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June 1st, 2006, 17:10 Posted By: wraggster
Larger hard drives for 360 on the way - but Xbox compatibility not a priority
Microsoft may consider releasing a larger Xbox 360 hard disk in future - but is unlikely to continue devoting significant resources to making Xbox games work on its next-gen format, according to comments made by the firm's games boss Peter Moore.
Speaking to UK website Kikizo at E3 last month, Moore said that "there's going to be a time when we need to look at what we're doing [with hard disks] - but no announcements now".
"We continue looking at the hard drive, we're looking at the behaviour of what people are doing with their hard drives," Moore had said. "Clearly when you have a million downloads you start looking at what you need to do."
Less promising was Moore's take on backwards compatibility - something Sony claims will be fully functional from the outset on PS3 and conversely something Moore believes doesn't really matter to Xbox 360, despite the furore last E3.
"Nobody is concerned anymore about backwards compatibility. We under promised and over delivered on that. It's a very complicated thing... very complex work. I'm just stunned that we have hundreds of games that are backwards compatible," he said.
That doesn't mean we won't get more backwards-compatible games - indeed, "more are coming" - but "at some point, you just go, there's enough, let's move on, or people aren't as worried about a game being backwards compatible - and I like to think we've upheld our end of the bargain in making at least two or maybe three hundred games backwards compat."
Microsoft came under fire at E3 in May 2005 for its doublespeak over the backward compatibility issue, with the firm declining to commit at the time to any details of how much of the Xbox catalogue would work on the new system - although company spokespeople at the time were adamant that its ultimate goal was to achieve full compatibility.
Via Gamesindustry
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June 1st, 2006, 17:15 Posted By: wraggster
Contrary to popular belief, not all hackers are pale kids who hole up in their parents' basements, listen to techno, and practice identity theft to pay off their energy-drink addictions. For some, the reason for manipulating computers and electronics echoes the words of George Mallory--"Because it is there."
When Microsoft's Xbox 360 hit retailers last November, it quickly became the hacking community's Mount Everest. And according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, it wasn't just because the machine was the newest, shiniest, coolest gadget of the 2005 holiday season.
"It's about overcoming the challenge Microsoft has set out there," Andrew "Bunnie" Huang told WSJ. Microsoft certainly touted the security of its machine during its development, claiming it would be nearly impossible to crack. "[Microsoft has] bragged about the security for the Xbox 360, so now it's like: Well, let's see," Huang said.
Huang was the first to crack the original Xbox back in 2001. Since then, an entire Xbox modding subculture has sprung up, with numerous developers creating dashboards and alternate, often Linux-based, operating systems for the console. Ads offering to physically mod Xboxes are a common sight on Internet classifieds sites like Craigslist.org, with hardware-heads often willing to swap out hard drives and flash BIOSes for a small fee.
While regular Xbox modding has become a cottage industry of sorts, no one has completely solved the Xbox 360 yet. Some progress has been made, though, and Huang thinks it's only a matter of time. "Things are different from a few years ago. The stakes are higher for Microsoft and the hacking community has intensified its efforts."
Via Gamespot
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June 1st, 2006, 17:36 Posted By: wraggster
A US-based research company firmly believes that a move into the handheld market is still a part of Microsoft's long term plan.
The firm, called The Diffusion Group, recently published a report which has the catchy title of On the Future of Portable Game Consoles: Analysis & Forecasts. It outlines how Microsoft is perfectly placed to get involved with the portable gaming market, in which revenues are "expected to reach $3 billion annually by 2008", and how it could be ready to do so in the next couple of years.
The important thing to remember is that this is The Diffusion Group's educated opinion rather than a leaked confirmation, but many maintain such a movie would make perfect sense. Microsoft's strategy to establish itself as the major force in the gaming market has included championing online gaming and beating both Nintendo and Sony to the punch with a next-gen console, so it seems the only thing left for it to do would be to muscle in on the handheld market.
It would also tie in with Microsoft's latest online service, Live Anywhere, which will allow for cross-platform gaming. At the moment, this is intended to unite gamers using consoles, PCs and mobile phones - with only phones providing any portability. But to really get across the 'Anywhere' aspect of the service, a gaming portable like DS or PSP would surely be needed.
Add to this the fact that J Allard, previously the face of everything Xbox, has been conspicuous by his absence recently, leading to further speculation that the Lex Luther look-alike is working on a pocket-sized Xbox.
All speculation of course - and unfortunately the only official line from Microsoft is "we don't have any plans to do anything in the handheld space", which is what Xbox Europe regional vice president Chris Lewis said at this year's E3. But it seems no matter how adamant Microsoft is in its denials, nothing will stop the speculation.
via gamesradar
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June 2nd, 2006, 16:31 Posted By: wraggster
Microsoft has offered a little reassurance to fans of backwards compatibility on Xbox 360, following comments made by the Peter Moore that raised concerns about the future of back 'pat support on the next-gen console.
Moore tickled the hornet's nest when he declared, "Nobody is concerned anymore about backwards compatibility", in an interview with website Kikizo. Speaking further about backwards compatibility on Xbox 360, he said that Microsoft "under promised and over delivered" on the feature and that, while "More [backwards compatible titles] are coming ..at some point you just go, there's enough, let's move on, people aren't as worried about a game being backwards compatible".
Certain parties have taken Moore's comments to mean that Microsoft is very shortly to let the axe fall on backwards compatibility, but a posting made on Gamerscore Blog (an official Microsoft blog site) in response to all the speculation and ranting implies that backwards compatibility is by no means heading to the chopping block any time soon.
In the post, headlined "Backwards Compatibility Update Coming Soon", it's stated that Microsoft's backwards compatibility team is currently "in the testing phase of another update, and it should be out in the next few weeks", with the new back 'pat update featuring "at least a dozen titles".
It goes on the discuss the difficulty of emulating Xbox titles on Xbox 360 and how an originally imagined few dozen 'back compat' titles has become over 200, but the really crucial comment is this: "But rest assured, we're not done yet... We know for a fact that there are lots of people who continue to care about backwards compatibility, including the 'Emulation Ninjas' who are working full time on the updates. And those of us posting on this blog. And, of course, many of you."
So it seems that, while backwards compatibility updates for Xbox 360 will eventually come to an end, the finish line isn't in sight yet. And while we're here, what are your own thoughts on backwards compatibility on Xbox 360? Is it a good thing or, like Peter Moore reckons, are you not really that bothered about it anymore, given the dearth of original Xbox titles on the horizon? Let us know what you think in the comments field below.
via CVG
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June 2nd, 2006, 17:11 Posted By: wraggster
Via Joystiq
Perhaps the most important involves the bundling of the Xbox Live Vision camera with a wired headset, the popular Live Arcade title UNO, and a month of Live Gold service for $39.99 when it releases in the States on September 19, 2006.
Granted, this is still an unofficial report (based on a leak of "official" info), so understand that you're probably not gonna get much confirmation from MS until they're good and ready to give it. If you'd like information on what other peripherals are coming out "Holiday 2006" (so sometime in the 4th quarter) and at what price, read on for more.
- New faceplates featuring Halo, Forza 2, & Viva Pinata for $19.99 each
- Wireless headest with a 30-foot range for $59.99
- 256MB Memory Unit for $59.99
- Wireless gaming receiver for $19.99 (but it'll go on sale in Winter 2007, unlike the others, probably around the month of February)
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June 2nd, 2006, 23:33 Posted By: wraggster
Halo 3, the most anticipated game for Xbox 360, could have been shown in a playable, multiplayer form at last month's E3 games show, according to developer Bungie. The only glimpse of next-gen Halo available at the show was the first ever trailer, despite the game being solid enough for gamers to go hands-on.
"Some people don't know that we had the option to let people play multiplayer [Halo 3]," Marty O'Donnell, the composer of Halo 3's musical score, told website Xbox Evolved.
With Halo 3 not due for release until next year, it looks like we'll have to wait quite some time before getting an idea of how Master Chief's new adventure is shaping up.
via gamesradar
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June 3rd, 2006, 12:39 Posted By: wraggster
Neodiscs.com have informed me they have the Xbox 360 Core System + TS-H943 DVD
Heres the info:
*FREE NEXT DAY SHIPPING* We are now supplying the Xbox 360 Core system with the guarantee that it has the saught after Toshiba/Samsung TS-H943 DVD Drive.
The core system is supplied with 1 wired controller & RGB an AV cable. Please note this system is PAL (UK).
FREE NEXT DAY SHIPPING is offered on this item to UK customers only.
Xbox 360 System Performance Specifications
Inputs/Outputs
* Memory Unit ports (2)
* USB ports (2 front, 1 rear)
* Ethernet port
* AV Port
* DC IN power port
* IR remote receiver
* Wireless: 2.4 GHz Digital Spread Spectrum (up to four players)
Custom PowerPC-based CPU
* 3 symmetrical cores running at 3.2 GHz
* 2 hardware threads per core (6 hardware threads total)
* 1 MB L2 cache
* 2.7GHz Front Side Bus
Custom ATI Graphics
* Processor 500 MHz clock speed
* 10 MB embedded DRAM (256GB/s)
* 48-way parallel floating-point dynamically scheduled shader pipelines
* Unified shader architecture
Memory
* 512 MB GDDR3 RAM
* Unified memory architecture
DVD Drive
* Model# TS-H943
Buy at Neodiscs.com
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June 4th, 2006, 19:16 Posted By: wraggster
Thanks to the folks at the Gamerscore Blog, we've learned that the next Xbox back compat update "should be out in the next few weeks."
In his earlier blast against BC, Peter Moore proclaimed that nobody is concerned about it anymore, but thankfully the gentler Gamerscore peeps have set the record straight, stating: "We know for a fact that there are lots of people who continue to care about backwards compatibility, including the 'Emulation Ninjas' who are working full time on the updates. And those of us posting on this blog. And, of course, many of you."
We suppose quarterly updates to the BC list aren't TOO bad (hey, they sure beat semiannual dashboard updates), but getting more than a dozen titles to work each time would definitely help a lot more for those with original Xbox favorites they'd prefer to play on their new machines. Personally, this blogger would like to see the following titles added to the list: Dead or Alive Ultimate, Doom 3, Capcom vs. SNK 2, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Project Gotham Racing 2, LEGO Star Wars, Street Fighter Anniversary Collection, Soul Calibur II, and Capcom Classics Collection. It may not be realistic to expect Street Fighter support when Hyper Fighting is set to hit Live Arcade sometime in the near future, but one can (vainly) hope.
Via Joystiq
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June 5th, 2006, 17:08 Posted By: wraggster
Bungie's revealed it plans to publish a behind-the-scenes style Halo 3 documentary that "shows the process and people involved" in whipping that E3 trailer into shape.
Considering the documentary's subject matter and the fact that it's described as a "short", don't expect any super massive major revelations although the developer has said there'll be "never before seen scenes (think angles, really) from the trailer". Ooh...
Apparently,the documentary was supposed to be a nice surprise, but Halo music composer Marty O'Donnell pretty much let the cat out the bag leading Bungie to confirm that it's on its way at the end of last week.
Bungie's not given a release date for the documentary so far, merely saying it's "upcoming" - so for now, all we can say is: keep 'em peeled.
Via CVG
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June 5th, 2006, 17:25 Posted By: wraggster
Divineo China have this new product for the Xbox 360:
Reincarnation. An unusual philosophy if you are developing new products. But Talismoon knows what OEM fans want when they get reincarnated - to be better performing and better looking. The new Talismoon Whisper Xbox 360 Replacement Fan moves 58% more air than the original, yet is 7% quieter. And the stellar blue lights are enough to seduce any Xbox 360 into doing something it definitely won't regret in the morning. Let your Xbox 360 hear the secrets of a new Whisper.
Buy at Divineo China
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June 6th, 2006, 22:43 Posted By: wraggster
Xbox 360 has received what Microsoft terms a "vigorous system-wide update", the company splurging no less than 125 upgrades for its next-gen console which are now (or very shortly today) available for free via Xbox Live Silver and Gold levels of service.
Proudly declaring that the new update contains "features and enhancements adding to Xbox 360's sheer power, stunning high-definition graphics, rich online capabilities and innovative media offerings delivering a digital gaming and entertainment experience that simply can't be matched" - phew! - Microsoft informs that it's 'no hard drive required' to take advantage of the update and that it'll take under a minute to download the update and gain access to all the new stuff.
A full list of the content in the update can be found on the official Xbox website, but here's a few of the new features that Microsoft is highlighting:
Xbox Live Marketplace Enhancements
New background download manager gives gamers the ability to queue up and download six high definition items at a time including playable game demos, Xbox Live Arcade games, music videos and movie trailers while actively playing games or browsing the dashboard. As an added benefit, if gamers engage in multiplayer gameplay while downloads are in process, the new background download manager will automatically pause the download queue until the multiplayer session is complete ensuring a continuously optimal gameplay experience.
Updated Xbox Live Marketplace menus makes it easier for players to find and store all of their gaming and entertainment content. This includes the addition of new menus for media and entertainment content as well as enhanced menus making it easier for gamers to find what's new in each section as well as a quick view at all downloads by category.
Full remote control features for Xbox Live Marketplace videos allow gamers to fast forward and rewind at various speeds (2X-16X) during all videos downloaded from Marketplace.
Music Player Improvements
Custom background music now continues to play without interruption during game loads and when transitioning from game to game or disc content.
During music play, the music playback screen now showcase the artist, song title and time remaining on the song along with a visualizer showing which song on the playlist or album is currently playing.
DVD Movie Playback Upgrades
DVD movie bookmarking now allows gamers to pause a movie at any point, put in a game for gameplay and return to the movie at the exact point it left off.
Improved DVD movie playback for a smoother, higher quality viewing experience, including additional VGA support.
Via CVG
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June 6th, 2006, 22:55 Posted By: wraggster
Classic ZX Spectrum game Jetpac heading to Microsoft's Live Arcade? Well, that's the rumour floating around the internet anyway, and one that carries a strong whiff of possibility considering it was created by Rare - albeit under the developer's former moniker Ultimate - Play the Game.
Jetpac was a 2D platform-shoot-'em-up released in 1983 that saw a jet-packed space man attempting to construct a spaceship, fill it with fuel and blast off from a planet surface while under assault from a variety of bizarre enemies.
Microsoft was unavailable for comment on the Jetpac on Live Arcade rumour at the time of writing, so for now we'll just have to label it, erm, rumour. However, if it turns out to be true, then it wouldn't be too wild a bit of speculation to suggest the likes of Ultimate Speccy gems Underwurlde, Sabre Wulf, Lunar Jetman, Knight Lore and Alien 8 will hit Live Arcade too. Superb, this is one rumour we hope has a lot of foundation in fact.
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June 6th, 2006, 22:58 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA:
Long lasting colored flourescent bulb glows beautifully inside your case. This unit plugs conveniently right into the internal xbox power. No soldering is required. Standard configuration has light turn on and off with xbox.
Installation requires removal of internal metal shield, clearing of OEM jewel, and cutting a hole underneath the jewel. Complete instructions are included.
Buy At Divineo USA
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June 6th, 2006, 23:49 Posted By: wraggster
New Xbox360 Released:
The hit tennis game returns for another victory on Xbox 360â„¢, and everything you loved is back and better than ever! Top Spinâ„¢ 2 serves up 24 top-ranked athletes like Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, all four Grand Slams, a multi-season career, and a set of new risk and advanced shots, making this game an unbeatable ace!
Developed by 2KGames, Top Spin 2 for Xbox360â„¢ is shipping today as NTSC/J encoded Asia version game at US$ 39.90 only.
Game features:
Top professionals: Take on, play as, or team up with 24 of the world’s top-ranked professionals, such as Maria Sharapova, Andy Roddick, Roger Federer, Venus Williams, Lindsay Davenport, Lleyton Hewitt Carlos Moya, Tommy Haas, James Blake, Elena Dementieva, Amelie Mauresmo, and many more!
Digital Identityâ„¢: Create realistic player models and customize them with the highest level of detail with hairstyles, sweatbands, shirts, shorts, shoes, and more.
On-court antics: Taunt your opponents with in-game smack talk, argue line calls, or raise your hands in celebration.
Breathtaking visuals: Silky smooth animations, vibrant colors, and shockingly high resolutions delivers illustrious depictions of players, stadiums, crowds, and tracksides, bringing next-gen tennis to life on Xbox 360.
Innovative gameplay: Play your style of tennis with a variety of shots including slices, drops, chops, lobs, and drives. Top Spin 2 adds depth with a number of risk shots and advanced controls, giving you the ability to pick apart your opponent piece by piece.
Online matches: Challenge other players around the nation with online play.
More info -->http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...9-en-84-n.html
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June 7th, 2006, 18:29 Posted By: scorpei
Devil 360: Modchip for the Xbox 360
This news I saw flying around at tweakers.net, some people might be very happy with this.
>> original news at: http://www.xbox-scene.com/index.php?...yuFFEkegQerZEd
Devil360team:
"Our server is currently down due the huge amount of hits we received yesterday. We will move to more powerful servers and we hope to be back online tomorrow.
The Devil360 will be a modchip for the Xbox 360 console, the 'small' security hole has been found! This device is in no way related to the DVD firmware exploits - it's a totally different approach.
However we did not manage to get the product ready for today (6/6/6), because we are working hard on improving it to:
* Try to protect it from any type of update
* Make it programmable via PC
* Boot unsigned code
* Allow to swap HD with larger drive with a special interface between the 360 and the HD (all types IDE/SATA).
* And more...
We understand, certainly after the ICE modchip story, that people will not easily believe this so we will send prototypes to some scene sites as soon as they are ready, so they can confirm it's real.
The modchip will be sold without any code.
We also discovered some shops already take pre-orders for this product. Do not pre-order it!
We did not announce any distributors yet and the device will not go on pre-order until at least after the prototypes have been tested/reviewed by independent sites."
Official Site: http://www.devil360.com (down at the time of writing)
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June 7th, 2006, 22:11 Posted By: wraggster
Bungie has released the Halo 3 documentary 'short' that it confirmed was in the pipeline earlier in the week. Delivered in video form, the documentary takes us behind the scenes of the creation of the trailer for the sequel that Microsoft showed at this year's E3.
"In this fascinating short," explains the developer, "you'll see some of the teamwork, thought processes and imagination that went into this Halo 3 teaser. You'll see the actual orchestra and choir session, some of the in-studio production work and interviews with some of the key folks who worked on the E3 presentation. You won't see everyone - lots of folks who slaved over hot keyboards to make this trailer a reality were simply too busy to be interviewed - and to them, our heartfelt appreciation."
Advertisement:Included in the documentary is "some footage from the trailer that didn't make the cut", along with "angles and views from the real-time footage that we kept for this piece". Bungie also informs that, if we look really, really carefully at the documentary, we can glimpse a hint of things to come - "Nothing too dramatic, but the fans will spot stuff, of that we're certain".
You can view the Halo 3 documentary by clicking on the moving thumbnail up on the right.
Movie at CVG
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June 7th, 2006, 22:28 Posted By: wraggster
Speaking at the Wall Street Journal's 'D: All Things Digital' conference, Sony's CEO Howard Stringer let slip that he's more than a bit preoccupied with Microsoft's Xbox 360.
While talking about the success of Sony's Da Vinci Code movie, Stringer revealed, "It also beat Xbox 3 in Europe in its second weekend", of course meaning to say "X-men 3". Apparently, when his mistake was pointed out, Stringer laughingly replied, "There's an obsession!"
However, as the interview went on, Stringer elaborated on his respect for Microsoft's next-gen console and Bill Gates in particular: "God I walked into that, didn't I [...] Look, the skill of Bill Gates is he's so brilliant at his detail that when he slips in the salesmanship, most of us think: oh my God, he must be right. [...] He talked on the one hand, and I loved it, he talked about Vista [being] delayed as if the delay was normal, and then he started mocking me for delaying PS3."
On a more serious note, Stringer also found time to address the high price of Sony's next-gen console. "It's got more bells and whistles than a 747", Stringer explained. "That Cell processor is extraordinarily powerful and you have nine hours of high definition on the Blu-ray disks alone [...] The reason it's expensive, instead of concentrating on just the games player, which would have been done in the past, PlayStation 3 is designed to go somewhere else, where it's the center of the living room".
It's a slightly more direct response to the question that's been on gamer's lips everywhere. Rather than the usual glib "Well, it's cheap for a Blu-ray player"-type statements we've been hearing from Sony execs recently, Stringer laid his cards down, explaining Sony is keen to reach beyond the traditionally limiting games machine/gamer model. "It's part of the new digital strategy," Stringer continued, "to try and create a new software mentality in Tokyo because it's quite clear that we've been an analog company migrating to digital with some difficulty."
Via CVG
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June 7th, 2006, 22:44 Posted By: wraggster
Last November, Midway announced that it was stepping into the ring with the up-and-coming federation TNA Wrestling and going after THQ's undisputed US wrestling game championship. But instead of the wild, chair-throwing, body-slamming, pull-apart brawl that usually follows such a revelation in the world of pro wrestling, there's been very little movement on TNA iMPACT! (working title) since.
However, grappling gamers looking forward to the title will be pleased to learn that development on the game "geared up in a major way" last week, according to a news post on the official site of TNA Wrestling. According to the federation, Midway is set to brainstorm ideas for the game with Samoa Joe and AJ Styles, a pair of stars from the company's high-flying, hard-hitting "X-Division." According to TNA, both are hardcore gamers.
The visual side of the game is also set to be defined soon, as Styles and Jeff Jarrett will be undergoing motion-capture sessions for the game at Midway's Los Angeles studio. Styles and Jarrett will be the first characters designed in the game, with "many more" to come.
The news post also mentions that the game "will be available for all new generation systems including Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3." Midway's original announcement of the game also mentioned that it had the exclusive rights to publish PC and handheld games based on the federation as well.
The game is currently being developed at Midway's LA studio, which worked on Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks. Before it was acquired by the publisher, it was known as Paradox Development, creators of the Backyard Wrestling series of games.
Via Gamespot
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June 8th, 2006, 17:24 Posted By: wraggster
Bungie Studios has announced that its award-winning and phenomenally successful Xbox title, Halo 2, has surpassed an astonishing milestone with more than half a billion online games played on Xbox Live.
The game has been breaking records from the outset, racking up more than 1.5 million pre-orders leading up to its November 2004 release, selling in excess of 6.4 million units worldwide in just a few months following launch and clocking more than 90 million cumulative gameplay hours on Xbox Live.
A statement on developer Bungie Studios' website reads: "To clarify - that's actual games, not player-sessions. That also doesn't include games we lost because the website was down, or through other technical issues."
Halo 2 has regularly topped the list of most popular Xbox Live games, surpassing several new titles with multiplayer elements for Microsoft's next-generation Xbox 360 console. The game is not only fully compatible with the new console, but has also been given a graphical overhaul to take advantage of High Definition display.
The recent E3 expo saw the debut of a trailer for the forthcoming Halo 3, which was made available for download via Xbox Live and swiftly became one of the most popular content downloads on the service.
Via Gamesindustry
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June 8th, 2006, 17:36 Posted By: wraggster
Divineo China and Divineo UK have posted that they have the Connectivity Kit for Xbox 360 in stock now:
The kings of Xbox modding make their debut on the Xbox 360 with the 'Xecuter 360 Connectivity Kit'. With the Xbox 360 firmware hack being released, modders across the world have searched for hardware to make the process of implementing the firmware hack less strenuous and more user friendly. Step in...Team Xecuter! Their brand new, high quality 'Xecuter 360 Connectivity Kit' features not one but two great pieces of equipment. Included in the kit is an optical disc drive adapter (ODD) so that means you will not have to have your beloved 360 hooked up to your PC, no fuss of moving all your equipment across rooms and dragging around that huge 360 power supply! As part of the ODD adapter, advanced features such as a debug mode which allows an ODD to be recognised in Windows/Linux without any special firmware - meaning you don't have to flash the xtreme0800 firmware to get Windows to recognise the drive or to rip files, one less firmware to flash and ultimately one less chance of screwing up the process! If you don't have a spare ODD lying around, and let's face it the majority of us don't then this is a really useful piece of kit. As if that wasn't enough, Team Xecuter have also bundled in a FREE SATA hard drive adapter for the Xbox 360, so now you can hook up your hard drive to your PC without opening your Xbox 360 case in conjunction with freely available software such as Xplorer 360.
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June 8th, 2006, 19:05 Posted By: wraggster
Tesco sure know how to stir up the games industry, heres a snippet from an article from mcvuk:
discounted titles, pre-orders of upcoming games for discounted rates and listings of backwardly compatible Xbox software – all at a reduced price.
“The supermarkets are simply going to go this way on all formats,†commented Third Place owner Matt Allen, who owns one shop directly opposite a neighbouring Tesco store site.
“It has affected our 360 sales – people have a look around in our shop, and then we can see them cross the road over to Tesco’s. The only advantage we have is that we part-exchange. But with them doing everything for £5 less it is hard to expect shoppers to buy from us.â€
Via MCVuk
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June 9th, 2006, 16:56 Posted By: wraggster
Rumours that have been sparked by a scan allegedly taken of a 'leaked' magazine page appearing on the 'net would have us believe that there's a particularly bounteous summer ahead for Xbox Live Marketplace.
Precisely which magazine the scan is supposed to have come from we've no idea as it's not been named - we're guessing the scan is supposed to be of a page appearing in the mystery publication's next issue - but it details content scheduled to appear on Marketplace between May 2006 and September 2006, and its cost in Microsoft points. A number of reports on the scan are taking the information given at face value, presumably because some of the Marketplace content mentioned in the scan is now available, and it may well be accurate although we'd have that pinch of salt to hand.
Anyway, top picks appearing in the scan include a Kameo 'hardcore package', due apparently next month for 500 Microsoft Points that introduces harder versions of single-player and co-op modes and a new co-op game type among other things, Project Gotham Racing 3 'Package B' - due July for 500 Microsoft Points - that features five new cars, 'Cat and Mouse' game mode and 'Proximity Based Racing' mode and a second map pack for Perfect Dark Zero, featuring "large maps" and also out July for 500 Microsoft Points.
In addition, a number of titles heading to Xbox Live Arcade are mentioned in the scan. Street Fighter 2 is down as a June release for Live Arcade, costing 400 Microsoft Points. And then we have Cloning Clyde (July, 800 MPs), Frogger (August/September, 400 MPs), Lumines Live (August/September, 1200 MPs), Roboblitz (August/September, 800 MPs) and finally Pac-Man (August/September, 400 MPs).
So there you have it. Should the scan be on the money, then there's going to be plenty of fruity gaming goodness dripping its juice on Marketplace over the next three to four months. But due to the scan's somewhat dubious origins, we'll file the information it spouts on new inbound content in our rumour drawer for the time being.
Via CVG
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June 10th, 2006, 11:13 Posted By: wraggster
News has broken that THQ has acquired the rights to publish a version of Tetris for Xbox 360 outside Japan following the settling of differences between the publisher and The Tetris Company.
THQ had previously entered into a legal dispute with The Tetris Company, claiming that it had breached a contract with the publisher which resulted in the axe falling on THQ's planned release of a Tetris game for Nintendo DS. THQ's scoring of rights to deliver an Xbox 360 Tetris title comes as part of the settlement between the two companies.
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June 10th, 2006, 11:20 Posted By: wraggster
While the Game Developers Conference has proven a popular venue to examine various aspects of the gaming industry for years, there are emerging trends and topics that could support more robust discussion than is afforded by the one or two GDC sessions they are able to carve out. To give those topics their due, GDC organizers The CMP Game Group established the Focus On series--specialized summits designed to bring the key players in a number of emerging trends together to provide a deeper look at issues that will affect the industry in years to come.
The Focus On series begins today with the Game Advertising Summit. And to deliver the keynote address, the GDC turned to Kevin Brown, Microsoft's general manager of Xbox new media and franchise development. Brown is working to facilitate the flow of advertising to the Xbox platforms, but he also heads the effort to get Microsoft properties such as Halo and Viva Pinata licensed out to become movies, TV shows, and the like.
Brown opened his GDC Focus On keynote presentation with a disclaimer for the audience, journalists in particular: "I will make a bunch of statements that are rhetorical questions that I hope we can deal with seriously as an industry," Brown cautioned. "Please don't write that Kevin Brown said to drop your prices so we can get a bigger audience, because I'm not saying that. I'm asking a question--a valid question--about whether we can attract 10s of millions of gamers to an advertising business when we charge $60."
For most of the next 50 minutes, Brown talked about what "needs" to happen and what is "essential" for in-game advertising to reach its potential. But when Brown hit the part of his presentation he feared would be misreported, he was quick to note he didn't have all the answers to his questions. To start, he laid out some perspective, pointing out that the worldwide gaming industry right now is roughly $25 billion a year, while advertising, as an industry, spends some $378 billion a year to convey branding and marketing messages to consumers--with media-buying expenditures expected to grow six to eight percent every year, near-term.
"When you think about it, a fairly small shift in advertiser behavior could replace all the revenue that we generate today," Brown said. "We could be a totally ad-funded business if we could figure out how to do that. We could double the size of our industry by 2010 by finding the right mix."
Brown also saw some other possibilities for taking advantage of the advertising industry, in ways that could potentially revolutionize the game biz. He wondered if publishers should look at advertising as the extra $1-per-unit that could help a borderline title reach profitability, or something more.
"Could you as a publisher think about your business and say 'I'm going to price so that I can attract 10 times the customers I have today and be able to make it up on ads,'" Brown asked.
He also wondered if advertising could help create more flexible and fluid release windows for games. Right now, movies get a theatrical run, pay-cable TV, DVD release, and home broadcasting. Increased revenue from in-game advertising might be able keep publishers from feeling like they have to get all their revenues in the first six weeks of sale and make staggered releases in different windows more feasible for publishers.
That's what Brown thinks might happen. But he also discussed plenty of things he said needed to happen. To describe those, he broke the interested parties into three groups: gamers, advertisers/ad agencies, and developers/publishers.
"For us to make any progress at all, the things that you do have to provide benefits for all three," Brown said.
For gamers, the first rule is to "do no harm," Brown said. He emphasized that relevant advertising and providing bonuses like sponsored tournaments and original content were helpful in winning them over, and said that consumers these days are actually quite receptive to advertising; they just want to dictate how they get it and in what form.
"Think about this consumer as somebody not to vomit all over with messages," Brown said, "but rather to engage in a discussion."
Appealing to advertisers and ad agencies requires a different tack. Brown stressed the need for accountability and devising methodologies for tracking not just whether ads are being seen, but who they're being seen by. Advertisers need assurances that they are hitting their target market.
For the developers and publishers, Brown said they want advertising relevant to the game just like their consumers. Ads have to provide them with revenue to offset their development costs, but Brown brought up ease of implementation as a key issue facing the in-game ad sector.
In the rhetorical part of his presentation, Brown proposed a scenario where car manufacturer Volvo was debuting a new vehicle and wanted to run an ad campaign in all the big new games over a six-month period surrounding the car's release.
"If you were Volvo and you were trying to get into 30 or 40 games over a six-month period today, you'd very likely be doing at least 20 unique deals and doing 30 separate projects with 30 separate game teams," Brown said. "That's impossible. Nobody's going to do that."
Brown said it was necessary to set standards for signs, video, audio, 3D objects, and file formats to be used across multiple games and a variety of platforms. He advocated developing tools that would put the burden of the work on the ad agencies. Not only are they more used to handling the entire creative process end-to-end when working in other media, but it would also resolve other significant issues. For example, with ad agencies handling the grunt work, there wouldn't be different artists on each development team trying to create 3D models of the car while juggling their regular duties on already-tight schedules.
While Brown is convinced of what needs to happen for the in-game ad market to realize its potential, he was quick to mention some additional unresolved issues. For example, he wasn't sure how willing developers would be to set aside memory for things like interactive ads, or how amenable they'd be to letting advertisers drop content directly into their games.
Then, there was "the big question of how we work together as platform owners to make sure that we can aggregate an audience that's really big and interesting for advertisers." Brown said neither Sony nor Microsoft would be able to single-handedly take the in-game advertising industry to the $700 million mark it's projected to reach by 2010.
That sort of willingness of competitors to work with each other is the big unknown, according to Brown. He discussed Microsoft's recent acquisition of in-game ad serving firm Massive as an example, and, in closing his keynote, said the company was committed to remaining platform-agnostic going forward. Massive already serves ads for Sony Online Entertainment titles PlanetSide and The Matrix Online.
Check back soon for more coverage from the Game Advertising Summit. The next GDC Focus On event is the Game Outsourcing Summit, scheduled to be held August 14 in LA.
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June 10th, 2006, 11:56 Posted By: wraggster
The 360's 180 was one of the main reasons US game sales for May 2006 were only $286 million, 10 percent below May 2005. NPD figures also fingered weaker-than-expected sales of titles for the PSP, which has seen its momentum slow in recent months. The report also said that sales of DS titles were weaker than expected, even though the number one game for the month was New Super Mario Bros., which generated nearly $9.5 million in sales all by itself.
Overall, what NPD terms "current-generation" software--Xbox, GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Game Boy Advance games--slid $96 million to just $188 million for the month, versus May 2005. "Next-generation" software--Xbox 360, DS, and PSP games--hauled in a combined $98 million, far below Wedbush Morgan Securties' analyst Michael Pachter's estimates.
And, according to Pachter, May may only be the beginning. "We think that this trend foreshadows continuing weak sales until the holidays, as we expect continued monthly year-over-year declines of 30-40 percent for current-generation software sales, with next-generation software sales growth failing to offset these declines," he wrote in a report issued today.
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June 11th, 2006, 02:25 Posted By: wraggster
Release from a600
This port is based on JFDuke3D and it was possible thanks to the SDLx libs by Lantus, Jonof and Mephisto. Copy duke3d.grp, defs.con, game.con, user.con to the folder where you installed xDuke
This port supports HDTV modes but it you want to use the 720p mode, you must run the default720.xbe or rename it to default.xbe
Known Bugs:
* Polymost renderer has some minor graphic glitches (this is a JFDuke3D bug)
More Info --> http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=518903
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June 11th, 2006, 02:27 Posted By: wraggster
Release from a600
This port is based on JFShadowWarrior and it was possible thanks to the SDLx libs by Lantus, Jonof and Mephisto. Copy sw.grp to the folder where you installed xShadow. This port supports HDTV modes but it you want to use the 720p mode, you must run the default720.xbe or rename it to default.xbe
Known Bugs:
* Polymost renderer has some minor graphic glitches (this is a JFShadowWarrior bug)
More Info --> http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=518903
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June 12th, 2006, 21:51 Posted By: wraggster
The graphically-stunning fifth instalment in the Virtua Fighter series has finally been confirmed for PS3, and these new Arcade gameplay videos offer a glimpse of what we should probably expect to see running on Sony's next-gen hardware.
The arcade cabinet on display at this year's E3 had queues sprawling across Sega's E3 booth, where gamers braved the great unwashed for a chance to try out the two new characters, El Blaze and Eileen. Along with these fresh additions to the roster, 15 classic fighters will return in VF5, each customisable with four unique costumes and a selection of attachable items obtained through the in-game shop. We hope they've got the lucha libre wrestling mask in stock.
Virtua Fighter 5 is currently penned for release on PS3 early next year. For now though, you'll have to hunt out a fully-stocked arcade to get your Virtua Fighter fix.
Movies HERE
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June 12th, 2006, 21:58 Posted By: wraggster
Proving once again that it's committed to the feature, Microsoft has got a fresh 360 backwards compatibility update primed for release this week, according to games boss Peter Moore.
Speaking in a Podcast with Microsoft's infamous internet spokesman Major Nelson, Moore - as well as revealing that he's an avid CVG reader - says that "20 titles or more" of the original Xbox games will be made 360-friendly in the next BC update, including Doom 3 and Lego Star Wars. According to Moore the update is undergoing final testing at Microsoft, and should be out sometime this week.
We're going to continue to get as close as we can to our stated target of every Xbox game being backwards compatible with the Xbox 360," states Moore in the Major Nelson Podcast. "There's a very talented team right here in the Redmond campus that are working on [backwards compatibility] and they'll continue to work on that, and more and more games we'll be announced over this calendar year and going forward."
So if Moore's wishes come true we might be able to completely remove the big black Xbox from under the telly; keep your eyes on Xbox Live.
Via CVG.
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June 12th, 2006, 22:04 Posted By: wraggster
One of the new features introduced by the recent Xbox 360 update which slipped under the radar somewhat has been highlighted by an eagle-eyed forum poster on Neogaf.com.
"Crunker99" writes that you can clear the console's cache by doing the following: "Go to the system blade and then memory. Press Y on either the HDD or a MU and then press X, X, Left Bumper, Right Bumper, X, X.
"Once you do this a blade will pop up saying: This will perform maintenance on your Xbox 360 storage devices. Do you want to continue? Pick yes or no."
You want to be careful, though - speaking to 1up, a Microsoft representative warned: "The HDD cache clearing feature is a part of the Xbox 360 technical support process and is only supported in those instances.
"While the cache clearing operation will not harm or render your inoperable, it should only be used when instructed by the Microsoft customer support staff."
If you're having trouble with your console, MS says, your first port of call should be the Xbox 360 helpline (0800 587 1102 if you live in the UK).
Via Eurogamer
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June 12th, 2006, 22:24 Posted By: wraggster
The war of words between Sony and Microsoft has peaked again, with European Xbox chief Neil Thompson savaging the PlayStation 3 as representing little more than a shiny new DVD player. In what is perhaps the most savage attack on the new Sony machine recorded to date, Thompson paints the rival console as little more than a new Betamax platform.
Speaking exclusively to SPOnG, he said, "I think [Sony] has missed the ball, in that it’s not really a next-generation games player – it’s a next-generation DVD player. For us, that’s great news, because we think we make the next-generation games console." Thompson continues, "We’ve got the content to back that up, we’ve got Xbox Live to back that up, we’ve got price-points that are very compelling. If gamers are desperate to get the next-generation DVD player, then they’ll start considering Blu-Ray and the PS3. But Sony is the company that brought us Betamax, MiniDisc and UMD – I’m not convinced people today will go and bet the farm on buying a Blu-Ray disc.â€
Of course, assessing the relative successes of the formats is a somewhat deeper process than it appears. Betamax was a commercial flop, though it should have been the lead platform for home use, simply because it was better, smaller and much more capable than the VHS monster we were lumped with. SPOnG also doubts Sony is licking any deep wounds from MiniDisc. Although pre-recorded sales failed catastrophically, sales of players and recorders offered a healthy business to Sony's portable consumer electronics wing. To claim UMD is a failure is, of course, a biased statement, not reflective of the performance of the PSP-driving disc. Although pre-recorded movie sales failed, as most users quickly realised they could transfer content from their DVDs for watching on PSP, game sales have certainly not been hampered. The lack of software for the PSP has resulted in strong demand for everything coming available for Sony's budding platform.
Via Spong
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June 12th, 2006, 22:30 Posted By: wraggster
New Game release from SuccessHK
Building on the successes of its Xbox predecessors, MotoGP '06 re-launches the franchise on Xbox 360. Gamers will be met with new tracks, bike models, refined handling and Live! functionality, making this a truly fresh and aspirational title for even the most hardened fans of the series. MotoGP '06 will launch with the current 2006 season data, giving an unprecedented accuracy to the real sport, in addition to visual effects that surpass any racing title to date. All extreme mode circuits have been revamped, streamlined for speed and fast-flowing racing action. Customize and ride all new extreme bikes in street racing action from the gleaming skyscrapers of Rio de Janeiro to the jagged mountains of Tuscany.
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June 14th, 2006, 22:36 Posted By: Hawq
Its an adaptor for putting a LG-8164 (PC) drive into your Xbox as a replacement for an old broken/error prone DVD drive, usefull eh? well ok it wont read original discs yet but for those of you running your homebrew from CD or DVD this is a good thing as it'll bring you faster load times and they are working on a firmware to load original discs.
The bad news? well you will have to open the drive & do a little soldering but it doesnt look like too much and since the old LG 8163b (the previous drive that could be modded) isnt made anymore this is the next best thing.
The advantages to using this? I'm glad you asked as here they are:
* The Xbox disc reading ability will greatly improve
* Full support; CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-R, DVD+R
* Faster read speeds, which means faster load speeds
* Cheap solution
* Compatible with all Xbox versions v1.0-1.6x
Read more about it & see what soldering is needed at the homepage. If you like the idea you can get them from Yoxbox Europe or patxbox360 Canada & America.
News courtesy of Xbox-scene
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June 15th, 2006, 10:59 Posted By: SmashinGit
This is taken from www.360monster.com
The hype surrounding Street Fighter 2 is now starting to pick up steam and many are speculating that the game like so many other arcade titles will appear out of thin air on the marketplace.
Sadly Capcom revealed to 1up that they would be announcing a release date and they wouldn't just chuck the new game onto the marketplace once its finished. Many arcade titles have just randomly appeared online and have been found by gamers mostly by luck, Capcom will not be doing the same with SFII:HF.
Despite all the delays many gamers are still gagging for the new title which has no official release date. Keep an eye out for news on the games release date and review here at 360Monster.
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June 18th, 2006, 02:52 Posted By: wraggster
Snes Emulator for the Xbox Updated, heres whats new:
save GUI background audio (v1.6)
FINALLY fixed the bug where supported games would sometimes not start or crash the XBOX.
Added support for HD modes 720p and 1080i. These are only selectable if the correct cables are used and are enabled in the dashboard. 480i/480p is still the default video mode used unless it is changed. These take affect immediately and both the GUI and the in game emulation are rendered in these resolutions. This setting is saved to the ini, so if something doesn't work, you can always delete the ini to have ZsnexBox start in 480i/480p. If you have a problem with the default 480p/480i code and you have support for 720p or 1080i, you can change this line in the ZsnexBox.ini
HDMode=X (X is 1 for 720p or 2 for 1080i)
Removed the width limitation of the ROM browser when the video mode is set to 720p or 1080i.
New video filters added: None - with 25% scanlines ; None - with 50% scanlines ; None - with 100% scanlines ; Interpolation ; Interpolation - with 25% scanlines ; Interpolation - with 50% scanlines ; Interpolation - with 100% scanlines ; High resolution Mode 7 ; Advance MAME 2X with High resolution Mode 7 (very CPU intensive) ; Simple 2X with High resolution Mode 7
Added 3 key combinations. They are: L Trigger + Back = Save State ; R Trigger + Back = Load State ; Back + Start = Exit Emulation
Added option to disable key combinations in the General Options menu.
Lowered the default background music volume.
Added two more sound effects to the GUI
Added support for New Graphics Engine Enabled/Disabled (needed to fix graphics problems in some games like Fatal Fury Special, Super Punchout, and others). This can only be changed after a game is started.
Added option for Old Graphics Mode 2
Added option for greyscale rendering (can only be set before a game is started)
When exiting a game a small screenshot is displayed on the options menu
Screenshot saving added. All previous previews must be copied to the "prev" folder that is created in E:snexBox.
Added option to take low resolution (256x224) or high resolution/filtered (512x448) screenshots. For the fastest rom browsing use low resolution screenshots.
Added option to hide file extensions in the ROM browser
Added option to display zip file contents when ROM browsing. There is a small lag with this feature turned on.
Added reverse stereo to the sound options menu.
MUCH faster screenshot preview loading
Added option to change the max number of Rewind states (0-25 states). Rewind states should be set to 0 if not using the rewind feature. This will increase the emulation speed.
Added option to change the time interval between rewind states (0-40 half seconds).
Added option to disable the in game volume control
Added Pro Action Replay code support. Up to 15 codes per game can be used. These can be entered/edited in the emulator and are saved to the cheat directory (created by ZsnexBox).
Game.par = Name of the cheat file
The contents of Game.par are:
AAAAAAAA:B:Enter Code Description Here (27 characters max)
AAAAAAAA = The Pro Action Replay Code
B = On (1) or Off (0)
15 entries can be added to this file or created in the emulator.
Added Game Genie code support. Up to 15 codes per game can be used. These can be entered/edited in the emulator and are saved to the cheat directory (created by ZsnexBox).
Game.ggn = Name of the cheat file
The contents of Game.ggn are:
AAAAAAAA:B:Enter Code Description Here (27 characters max)
AAAAAAAA = The Game Genie Code (Do not put the "-". i.e. AAAAAAAA is correct but AAAA-AAAA is NOT correct)
B = On (1) or Off (0)
Up to 15 entries can be added to this file or created in the emulator. If
you create the file outside of ZsnexBox, you don't have to type all 15
entries in the file. Make sure you hit "Enter" once after the last cheat
code line.
Added reset game to the options menu
Removed the dimmed screen image used in screen resizing.
When resizing the screen, the left analog moves the screen (with a locked aspect ratio) and the right analog stick resizes it.
Better menu separation.
Added a separate menu for: Video Options, Sound Options, General Options, Controller Options, GUI Options, Cheat Codes (Only available after a game is started)
Pressing "B" on any screen will return to the previous screen.
Most values in the option screens can be increased with "A" and decreased with "X"
Button "Y" is used to access the Options screen from the ROM browser.
Changed the color of the text on the resize screen to make it easier to read.
Added option to disable the ROM information when starting a game.
Added analog stick deadzone calibration. This is a global analog deadzone that will affect all controllers. I had two controllers that seemed to have a mind of their own. It was almost imposiible to resize the screen with the offical controller S I have. This fixes the problem. The default value is 0.24. I found that a value of 0.54 works well for me.
The background music volumne is now saved to the ini.
The initial ROM directory can be changed in the RomPath.ini. For example:
D:Roms (D: is the current directory where default.xbe is)
or E:EmulatorsxSnes9x(info) 1.42Roms
or E:EmulatorssnexBox 1.5Roms
or R:Roms (R: is the directory to use for an XBOX formated (made from an xISO)CDDVD. C: (The backslash must be included here)
Various speedups
I also included the default.xbe (in the just_for_fun folder) that I had when I made the first post announcing ZsnexBox. I thought some people might like to see what I had and compare it to what it is now. I disabled the debug output for this build. Put a game in the folder and name it "rm.zip". This folder can be deleted if not wanted.
More info --> http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=522298
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June 19th, 2006, 05:10 Posted By: wraggster
New version of the Snes emulator for the Xbox:
The FPS setting is fixed. It should display if it is set to "On" every time.
Reverse Stereo is now saved/loaded from the ini.
The "Hide File Extensions" option is saved/loaded from the ini.
Added an option to disable screenshot saving
Fixed the bug where part of the screenshot was still on the screen after saving.
More Info --> http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=522477
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June 20th, 2006, 19:41 Posted By: Hawq
Yes a guy by the name Dano2k0 has taken some of his free time & made a water cooled 360 with the radiator on the inside so theres no unsightly bits hanging off the console. I have to say this one looks rather nice really, though I doubt I'd be taking my tools to my 360 if I had one.
The hardware mod features:
* Both CPU (Zern GPU block) and GPU (Koolance GPU-180-H06 block) watercooled with internal Tank-o-Matic mini reservoir, 12v thermaltake pump and DD fill port on the plexi window.
* 90mm radiator grill mounted to the plexiglass with 4 thin fans
* Passive heatsinks on many internal chips
* Tinted plexiglass on one side of the case
* Custom cut DVD window
* Custom painted case
* Blue and UV LEDs all around the case with external switch to disable/enable.
* Blue ring-of-light, silver power button
Apparantly this mods going to make it into the official XBox magazine next month so its going to be seen by a good few people. This quote from Dano2k0 may make it in as well but for those that dont read the magazine:
All in all an interesting mod, thanks go to Xbox-scene for this news and you can read the full story of this mod in this thread on their forums.
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June 21st, 2006, 08:41 Posted By: wraggster
New product on sale at Success HK
The fourth in the chilling Hitman series featuring the cold-blooded killer Agent 47. Finding that members of his contract agency, The ICA, are now being quietly (and mortally) eliminated, Agent 47 suspects a larger organization is moving in. Fearing he may be the next target, he heads to America. His jobs now will pay in straight-up cash -- and how he spends the money will affect what weapons he has and what he does next. The developer added new gameplay systems, such as the concepts of notoriety and of blood money. The new Notoriety system means that anyone causing a bloodbath worthy of front page news is risking being recognised by civilians and guards in the future. Blood money lets players spend their earnings on fully customisable precision weapons and specialist equipment, or they can buy additional information upon the targets and location at hand, to aid a successful and professional hit.
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June 21st, 2006, 08:44 Posted By: wraggster
New product on sale at Success HK
This squad-based action title puts gamers in control of giant mechanized military weapons of war. CHROMEHOUNDS offers an intense look at war from the cockpits of colossal metal vehicles. These heavily-armed weapons of war, called HOUNDS, dominate ground battles during warfare in the near-future. Squads of HOUNDS take to the field in international factions, cooperating with and complementing each other in terms of firepower, range of movement, and abilities.
Domination of the world is the prize for the mightiest army on the field. Strategic planning, snap reflexes and communication are key to winning the day in this battle-hardened action title. Players will take the role of either a Squad Member or a Tactics Commander, who is responsible for strategically guiding the team to victory with verbal commands on Xbox Live.
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June 25th, 2006, 16:43 Posted By: Hawq
It seems all I do is talk about water cooling lately doesnt it? well now the kits here for everyone (thats brave enough) to use. Koolance are selling Xbox 360 water cooling kits, if you have some of the parts already or want to get them form somewhere else theres this kit at $124.99 details below:
'Koolance's dual cooler kit for the Xbox 360 features both CPU and GPU liquid blocks, along with special hardware for mounting these components. This kit allows connection to an external heat exchanger and pump system, such as the Exos-LT'
Alternative you can buy a full kit, they come in black or silver at the moment, for $394.99 & have these bits:
'Koolance's complete cooling kit for the Xbox 360 features the Exos-LT cooling system, CPU and GPU liquid blocks, AC power adapter, and special Xbox mounting hardware.'
In more detail:
'Exos-LT cooling unit (pumps/reservoir, radiator, fans, control board, LED display, etc.), Exos-LT user manual, Exos-LT AC power adapter, GPU/CPU cooling blocks, 1/4" (6mm) ID tubing and springs, liquid coolant, hose clamps, mounting hardware, external nozzles, thermal paste'
Koolance warns:
'IMPORTANT NOTES: Modifying the Xbox 360 for liquid cooling is not for the faint of heart. Although minimal changes are actually required for the XBox, it can be a labor-intensive task that should only be attempted by experienced individuals. Any manufacturer warranty on the Xbox 360 is voided by installing or using this product.'
So if you like having a warranty this isnt for you really. You can read more on them at the links in the main body of this news & you can check out some pictures of them as well.
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June 28th, 2006, 12:32 Posted By: wraggster
A new version of Xplorer360, a tool to read/write on your Xbox/Xbox360 HDD and Xbox360 Memcard, has been released.
What's new/fixed:
* Datel Driver support! Xbox 1 and Xbox 360 memory cards that use Datel's xbreader.sys / usbio.sys drivers should now work fine.
* Full / Improved Xbox 1 memory unit support - multi-media block transfers used, great speed and compatibility boost.
* Drag and Drop support with windows shell.
* Improved Backup / Recover functionality.
* Bug that sometimes prevented backups from being recovered to their original drive fixed.
* Xbox 360 drive recovery now skips config sectors. The Xbox 360 hard disk drive has a unique signature in its starting sectors that would prevent standard SATA hard drives from being used in the Xbox 360 console, based on the sector count and serial number, among other things. This also prevents the use of different images on drives with different serial numbers. Xplorer360 now skips these sectors, so that data can be exchanged between drives without disabling 360 compatibility.
* Improved file / folder rename functionality.
* Improved Xbox 360 hard disk drive detection.
More Info --> http://www.360gamesaves.com
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June 28th, 2006, 12:35 Posted By: wraggster
Nes6502 released a new version of ZsnexBox, a port of the Zsnes Super Nintendo emulator for the Xbox:
What's new/fixed:
* Added option to map Controller 1 and 2 to Controller 3 and 4 (only available after a game is started)
* Added various ROM browser filename display options:
-Full (displays the entire filename)
-No Extension (displays the entire filename without the extension)
-Name only (displays the filename without the extension or the (U), (J), (!), (V1.0), etc...)
* Fixed the High Resolution screenshot saving. It was generating a few lines of garbage at the top of the image.
* Added a "Turbo Settings" menu. Turbo can be turned on/off for all controllers. The buttons available are: SNES button A, SNES button B, SNES button X, SNES button Y, SNES button Left, SNES button Right
* Added option to change how many times per second the turbo is used. The choices are 60 or 30. Some games (like Mortal Kombat 2) will require changing this.
* Added GUI Options menu
* The following values can be changed:
-File Color (Choices are White, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow)
-File Selection Color (Choices are White, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow)
-Full name Color (Choices are White, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow)
-Folder Color (Choices are White, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow)
-Menu Color (Choices are White, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow)
-Menu Selection Color (Choices are White, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow)
-Font Size (14 - 30)
-Display the number of games found (On/Off)
-Menu Vertical Spacing
-Japanese Box art Adjust
-Screenshot Preview Adjust
* Made the default GUI font bigger
* Increased the vertical spacing in the option menus
* Added option to show available memory. If you are using very large screenshots (greater than 500K) or replace the GUI files with large images, this will come in handy. If there is not at least ~16 MB of free memory before you start the first game, ZsnexBox will crash.
* Various GUI tweaks
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June 28th, 2006, 12:38 Posted By: wraggster
Via Xbox360 Fanboy
The shaky, disease-ridden addicts over at XboxAddict have posted some new screens of Superman Returns. This could turn out to be a great game, but thus far the screenshots have not thrilled me. They lack zing. No verve at all. Hopefully, my fears are completely unfounded and this will be the best Superman since the arcade game, but I'm not holding my super breath.
Screens Here --> http://www.xboxaddict.com/news/view.php?News_ID=7081
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June 28th, 2006, 15:45 Posted By: wraggster
Xbox Live Arcade boss Greg Canessa has reaffirmed Microsoft's commitment to promoting online distribution as games get more expensive to produce and traditional genres begin to disappear.
Speaking at the Hollywood and Games Summit, Canessa said that Microsoft's executives "are big believes in online distribution", highlighting the success of Xbox Live Arcade.
According to Canessa, XBL was at least in part developed because "Games are getting more expensive to produce... And the great game genres are disappearing."
With Xbox Live Arcade, Microsoft hopes to create a brand new market for games, covering all genres - there are already 21 titles available via the service, and nearly 400 developers and publishers have signed up to produce games. Canessa described XBLA as "The Sundance Film Festival of Games."
Xbox Live Arcade, which launched alongside the Xbox 360 last year, allows consumers to download and play games such as Uno and Zuma at low cost. Bizarre Creations' Geometry Wars has proved to be one of the most popular titles - by January, more than 200,000 trial downloads and 45,000 purchases had been recorded. Canessa did not reveal what the download figure stands at now, but did say: "It's well into the six figures."
Canessa then turned to the subject of episodic content, which Microsoft plans to release for games such as Grand Theft Auto IV. According to Canessa, episodic content is the "natural evolution of digital distribution."
Microsoft has repeatedly confirmed its commitment to the digital distribution model, and the success of Xbox Live Marketplace appears to have strengthened that commitment. However, it's also clear that the company still believes in the importance of traditional retail channels - it's rumoured that a compendium of Live Arcade games, aimed at consumers who don't have online access, is currently being put together for a retail release.
Via Gamesindustry
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June 28th, 2006, 15:51 Posted By: wraggster
John Porcaro, group manager of PR and communications for Microsoft US, has reacted to persistent rumours by reiterating that the company has no current plans to cut the price of the Xbox 360.
In a post on his blog, Porcaro wrote: "As you’re all aware, there have been rumors of a price drop for the Xbox 360 coming along later this year. The official word from folks in the know is that there are currently no plans for a price drop this fall."
"If you’ve been holding off picking one up because you think they’ll be cheaper in the future, or they’ve been hard to find, or because you’re too busy catching up on past episodes of Lost, wait no longer," he added, before highlighting the Xbox 360's features and the range of games available for the console.
Porcaro also took a potshot at the PlayStation 3, which is due to launch in the US on November 17th priced at US$499 / US$599. "Just think… This holiday as some people go broke because they’re forced to buy movie technology with their game console, you’ll be choosing from 160 games, including Gears of War, Madden 07, Splinter Cell, Forza 2, and lots more."
Not forgetting Mass Effect, Halo 3 and Grand Theft Auto "later on", Porcaro added.
His comments echo those made to GamesIndustry.biz earlier this year by Xbox Europe boss Chris Lewis, who said that the PS3's price point "forces the consumer down a choice path in a way that I'm surprised to see."
He said Sony's decision had removed any pressure on Microsoft to cut the cost of the Xbox 360 by year-end, stating: "We're confident that we are at the right price at the right time and will remain so."
Via GIbiz
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June 28th, 2006, 16:05 Posted By: wraggster
New from Divineo USA:
The xbox8164adapter is the cheapest solution for a xbox dvd drive failure. The adapter allow to use a PC DVD Drive LG-8164 to replace a dead XBOX Drive.
Buy HERE
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June 28th, 2006, 16:17 Posted By: wraggster
New From Divineo UK
XSATA lets you free up hard drive space by transferring content between your console and your PC. Using your XBOX 360 file manager software such as the free PC app Xplorer 360, you can use XSATA to transfer materials from your console’s hard drive to your PC, using your computer’s hard disc space to store demos, game saves and other such materials you’re not currently using. When you need them again, just transfer back to the XB360’s drive. Once the data is on your PC, you can email content not locked to your machine or L!VE account to your friends for them to use on their own consoles too.
XSATA is a plug-and-play device that sits between your XB360’s hard drive and the console itself. There’s no need to remove your XB360’s hard drive to use it. The PC and the 360 can then ‘share’ the HDD so it can remain in place at all times.
To connect your console to your computer, just plug the supplied cable into the High Speed USB port on the back of XSATA and into any spare USB port on your PC. XSATA is USB 2.0-compatible, so you can expect ultra-fast transfer speeds of up to 480mbps. It looks great too, with blue laser light giving a real cool edge to your gaming machine.
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June 28th, 2006, 16:27 Posted By: wraggster
Xbox boss Peter Moore has hinted that Microsoft could be working on a new Xbox 360 controller which is simple enough for even simple children to use.
At a recent EA Community Event, Moore said the company is looking at "Any way that we can play and make games easier and more intuitive, that takes the intimidation factor away from what is a pretty complex device now when you look at the controller.
"Shoulder buttons, triggers, analog sticks, d-pads - I mean, there's a lot going on there."
Compare it to the old Atari 2600 joystick, Moore suggested, which "everybody could pick up and have some fun with. Clearly I think the Wii is trying to get back to those days, although when I picked it up I was surprised how much stuff is on there, and it took me a little while even then to get going on those things."
But get going he did, and as he's previously stated many times before, Moore is well up for the Wii: "I'm a huge fan of any innovation you can try and do that will make it a broader reach for games, because as an industry we've got to do that - we've got to bring more people in."
Moore went on to explain that his 14 year-old daughter loves racing games, particularly Project Gotham Racing, but "she's frustrated because the button configurations, the use of triggers... She just doesn't like it".
So is Microsoft looking for a solution to the problem of overly-complex controllers? Well, "We're doing a lot of stuff there", Moore said - but "nothing that we're ready to talk about".
What you can be sure of, though, is that Microsoft is "not going to force anything that is not going to be intuitive and innovative". Perhaps we shouldn't be expecting a motion-sensing controller for the Xbox 360 as well as the Wii and PS3, then.
Via Eurogamer
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June 28th, 2006, 16:37 Posted By: wraggster
New Xbox360 Release Jap Version:
This squad-based action title puts gamers in control of giant mechanized military weapons of war. CHROMEHOUNDS offers an intense look at war from the cockpits of colossal metal vehicles. These heavily-armed weapons of war, called HOUNDS, dominate ground battles during warfare in the near-future. Squads of HOUNDS take to the field in international factions, cooperating with and complementing each other in terms of firepower, range of movement, and abilities. Domination of the world is the prize for the mightiest army on the field. Strategic planning, snap reflexes and communication are key to winning the day in this battle-hardened action title. Players will take the role of either a Squad Member or a Tactics Commander, who is responsible for strategically guiding the team to victory with verbal commands on Xbox Live.
More info/buy here --> http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?pro...1&lsaid=219793
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June 28th, 2006, 16:39 Posted By: wraggster
New Xbox360 Release Jap Version:
Innocent Rage, like the previous PS2 Spectral Force titles, takes place in fantasy world of Neverland, detailing the First Neverland War. You play as a young soldier in a mercenary group that's not affiliated with any particular government, instead opting to take on jobs from any of the 10 countries that divide Neverland. The game presents the Neverland story from a new perspective. Playing as this young mercenary, you get to make decisions about which jobs you'd like to undertake. Based on your performance, you can actually effect the power of the country that hired you. Eventually, you'll earn a name for your prowess as a mercenary and will be entrusted with more advanced missions, such as raiding a castle. Gameplay resembles the simulation-based gameplay of Spectral Force Chronicle, with three levels of attack strength and combination attack moves.
More info/buy here --> http://www.lik-sang.com/info.php?pro...5&lsaid=219793
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June 28th, 2006, 16:58 Posted By: wraggster
Epic fantasy action game Ninety-Nine Nights - due over here in September - will need the 360 hard drive to run the game, according Microsoft's own game information.
The forthcoming hack 'n' slash combat game requires the hard drive, presumably to cope with masses of on-screen activity and the frantic battlefield action that is featured.
This comes as something of a surprise as Microsoft was adamant that gamers buying the HD-less Core Pack for £209 wouldn't miss out on any of the games, with the only disadvantage being that Core Pack owners would not being able to download content from Xbox Live Marketplace. But games such as Ninety-Nine Nights and the data-heavy Football Manager 2006 - which also requires the HD - have proved this is not the case.
Via Gamesradar
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June 28th, 2006, 17:49 Posted By: wraggster
At what had been billed as a rollout event for the company's Office Communications and "softphone" software yesterday, Microsoft Business Division President Jeff Raikes unveiled an intriguing new plank of what the company now calls its Unified Communications Platform: Utilizing Office Communications software and Microsoft's VoIP services, hardware manufacturers including Hewlett-Packard, LG-Nortel, and Samsung will be making available a new class of communications devices, not only for messaging but for audio and videoconferencing. Among these devices is a 360-degree camera designed for video conferences called RoundTable, that has apparently emerged from a back-burner project called RingCam from Microsoft's laboratories.
Full info --> Toms Hardware
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June 28th, 2006, 18:21 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK
Product Features of Xbox360 Power Cooling System Vertical Stand
High efficient cooling system
Smart design with working indicator and console stand function
Built-in 2 pcs of high speed cooling fan
Contains extra space for remote control storage
No noise
More Description of Xbox360 Power Cooling System Vertical Stand
The Xbox 360 Disc Case Stand & Cooling Fan lets you keep your Xbox 360 cool, when you're having those all-night gamer sessions! This unique stand will extend the lifecycle of you Xbox 360, by letting it operate at a cooler temperature. Xbox 360 electronics are heat-sensitive, and by keeping them cool you'll make sure your Xbox 360 has a longer life & better performance.
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June 28th, 2006, 18:23 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK
Building on the successes of its Xbox predecessors, MotoGP '06 re-launches the franchise on Xbox 360. Gamers will be met with new tracks, bike models, refined handling and Live! functionality, making this a truly fresh and aspirational title for even the most hardened fans of the series. MotoGP '06 will launch with the current 2006 season data, giving an unprecedented accuracy to the real sport, in addition to visual effects that surpass any racing title to date. All extreme mode circuits have been revamped, streamlined for speed and fast-flowing racing action. Customize and ride all new extreme bikes in street racing action from the gleaming skyscrapers of Rio de Janeiro to the jagged mountains of Tuscany.
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June 29th, 2006, 17:31 Posted By: wraggster
This a bit of rumor mongering, so take it with a mouthful of salt. A “reader†tells us his “insiders†say the Xbox 360 could be skipping the $100 price drop because they’re going to bundle their HD DVD drive with new Premium consoles. Bundling as in just selling both the external HD DVD drive with a standard console and not making the drive internal, like we excitedly thought when we first heard about the rumor. An interesting theory that makes sense in combatting the PS3 onslaught. We’ll see come fall.
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June 29th, 2006, 17:41 Posted By: wraggster
New from SuccessHK
Product Features of Xbox360 Rechargeable Battery Pack 1800mAh for Wireless controller
1800mAh rechargeable battery
It enables continuous game play
High-performance NiMH rechargeable battery cell
Included a USB recharge cable
More Description of Xbox360 Rechargeable Battery Pack 1800mAh for Wireless controller
Do you have multiple Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers and only one Play and Charge Kit? No problem. With Rechargeable Battery Packs, you can juice up additional wireless controllers with the Play and Charge Kit you already own. The rechargeable battery can be recharged via XBox360 USB port / PC USB port.
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June 29th, 2006, 18:02 Posted By: wraggster
In the end, while the short term looks relatively grim for Microsoft's Japanese stint, there are more potential games on the schedule than the original Xbox ever had. Microsoft may have started poorly, but it's doggedly persistent about Japan and genuinely wooing Japanese developers for the long term. Titles such as Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey are still the biggest Japanese games on most people's minds. They also still feel like pipe dreams because they're so far off.
But big titles from other Japanese companies are filling up the holes and hopefully, our perceptions, too. For instance, Enchanted Arms already hit the Japanese market, but here in the US, soon to be published by Ubisoft, it could make a significant splash, being the first Japanese RPG on the system. Capcom's Dead Rising is a zombie game with a twist that is hopefully more than just a one-day rental. Ninety-Nine Nights is a familiar Dynasty Warriors button masher, but a really beautiful one, and even Sonic the Hedgehog is hitting the Xbox 360 this fall. Look for Chromehounds and Enchanted Arms to hit the US market this summer.
More here
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June 29th, 2006, 18:06 Posted By: wraggster
It seems that hackers have found a way to get Xbox 1 Homebrew running on the Xbox 360 with the addon Hard Drive, fantastic news, more on this has i find out more 
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June 30th, 2006, 21:12 Posted By: wraggster
Divineo USA have posted that this superb new Xbox Modchip is to be released any time now, heres the info:
The Hyper X is a High quality, low cost solution for XBOX 1.0-1.6's. The installation is completely solderless and everything needed to install it is included.
The producer uses the highest quality branded parts and each and every unit is tested on a real console before shipping!
Features/Specifications:
- Easy and Solderless Pogo and spring wire installation.
- High quality branded 1 Mbyte flash.
- High speed CPLD.
- ON/OFF switch.
- Enable/Disable function.
- Power indicator LED.
Buy from Divineo USA
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June 30th, 2006, 21:32 Posted By: wraggster
Mark Whittard, general manager of Toshiba's Information Systems Division in Australia, believes that Microsoft will release an Xbox 360 with an internal HD-DVD drive in future.
"I would imagine that there are plans in place to put an HD DVD drive internally in future revisions of the product," he told IT Wire in Australia.
"They're not speaking about it publicly at the moment but I would expect them to do that and fairly soon."
Microsoft has previously indicated that it plans to offer the HD-DVD - a rival to Sony's Blu-ray technology, which will ship as part of PlayStation 3 - as an add-on peripheral this Christmas.
But it has rejected suggestions that it will revise the Xbox 360 hardware in the manner Whittard suggests, believing it will confuse the market.
Last December, prior to the announcement of an HD-DVD add-on, the company said it had no current plans to release an Xbox 360 equipped with an internal HD-DVD component - although some would highlight its use of the word "current" as important.
Then again, Microsoft will also be acutely aware of the reaction to Sony's pricing for PlayStation 3, which will cost considerably more than its next-generation counterpart largely thanks to the use of components like Cell and a Blu-ray drive.
Furthermore, Microsoft has repeatedly asserted that games will not be allowed to run from HD-DVD discs.
Meanwhile, describing the battle between Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as "one looming potential war" in the HD-DVD/Blu-ray confrontation, Whittard clearly feels the comfort of Microsoft's backing for HD-DVD - a project that Toshiba is also intimately involved in.
"With Microsoft's marketing engine behind HD DVD, who knows what will happen," he told IT Wire.
Microsoft had yet to respond to Whittard's comments at the time of going to press.
Via GIBiz
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