and the EUCD. Wikipedia is a good start Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
I'd like to thank FallsInc for coming forward and sharing his story with us.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
More about GTA IV Delay: Take-Two Execs Explain
>> From kotaku.com:
[QUOTE]
Zelnick (Take-Two exec) chalked up the Q2F [feb-april] 2008 push back to "almost strictly technological problems... not problems, but challenges."
Asked whether one console in particular was the root of the problem, Zelnick diplomatically responded that "I know there have been rumors in the marketplace about frame rate and some other issues. We don't think it's helpful or beneficial to go into exact details of what the technological issues are. We're pushing the envelope on both the platforms."
Having reviewed a build just a day prior to the announcement Take-Two felt that there was no way it could meet the game's October 16th release date.
On the subject of the Xbox 360 exclusive episodic content--the first episode of which was due in March--Zelnick responded that it wouldn't affect the deal, telling analysts that "We're not gonna send money back to Microsoft. That's not part of the deal."
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Full Story: kotaku.com | 1up.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Team Xecuter Comments on Store Raids
>> News-Source: team-xecuter.com
[QUOTE]
We were sad to discover that many stores were raided yesterday in the USA for selling modchips. Due to all the recent uprise of hacks-out-of-the-box like Wii mods and Pre flashed Xbox mods and pre-flashed 360 consoles we feared this would probably happen.
We feel our mods are shipped in a legal format with Linux pre loaded and any other products we make contain no copyrighted code and no circumvention of copy protection.
However, due to these crazy times we have taken the decision not to supply any linux based modchips (X2 and X3) to any USA stores in future and we will be concentrating on non-modchip products that will benefit and add enjoyment to gaming in general.
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Official Site: team-xecuter.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Editorial: The Legality Of Modding...
Grand Theft Auto IV Delayed to Second Quarter of Fiscal 2008
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. today announced revised revenue and earnings guidance for fiscal 2007.
Take-Two is reducing its fiscal 2007 guidance primarily to reflect the movement of the launch of Grand Theft Auto IV for the PLAYSTATION3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 to fiscal 2008, due to additional development time required to complete the title. The title is now planned for release in the Company's second quarter of fiscal 2008 [note x-s: should mean feb-april 2008].
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Read the full press release on take2games.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Bill Gates On Sony And Social Gaming
>> From spong.com:
[QUOTE]
Speaking at a Microsoft investor chat Microsoft's Chairman and Chief Software Architect - William Gates - made sure to take a swipe at Sony, and totally ignore Nintendo. He also came some way towards indicating a new, more mobile and more social direction for Xbox Live.
"So we've always wanted to be a company that got the benefit of the scale, going back to the beginning where we said, hey we're not a one-product company. Many of our competitors were one-product companies. Now they're not one-product companies, but Sony's just in video games, Nokia's largely just in mobile phones, IBM's largely in enterprise type software situations. And so is it a benefit to us that we work across these realms that we can expose you to the same user interface at home that you get at work? We think so. But there's a lot of execution behind taking that and getting the right things in the marketplace."
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Full Story: spong.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Call of Duty 4 beta to be exclusive to the US
>> From xbox360fanboy.com:
[QUOTE]
In a right jab to the collective kidneys of Europe and Canada, Infinity Ward and Activision have confirmed that the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare online mulitplayer beta will only be available to US residents. This morning, CVG chatted with publisher Activision when they confirmed the news, but wouldn't elaborate to why the beta was restricted to US Xbox Live members.
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Full Story: xbox360fanboy.com | computerandvideogames.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
GameDaily BIZ Confirms Price Drop and GameStop Email
>> We already got our sources reporting as first about a price drop that would be announced in August, followed quickly by sources at hollywoodreporter and then flyers of wal-mart, toys r us and circuit city.
Today more confirmation comes from 'high-level retail source' who talked to GameDaily BIZ and a note send out to GameStop stores that might be related to this price drop as well. There's a mix of August 8th and August 12th ... my best guess atm is that Microsoft will (internally?) announce the drop on the 8th and the actual drop with be the 12th.
From biz.gamedaily.com:
[QUOTE]
Following a posting of a Circuit City flyer by our friends at Joystiq, GameDaily BIZ spoke to a high-level retail source (not at Circuit City) who did indeed confirm that the prices in the Circuit City flyer were correct and that the price reduction will be retail wide.
Effective August 12, the pro 20GB model will be slashed by $50 to $349.99. The elite 120GB SKU will receive a $30 cut bringing its price to $449.99 and the core SKU will get a price cut of just $20, making its MSRP $279.99.
We quickly dropped a line to Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter to get his take on this price drop strategy. He said it "speaks volumes about the cost of production." Pachter believes that Microsoft is probably breakeven on the Pro SKU - he thinks the cost on the Pro is right around $325. He also thinks they make a little money on the Elite, but lose a little on the Core, which is why they only dropped it by $20.
[/QUOTE]
From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
We've heard of this email from a couple of tipsters who shall remain nameless, and now, through the magic of the internet, we're able to share it with you. The note, sent out on Tuesday to Gamestop stores, lets them know that they can expect marketing materials about an "upcoming announcement" from Microsoft that should be posted on Aug. 8. The sternly-worded missive also says that those that receive the "materials" early should not display them. Also, "DO NOT" is capitalized, so you know the person on the other end is through playing around, mister.
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Full Story: biz.gamedaily.com | joystiq.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox 360 HD DVD player sales rise 1000pct
>> From xbox360fanboy.com:
[QUOTE]
We just learned what happens when you discount the price on the Xbox 360 HD DVD player and throw in five free movies. Our conclusion, they sell more than they did before. Looking through Amazon.com's sales rank movers and shakers, the Xbox 360 HD DVD player's sales increased over 1,000% since the $20 price drop.
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Full Story: xbox360fanboy.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft, ESA and Nintendo Press Release on U.S. 'ModChip' Raids
>> Microsoft, The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and Nintendo posted press releases concerning the raids on US modchip resellers.
The Microsoft press release:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft Corp. today issued the following statement in support of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) anti-piracy enforcement actions taken against distributors of modification chips designed to circumvent copyright protection on popular game consoles, including the Xbox® and Xbox 360™ game consoles:
"Microsoft applauds ICE for its effort to reduce piracy and protect the intellectual property of Microsoft and its industry partners. This is an important step in the continuing fight against piracy and the threat it presents to the global economy and consumers throughout the world."
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The ESA press release:
[QUOTE]
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today commended U.S. law enforcement agents and prosecutors' work in undertaking the nation's first and largest anti-piracy raid of its kind. The action, code-named "Operation Tangled Web," targeted retailers selling modification chips through the Internet for the Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony game console systems. Law enforcement executed 32 search warrants in more than 20 localities across the country within a 24-hour period.
"Plain and simple, selling and distributing products to illegally bypass game consoles' piracy protections is a crime with real-life consequences. This is not a game; we're talking jail time. Enforcement initiatives of this scope send a clear message to both the public and pirate community that this illegal activity will not be tolerated," said Michael D. Gallagher, president of ESA, the trade association representing U.S. computer and video game publishers. "We commend Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Department of Justice, and the participating U.S. Attorneys' offices for targeting individuals and groups selling 'mod-chips' and pirated game software."
Modification chips or "mod-chips" are typically installed in video game console systems to circumvent the technological protection measures and enable the user to play pirated game software. These chips, as well as other circumvention devices, are illegal under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
"As an industry, we protect our intellectual property, encourage our government to crack down on those who break the law, and urge other governments to take similar action against video game pirates. Yearly worldwide piracy costs total over $3 billion and it impinges on businesses and employees who create, develop, and distribute innovative products," said Gallagher. "The ESA will work with federal law enforcement to ensure that those engaged in the illegal trade of circumvention devices are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
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The Nintendo Press Release:
[QUOTE]
Today U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents executed 32 federal search warrants in 16 states as part of an investigation into the alleged sale and distribution of illegal modification chips for various video game consoles, including Nintendo's Wii™ home video game system. The mod chips designed for the Wii console circumvent the security embedded in the hardware and allow users to play counterfeit Wii software.
This Immigrations and Customs Enforcement investigation represents the largest national enforcement action of its kind targeting video game piracy. Nintendo has worked closely with this branch of the Department of Homeland Security, and fully supports its actions and other investigations currently underway.
"Nintendo and its developers and publishers lost an estimated $762 million in sales in 2006 due to piracy of its products," said Jodi Daugherty, Nintendo of America's senior director of anti-piracy. "Nintendo's anti-piracy team works closely with law enforcement officials worldwide to seize mod chips and counterfeit software. Since April, Nintendo has seized more than 91,000 counterfeit Wii discs globally."
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Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XS - Over 350000 Members and Still Growing
>> Wanted to quickly post some happy news to offset the news of the US Modchip shops going down and getting raided.
Thanks to all the great members and staff, past and present that make XS Forums what it is today. We actually crossed the 350k threshold over a week ago and I forgot to update the news.
In other great news, XS staffer TwistedSymphony proposed to his girlfriend of 5 years and she said yes. Congratulations. Drop him a line and wish him well (or warn him off)
:)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Federal Agents Go After Gaming Pirates: Several US Modchip Stores Raided
>> From news.yahoo.com:
[QUOTE]
Federal customs agents Wednesday raided more than 30 businesses and homes in 16 states, looking for devices that allow pirated video games to play on Wiis, PlayStation 2s and Xboxes.
The alleged sale and distribution of illegal modification chips and copyright circumvention devices for the popular consoles and others included 32 search warrants in 16 states, said the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
ICE declined to release the names of those targeted but said they are allegedly responsible for importing, installing, selling and distributing foreign-made devices smuggled into the U.S.
Illegal chips and other devices used on gaming consoles violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. Sales of counterfeit or illegally obtained games costs the industry about $3 billion a year globally, not including Internet piracy, estimates the Entertainment Software Association trade group.
Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft Corp. issued a statement applauding ICE's efforts to reduce piracy and protect the gaming industry's intellectual property. A company spokeswoman would not divulge Microsoft's individual piracy losses.
The raids were conducted in: California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin.
[/QUOTE]
We have strong indications that several big US modchip resellers were hit by the raid, but we don't have exact details yet.
Full Story: news.yahoo.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Bizarre: 'DVD9 gives us more than we need to create a fabulous experience'
>> From bizarrecreations.com:
[QUOTE]
As I'm sure you've seen, some of the comments made on our forum have been blown out of all proportion. This has been reported on certain web sites. It seems that a number of fanboys have jumped on the topic... sigh. So it's time we cleared this one up...
When we started designing PGR4 our primary goals were to create a great and unique experience over and above PGR3, to push the hardware as far as we could, and obviously to ensure that we give great value for money. DVD size is absolutely not a factor that we consider when designing our games... and PGR4 is no exception. DVD9 gives us more than we need to create a fabulous experience for you guys.
We've never had to cut content to fit on the disc, and we probably never will.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: bizarrecreations.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft: No UK Xbox 360 Price Cut
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
While rumor has it that Microsoft is set to adjust its US 360 pricing strategy, a UK spokesperson today told Next-Gen that the company has no intention of reducing the price of the console on that side of the pond.
"We're very happy with where were at the moment and have no plans to make any changes at this time," was the official line.
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Full Story: next-gen.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Chartered Already Hints at 45nm Xbox360 Chip
>> The 65nm 'Falcon' GPU/CPU chips aren't even in the stores yet, and Chartered is already talking about moving to 45nm chips. From pcadvisor.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
Singaporean contract chip maker Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing will produce a 45-nanometre (nm) processor designed for video-game consoles, probably an upcoming version of the processor used in Microsoft's Xbox 360.
"We have customers' activity for products in the CPU space that goes into a video-game device," Chia Song Hwee, Chartered's president and CEO, said when discussing the company's 45nm manufacturing plans with analysts during a recent conference call.
Chia said the design of the 45nm video-game processor is not yet complete, and hinted that production of the CPU - as well as other products designed for the 45nm process - is not likely to begin until late 2008 or early 2009.
"As 65nm just started production in the last two quarters, you would expect 45nm to come on stream about 18 months from that timeframe," said Chia, referring to when Chartered expects to begin production with the 45nm processor.
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Full Story: pcadvisor.co.uk
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Fragile Part of Xbox 360? Thermal Design Expert Investigates
>> From techon.nikkeibp.co.jp:
[QUOTE]
The Xbox 360's power was about 170 W when the DVD equipment was running. The temperature of emitted air was about 45C. A temperature gap with the room temperature (23°C) was 22°C.
"When designing consumer products, it is common to seek a temperature gap of around 10°C between exhaust and room temperatures," the thermal design expert said. "The 22°C is quite a large gap, in the first place."
The cooler fan's maximum wind speed was 1.1 m/s, only 1/2 to 1/3 compared with general desktop PCs. It may be partly because the fan rotation was reduced to lower noise. According to an expert's analysis, "The amount of switched air is slightly in short considering the chassis' size (309 x 258 x 83 mm3)."
To confirm the cooler system's performance, we measured the temperature of heat sinks. Attaching ends of a thermocouple to each heat sink for the microprocessor and graphics LSI, we closed the chassis and then switched on the Xbox 360.
In only five minutes since we started playing the game, the temperature of the heat sink on the graphics LSI rose to 70°C. The thermal gradient was about 10°C/min.
In 15 minutes, the microprocessor heat sink temperature stabilized at 58°C, but the heat sink on the graphics LSI rose to 80°C, 57°C above the room temperature.
Assuming room temperature of 35°C in mid-summer, the gap is estimated to reach more than 90°C. In that case, the temperature of chips in the graphics LSI could exceed 100°C.
We measured the temperature in good cooling environments, removing dust and obstacles from the vent hole, for example. If the cooling performance lowers with the vent hole choked up or the duct moved over, the LSI's temperature could get even higher.
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Full Story: techon.nikkeibp.co.jp
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
The Truth About Co-Op in Halo 3: 4 Player Co-Op
>> From bungie.net:
[QUOTE]
It's time for us to sack up and tell you what's what regarding online co-op.
So you were probably wondering why we didn't want to commit to two player co-op online over Xbox Live. We certainly got plenty of mail asking, no, demanding that we make it happen. Of course we were working on it, but we were also working on something better. Not two player co-op. Not three-player co-op, but up to four player co-op. Online. On Xbox Live, or sure, System Link if you prefer.
That is correct - up to four player co-op in Campaign mode on Xbox Live or System Link.
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Full Story: bungie.net
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Circuit City Flyer also Confirms PriceDrop: Pro 350, Elite 450, Core 280
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
In the wake of the Wal-Mart flyer and the Toys R Us flyer, now comes the Circuit City flyer sent to Joystiq showing that beginning Aug. 12 the Xbox 360 premium will be $350, the Elite will be $450 and the Core will have a $20 break and be $280.
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Full Story: joystiq.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
CESA details largest ever Tokyo Game Show for 2007
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
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This year's Tokyo Game Show will be the largest in the event's history, as it becomes part of the Japan International Contents Festival to promote Japanese-developed content to a wider audience.
A total of 168 exhibitors have so far signed up for the event, including format holders Sony and Microsoft, and major publishers Sega, Capcom, Konami, Namco Bandai and Square Enix, amongst others.
The Tokyo Game Show 2007 is expected to draw 180,000 people over the fours days, with the first two days dedicated to business professionals and the the final two days opening the event up to the general public.
It takes place September 20 - 23 at Makuhari Messe.
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Full Story: gamesindustry.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
DFC Intelligence Report: Time for the Xbox 360 to Shine
>> From teamxbox.com:
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DFC Intelligence has released its Second Half of 2007 report, in which the research firm concludes that the Xbox 360 is forced
DFC Intelligence often releases forecasts in multiple scenarios that account for different factors such as price decreases, new products and form factors, and other determinants that can cause a significant change in the marketplace. So far in 2007 it is safe to say that the market has followed what we called the Nintendo Best Case Scenario. More specifically:
* The Nintendo Wii is on track to meet our Nintendo Best Case Scenario forecasts for 2007.
* The Nintendo DS looks like it may exceed our 2007 forecasts by 10%.
* The Sony PlayStation 3 is on track to match our sales forecasts for 2007 under the Nintendo Best Case Scenario. In terms of installed base it looks like the PS3 will be in third place until at least mid-2008. To move more PS3 units in 2008 we think Sony will have to be more aggressive on pricing.
* The Microsoft Xbox 360 is running behind where they should be to maintain a strong market position.
However, the Xbox 360 lineup is heavily weighted towards the second half of 2007. If the Xbox 360 can have a strong holiday 2007 they may be able to maintain at least a second place position for another year.
Conclusion: The pressure is on Microsoft to really drive sales of the Xbox 360 this holiday season. If Halo 3 and other products fail to drive Xbox 360 sales, the system will soon flirt with numerous unsavory scenarios, the worst of which is the danger of becoming a distant third in the video game market share battle.
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Full Story: teamxbox.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
2nd GPU Heatsink now also in New Units - New Thermal Paste?
>> We already saw this 2nd GPU heatsink on refurbished motherboards, but it looks like Microsoft also ads it to new boards now. Ben Heck found it in his newly bought Elite:
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Below is the unit thus far. Quite obvious is the new model DVD drive and the heat pipe "extension" for the GPU's heat sink. I've seen some photos of these being added to fixed units, in France or something, but I guess they're putting them in the Elite as well. Good show MS. Now get those 65nm IC's all up in this.
Here's a good view of the heat sink area. The CPU 'sink is the same as before, because we all know the problem was with the GPU. Now not only is there a heat pipe going over the GPU but the material the heat sink is made out of seems different as well - it doesn't feel like aluminum. (Originally it was a fairly generic aluminum heat sink that would honestly look more at home in a 486.) Maybe I can get NASA to scan it for me, or maybe who cares as long as it works?
I then proceeded to pull off the heat sinks. Immediately I noticed that they had some wiggle to them, kind of like a PC heat sink usually does. The older 360's heat sinks were quite well locked in place, and I'm not talking about the X clamps on the bottom either. The thermal paste on the older boxes was quite hard and you had to literally "break" the heat sink off the chips.
True enough, once I pulled them off and had a look, the thermal paste on the heat sinks was much - for lack of a better word - GOOEY-ER than it used to be. Perhaps this allows for more expansion and thus a more consistent connection between the die and the heat sink. But I'm no brain scientist (for 50 points what movie was that term in?) so it's hard for me to say for sure.
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Note however that not all Elites have this 2nd GPU heatsink. When the Elite was just released several sites opened their machine and did not find this new heatsink. Microsoft probably started using the new heatsink at a certain manufacturing date and chances are the newly produced Core and Pro units have it too.
Full Report of 'Opening the Elite': benheck.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Robbie Bach about RRoD: 'we have a much better design in the market now'
>> From spong.com:
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Speaking to investors, Microsoft's president of the Entertainment and Devices division, Robbie Bach, has indicated that the 360 has a new design that sidesteps the infamous 'Red Ring of Death' problem.
"It's a design challenge that we've had to work around and create a new design to solve that problem, and for the interaction of a variety of different components. And so that's a Microsoft design question, not some component manufacturer's problem or our manufacturing partner's problems. It's something we've had to work on. We know we have a much better design in the market now. We verified that."
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We're not sure what Bach is talking about here. Spong assumes he's talking about the Xbox360 Elite, but I didn't see Bach say that. He could be referring to the 'glued' GPU, the new heatpipe to the GPU heatsink or maybe the new 'Falcon' motherboard with 65nm CPU/GPU is already in production (was originally expected for this summer).
Full Story: spong.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Review: CinemaNow on Xbox 360
>> From techconsumer.com:
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After the announcement by CinemaNow that users could now watch bought/rented videos on their Xbox 360s I figured I would give it a shot. I am a Netflix user, but I have watched a few movies via the Xbox Live Marketplace (XLM) recently as well. I really like both services, and thought that CinemaNow's larger library might be a good substitute for the XLM.
The Bottom Line
CinemaNow's service is not as good as the Xbox Live Marketplace. Video quality is below standard definition, the audio isn't in surround sound, you can't play the file on the 360 while it finishes downloading on your computer, it takes a lot more effort, and it doesn't work in Firefox. Honestly, I don't think I will ever use CinemaNow again. The one area where I would maybe recommend doing so is to grab a few movies to watch on a laptop on a plane for those who don't know about DVD rippers. It is unacceptable for watching on the TV though.
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Full Review: techconsumer.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft 2nd in BusinessWeek's list of Best Global Brands
>> From mathaba.net:
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The list, which will be published in Business Week's August 6 issue, pegs Coca-Cola's 2007 brand value at about 65.324 billion U.S. dollars.
Software giant Microsoft was pushed aside at No. 2 spot with brand value of 58.709 billion dollars. The magazines said the launch of the Windows Vista operating system, coupled with the Xbox game console, has kept Microsoft latest technology in front of consumers.
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Full Story: mathaba.net
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft's Shane Kim talks Metal Gear 4 on 360, GTA IV's HDD demands
>> From gamepro.com:
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* So are you feeling bullish on [getting Metal Gear Solid 4 on the Xbox 360]?
* SK: Well we're certainly feeling bullish about third-party support in general. If you look at it from an economic standpoint, third parties have to support more than one platform. That's their business model. Titles are just getting way too expensive. How much do you think that Konami is spending on MGS4? So economically they've got to levera | | | | | |
