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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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August 17th, 2009, 18:21 Posted By: wraggster
Retailers have told Eurogamer that Microsoft will increase the price of the Arcade Xbox 360 bundle to GBP 159.99 (from GBP 129.99) starting September 1. The five XBLA games will no longer be included in the bundle, either.
ShopTo boss Igor Cipolletta received confirmation from Microsoft this morning, as did a corroborating independent retail chain source.
Eurogamer was also told that Microsoft will increase the price of individual Xbox 360 accessories by one or two pounds. An independent retail source said this was being done to counteract the poor pound-to-Euro currency exchange rate.
Furthermore, the email from Microsoft to retailers mentioned only Arcade and Elite bundles, which also strengthens recent rumours the Premium Xbox 360 bundle is to be discontinued.
Microsoft has been contacted and GamesIndustry.biz is awaiting comment on the price increase.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...0-arcade-price
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August 17th, 2009, 18:12 Posted By: wraggster
etail told that the price of Xbox 360 Arcade SKU and several accessories are on the up
With the industry bracing itself for an RRP drop for the top-end Xbox 360 Elite SKU this week, it now looks as if the entry-level Arcade hardware could be in for a price increase.
At the end of last week it seemed that all the evidence was pointing to an end to the Xbox 360 Pro SKU and a price drop for the high-end Xbox 360 Elite offering.
But confusion is now rife in the channel with Microsoft seemingly confirming that the Xbox 360 Arcade console is going to see an RRP increase.
Leaked documentation and sources close to MCV last week claimed that the Xbox 360 Pro is being phased out, with the Xbox 360 Elite – a SKU that includes a 120GB HDD – dropping by £60 to take its place.
This belief was given further credence by an online listing from Argos claiming that the Pro had been ‘discontinued’ – though the retailer later claimed this was an error.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/35416/Conf...-price-changes
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August 17th, 2009, 18:11 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft revealed aggressive pricing for its upcoming Zune HD device last week, with plans to sell it for $219.99 - less than the price of an iPod touch. However, it seems the company is also planning to take on Apple in the mobile apps space, by enticing developers to convert their iPhone apps to run on its new Zunes.
At least, that's according to respected tech blog Daring Fireball, which quotes an iPhone developer as saying they had been offered "a bucket of money" to port their iPhone Twitter client to Zune.
Previous Zune models have been focused on music and video content rather than apps, although earlier this year, games were made available for the device too. Adding apps to the Zune Marketplace isn't a huge leap.
The Zune HD has been receiving unaccustomed praise from tech journalists and bloggers, but news that Microsoft is courting developers hints that the company realises a healthy app catalogue will be just as important as technical specs if it wants to take on the iPod touch.
http://www.casualgaming.biz/news/290...r-Zune-HD-apps
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August 17th, 2009, 11:26 Posted By: wraggster
Blizzard's Rob Pardo has questioned the precision technology of Microsoft's forthcoming motion-sensing device, Project Natal.
Microsoft claims the tech will be more precise than hardware currently on the market, such as the Wiimote and the MotionPlus add-on, but Pardo has said that after hands-on time with the device, he thinks it's still "imprecise".
"I’ve got to play with Natal a little bit, and it seems like the difficulty with it is still spatial recognition with moving your hands and doing things," Pardo told VG247.
Discussing new control methods for real-time strategy games - in particular using Natal to to drag and drop units using hand gestures - Pardo doubted that Microsoft's technology could match the accuracy demanded of the genre.
"You’d actually still need an interface that you could do that with, and Natal is still going to be pretty imprecise in the way Wii is today," he said. "I mean, I could see the future one day [allowing it], but I don’t know if Natal’s it. Maybe it’s a step towards it."
However, Pardo did admit that he's not looked into the possibilities of using Natal too deeply, and that Microsoft could have solutions to imprecision that he isn't yet aware of.
"I’ve thought about it for all of five seconds right now, so there could be some genius there that I don’t immediately see," he offered.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...tal-technology
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August 16th, 2009, 23:06 Posted By: wraggster
New xna game for 360 released:
The first of the apocalipse dawn series however its in a unplayable stage. The idea is there will be three maps each in a different setting. One is in a bunker another a series of dark tunnels and a larger wide open zombie assault. They should be at least 6 guns i have all ready done 4 of the weapons. It should be 4 player online co-op and its a first person shooter. Don't expect straght results am working on my own in spare time. i'll keep you posted on the progress. I would have more maps but a 150mb limit sucks. Chances are the computer version will be better and longer.
Now Thinking of Creating A Streets Map.
Work now continues as usual.
This game is being made with xna and the C# enviroment.
All Suggestions & Opinions Welcome!
Please comment!
http://www.gameprojects.com/project/?id=eb0d4f0da3
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August 16th, 2009, 11:15 Posted By: wraggster
[source: tmbinc @ xboxhacker.net] As a first step toward a "release", I've committed the tool to build an image suitable for the hack, as well as some additional information and a description of "how it works". You can find that work in the free60.org repository:
http://free60.cvs.sourceforge.net/vi...ee60/imgbuild/
I understand that not all of the required binaries are available right now, but we'll work on provider ways to derive them from nand dumps. But those of you who are able to recover the required binaries should be able to build an image which boots right into xell.
http://www.eurasia.nu/modules.php?na...ticle&sid=2439
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August 15th, 2009, 20:59 Posted By: wraggster
Can you feel it? The Zune HD is really really real, and the FCC just rubber stamped another internal component: the onboard HD Radio. With a September 15th release date already on the books, it's not exactly a surprise that the wireless insides of the device won't fry your babies, but it's still a comforting thought. And check out that sexy label! Totally worth the second trip to FCC land.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/15/z...e-fcc-as-well/
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August 15th, 2009, 11:00 Posted By: wraggster
With the launch of the Zune HD and the CEDIA show just around the corner, we've been hoping this could mean an all new integrated future for Windows Media Center and other Microsoft platforms -- until now. As a few commenters pointed out yesterday, the corrected spec sheet received from Microsoft indicated HDTV and protected Windows Media Center DVR-MS (the files used by Vista Media center) recordings were not supported. We reached out for clarification and received the following:
"Zune HD, and the forthcoming Zune 4.0 PC software, will support and transcode Windows Media Center recorded TV file formats from Windows Vista or Windows 7 that contain MPEG-2 video, in either the DVR-MS or WTV formats. Support is limited to unencrypted SD and HD recordings. HD Files with AC3 audio are not supported by Zune."
As you may or may not be aware, at least in the U.S. , and most other countries, any high definition broadcasts you snag from antenna, ClearQAM or otherwise use Dolby Digital AC-3 audio, meaning the Zune software won't be able to convert them. Current workarounds for bringing Media Center recordings on the go should still be a go, but all we can see is the missed opportunity to tie the two platforms together with easy one click transcoding support. Hopefully Microsoft still has something up its sleeve to pull together Zune and Windows 7 Media Center, but portable DVR recordings ain't it.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/14/z...enter-recordi/
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August 15th, 2009, 10:53 Posted By: wraggster
Despite the fact that every console saw month-to-month losses in July, Microsoft has issued its own take on the somewhat depressing NPD numbers, claiming that the Xbox 360 is "the only console to show growth this year" and "the industry's sole bright spot in 2009". Readers will recall that Aaron Greeberg made similar statements last month, after which it was revealed that the Xbox 360 sales had grown by 21 percent since last June.
Microsoft now reports that number is down to 17 percent growth over the first seven months in 2009, as compared to the same period last year. Granted, the number isn't quite as remarkable, but given that the Xbox 360 is the only console to achieve any growth at all -- as long as you don't count those pesky handhelds -- it's impressive nonetheless.
Microsoft also touts that the Xbox 360 is the number one platform for third-party titles. The company claims that third-party game sales totaled $101 million in July, which "maintains the streak of leading third-party games sales for every month of 2009." See, little red arrows aren't all bad.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/mi...wth-this-year/
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August 15th, 2009, 00:25 Posted By: Shrygue
via MCV
Whilst it’s unlikely to quell the price cut rumours running rife in the build-up to next week’s Gamescom, UK retailer Argos has told MCV that a listing on its site claiming that the Xbox 360 Pro SKU had been discontinued was a mistake.
“We are aware of the administrative error regarding the games console page on our website and apologise for any confusion this may have caused,” an Argos spokesperson told MCV.
“The page has temporarily been removed as we look to correct the error.
“We can confirm that the product remains on sale in Argos stores and will be available again for purchase online as soon as possible.”
Despite Argos’ statement, the industry is still bracing itself for a price cut to the Xbox 360 Elite and the announcement of a PS3 Slim at Gamescom next week.
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August 14th, 2009, 21:37 Posted By: wraggster
The Xbox 360 has reached a milestone in Europe, having recently surpassed nine million console sales in the region. Microsoft's Chris Lewis confirmed the figure to MCV, stating that the console now has "about 27 per cent of the current share of the console market." For those of you keepng score at home, that's about a million consoles sold since January.
In fact, Microsoft also boasted that it's the only console to show growth in the region, pointing to the downward slope in sales of the PS3 and Wii. "This calendar year, we're the only console showing positive growth. That's 22 per cent on the first half against a market that is down to a similar margin overall." In fact, there are so many Xbox 360s in Europe now, you could probably build a 15 foot wall around Liechtenstein ... twice.
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/xb...ion-in-europe/
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August 14th, 2009, 21:27 Posted By: wraggster
You've already seen the player hands-on; the final reveal for the Zune HD was how well it handled when docked on a high-def TV. As you can see in this video, it blows away anything else in its class.
I was trying to figure out what it was about the Zune HD's TV interface that I was enjoying so much, and then I realized: Unlike every other device of its size and capacity, this thing is a true portable media center. It's not as fast as a fully fledged PC running Windows Media Center, but it is zippy as hell for a pocketable, portable player.
Zune HD goes dark when it's docked, like you see in the gallery. This isn't like an iPod—once docked, it's invisible, the power behind what you watch or listen to. The remote is the key. I bopped around, browsing music, scanning for radio stations (that HD has a few meanings, including an HD radio receiver, so you can see the "what's playing" data and everything) and even watching a short full-screen video on this 60-inch Samsung. The demo Zune only had the one video—I can't wait to see what it's like to fill a 32GB one with great movies and TV episodes.
The only noticeable thing missing from the interface was any online connectivity—you can't download movies to a Zune without a PC anyway, but docked, I am not even sure you can stream music (as you can when carrying a Zune in a Wi-Fi environment). More on that when we review it, naturally.
As we showed you months ago, the player itself takes the PMP user interface to a new level. When you select something, all the screen elements move at different vectors, creating at times a 3D effect, as you can catch up close in the video below. (Pardon the glare, but that's one hazard—for better or worse, it's a shiny shiny screen.)
I don't want to say more—this is not a review, and I won't be the reviewer when we do pass judgment—but let me say that, as someone who's never been terribly excited by past Zunes, this one took me pleasantly by surprise.
http://gizmodo.com/5337532/zune-hd-t...or-your-pocket
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August 14th, 2009, 17:31 Posted By: wraggster
We've all been a bit up in arms about the apparent lack of a push for apps on the Zune HD given the platform's obvious strengths, but news from Daring Fireball seems to suggest that may not be the whole story. According to John Gruber, after publishing a short story on the ZHD and Microsoft's seeming lack of developer interest, he was contacted by an iPhone dev who claimed to have been pinged by Redmond to code for the new device. According to the source -- a Twitter client-maker -- he was asked to port his software to the Zune platform for "a bucket of money," though he ultimately declined the offer. Details beyond that fact are scarce, though apparently this dev is "certain" the offer was for the Zune. We won't argue for the benefits of having your application on two high-profile devices (clearly a personal decision), but it is extremely encouraging to hear that Microsoft sees the need to bring more than just basic functionality to a device like the Zune HD. Now, it's just a question of how smartly they go about it.
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/14/i...r-the-zune-hd/
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August 14th, 2009, 16:15 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft will put little-seen music and video player on the market for $219.99 - less than an iPod Touch.
The Zune HD is slimmer than previous version and has a touchscreen for the first time. It comes in five colours and has a built-in radio receiver, wi-fi, and can display high-definition video to a big screen.
The devices are available for pre-order but won't hit shelves until September 15. The 16GB version is $219.99, and the 32GB version is $289.99.
The Zune has still to be released in Europe.
http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/34024...l-in-September
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August 14th, 2009, 16:13 Posted By: wraggster
Xbox exec Chris Lewis says 360 is in a good place as industry braces for double price cut
Microsoft's Chris Lewis has said that any possible PS3 price drop from Sony at Gamescom next week won’t affect its plans – which are now widely expected to include a price drop of its own.
“We are in a good place in terms of the value we offer,” the Xbox EMEA VP told MCV.
“We have a plan and a rhythm we are marching to – and we won’t be knocked off that cadence in terms of what the opposition might do.”
Sony is preparing to unveil its brand new PS3 Slim next Tuesday at the Gamescom show in Germany.
In addition, MCV has been led to believe that Microsoft will be countering Sony's move with a price cut of its own – most likely scrapping the Pro Xbox 360 SKU and dropping the Elite 360 by £60 to £169.99.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/35395/MS-P...-wont-worry-us
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August 14th, 2009, 16:11 Posted By: wraggster
UK retailer Argos is no longer selling the 60GB SKU of the Xbox 360, fuelling rumours that Microsoft is set to announce a new lower price for the Xbox 360 Elite.
"We are very sorry but Microsoft have discontinued this line," says the retailer on its official website.
Rumours are suggesting that Microsoft will discontinue the 60GB hardware, leaving the Xbox 360 Elite – with 120GB hard drive – as the main SKU at retail, alongside the entry level Arcade unit.
The Premium console currently retails at GBP 169 and the Elite at GBP 229 in the UK.
Rival firm Sony is widely expected to announce a price cut on the PlayStation 3 next week during the Gamescom event, and possibly a new SKU in the shape of the PS3 Slim.
Like the Xbox 360, Sony hardware is also reported to be drying up at retail.
GamesIndustry.biz has contacted Microsoft and Argos for comment.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...0-discontinued
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August 14th, 2009, 16:05 Posted By: wraggster
Representatives from Microsoft's Xbox division have released an official reaction to the NPD Group's videogame sales data for July of 2009, calling the Xbox 360's hardware growth the "industry's sole bright spot" in 2009.
According to the statement, the Xbox 360 is the only console to show growth in 2009, with a 17 per cent increase in sales over the same seven-month period in 2008.
"Amid a tough economic climate, Xbox 360 is the only home console showing growth in the US this year, offering wallet-watching consumers the best value with a USD 199 starting price, the broadest selection of games for everyone, and innovative social and entertainment experiences they can’t get anywhere else," said Microsoft.
Microsoft also reported continued growth in online play amongst its Xbox Live subscribers, and that EA's Battlefield: 1943 "shattered the record for first-day and first-week downloads" in its July debut.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...says-microsoft
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August 14th, 2009, 00:40 Posted By: wraggster
What kinds of videos will you be able to play on that luscious OLED screen? And for how long? Your answers: not that many, and for a qualified "up to" four hours. UPDATE: The spec sheet was incorrect, in a good way.
To be fair to Microsoft, iPod video format support is pretty horribly limited, but wide codec compatibility would've been something of a coup for the the Zune HD. As it stands, here's what it can handle:
Windows Media Video (WMV) (.wmv) – Main and Simple Profile, CBR or VBR, up to 3.0 Mbps peak video bit rate; 720 pixels x 480 pixels up to 30 frames per second (or 720 pixels x 576 pixels up to 25 frames per second). Zune software will transcode HD WMV files at device sync.
MPEG-4 (MP4/M4V) (.mp4) Part 2 video3– Simple Profile up to 2.5 Mbps peak video bit rate; 720 pixels x 480 pixels up to 30 frames per second (or 720 pixels x 576 pixels up to 25 frames per second). Zune software will transcode HD MPEG-4 files at device sync.
H.264 video – Baseline Profile up to 2.5 Mbps peak video bit rate; 720 pixels x 480 pixels up to 30 frames per second (or 720 pixels x 576 pixels up to 25 frames per second). Zune software will transcode HD H.264 files at device sync. DVR-MS4 – Zune software will transcode at time of sync.
720p playback will only come by means of an external dock connector—not that the 480 x 272 screen could display it anyway, or that it would matter on a device this size. In any case, this is fine—transcoding video is something we're used to for portable devices, and past Zune software has been serviceable. About that battery life, though:
24 hours is plenty for music playback, though it's well under the iPod Touch's (admittedly inflated) 36h claim, and we'll have to see how well the battery holds up during radio playback and, most importantly, web browsing. The video figure is concerning though, not just because it's kinda low, but because that asterisk points down to "320 x 240 WMV9 500 Kbps" video—well below that maximum possible playback quality. Is Tegra a little bit of a battery hog?
UPDATE: Microsoft has come out and said their spec page was incorrect—the real figures are 33 hours of music playback and 8.5 hours of video—better than the iPod Touch on both fronts. As you were!
http://gizmodo.com/5336903/zune-hd-s...y-life-updated
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August 13th, 2009, 21:24 Posted By: wraggster
Heres a video posted on youtube showing proof apparently of the ability to have Homebrew on the 360 using the Free60 Exploit:
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