Maximus – FIRMWARE TOOLBOX V4.0
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, July 10, 2007
A new software flasher for the xbox360 dvd-rom, Hitachi-LG GDR-3120 .. [QUOTE] The credit on ixtreme firmware is for Commodore4eva, I only ported to 360 Firmware Toolbox(info (http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox360-tools/360FirmwareToolbox.php )) to support all variants of 78/79 drives (and upper). SPECIAL NOTE ON FLASHING HITACHI 79FK DRIVES: Sorry for the confusion that the “79 flashing” video have caused, that video was uploaded by one no-more-beta-tester without my permision. I wake up this morning flooded by tons of emails for congratulations and I feel the need to clarify the situation. It is possible to flash by software the 79 drives but needs the previous installation of a physical device (as the one proposed by team xecuter). Hardware devices will be needed until a better solution arrives (our research never stop). Me and some friends have developed also a small device to allow the flashing, the info can be accesed here: v79 FlashKey (http://www.maximusgames.net/79passkeyinfo.php ) New in 4.0: – Added: Smart Hack Patcher now implements ixtreme 1.2 (thanks to c4e) – Added: Now Supports 100% BENQ Firmwares (spoof, key changing, etc) – Added: Option to Restore Original Firmwares based on any dump you have – Corrected: Several other bugs – Added: OCX’s included on the release (there are available on Microsoft site anyway) [/QUOTE] Note, this does NOT mean that you can dump and flash benq firmwares with fw toolbox. It simply supports reading the firmware and spoofing it. Official Site: http://www.maximusgames.net/ (http://www.maximusgames.net/ ) Download: soon News-Source: xbins.org (http://www.xbins.org/nfo.php?file=xboxnfo1605.nfo )
Shadowrun (PC) review
YouGamers :: Monday, July 09, 2007
“Microsoft has used online activation similar to Vista itself for Shadowrun and Halo 2. We recently ran into the practical limitations of the scheme. While running some tests for an upcoming article, we had the need to install Shadowrun on an additional system beyond the two we had previously used in the review, and we were slightly shocked to get the following nice window.”
Confessions of a console convert
Tech Report :: Monday, July 09, 2007
rgive me father, for I have sinned. I’ve been an avid PC gamer for more than a decade, but it’s been months since I played games at a keyboard. Instead, I’ve been on the couch, controller in-hand, getting my fix on consoles. And it’s been glorious.
Tenchu Z Xbox 360 Review
Tweak Town :: Monday, July 09, 2007
TTGamer have today posted a review of Tenchu Z for the Xbox 360. Can this once promising series finally find its way back to the top of the gaming world?
Driver: Parallel Lines (PC) review
YouGamers :: Monday, July 09, 2007
“Driver: Parallel Lines fills the streets with traffic that seem to have only one goal – to annoy you. Everyone else seems to be driving at 20mph, while same cars under your control can’t seem to be able to move at under 80mph. So you cut to the left lane to overtake, and happen to pass a cop car… and immediately get flagged as a criminal for driving on the wrong side of the street. Stop and pay a fine? Won’t work. Even if you just run a red light, the response is always the same: cops will try to gun you down. I’ve heard stories of overeager cops, but this is a bit ridiculous.”
Release This: Wii Dragon Quest To Make Strong Japanese Debut
Gamasutra Columns :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Today’s “Release This!” column sees Project Sylpheed leading our exclusive GamerMetrics anticipation stats in the U.S., as the UK prepares for Mario Party 8 and Elite Beat Agents, and Japan receives Dragon Quest Swords and Pop’n Music 14 Fever.
Microsoft develops new Xbox 360 chipset
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Microsoft has developed a smaller chipset for the Xbox 360, allowing the manufacturer to cut production costs.
New 80GB PS3 eliminates “emotion engine” chip
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, July 09, 2007
With news of Sony’s 80GB model PlayStation 3 comes word that the new console will eliminate the PS2 “emotion engine’ chip.
Microsoft to slash price of Xbox 360 – Pachter
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Following Sony’s USD 100 price cut announcement, leading industry analyst Michael Pachter has gone on record predicting that Microsoft will quickly follow its rivals’ lead and slash prices on all Xbox 360 models.
Riccitiello: Games content is boring consumers
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Electronic Arts’ CEO John Riccitiello has warned than yearly sequels and increasingly difficult games are alienating consumers.
Time to let new Sony management shine, says Deering
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Former Sony Europe boss Chris Deering has backed his old company, telling GamesIndustry.bizthat now is a good time to let new management breathe fresh life back into the company.
German charts: Nintendo holds top three positions
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Nintendo has the top three best-selling games in Germany, with Mario Party 8 at the top of the charts for the second week running.
No plans to cut 360 price in Japan – Microsoft
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Despite poor sales of the console in Japan, Microsoft has stated that there are no plans to cut the price of the Xbox 360 in the region.
Tecmo exec slams new E3
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Japanese publisher Tecmo has slammed the new E3 Media and Business Summit as a badly organised “experimental project”.
Sony to announce new PS3 Euro deals
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has contacted GamesIndustry.bizto state that the company will be making a major announcement regarding the PlayStation 3 this Thursday at the E3 Media and Business Summit.
Sony announces new 80GB PS3 for US, 60GB price cut
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, July 09, 2007
SCEA has announced a new 80GB PlayStation 3 console for the US, and slashed $100 off the price of the 60GB model to $499, effective immediately.
Blog: Setting Heavenly Sword in Motion
IGN :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Heavenly Sword (PS3)Behind the motion-capturing scenes with creative director Tameem Antoniades and Andy Serkis.
Sengoku Musou to PS3
IGN :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Pachinko Sengoku Musou, that is.
Beautful Katamari Canned on PS3
IGN :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Beautiful Katamari (PS3)Famitsu makes it official
Euro PS3 Pricing Announcement at E3
IGN :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Will Europe receive a US-style price drop or 80 Gig PS3?
PS3 Gets Bigger, Cheaper
IGN :: Monday, July 09, 2007
North America gets two SKUs again, one with pack-in game.
Pre-E3 2007: Mercenaries 2 Hands-On
IGN :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Mercenaries 2: World in Flames (PS3)Every building, vehicle, enemy, and civilian can be blown to bits.
No Price Cut For Japan
IGN :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Meaning the Japanese PS3 is no longer a steal.
Midway Announces E3 2007 Lineup
Team Xbox :: Monday, July 09, 2007
This years lineup showcases exciting new properties such as Stranglehold, proven brands such as Unreal Tournament 3 and kids games like Fosters Home.
Sony Loses Beautiful Katamari, Game Coming to Wii60
Team Xbox :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Over the last few days, Beautiful Katamari has been listed only as an Xbox 360 product and now japanese magazine Famitsu has confirmed the PS3 version has been canned.
Codename Falcon Xbox 360 Gets 65nm Chips
Team Xbox :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Find out everything about Microsoft’s true answer to the three flashing red lights.
Bethesda Oblivion Game of the Year Package Coming
Team Xbox :: Monday, July 09, 2007
September will bring a new release that will include the main game and some of its addon content bundled together.
Sony Adds 80GB PS3, Lowers 60GB Price
Team Xbox :: Monday, July 09, 2007
Rumors become official as Sony changes its PS3 lineup and puts more pressure on the competition.
Project Gotham Racing 4 Takes the Pole Position
Xbox 360 Games :: Monday, July 09, 2007
From motorcycles to thunderstorms, the blockbuster features in Project Gotham Racing 4 take driving games to a new level.
Analyst: Xbox 360 Price Cut Imminent
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, July 09, 2007
From next-gen.biz (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6299&Itemid=2 ): [QUOTE] Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter stated in a note to investors today that Microsoft will announce an Xbox 360 price cut tomorrow at the start of the revamped E3 Media & Business Summit, which takes place all week. He said that the price cut will affect all three Xbox 360 models. The $299 Core pack will drop to $249; the $399 Premium pack will drop to $349; and the recently released $479 Elite model will drop to $399. Such a price cut would be a likely move for Microsoft following the PS3 pricing announcement today. Sony dropped the price of the 60GB PS3 from $599 to $499 and announced an 80GB PS3 with MotorStorm bundled for $599. The price drop appears to be in response to lower-than-expected sales of the console. [/QUOTE] Full Story: next-gen.biz (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6299&Itemid=2 )
Microsoft’s next move? Code-name Falcon
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, July 09, 2007
From Dean Takahashi at mercurynews.com (http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2007/07/microsofts_next_move_code-name_falcon.html ): [QUOTE] Here’s a trade secret that Microsoft is unlikely to publicly acknowledge. Sony’s cutting the price on the PlayStation 3. How will Microsoft react? We’ll find out soon. But a key part of the strategy is going to be a project code-named Falcon. Falcon is the name for the latest internal electronics in the Xbox 360. It will have an IBM microprocessor and an AMD/ATI graphics chip that are manufactured in a 65-nanometer production process. These are cost-reduced chips that do the same thing as their 90-nanometer predecessors, but they’re smaller. Microsoft is in the process of qualifying the new Falcon chips and motherboard this summer. I expect it will launch Xbox 360s with the new Falcon innards this fall. That is why the company has been able to say that it has solved its manufacturing quality problems. Microsoft is likely to spend a little more money on heat sinks to make sure that the overheating problem doesn’t resurface with Falcon. The good thing about the smaller chips is that they will likely be easier to make in mass quantities and they shouldn’t fail as often. Quality should automatically go up. That’s what folks said about the 90-nanometer generation. But the 65-nanometer production process is a known quantity at this point at places such as IBM for sure and possibly at other suppliers such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. So rather than fix the problems with the 90-nanometer machine, Microsoft has the easier problem now of getting a 65-nanometer machine to work right. I suspect that is why Robbie Bach, president of the Entertainment & Devices group, said on Thursday on a conference call with analysts that the company has “its hands around it at the engineering level.” [/QUOTE] Full Story: mercurynews.com (http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2007/07/microsofts_next_move_code-name_falcon.html )
360 Firmware Toolbox v4.0 WIP: iXtreme Flashable on HLG v78 and v79 Soon!
Xbox-Scene :: Monday, July 09, 2007
It looks like you will be able to flash the new iXtreme FW for Hitachi-LG GDR-3120L on v78 and even v79 drives via PC soon. The video below shows the new 360 Firmware Toolbox(info (http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox360-tools/360FirmwareToolbox.php )) v4.0 currently in development and how it’ll allow you to dump and flash a HLG v79 drive directly from PC (so no desoldering of flashchip or 3rd party chip required). It’s expected to be released very soon.
