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Xbox News is a site that brings you the very latest Original Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One news, the latest games and releases, Part of the
DCEmu Homebrew & Gaming Network.
THE LATEST NEWS BELOW
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April 19th, 2010, 20:32 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has said it will investigate allegations of appalling working conditions in a Chinese factory making its Xbox 360 controllers, mice and cameras following the publishing of a damning report by the National Labor Committee.
According to the report Microsoft accounts for the largest proportion of production at the KYE Factory in Dongguan, China - around 30 per cent of its output - and conditions at the factory are "crude" and "exhausting".
The operation is accused of a number of breaches which have taken place over the last three years - including paying below the legal minimum living wage, hiring illegal workers aged just 14 and forcing employees to work 97 hour long weeks.
"Twenty or thirty workers on a line must complete 2000 Microsoft mice in 12 hours. The workers' hands and fingers are constantly moving, many suffering abrasions and cuts, since the connectors must be inserted very closely together. Once workers meet the production goal, management raises it," said the report.
"We are like prisoners," one worker told an investigator. "It seems like we live only to work. We do not work to live. We do not have a life. Only work."
The report revealed that workers were earning 52 cents an hour - below the minimum wage in the country of 56 cents - while they were also forced to stay in cramped, hot dorm rooms overnight - "Workers who do not return to the factory are fined 200 RMB ($29.26) - more than a worker's regular weekly pay, and immediately fired," it stated.
Every year hundreds of "work study students" are hired by the factory, it claimed - most of whom are 16-17 years old, but some who look as young as 14. They work mandatory 15 hour shifts six or seven days a week.
"Since the young Chinese workers would never dream of making demands against Microsoft or the other corporations, this permits the corporations to tout their codes of conduct while knowing full well that they will never be implemented," said the report.
Workers said that Microsoft representatives had visited the factory in the past, while accompanied by mid and high-level managers. They added that these representatives hardly ever spoke to the employees.
However, Microsoft has responded to the allegations by saying it is "very concerned" by the report.
Writing on the company's blog Brian Tobey, Microsoft's head of manufacturing for entertainment and devices, said: "As a company that sells a wide range of hardware and devices, we take very seriously our corporate responsibility to ensure that the manufacturing facilities and supply chain operations that we use comply with all relevant labor and safety requirements and ensure fair treatment of workers."
"As a result of this report, we have a team of independent auditors en route to the facility to conduct a complete and thorough investigation. If we find that the factory is not adhering to our standards, we will take appropriate action.
"We should note that as part of Microsoft's ongoing supplier SEA program, an independent auditor has been inspecting the KYE factory annually. In addition, Microsoft personnel conduct quarterly on-site assessments, and receive weekly reports from KYE on key labour and safety criteria that we monitor as part of our supplier SEA program.
"Over the past two years, we have required documentation and verification of worker age, and no incidence of child labour has been detected. Worker overtime has been significantly reduced, and worker compensation is in line with the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition standards for the Dongguan area.
"Despite these earlier findings, we take the allegations raised this week quite seriously. Another comprehensive on-site audit of the facility will be conducted next week, with a specific goal of investigating the allegations raised in the NLC report. In addition, we will have monitors on site pending the results of the inspection."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...hinese-factory
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April 19th, 2010, 19:25 Posted By: wraggster
Lionhead chief Peter Molyneux, overseeing development of Fable III, has told OXM that Natal is challenging "because it's so different."
Molyneux makes the confession when interviewed by OXM for Inside Xbox UK, which is now available to watch via your Xbox 360's dashboard.
"For me, Natal is challenging because it's so different," Molyneux explains. "It's very, very different to any input other mechanism the world has even seen before because there isn't any buttons and that's both its strength and its big challenge. So when you've got a game like Fable, there is an enormous number of things we can do with Natal.
"But what I didn't want, I wanted for you to feel like you were part of the world. I didn't want you to go off and play some mini-game totally outside the world of Fable. I wanted you to feel like Natal was integrated into the world, if you like. It enhances the world, if you like. It's going to be integrated in so it has a purpose, and it gives you something, and there's a reason to do it."
Given what Molyneux has said, how do you think Natal will be integrated into Fable III?
http://www.computerandvideogames.com...VG-General-RSS
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April 19th, 2010, 17:24 Posted By: wraggster
An UNO player has been banned from Xbox Live until the year 9999 for exposing himself online.
And it was the way the wrong-doing was, ahem, exposed that's likely to cause him even more grief than simply being banned.
Xbox Live user TC57UK asked why his son was banned until 12/31/9999 and Xbox Live moderator XBLPET Whiskey replied "your son was exposing himself on camera in Uno."
Ouch. Still, if he somehow makes it to the year 9999 and his Xbox 360 is still intact and Microsoft keeps the servers running, at least he's got 7000-odd years of gaming to catch up on!
http://www.oxm.co.uk/article.php?id=18845
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April 19th, 2010, 17:12 Posted By: wraggster
New from GP2x Store
The Chameleon Case by XCM 360 is based on their Black Knight 360 case. A see through X shape stands on top of the case, with a light system that changes between various colors (in rotation). An extra button allows you to select a specific color and keep it static on screen.
Features
Rotating lights
HDMI compatible
Includes
Front faceplate
Top and bottom of case
Oval air vent inserts
DVD tray bezel
Eject button
Opening tool
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April 19th, 2010, 16:54 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://x360.gx-mod.com/modules/news/...p?storyid=2668
Zouzzz proposes a new version of its utility that allows you to organize / store your files LIVE or CON SAIP in the source directories with or without information on the files.
New / fixed:
- Update the list of symbols annoying (replaced by a space) adding 0x19.
- Remove the patch and method for FTP files and PIRS LIVE, by pure preference and clarification of the code.
- Added the famous Donate button.
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April 19th, 2010, 16:51 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=710285
Icepir8icepir8 released a new revision of Xbox 360 Commander Beta, a Windows utility to backup/restore, transfer on and format Xbox 360 hard drives.
What's new/fixed (since rev. 15a):
* Fixed dates on folders. (rev 17)
* Fixed column sort issues. (rev 17)
* Full date and time for transfers. (rev 16)
* Maybe this was causing problems with the GODs (rev 16)
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April 19th, 2010, 16:50 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/...pVcVqNeRnV.php
A new version of freeBOOT v0.03x has been released (a patched-9199 rebooter for all JTAG-exploitable 360s).
What's new/fixed:
* fixed profile corruption
* fixed xb1 emu
* updated xellous
General Features:
* updated to kernel 2.0.9199
* now supports all consoles and flashing solutions (ikari)
* removed memory protections
Code can be executed and modified anywhere in the range from 0x80000000 to 0x9FFFFFFF. This can be used to create game trainers and will allow for porting of emulators, which rely on dynamic compilation.
[2 different patches 1 with this: xbox1 emu doesn't, 1 without xbox1 emu does work]
* encrypted DevKit XEXes are now working
* includes dash launch patch
* LIVE/PIRS/GOD content fully working
* internal security breach reports deactivated (Redline99)
* easier image generation process (ikari)
* ibuild can now also generate single flash XeLL and original images (ikari)
A bit more info about the fixes/changes in this release:
[QUOTE]
This is a fixed set of patches for freeBOOT 0.031. It addresses profile corruption and Xbox 1 emulator compatibility. Unfortunately, you will need to choose between the functionality of the memory protection patch and the ability for full compatibility with Xbox originals, you cannot have both. Two sets of patches have been included, you may use the ones that fit you best. Profile corruption has been fixed completely, but understand that if you have anything previously signed by a banned keyvault, the container will be console locked to it (corrupted). There are a number of free tools to fix those profiles, but you should notice that the console is no longer rejecting containers from everything but itself. Possibly these patches can fix E79 issues (dashlaunch changes), but since we have not experienced any similar issues, it's hard to test.
To those experiencing frequent or sporadic E79 issues (specifically on Zephyrs), it has been reported that using this alternate wiring with voltage regulation may solve the issue
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April 18th, 2010, 19:59 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/...pZZTfLtGXO.php
Trancy of modcontrol.com released NAND Flasher 360 for Windows:
[QUOTE]
What is the NAND Flasher 360 for Windows?
The NAND Flasher 360 is a NAND -flash program for MS Windows. With this program you can update to a new version of XBReboot within minutes over USB. With a 16 MB NAND this takes about 8min, Including three extractions steps and one for writing. the Data gets verified for each extraction and writing step. 256/512 MB NANDs take round about 16mins (approx. 128 KB/s). Bad blocks automatically get moved to the appropriate positions (Bad block management).
This works for the small as well as the larger NANDs (16/256/512MB).
The program also extracts the KV and Config data from the current NAND and writes it to the XBRreboot.bin file.
The function "write only valid data" speeds up the writing process. Empty blocks (0xFF) are no longer handled when this function is selected! This results in a 64MB large NAND file being overwritten almost as fast as a 16MB file.
Information on the hardware and NAND is also displayed.
Features:
- Simple, easy to use interface (a lot of the more complicated stuff gets done automatically)
- Displays information on the hardware and NAND
- Compatible with all USB NAND flashing devices
- Possible to easily add additional languages
- Extracting and writing of the NAND memory within minutes
- Bad blocks automatically get relocated (for all NAND sizes, 16/256/512MB)
- KV and Config files get patched automatically
- Verification process which results in very safe, virtually error-free read and write processes
- Deletion of the Memory Unit (MU) partition
- Only relevant blocks get written, unnecessary writing of empty blocks is avoided. This speeds up the overall writing process and preserves the NAND memory as well.
- Extraction and overwriting of the entire NAND
- Dumping of the KV and Config data
- KV and Config file gets created!
- Possible to only extract and overwrite the first 2 MB
- Real-time calculation of the current read/write speed
Official Site: http://www.modcontrol.com
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April 18th, 2010, 19:56 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/...VyKIRCCSvH.php
A new Toolbox 1.10 beta 5 is available for download.
It adds an "Erase" button to the "Program Flash" dialog, allowing you to erase your whole NAND-flash memory, while retaining your invalid block information. This may be useful to those who have problems storing data on their internal memory unit and who therefore want to "remove" it.
After the NAND-flash has been completely erased, at least the "system" partition needs to be reprogrammed with the "Program Flash Memory" option.
Official Site: http://www.cygnos360.com
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April 18th, 2010, 19:54 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=711416
Ikari released a new version of freeBOOT that will now work as a single-flash solution and can reboot a JTAG-exploitable Xbox360 into a patched 9199 (the latest) kernel. And there's more:
[QUOTE]
freeBOOT is a rebooter for the Microsoft Xbox 360. This version of freeBOOT allows you to reboot into kernel 2.0.9199 on all Xenon, Zephyr, Falcon, and Jasper consoles, which are vulnerable to the JTAG hack.
This version of freeBOOT no longer requires a second flash memory and will thus work with all currently existing solutions.
New Features
- updated to kernel 2.0.9199
- now supports all consoles and flashing solutions (ikari)
- removed memory protections (cOz)
Code can be executed and modified anywhere in the range from 0x80000000 to 0x9FFFFFFF. This can be used to create game trainers and will allow for porting of emulators, which rely on dynamic compilation.
- encrypted DevKit XEXes are now working (cOz)
- includes dash launch patch (cOz)
[- keyvault and console signature checks have been disabled (Bliep4Ever)]
- LIVE/PIRS/GOD content fully working (cOz)
- internal security breach reports deactivated (Redline99)
- easier image generation process (ikari)
- ibuild can now also generate single flash XeLL and original images (ikari)
!Update! v0.031 has been released. There's no details about what's changed or so, but I noticed the patch-files have been modified and the "keyvault and console signature checks have been disabled" feature has been removed from the readme.
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April 18th, 2010, 19:50 Posted By: wraggster
News via http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=710285
Icepir8icepir8 released a new revision of Xbox 360 Commander Beta, a Windows utility to backup/restore, transfer on and format Xbox 360 hard drives.
!Update! More new revisions ... news below updated!
What's new/fixed (since rev. 12):
* Pulled all the stops on speed. (rev 13)
* Couple tweeks here and there. But it is the transfer speed on the insert file that takes the cake. (rev 13)
* Error Checking Hard Drive is actually doing something now. (rev 14)
* Still have to do fix errors code. but atleast you should be able to check your drive for errors. (rev 14)
* Fixed bug in transfer to hard drive when reclaiming deleted file space. (rev 15)
* Tweeked some items to improve disk load speed. Important with larger disk. LOL (rev 15)
* Fixed Corruption issues. Didn't feel this deserved a full rev update. (rev 15a)
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April 18th, 2010, 19:49 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft Corp said on Thursday it was investigating charges that young workers at a factory in China making its mice, cameras and Xbox controllers suffer overlong working hours and harsh treatment.
A report, published by rights group the National Labor Committee earlier this week, alleged that teenaged workers at a factory operated by KYE Systems Corp in Dongguan, China, faced military-style discipline, were fined for mistakes and housed in dirty dorm rooms after working 15-hour shifts.
"We have a team of independent auditors en route to the facility to conduct a complete and thorough investigation," said Brian Tobey, who heads manufacturing for Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices unit, in a blog post on the company's website. "If we find that the factory is not adhering to our standards, we will take appropriate action."
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63E5K120100415
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April 18th, 2010, 18:12 Posted By: wraggster
New from GP2X Store
Enhance the grip from your controller and dominate your opponents !
Compatible with PS3, PS2, XBox 360 controllers, the Dominator Grip provides an extra resistant grip to ensure maximum stability.
Your thumbs will never slip during a vital gameplay moment!
Features
Made of high quality resistant silicon.
Compatible with PS3, PS2 and XBox 360 official joypads.
Various designs available : RESISTANCE / 1UP
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April 18th, 2010, 17:48 Posted By: wraggster
An all-new first-party Natal project has been outed by a US movie director. But don't get too excited, hardcore 360 fans - this sits very much in 'casual' territory.
River Rush was detailed on the blog of US movie exec James Gunn, who recounted his experiences at a Microsoft showcase.
In addition to the already-seen Ricochet, Gunn played River Rush alongside a friend from MS, called Dave. Dave sounds like fun.
Here's how Gunn described it:
It's a game where you stand side by side in a river raft, so it's two people playing at once. To move right, you have to step right; to move left, you have to step left. As you rush down right rapids, you have to jump up and slap floating stars in the air - the whole raft jumps up every time you do.
This game was even more exhilarating than the kicking one, and even more aerobically challenging. In fact, I'd say the ONLY drawback to the Natal some people may have is that you have to get up off your ass to play it. But, for me, a person who likes exercise and gaming, it's sort of a dream come true. An hour of playing Natal every night will definitely burn calories.
Dave's avatar was a girl during River Rush, probably because Dave feels like a little princess inside, and I suddenly realized how awesome it would be for my avatar to molest Dave's. As my avatar rubbed its crotch against Dave's avatar's ass the Microsoft folks started laughing and said that was the first time they had seen anyone do that. I was extremely proud of myself. I'm sure millions of little assholes will follow in the wake of my avatar-raping, but I want it to be noted in my Wikipedia page that I was the very first.
Warming him to the hearts of core gamers everywhere, Gunn added:
Whether I'm historically acknowledged or not, the Natal was an amazing piece of technology and I'll be the first one in line to buy one when they come out during the holidays. Bayman told me there were boxing and football and other Natal games coming out, but I really, really can't wait to shoot someone on that ****ing thing.
Amen, sir. Amen.
http://www.computerandvideogames.com...VG-General-RSS
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April 17th, 2010, 23:13 Posted By: wraggster
Here is one that really got some of us at the HAD offices excited (yes, we own Zunes). The introduction of the Open Zune Development Kit. Sure, there was XNA, and we even toyed around with it. But anyone will quickly realize just how limited XNA is, especially with older hardware.
OpenZDK is in its infancy, with only one application thus far (don’t worry, you can still use XNA apps too). But we wanted to give it a shout out and let the hacker community make this potential into a reality.
http://hackaday.com/2010/04/17/zune-...acked-openzdk/
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April 17th, 2010, 00:16 Posted By: wraggster
Bungie has revealed to 1UP four new modes that will feature in Halo: Reach's multiplayer beta when it launches on 3rd May. The modes are Headhunter, Stockpile, Generator Defence and Invasion.
Headhunter is a free-for-all "party" game in which players collect skulls from defeated opponents and have to carry them back to a moving deposit zone to score. You can carry multiple skulls, but if you're killed before scoring you drop them; other players can see how many you have, and if you have more than ten, you get a flashing star over your head, marking you as a prime target.
Stockpile is a team game that "is sort of like Territories meets with Capture the Flag," according to Bungie. Neutral flags appear randomly across the map and teams have to return them to their respective capture points. The twist is that you'll only score once a timer counts down every 60 seconds, at which point any flag in the capture zone - even if carried by an opponent - will be added to the score.
Generator Defence is the experimental mode Bungie has previously called Network Test 1, designed specifically to work on the asymmetrical Overlook map. In this game, three Elites try to destroy three generators defended by three Spartans. In the second of two five-minute rounds, the teams switch. Power weapons are dropped in randomly over the course of the match.
Bungie didn't say much about Invasion, other than that it's "a vehicle-full frenzy" on the giant new Boneyard map, and pits two teams of six against each other. Both Invasion and Generator Defence will enjoy special Load Out configurations for players to use.
You can read more about the Halo: Reach multiplayer's maps, abilities, ranking and matchmaking elsewhere on the site, and expect full impressions of the beta just ahead of its launch on 3rd May. Not long now!
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/fo...alo-reach-beta
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