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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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November 29th, 2006, 11:42 Posted By: Darksaviour69
Here's the full list of changes:
* Game-play has been sped up.
* Post the blind and play right away! - Players can now, if they wish, start playing immediately when joining a table by posting the big blind, rather than having to wait for the blind to come to them.
* New 'Away' mode - Players can now set their status to 'Away'. Hands will be auto-folded and blinds auto-posted until the player returns.
* New 'Auto-boot' mode - Players who continuously let the timer expire (more than three times in a game) will be booted from the table.
* Faster overall pacing - Timers and messaging durations have been adjusted to speed up game-play among experienced players, but still allow novice players plenty of time to play.
* Improved blind structure - Initial blinds, as well as blind increases, are now more proportional to table stakes, ensuring more meaningful increases during game-play.
* Matchmaking improvements - Players are no longer matched into games they cannot afford.
* Improved interface controls - Improvements to controls, such as increasing/decreasing stake amounts.
* Leaderboard display - A player's full winnings and rank are now properly displayed.
* Art and text improvements - Game art and spelling issues have been addressed.
* Online exploits addressed - Certain known exploits that enabled cheating have been addressed. As a result, the online multi-player leaderboards will be reset to eliminate inflated scores as a result of these exploits.
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November 29th, 2006, 11:38 Posted By: Darksaviour69
Looks like Capcom's learned its lesson about text size in Xbox 360 games.
Advertisement
Earlier this year, there were howls - howls! - of disappointment as Dead Rising owners with standard TVs tried and failed to make sense of the tiny on-screen text.
But, following feedback on the recent Lost Planet multiplayer demo, the publisher's come out and said that it will amp up the text size if the final game detects that you're using a standard definition television set.
In the meantime, you can still enjoy the single and multiplayer demos available on Xbox Live if you, er, squint.
Eurogamer.net
It's due out on 12th January.
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November 28th, 2006, 22:16 Posted By: wraggster
If you don't remember this beauty go and ask your dad. It was a classic and one of the first fighting games that lets two players kick and punch their way through level after level of punks to save a hot pixelated honey at the end.
OXM360 reports that the download is only 12.56MB and the Live Arcade version will feature enhanced graphics as well as co-op mode you can play over Live.
There's no word on cost and price of the download yet.
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November 28th, 2006, 21:32 Posted By: gunntims0103
news via dailytech
TVersity opens up the real-time video streaming to the Xbox 360 without the need for MCE
Previously, only Windows Media Center PCs could send videos of any format to Xbox 360 for viewing on the big screen (using software such as Transcode 360). Then, in the Fall Dashboard Update, Microsoft opened up video streaming from any Windows XP PC as long as the file was in WMV format. Software such as Encode360 automates the entire process of converting your videos for Microsoft’s console, but does not offer the process streamed in real-time.
Today, a small wonder in software was released that should garner cheers from Xbox 360 media addicts. Video manager software TVersity Media Server released its latest beta version 0.9.9 and added to its list of features is on-the-fly video transcoding for the Xbox 360, giving users the ability to play videos in all formats, including MPEG-4, on the console. TVersity also supports media receivers such as the Philips SLA5500 and Sony Vaio VGP-MR100U.
Granted, to transcode a high-resolution video to the Xbox 360 in real-time requires some decent processing power, but everything works as advertised and without the need for Windows Media Center. The software allows for various quality and resolution settings for scaling to a PC’s speed. Videos may also be upconverted to high-definition for those with fast computers.
In addition to the video streaming, TVersity will also send audio to the Xbox 360, allowing the user to listen to music, podcasts and internet radio through the console.
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November 28th, 2006, 17:39 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft is reportedly planning to shut down "fake" Xbox Live accounts set up by 360 owners looking to bypass regional lockdown on certain demos and movies.
Interest in the practice, which involves creating an account using false contact details, has grown on both sides of the Atlantic recently - with American gamers keen to access the Rainbow Six Vegas demo we had before them, and European gamers now keen to try out the US-only Video Marketplace.
Reports of Microsoft's intention to shut the bogus accounts emanate from website Xbox-Archiv, which claims it heard about the plan confidentially. The German website has since removed its story after what sounds like a bit of shouting from Microsoft.
Meanwhile, representatives for the Xbox platform holder here in the UK declined to comment "for legal and security reasons".
Those are likely to stem, in particular, from the finer points of its Video Marketplace content deals, which see 360 owners able to download TV shows and films - some in high definition formats - under agreements put in place with the likes of HBO. That those deals only apply to the US is obviously the problem.
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November 28th, 2006, 17:32 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA :
Thanks to the Talismoon Evolve 360 controller faceplate range, you can now take the customization of Microsoft's next generation gaming machine to a new level! The Evolve 360 controller faceplate features everything you need for some serious fine tuning of your controller in one complete package. Talismoon Evolve 360 plates do not only shine with vibrancy but also through a unique combination of plastic construction provide a reinforced shell for increased resistance and a longer life.
Ultra-gloss finish is the result of meticulous handling throughout the production process, to the point where the final customer is the first person to actually touch the finished product.
Right from the beginning the Xbox 360 is all about customization; now it's time do this prophecy justice with Talismoon Evolve 360 controller faceplates!
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November 28th, 2006, 17:30 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA :
Talismoon provides a new way to add personality to your Xbox 360 console by offering the Jungle Fury fur edition. Appealing to consumers who want a more "natural" solution, the fur faceplate provides a cool way to go "low tech" while providing warm and fuzzy reactions from all your friends. Make your Xbox remarkable ... make it unique ... make it with Talismoon.
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November 28th, 2006, 17:29 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA :
With Talismoon range of Evolve ‘Wild Jungle’ edition for the PSP and Xbox 360, gamers are treated to extreme levels of comfort thanks to a soft ‘like fur’ finish, as well as refreshing and unique new look. Both sets of faceplates for PSP and Xbox 360 controller come complete with everything needed for a pain-free install, and each fur faceplate pattern will be unique. Styles consist of a ‘cow’ or striking ‘leopard’ fur finish.
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November 28th, 2006, 17:15 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft will follow Sony's lead rather than surprising us all with a 360 price cut
1 CommentsSpeaking in an interview published yesterday, Microsoft's Robbie Bach said that manufacturing costs of the Xbox 360 have come down significantly, making a price cut for the console a viable option. The only question is when.
Next-gen.biz gathered some of the industry's leading analysts for their opinion on when MS will shave the pennies off of its next-gen console, and concluded that it will likely follow Sony's lead, rather than surprise us all with a price cut.
Advertisement:
"Notwithstanding Robbie's comments to the contrary, Microsoft is not a charity, and they won't cut price just because they can," said Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities. "Rather, I think Microsoft is a price taker, and they will cut only when Sony does."
He adds, "And I don't think we will see a cut from Sony in the conventional sense during 2007. Instead, I think that they may add wi-fi to the 20Gb model and keep it at $499. Microsoft might then cut, but probably not below $349."
When it launched, each Xbox 360 cost Microsoft $525 USD (£270 GBP) to produce, but iSuppli estimates that today the premium console costs only $323 USD (£166 GBP) to create, leaving potential margin for a price cut.
Next-Gen speculates with all the money lost from the original Xbox, Microsoft would ultimately opt for profitibality over position as market leader.
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November 28th, 2006, 17:12 Posted By: wraggster
Next spring can't come quick enough for the first-ever public Halo 3 beta.
To be in with a chance of competing against the world's elite, we suggest you memorise the layout of the maps in these new screens. They just might be the maps that get released to the public.
Bungie recently gave us a run down of how the developer expects the gameplay to pan out on the first three maps. Read more on that here.
As soon as we know about Halo 3, so will you.
Screens Here
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November 28th, 2006, 17:11 Posted By: wraggster
An update for the popular Live Arcade game Texas Hold 'em will hit Xbox Live tomorrow as part of Microsoft's Xbox Live Wednesdays promotion, Microsoft has revealed.
The update will be available from 8am and feature sped-up gameplay and fixes against cheating, and as a result all Xbox Live leaderboards will be reset to eliminate the current inflated scores.
The full list of changes and features in the update are as follows:
- Post the blind and play right away! - Players can now, if they wish, start playing immediately when joining a table by posting the big blind, rather than having to wait for the blind to come to them.
New 'Away' mode - Players can now set their status to 'Away'. Hands will be auto-folded and blinds auto-posted until the player returns.
- New 'Auto-boot' mode - Players who continuously let the timer expire (more than three times in a game) will be booted from the table
- Faster overall pacing - Timers and messaging durations have been adjusted to speed up game-play among experienced players, but still allow novice players plenty of time to play.
- Improved blind structure - Initial blinds, as well as blind increases, are now more proportional to table stakes, ensuring more meaningful increases during game-play.
- Matchmaking improvements - Players are no longer matched into games they cannot afford
- Improved interface controls - Improvements to controls, such as increasing/decreasing stake amounts
- Leaderboard display - A player's full winnings and rank are now properly displayed
- Art and text improvements - Game art and spelling issues have been addressed
- Online exploits addressed - Certain known exploits that enabled cheating have been addressed. As a result, the online multi-player leaderboards will be reset to eliminate inflated scores as a result of these exploits.
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November 28th, 2006, 17:09 Posted By: wraggster
Buried inside the DVD, HD DVD, and Blu-ray Disc version of Superman Returns is a cheat code that unlocks Bizarro as a playable character.
According to EA you enter the code and fly to the top of the GNN building, then you can get rid of Superman and become the mighty Bizarro.
Superman Returns: The Videogame recently launched on pretty much every platform available.
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November 28th, 2006, 17:08 Posted By: wraggster
Hey presto! New Rainbow Six: Vegas goodies have popped into our inbox.
What goodies? Well, it's a little showcase of the tactical shooter's co-op mode, revealed in a fresh batch of screenshots and a new trailer - all of which is dancing on this very page for your attention. Rainbow Six: Vegas is out on Xbox 360 this Friday, with a PC version out on December 15. A PSP version is also coming, due in January 2007.
Screens Here
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November 28th, 2006, 14:45 Posted By: Darksaviour69
A Brazilian guy, an Xbox 360 suffering from the red lights of death, had a great idea. this video.
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November 28th, 2006, 11:16 Posted By: Darksaviour69
Microsoft and FASA Studios are set to run a public beta test for Shadowrun, starting in mid December and concluding in March.
Reports suggest it's focused on the Xbox 360 version, and that the beta will require you to own a premium console with a hard disk and an Xbox Live Gold account (that said, the sign-up page itself claims that it's also for high end PCs running Windows Vista).
Unlike next spring's Halo 3 beta though, this one requires you to jump through a few hoops - you need to fill out an application, enter some codes and sign up for a forum, and FASA says it's looking primarily for people with enough time to play regularly and a "willingness to communicate" on the forum. So make sure you fill out all those boxes, eh?
Helpfully Major Nelson's on hand to walk you through the sign-up procedure on connect.microsoft.com, although beware that I was only able to get it to work in Internet Explorer. Might just be me though - I can barly==ely use a computer properly.
The full version of Shadowrun, of course, is due out next year, and will be one of the first games to feature "Live Anywhere" programming that enables first-person shooting PC players to battle against third-person thwacking 360 owners. It'll be interesting to see how that works, and hopefully the beta will give us a better sense of what's going on. Let us know if you manage to get in.
Eurogamer.net
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November 28th, 2006, 04:28 Posted By: gunntims0103
news via gizmodo
Fans of driving games traditionally either had to put up with filmsy wheels that made racing less convenient than using the standard analog stick controllers. With the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel from Microsoft, lousy first party racing accessories are a thing of the past.
In all honesty, this was the best racing experience we've ever had.
Build quality was excellent, since the wheel was incredibly solid and grippy and the paddles were placed just right for easy shifting. Although you can't spin the wheel 720 degrees like in a real car, it did give you tight control of whatever car you were driving.
The pedals were also extremely lifelike, since your ankles hold them in place, and both the gas and brake had enough push-back to keep you on your toes, so to speak.
But the big question is how these behaved with games? The answer: fantastic.
The wheel ships with a modified version of Project Gotham Racing 3, which also comes with the drivers necessary to make the wheel work on other games. The best example of how well this wheel works would be the F50 GT that everyone loves to use—because it's the fastest—but is incredibly hard to control. Using the wireless racing wheel, driving the beast felt like cruising down the I-5 in a Honda Civic. No problems at all!
The other game we tried was Need for Speed: Carbon. The older NFS game doesn't have wheel support, but Carbon does in spades. Our experience with Carbon can be summed up like this. After a day of playing with the standard 360 controller, we were set to return the game since it wasn't that much better than the other Need for Speed. After we got the wheel, however, everything just felt right. Our mouths were agape, and our tongues were wagging in a Jordanesque fashion trying to nail those tight corners.
Long story short, this is the best thing to happen to Xbox 360 racing games. Ever. If you're a racing fan—or just want to become a racing fan—get this controller. Seriously.
screens via comment
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November 28th, 2006, 04:26 Posted By: gunntims0103
news via palgn
Claims MS bigwig, before laying into Sony. For a change.
Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division, has claimed that Microsoft is already thinking about the machine that will succeed the Xbox 360. "You know how these things work. The engineering team is always thinking about the future," replied Bach when asked by the San Jose Mercury News about Microsoft's next console. However, he was also keen to recognize the fact that, y'know, Microsoft has a console out now to worry about, adding that, "Currently, we're thinking about how to cost reduce the Xbox 360. That seems to be the first order of business."
That may be the first order of business, but goading Sony also seems to be high up on Microsoft's action plan at the moment. And, true to form, Bach had his own piece to say about Microsoft's fierce rival, which he described as being "spread really thin across all these areas. Trying to do PSP, competing with Nintendo, PSP to DS; competing with us, 360 to PS3, I think it does strain - it would naturally strain any organization."
Of course, Bach was rather more optimistic about Microsoft's chances over the Holiday season, proclaiming that, "The second holiday for Xbox 360 is set up right - we've got the quantities we need, we've got the games we need, and anything I do to distract those guys is probably a bad thing. You have to ask the question, over the life cycle, who has the cost advantage? Who can price most effectively? Who can reach the price points quicker? That has a huge impact on what gets driven."
More corporate cat fighting as it reaches our twitching ears.
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November 28th, 2006, 04:24 Posted By: gunntims0103
news via 1up
Are parts for the system finally cheaper than it sells for? Analyst says 'yes.'
Tech analyst firm iSuppli issued a report where they speculate that Microsoft's Xbox 360 might, just a year after release, cost less to produce than the unit retails for, according to GameIndustry.
The HDD-equipped Xbox 360 has a manufacturing and materials total of US $323.30, based on updated estimate using costs in the fourth quarter of 2006," said the report. "This total is US $75.70 less than the US $399 suggested retail price of the Xbox 360.
The Core pack isn't turning a profit, yet. If just a year after launch when sales for the system have remained relatively sluggish, Microsoft's production costs are lower than their retail price -- that puts them in an enviable position (considering iSuppli guessed that Sony was losing $300 per PS3) going into next year -- which could be one of the best in recent memory in terms of software (both industry-wide and for Microsoft).
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November 27th, 2006, 17:20 Posted By: wraggster
Via eurogamer
Robbie Bach, the president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division, has said that he believes Sony is focusing on too many different areas - and is feeling the strain as a result.
Speaking to the San Jose Mercury News, Bach defended Microsoft's decision to introduce new music player Zune to market, rather than a new gaming handheld.
At present, he said, the company's priority is to make sure that, "The second holiday for Xbox 360 is set up right, that we've got the quantities we need, that we've got the games we need, and anything I do to distract those guys is probably a bad thing.
"I think Sony, frankly, suffers a little bit from this problem, which is they're spread really thin across all these areas. And trying to do PSP, competing with Nintendo, PSP to DS; competing with us, 360 to PS3, I think it does strain - it would naturally strain any organisation," he added.
When it comes to competing with the PlayStation 3, "Right now we are thinking about how to cost reduce the Xbox 360. That seems to be the first order of business," Bach said.
"You have to ask the question, over the life cycle, who has the cost advantage? Who can price most effectively? Who can reach the price points quicker? That has a huge impact on what gets driven.
"Most publishers are doing their initial development work on the Xbox 360. That plays to our benefit. Because we are out there first, we have a bigger installed base of consoles. We can drive down the manufacturing curve sooner and faster. And because we designed a box that was fundamentally easier to manage on costs, we’re going to have that advantage," he concluded.
According to Bach, Xbox 360 will be "a great logical choice" for gamers who want to buy a new console this Christmas season, particularly as PS3 shortages continue - adding, "Our value proposition is just better."
He said that Microsoft's decision not to introduce a 2006 holiday price cut for Xbox 360 "was not that hard", explaining, "When your competitor is supply constrained, it’s not clear what price buys you.
"Sony is going to sell as many units as they can ship in the US. I don’t know that a lower price would make a difference in the outcome. As you go out into later years, cost and price are both important issues."
When asked how long it will be before Microsoft starts making money on Xbox, Bach replied, "To be clear, we have said that in fiscal 08, entertainment and devices makes money. That’s not exactly Xbox. We don’t break profit down by business. And there are parts of entertainment and devices that make money. Xbox doesn’t. Xbox has to make significant progress to enable E&D to get there."
However, Bach added, "We feel we are on track."
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November 27th, 2006, 17:15 Posted By: wraggster
AnythingButiPod took a look at the Zune's AV Cable and surprise, surprise... found it to use yet another unique pinout configuration for pumping audio and video out to the TeeVee. However, this time you don't have to get locked into the vendor-specific accessory game since the Zune AV cable shares the same ground location of both the iPod (video) AV Cable and better yet, those off-the-shelf camcorder cables you probably have sitting around the house. As a result, you can use the other cables as long as you route the cable colors correctly for AV-hookup to your TV: iPod AV cable, swap left and right audio; el cheapo camcorder cable, swap video and right-audio. Unfortunately, in yet another drubbing for PlaysForSure devices, the AV cable which works interchangeably between Archos devices, the Zen Vision Series, Cowon iAudio, and even Toshiba's other DAP -- the Gigabeat -- won't work with the Zune. Not without the help of a Xacto knife, anyway.
More Info
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