‘Market doesn?t need Blu-ray’, says UK Xbox boss
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
From gamesindustry.biz (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23761 ): [QUOTE] Speaking exclusively to GamesIndustry.biz, UK boss Neil Thompson dismissed suggestions that the PlayStation 3’s in-built Blu-ray drive gives the machine a tactical advantage over Xbox 360. “Do I want to make people pay ?200 extra for a machine with discs that have storage space I don’t need? My answer’s no, I don’t need to do that today,” Thompson said. “And I don’t think I’m going to need to do that for quite a while.” “I’m not sure the market has moved to high definition [movies] yet,” he said. “And if and when it does, then the way that we’ve constructed the offering we’ve made means we’ll be able to go whichever way we want.” “This is about the architecture of the hardware. With the PS3 you’ve got a big, heavy truck that requires a big, heavy engine. With Xbox you’ve got a much more nimble box that uses software in the architecture of the box in a much more nimble way.” [/QUOTE] Full Story: gamesindustry.biz (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23761 )
Wistron likely to discontinue production of Xbox 360
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
From next-gen.biz (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5019&Itemid=2 ): [QUOTE] Xbox 360 manufacturer Wistron is likely to reduce and eventually discontinue production of Microsoft’s Xbox 360 in 2008, according to a report on DigiTimes based on a story that originally appeared in Chinese-language newspaper EDN. The decision is believed to be based on the declining profitability of manufacturing the 360, and the dissatisfaction held by the Taiwanese company over Microsoft’s strategic links to rival ODM (original design manufacturer) giant Celestica, which also manufactures the console. [/QUOTE] Full Story: next-gen.biz (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5019&Itemid=2 ) and digitimes.com (http://www.digitimes.com/systems/a20070326PB205.html )
Xbox 360 120GB HDD Advertising Appears?
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
From xbox360fanboy.com (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2007/03/26/xbox-360-120gb-hdd-advertising-appears/ ): [QUOTE] It looks like promotional materials for the new “rumored” Xbox 360 120GB hard drive are surfacing. We received this picture from fanboy reader Ralph, who says it’s a shot of Gamestop’s promotional poster for the much rumored 120GB hard drive. [/QUOTE] Full Story: xbox360fanboy.com (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2007/03/26/xbox-360-120gb-hdd-advertising-appears/ )
Microsoft Confirms HDMI Xbox360 on XNA GSE forums
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
For those who still don’t believe an Xbox360 with HDMI port is coming a Microsoft XNA Framework Developer probably unintentionally confirmed it for you. To this question asked (http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1384788&SiteID=1 ) on the official XNA Game Studio Express forums: “Will the HDMI output on the revised 360 require any code changes. I am hoping some developers have a beta unit and can answer this question.” He answered: “No changes required.” (http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/xbox360/hdmi/proof.jpg ) The first HDMI-enabled Xbox360 will probably be a Black ‘Elite’ limited edition that will also come with a 120GB HD and will retail for $479 in April 2007. Some blogs/sites claim Microsoft will announce it this week. The 120GB HDD addon and Black accessories will probably also come out in April. And according to our sources close to Microsoft, the normal Pro and Core Xbox360 SKUs will also get a HDMI port in ~June 2007.
Microsoft Presents: XNA Game Programming
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Just had this handed to me.. [QUOTE] The UMBC Game Development Club (http://umbcgdc.org/ ) is hosting a presentation by Microsoft on their XNA Game programming platform. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in games, the game development club, or the new game development CMSC track to get some first hand knowledge of XBox 360 development. —– *Microsoft Presents: XNA Game Programming* Want to learn more about how to make your own videogames? Microsoft is sending a special guest speaker to help you do just that! Come learn how you can use the free XNA framework to create fun games that will run on both your PC and the X-Box 360! The event will take place Saturday, March 31^st in Lecture Hall 9 (inside the Public Policy building). From 1-2 pm there will be a general presentation on using XNA and Game Studio Express. Afterwards, from 2:30 – 5:00 pm, there will be a full development tutorial for those serious about making games! Bring a laptop if you have one. That way you’ll be able to follow along during the tutorial. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn more about game development! [/QUOTE] Thanks to Lord Serebi for the info.
Ubuntu on xbox360
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Cpasjuste used the Hypervisor Vulnerability, King Kong shader exploit, XeLL bootloader and linux xenon patches to boot Ubuntu Linux on his Xbox360. Was just reading this on Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/25/homebrew-xbox-360-runs-ubuntu/ ) … [QUOTE] The day that we all know will eventually come could be upon us: a hacker called Cpasjuste claims to have managed to get his Xbox 360 to run unsigned code in the form of the Ubuntu OS. An AVI video (http://mydedibox.homelinux.com/downloads/x360/ubuntu_360.avi ) coupled with a rather flimsy walkthough guide is the evidence, which, to us, looks convincing. Alright, so there is a dodgy cut near the beginning of the video, but that happens to be followed by a “patched” copy of King Kong being booted, and then a string of Linux command line text, and eventually the Ubuntu boot screen. The instructions for doing it yourself require that you own an Xbox 360 with an exploitable kernel, a flashed DVD drive (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=513412 ), a serial adapter, a patched copy of King Kong, and a “Xell” loader (http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EEZuFZpZFEucRywmpU.php ) and a “powerpc toolchain” — whatever they are — but if you’ve got all that and the whole thing isn’t an elaborate hoax, then there’s nothing else to say but Microsoft’s ability to patch is now the limit for homebrew on the Xbox 360. It’s about friggin’ time. [/QUOTE] Also, I would like to note that StonerSmurf from the xboxhacker forums pulled this off yesterday :) Story from: Engdadget.com (http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/25/homebrew-xbox-360-runs-ubuntu/ ) Original thread: maxconsole forums (http://forums.maxconsole.net/showthread.php?t=54975 ) A somewhat-help guide to booting linux on the 360: Cpasjuste’s page (http://mydedibox.homelinux.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=3 )
XLink Kai: KaidCommander v0.2.7 RC2 for Mac OS X
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
From teamxlink.co.uk (http://www.teamxlink.co.uk/ ): [QUOTE] OS X users rejoice! You no longer need to open up Terminal or manually edit config files to run Kai(info (http://www.xbox-scene.com/tools/tools.php?page=tunnel#newsitemEpVpVuFkyAFeGhSycN )) on your Mac. Our newest addition to the developer team, ScottyDelicious, has graced us with the latest revision of KaidCommander. An OS X App that bundles kaid, jKaiUI, and Amaryllis in one slick app. There is also a configure editor neatly contained in a panel drawer. As this is a release candidate, ScottyDelicious has asked for user feedback and feature requests to help refine KaidCommander for version one. Please post any issues, questions, suggestions, etc to XLink’s Macintosh forum (http://www.teamxlink.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=9 ). [/QUOTE] Official Site: www.teamxlink.co.uk (http://www.teamxlink.co.uk ) Download: here (http://www.teamxlink.co.uk/binary/KaidCommander.tgz )
Xbox Backup Creator v2.5
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Redline99 released a new version of Xbox Backup Creator(info (http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox360-tools/XboxBackupCreator.php )), a tool that will allow you to easily dump, create/patch and burn Xbox and Xbox 360 images with full support for SS, DMI and PFI. What’s new/fixed: * Lost – Change log due to bad happenings on my USB KeyDrive (Below is what I can remember, I’m sure there was more though) * Added – Ability to replace file in ISO (Up to user to know what they are doing). Easy to replace with a smaller file or Replace with a file that falls within same sector space. The file entry in the Dir Table will be patched to the correct new file size. Possible corruption if you replace with a file larger than the original. Use at your own risk. * Changed – FW Branding Check to be disabled by default * Changed – A couple tool tips to reflect correct verbiage * Changed – DVD Finalize time-outs * Changed – Command line parameters to ImgBurn depending on version. This is to deal with the .dvd message if it exists. * Fixed – 64bit IO in Image Browser Official Site: n/a, by Redline99 Download: here (http://dwl.xbox-scene.com/xbox360pc/isotools/Xbox_Backup_Creator_v2.5.0.230.zip ) News-Source: xbins.org (http://www.xbins.org/nfo.php?file=xboxnfo1573.nfo )
Xbox Live Security Update: Accounts ‘Hacked’ via Social Engineering
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Microsoft already reported that there was no evidence of any compromise of Live Network or Bungie.net (http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EEZuVkyFAVEHmFPDhi.php ), today they come with another update (http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2007/03/23/xbox-live-security-update.aspx ): [QUOTE] Earlier this week when I first heard about the “Xbox Live network hacked” story, I checked with the people on our end, and then posted about it. As originally posted, Xbox Live has not been hacked. That is still true. A security researcher, Kevin Finisterre, discovered not a hack, but the fact that some accounts may have been compromised as a result of ‘social engineering’, also known as ‘pre-texting’, through our support center. Kevin gave me a call directly and once I realized what he was talking about (he sent me some painful-to-listen-to audio files) I confirmed that the team is fully aware of this issue. They are examining the policies, and have already begun re-training the support staff and partners to help make sure we reduce this type of social engineering attack. There’s no other way to say it; this situation shouldn’t have happened. Our customers deserve better. The Xbox team takes what happened and the resolution of it very seriously. I also wanted to let you know that we’ve posted a page on Xbox.com ‘Troubleshooting Access to your Xbox Live Account (http://www.xbox.com/en-US/support/connecttolive/xbox360/connectionmethods/troubleshoot-accountaccess.htm )’ that can help you if you have questions. Finally, I chatted with Kevin earlier today and thanked him for bringing this issue to our attention. I also let him know that we have a much better understanding of this issue and that we are reviewing the processes in place to help prevent this in the future. [/QUOTE]
Microsoft to Support Blu-ray Eventually – But not allowed to say so
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Speaking to the BBC (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6474045.stm ), Xbox UK head Neil Thompson is quoted as saying: [QUOTE] “Whatever format wins it is highly likely we will offer a solution. The only debate is if you want to watch Blu-ray movies and pay the extra money for that feature. We prefer to offer the consumer choice.” [/QUOTE] But Microsoft’s PR people, were quickly seeking to set the record straight and send this to spong.com (http://news.spong.com/article/12121 ): [QUOTE] The article implies that Neil is suggesting that Microsoft is going to support Blu-Ray. To confirm, this quote has been taken out of context and is not what Neil was implying. Microsoft offers, and fully supports, the HD-DVD format and offers consumers the choice of getting their HD movie content either via the optional HD-DVD player or via Xbox Live Video Marketplace (US only). [/QUOTE] Note: Microsoft officially supports the HD-DVD format atm so Toshiba probably doesn’t like it when they say they would eventually support the Blu-ray format. But it’s pretty obvious that if the HD-DVD format dies, Microsoft will support Blu-ray. Full Story: bbc.co.uk (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6474045.stm ) and spong.com (http://news.spong.com/article/12121 )
Xbox Live Service Maintenance: March 27th
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
From Major Nelson (http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2007/03/22/xbox-live-service-maintenance-on-3-27-07.aspx ) (Microsoft’s Xbox Live Director of Programming): [QUOTE] Xbox Live, Xbox.com and the Xbox forums will be undergoing scheduled maintenance on Tuesday March 27th (next week) from 0000 (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?month=3&day=27&year=2007&hour=0&min=0&sec=0&p1=234 ) to 1400 (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?month=3&day=27&year=2007&hour=14&min=0&sec=0&p1=234 ) PT. As a result of this maintenance, Xbox Live, Xbox.com and the Xbox forums will be unavailable during this time. I thought I’d give you enough time to plan next weeks gaming schedule. What to do while you can’t hop on Xbox Live? Xbox.com has you covered with this list (http://www.xbox.com/downtimeMarch27 ). This is purely ‘back end’ work that we scheduled months ago. This is not a dashboard update…that will happen later this Spring. [/QUOTE]
Microsoft Crashes PS3 Launch in France
Xbox-Scene :: Tuesday, March 27, 2007
From talkxbox.com (http://www.talkxbox.com/article2026.html ): [QUOTE] The title is self explanatory. During Frances PS3 launch event, Microsoft couldn’t help but crash the party. Apparently, “Xbox 360 Loves You”. A boat with a banner draped at its side said just that to the PS3 shoppers while it chugged along down the canal. [/QUOTE] News-Source: talkxbox.com (http://www.talkxbox.com/article2026.html )
Virtua Fighter 5 (Playstation 3)
Driver Heaven :: Monday, March 26, 2007
Back in the old SNES days there were only 2 noteworthy fighting games – Street Fighter and the more mass-friendly, yet oh so bloody Mortal Kombat. With the advent of 3D graphics things changed. Both Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat didn’t manage to stay afloat, no thanks to the sub-par 3D versions that came out. New franchises appeared trying to fill the void and 3 out of that bunch became especially popular. I’m of course talking about the Playstation crowd favorites Tekken and Virtua Fighter and the currently Xbox-based Dead or Alive series. And while both Tekken and Dead or Alive require much practice to truly master them, Virtua Fighter games have the reputation of being the most technically demanding of them all.
Ridge Racer 7 (PS3) review
Driver Heaven :: Monday, March 26, 2007
“Sony console launches go hand in hand with new releases of Ridge Racer. Although the series jumped platform a while ago and appeared on the 360 it is now back on its native turf, ready to drive the Playstation 3 into next-gen. And no, this is not the Riiiiiidge Racer Playstation’s father Ken Kutaragi was so enthusiastic about, which is definitely good in this case (for those of you who are unfamiliar with the incident, Kutaragi displayed an unprecedented level of enthusiasm when the original Ridge Racer was shown running on the PSP).”
Burnout Dominator PS2 Review
Tweak Town :: Monday, March 26, 2007
TTGamer have posted a review of EA’s Burnout Dominator for the PS2. While EA and Criterion have been busy behind the scenes with Burnout 5 for the 360 and PS3, they managed to squeeze out a new release for old generation hardware in Burnout Dominator. Is it worth checking out? Find out inside the review!
In Win F430 Gaming Case Review
Hi Tech Reviews :: Monday, March 26, 2007
If you are a fan of fast cars the Ferrari F430 is more than likely one vehicle you have heard or read a great deal about. In Win has taken the design features from the F430 and implemented them into their newest case. Come on along as we start the engine on this review and see how this high speed case fares in our review.
Desert Island Games: Telltale Games’ Kevin Bruner
Gamasutra Columns :: Monday, March 26, 2007
For this week’s Desert Island Games, a column that looks at the top five games of some of our favorite industry personalities, we speak to Kevin Bruner, Chief Technical Officer and Director with Telltale Games.
Release This: DJ Hearts: Vanguard Wars
Gamasutra Columns :: Monday, March 26, 2007
Gamasutra’s regular round-up of worldwide video game releases, “Release This!”, takes a look at every game title we know to be shipping to stores this week, as Command & Conquer 3 and the Oblivion expansion pack Shivering Isles compete for the attention of PC gamers in the U.S. and the UK, while Japan prepares itself for Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix+.
Bandai Namco using Cell chip for arcade games
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, March 26, 2007
Bandai Namco is developing arcade games using the Cell chip from Sony’s PlayStation 3.
Not all territories will get PlayStation Store, says Sony
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, March 26, 2007
Sony has confirmed to GI.bizthat some PS3 owners will have to wait until they can visit the PlayStation Store – adding that some territories won’t get access at all.
More than 20,000 PS3 units sold in Australia
GamesIndustry.biz :: Monday, March 26, 2007
Sony Australia has announced that more than 20,000 PlayStation 3 units have been sold in the territory since the console launched there on Friday.
