From computerandvideogames.com (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=192456 ): [QUOTE] Epic's Cliff Bleszinski has said that current control pads look like alien spaceships, and hopes that Microsoft's next Xbox will come with a pad with fewer buttons. "I hope if there's a new Xbox that there'll be fewer buttons on the controller," he told us during a chat about Gears 2's multiplayer. "I think you could do things with a built-in camera or a little motion sensitivity. You look at the Wii controller with less buttons - they added functionality by doing waggle. Not a lot of games use the waggle well, but Super Mario Galaxy for example uses it perfectly. Zak and Wiki uses it rather well," he said. [/QUOTE] Full Story: computerandvideogames.com (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=192456 )

From gizmodo.com (http://gizmodo.com/5022964/yeah-that-299-xbox-360-is-definitely-on-the-way ): [QUOTE] These latest pictures from a Gamestop employee are by far the most conclusive. The first is of an internal document that's not to be opened until 7/13 (the Sunday before this year's E3). And in not-so-subtle letters it announces "Xbox 360 Pro Systems $299.99." The second (http://gizmodo.com/5022964/yeah-that-299-xbox-360-is-definitely-on-the-way ) is of all the signage. (http://gizmodo.com/5022964/yeah-that-299-xbox-360-is-definitely-on-the-way )[/QUOTE] Full Story: gizmodo.com (http://gizmodo.com/5022964/yeah-that-299-xbox-360-is-definitely-on-the-way )

From gadgetzone.com.au (http://loader.gadgetzone.com.au/News/July-2008/100-things-to-do-with-your-Xbox-HD-DVD-drive-(1).aspx ): [QUOTE] If you happen to have an Xbox360 HD DVD drive or picked one up during the bargain bin phase when they were going for $50 [or less], here's an extensive list of what you can do with it. 1) Playing DVDs, since it works better than the drive in the 360. 2) Playing Transformers over and over and over in HD 3) Convince dumb friends its the new mini-xbox 4) Book-end 5) Play toy for the dog 6) Drink holder 7) Foot rest 8) Playing movies on that old X360 you have whose drive stopped working 2 days after the warranty expired 9) TV series marathon tool, so your X360 can hold 2 episode discs at once 10) Sold on Ebay in 10 years as a 'rare player' [/QUOTE] Full List: gadgetzone.com.au (http://loader.gadgetzone.com.au/News/July-2008/100-things-to-do-with-your-Xbox-HD-DVD-drive-(1).aspx )

From xboxfamily.com (http://xboxfamily.com/us/index.php/Latest/Leaked-Info-on-60gb-Starter-Kit-and-20gb-s-Death.html ): [QUOTE] Below is a portion of an email being sent out to GameStop and Blockbuster buyers (logistical people handling what the store actually stocks). The email has the complete details on the 60gb hard drive and what will happen to the 20gb and 120gb hard drives. Email follows: "With the introduction of the 60GB Pro console in July, we have research that suggests it is very important to have a 60GB stand alone Hard Drive to go along with it to allow the consumer a full range of choices and values. In late October/early November (exact date TBD but most likely last week in October or 1st week in November), we will ship the Xbox 360 60GB Hard Drive, tentatively called the "Xbox 360 60GB LIVE Starter Pack". This will be an excellent value price at and ERP of $99.99 with an 18% retail margin that contains: * 60GB Hard Drive * 3 Months of Xbox Live * Xbox 360 Wired Headset * Xbox 360 Ethernet Cable (same one that is included with Pro and Elite) With the end of life of the 20GB Hard Drive and the price drop of the 120GB Hard Drive to $149.99 in September, this new 60GB hard drive will fit very well into our "Choice and Value" pillar and will fit nicely into our accessory line up. Exact SKU/UPC/Set up info will come soon and once we nail down the exact MSD, I will let you all know immediately." [/QUOTE] Full Story: xboxfamily.com (http://xboxfamily.com/us/index.php/Latest/Leaked-Info-on-60gb-Starter-Kit-and-20gb-s-Death.html )

From techradar.com (http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/microsoft-responds-to-xbox-360-elite-rumours-419226 ): [QUOTE] Microsoft has today responded to a number of misleading stories in the UK's mainstream press (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/2008/07/07/mayhem-for-microsoft-over-500m-bill-for-xbox-360-red-ring-of-death-89520-20634695/ ) earlier this week regarding alleged 'red ring' problems with the Xbox 360 Elite console that have been experienced by numerous UK gamers. Microsoft has now issued the following official response to these stories, which appeared in the Daily Mirror and the Daily Telegraph: "Recent reports in the UK media regarding Xbox 360 contain inaccuracies and pure speculation, as well as news that is a year old. "Prompted by what Microsoft viewed as an unacceptable number of repairs to Xbox 360 consoles, a year ago Microsoft announced an expansion of its Xbox 360 warranty. Effective 5 July, 2007, any original retail Xbox 360 customer who experiences a general hardware failure indicated by three flashing red lights is covered by a three year warranty from date of purchase, with all other issues remaining covered by the standard one-year warranty." [/QUOTE] Full Story: techradar.com (http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/microsoft-responds-to-xbox-360-elite-rumours-419226 )

From gamasutra.com (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19304 ): [QUOTE] Aaron Greenberg, Microsoft's director of product management for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live, recently sat down with Gamasutra to discuss Microsoft's progress and plans. He discussed the Asian markets, digital distribution and the upcoming game creation avenues offered by XNA, the idea of an all-in-one entertainment console, and why Microsoft still isn't competing with Wii. * To me that's always been silly logic, because developers would be using it [a default HDD on every 360 SKU], and so consumers would be using it if they had it. * AG: Trade-offs and everything, but sure. * Do the Arcade models sell? You probably can't say percentages. * AG: You know, you can look at NPD data. I don't know it off the top of my head, but I can tell you that the majority of sales are for the Pro or Premium SKU, and then the split beyond that is the Elite and the Arcade. I think it's something like 60/20/20, more or less, but it can vary from month to month, and from market to market. I mean, we find in other markets, outside the US, the high price point is an issue, so the lower price makes the Arcade a little bit higher. * Nintendo, for their part, if they keep going down this path, they don't really need to make a Wii 2. You don't really need to level the graphics out too much. Are they going to extend the life of that platform for a super long time, then come out with a completely different product? * AG: Everyone says that eventually the novelty will wear off, right? I think that a lot of the people that are buying that console today are not people that have generally bought consoles in the past, right? You see they're not buying games on it, right? They're buying it, it's like something they break out when people come over, and it's maybe a fun thing, but it's almost like the same people that buy a karaoke machine, you know? They're not really buying it for games, they're just buying it as a novelty. * How are things post-Peter Moore? * AG: I think great. I mean, we're very fortunate to have a really seasoned senior leadership team at Microsoft. You know, [Microsoft senior VP] Don Mattrick was a top executive at EA for a number of years, and oversaw games studios, and actually started his own game development company, years ago. Both him and [Microsoft corporate VP] John Schappert - who founded [EA] Tiburon, and has been heading up all of Live's software services - are, obviously, the new top execs running Xbox business, and it's been great. I think it's always good to have new, fresh perspective. I know John has a lot of passion around Live, and has been very ambitious about really continuing to innovate in that space, and Don across the whole business, every piece of the business from Live, to games, to the console platform. So while everyone loved Peter, and we still have a solid relationship with him at EA, I think we're lucky that it feels like we haven't skipped a beat since he's left. I think the biggest thing we feel is that there's no Peter to talk to, right? Don and John are more business guys, and they're running the business. People will hear more from them. I know we heard from John at GDC. He talked to a lot of people there. Don's been pretty hands-down focused on the business, which I think is the right thing. So I think people here miss Peter and his personality. [/QUOTE] Full Story: gamasutra.com (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19304 )

Klutsh released a new version of iPrep 101(info (http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox360-tools/iPrep101.php )) a .NET application and collection of MSDOS scripts/applications for use in flashing a Samsung TS-H943A or BenQ DVD drives. What's new/fixed: * Fixed BenQ Backup * Added Menu Driven DOS UI. * Added Flash Samsung TS-H943A using nForce SATA. Official Site: http://x-projects.org (http://x-projects.org ) Download: here (http://dwl.xbox-scene.com/xbox360pc/dvd/iPrep_101_v007.1_Setup.rar )

From xbmc.org (http://xbmc.org/news/article/34481/ ): [QUOTE] Team-XBMC have received news that the XBMC media center project has been nominated as finalist in the SourceForge.net 2008 Community Choice Awards (CCA) (http://sourceforge.net/community/cca08/ ) in no less than seven categories. This is the third annual SourceForge CCA - in the first year XBMC won two of the categories ("best multimedia project" and "best game project"), and last year we were nominated in six categories however not enough XBMC fans voted so we did not win any category. So this year we like to request this to all XBMC users; please registered a user on SourceForge.net (registration is free) (http://sourceforge.net/account/register.php ) and then vote for the XBMC project in one or more categories (http://sourceforge.net/awards/cca/?group_id=87054 ). The winning projects will be announced at the SourceForge CCA party on July 24th (2008) during OSCON at the Jupiter Hotel in Portland, Oregon (http://conferences.oreilly.com/oscon/ ). The prize if we win: 'bragging rights' and the honour to display SourceForge.net CCA logo on the XBMC website. [/QUOTE] Official Site: http://xbmc.org (http://xbmc.org )

From gigabite on xboxhacker.net (http://www.xboxhacker.net/index.php?topic=9956 ): [QUOTE] The Non-Stealth users of the Benq iXtreme firmware only had one choice speed wise when they chose the Non-Stealth firmware and that was 8x. This package gives users of Benq iXtreme Non-Stealth the choice to use whatever speed they prefer (2x, 5x, 8x, 12x). This is NOT an update to iXtreme firmware for Benq users... this is merely an update to the Non-Stealth version which only provides different speed choices NOTHING else. Credit goes to C4E and others, it was named Rev 2 to avoid confusion. [/QUOTE] News-Source: xboxhacker.net (http://www.xboxhacker.net/index.php?topic=9956 ) Download: n/a (might be illegal under EUCD/EULA/DMCA)

From gamasutra.com (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19266 ): [QUOTE] Talking to Gamasutra Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg, director of product management for Xbox 360 and Xbox Live, has been commenting on Microsoft's attempts to attract casual gamers, suggesting that Wii customers are "going to want to graduate to an Xbox 360 experience" over time. When asked about Nintendo's de-emphasizing of hardware power with the Wii, with Gamasutra's interviewer suggesting that "...if they keep going down this path, they don't really need to make a Wii 2", Microsoft's Greenberg pointedly suggested: "Everyone says that eventually the novelty will wear off, right? I think that a lot of the people that are buying that console today are not people that have generally bought consoles in the past, right? You see they're not buying games on it, right? They're buying it, it's like something they break out when people come over, and it's maybe a fun thing, but it's almost like the same people that buy a karaoke machine, you know? They're not really buying it for games, they're just buying it as a novelty." [/QUOTE] Full Story: gamasutra.com (http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=19266 )

From sarcasticgamer.com (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/2008/07/source-halo-4-announcement-coming-at-e3.html ): [QUOTE] Our inside woman/man/thing got hold of some pretty exciting news. News that Bungie was already hard at work developing what will be Halo 4. Now we're told that this will be announced officially at E3. [/QUOTE] Full Story: sarcasticgamer.com (http://sarcasticgamer.com/wp/index.php/2008/07/source-halo-4-announcement-coming-at-e3.html )

From kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/5022121/best-buy-ad-shows-xbox-360-price-drop ): [QUOTE] Another retailer has shown that Microsoft is planning to drop the price of the Xbox 360 20GB model -- formerly known as the "Pro" -- to $299, as a Best Buy employee has forwarded us (obligatorily blurry) cell phone pics of an upcoming weekly ad. (http://kotaku.com/5022121/best-buy-ad-shows-xbox-360-price-drop )[/QUOTE]

From xbox360fanboy.com (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/07/02/behold-the-ms-e3-08-press-briefing-passport/ ): [QUOTE] We just received our "Passports" for the Microsoft E3 press briefing set to take place on July 14. For what amounts to a press pass, the thing is pretty elaborate as is the package in which it was delivered. (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/photos/microsoft-e3-08-press-briefing-passport/897764/ )[/QUOTE] More Pictures: xbox360fanboy.com (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/photos/microsoft-e3-08-press-briefing-passport/897764/ )

From crave.cnet.com (http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9983275-1.html ): [QUOTE] Last week we reported about this amazing hack and now we're showing you how to do it! It comes courtesy of Lifehacker.com and takes about 20 minutes to set up. [/QUOTE] Full Story: crave.cnet.com (http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9983275-1.html )

From F00 f00 on acidmods.com (http://www.acidmods.com/forum/index.php?topic=19911.0 ): [QUOTE] This is basically how I think the xbox controller should have been in the first place. Its way more comfortable now and my gaming has improved too. Its pretty obvious from the pics what Ive done. I moved the right hand stick to be level with the left and moved all of the buttons to the back. I happy with the way it came out. [/QUOTE] Full Story: acidmods.com (http://www.acidmods.com/forum/index.php?topic=19911.0 )

From gamesindustry.biz (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/analyst-questions-validity-of-hybrid-xbox-360 ): [QUOTE] Following recent rumours that have suggested Microsoft may allow electronics firms to develop hardware featuring Xbox 360 technology - effectively paving the way for third-parties to build Blu-ray players, PCs and set-top boxes which play 360 games - a leading analyst has said that such a move would prove too expensive. Michael Pachter, of Wedbush Morgan Securities, believes that any such radical repositioning of Microsoft's hardware business model might help the Xbox 360 penetrate Japan, but in other markets it wouldn't be a viable business for third-parties. [/QUOTE] Full Story: gamesindustry.biz (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/analyst-questions-validity-of-hybrid-xbox-360 )

From kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/5021196/xbox-360-getting-a-3d-dashboard-make+over ): [QUOTE] We're now hearing from a number of sources that the Live dashboard is going to be getting a second interface option, one that will use the yet-to-be announced motion controller to navigate. This new user interface, we've been told, will recreate the increasingly cluttered dashboard "blade" system in a 3D environment that will be something more akin to the Minority Report than a filing cabinet. [/QUOTE] Full Story: kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/5021196/xbox-360-getting-a-3d-dashboard-make+over )

From mcvuk.com (http://www.mcvuk.com/news/31034/Xbox-price-slashed-in-Australia ): [QUOTE] The Xbox 360 has become the cheapest home console on the Australian market after Microsoft slashed the price of the entry level Arcade model from [AUD] $399 (£191) to $349 (£167). The mid-range 360 console, with a 20GB hard drive, now sells for $499 (£239). Before the cuts it was $579 (£277). The high-end black Xbox 360 Elite, which adds a 120GB hard drive, HDMI cables and a free 30-day Xbox Live Gold membership, was slashed from $729 (£349) to $649 (£310). [/QUOTE] Full Story: mcvuk.com (http://www.mcvuk.com/news/31034/Xbox-price-slashed-in-Australia )

Team XLink (http://www.teamxlink.co.uk/ ) released a new version of their global gaming network (that allows you to play system-link enabled games (incl. Xbox and 360) online for free): [QUOTE] What's the point? XLink Kai(info (http://www.xbox-scene.com/tools/tools.php?page=tunnel#newsitemEpVpVuFkyAFeGhSycN )) 7.4 began a few months ago to address the following issues: 1. Internationalization - the existing Kai UI does not support many languages and character encodings. 2. Platform Independence - Linux and OS X client software is no longer feature compatible with the Windows client 3. Unified Development - numerous versions and variants of the engine and client exist creating compatibility issues and fragmented development/support. Team XLink prides itself as a 'Global Community' of gamers. To us, this means people who speak different languages, who use different Operating Systems, and who live all over the globe should be able to connect with one another and make Team XLink their home. Our year to year userbase growth and concurrent player statistics tells us we've been making excellent strides towards our global ambitions. Still, to truly move forward with the project, we need to address infrastructure and compatibility issues so that we have a solid platform that encourages further growth. Kai 7.4 addresses these issues and provides a solid foundation for future plan that simply would not be possible with the previous versions of Kai. So what's new? The biggest change to Kai is somewhat invisible--the code. Kai was designed primarily as a Windows-based system with compatibility for Linux/OS X (and other *nix systems) added later through the Kaid project and numerous third-party clients. This created a rift in development where any features added to the Windows Engine and Client needed to be added to Kaid and the third-party clients needed to be updated. A small change in the Windows client required all the other clients to be updated. Updates to the Windows engine (ex: new PSP MAC addresses) required Kaid be updated. As developer interest in Kaid and the many clients waned, it has become increasingly difficult to add any new features without breaking existing compatibility for those not using Windows. To address this, Kai 7.4 uses a single codebase and non-proprietary libraries so that the same code that compiles the Windows binary also compiles under Linux, OS X, BSD, etc. This required removing all the MFC code from Kai and replacing it with platform-independent alternatives like the Boost and wxWidgets libraries. With this unified codebase, future updates and changes will be made available on all supported Operating Systems at the same time. The most visible change found in Kai 7.4 is the Client Web UI. Instead of designing multiple User Interfaces for every supported OS and every language we decided to drawn on the strength of existing cross-platform technology: the web browser. The Kai 7.4 engine contains a small web server which serves the client to your web browser (Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer(info (http://www.xbox-scene.com/tools/tools.php?page=harddrive#newsitemEpuyuAkVZyXOfqCgIn )), etc.) and communication between the web browser and the Engine is achieved using Ajax programming. Aside from the obvious elimination of platform compatibility issues, switching to a browser-based client has some wonderful side effects: 1. Updates and additions to the client are served immediately without the need to restart the Engine. 2. The client is 'skinable' allowing users to develop and share their own customizations. 3. Kai can integrate other web technologies such as streaming audio and video. 4. Kai can be controlled using embedded systems with compatible web browsers (ex: iPhone). 5. The Kai engine can be accessed and controlled remotely via the web browser ( chat from work/school :P ) Another notable improvement found in Kai 7.4 is the support for uPnP routers. Most modern routers support uPnP allowing on-the-fly port mapping. When started behind a uPnP router, Kai just works--no port forwarding or router configuration required. Lastly, all language has been stripped out of both the Engine and the Web UI Client and replaced with language templates. Currently, English and Japanese translations are available; however, support for Korean, Spanish, and many other languages are being added as translation becomes available through the community. [/QUOTE] Official Site/Downloads: http://teamxlink.co.uk (http://teamxlink.co.uk )

From kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/5020947/aussie-retailer-adds-to-360-price+cut-chorus ): [QUOTE] It's not just American retailers convincing us that a 360 price-cut is imminent. Australian retailers are now in on the act as well. The local branch of K-Mart is advertising a 360 Pro bundle for AUD$449 (USD$430), a steal when you consider the rrp for the console is AUD$579 (USD$555). [/QUOTE] Full Story: kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/5020947/aussie-retailer-adds-to-360-price+cut-chorus )

From zdnet.com (http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1463 ): [QUOTE] After Rick Thompson became Corporate Vice President of Zune last fall, more than a few Microsoft watchers were wondering what Allard would do for an encore. Would he become yet another Softie who would take a "sabbatical," never to return to Microsoft? It looks like Allard has a new mission and new title to prove it. As of June 24, according to the Microsoft executive bio site, Allard is now "Chief Experience Officer" at Microsoft, as well as as yet another in a line of Microsoft's Chief Technology Officers. From Allard's updated bio: "As Chief Experience Officer (CXO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), J Allard is responsible for the technical architecture and user experiences related to products and services of the Entertainment and Devices (E&D) division. Allard works closely with technical leaders across the company to align E&D product teams with Microsoft's overall services strategy and product architecture, and drives the technical and design agenda to deliver Connected Entertainment experiences for consumers." [/QUOTE] Full Story: zdnet.com (http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=1463 )

From arstechnica.com (http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2008/06/30/mole-microsoft-to-drop-price-on-20gb-360-makes-room-for-60gb?bub ): [QUOTE] A leaked scan of an upcoming K-mart ad that shows the 20GB 360 Pro model selling for $299.99 has led many to believe that the system will see a price drop at E3. I have since received an e-mail with a copy of a communication from a usually trustworthy source that claims that the price drop is not only pending, but a 60GB Xbox 360 is coming as well. "At E3 Microsoft will make an official announcement that we are dropping the 20GB pro console to $299... As we launch the 60GB SKU throughout July, the 20GB SKU will DISCONTINUE. You will see the new SKU on your 7/1 price list," the communication reads. [/QUOTE] Full Story: arstechnica.com (http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2008/06/30/mole-microsoft-to-drop-price-on-20gb-360-makes-room-for-60gb?bub )

From joystiq.com (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/360-price-cut-shows-up-in-radio-shack-ad/ ): [QUOTE] The beans may already have been spilled by Kmart, but now another store has briefly emerged from retail obsolescence to spread the legend of the $50 Xbox 360 price cut. A Radio Shack employee recently mailed us the evidence, some scans of what they claim is an upcoming ad set to take effect on July 13 (same as the Kmart ad). (http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/xbox360/ads/radioshackad.jpg )[/QUOTE] Full Story: joystiq.com (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/30/360-price-cut-shows-up-in-radio-shack-ad/ )

From the official tversity blog (http://tversity.blogspot.com/2008/06/tversity-10-rc1-is-here.html ): [QUOTE] We are delighted to announce the general availability of the first release candidate of our 1.0 version. Please note that this is a release candidate and not a final release, meaning that we need your feedback in order to fix issues and turn this into a final release as fast as possible. We will post full release notes shortly, in the meantime in case you missed it, this release is all about user interface and usability, but it also includes many bug fixes and other minor and major improvements to the transcoding engine, media library, auto discovery by devices, and much more. In order to simplify some of the initial configuration needed to get TVersity up and running for the first time, we are including in this release a configuration wizard that can do most of these tasks for you. This includes firewall setup, service auto-start setup, Vista setup issues and more. The codec pack has been updated as well, for best transcoding results it is recommended to install it. Our transcoding engine can now for the first time download FLV and MP4 videos, convert them and stream them to devices all at the same time. We have had this capability for a while with WMV streams but other formats needed to be pre-downloaded - not anymore! [/QUOTE] Official Site: http://tversity.com (http://tversity.com ) Download: here (http://tversity.com/download/ )

From n4g.com (http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/News-163122.aspx ): [QUOTE] It looks that the in-game image of MyGamerpad (http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EkEuVkpVkFTMBVnMEQ.php ) that appeared few days ago is just a fake. This is proven by some render images published on deviantArt (http://saffiq.deviantart.com/art/3d-kolej-sains-84328310 ) this April. (http://saffiq.deviantart.com/art/3d-kolej-sains-84328310 )[/QUOTE] News-Source: n4g.com (http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/News-163122.aspx ) | deviantArt (http://saffiq.deviantart.com/art/3d-kolej-sains-84328310 )

T3CH released a new SVN compile (rev13851) of XBMC for Xbox (XboxMediaCenter(info (http://www.xbox-scene.com/software/software.php?page=mediaplayers#newsitemEpyVVkpEFZGLaWTWZd ))). This T3CH-compile is a complete snapshot of what is in SVN at the time the build was compiled, with just a few small additions. Special Notes and Added/Noteworthy/XML/Script changes: * AMT updated to pre-0.99.5b, Nuka1195's Plugin Installer to 1.2a * added: .evo to supported video files (merged from branch) * added: Python method setPluginFanart() For the full changelog (all added/fixed/changed/updated stuff) since the 2008-06-16 SVN Rev13573 (http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EkEFyyZpuVoamvkhJp.php ) build click here (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=654611 ). Keep in mind this is a SVN snapshot of the current development tree. It's not an official (stable) point release. Use only if you know what you are doing. Official XBMC Site: http://xbmc.org (http://xbmc.org/ ) (manual (http://xbmc.org/wiki/index.php?title=Xbox_Media_Center_Online_Manual ) and FAQ (http://xbmc.org/wiki/index.php?title=Frequently_Asked_Questions )) Official T3CH Site: http://t3ch.yi.se (http://t3ch.yi.se/ ) (release RSS feed (http://t3ch.yi.se/feed.rss )) Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK (http://www.xbox-scene.com/xdk.php )) | Download SourceCode: here (http://xbmc.org/wiki/index.php?title=What_Is_Source_Code )

A update to a xbox1 based application to manipulate partitions of xbox harddrives... Whats New/Fixed: -Update by Bomb Bloke (see end of document for my moment on the soapbox). -Cluster size update correction. -Automatically uses 64k clusters when formatting > 512GB partitions, 128k clusters when formatting > 1TB partitions, and so forth. (New system does not allow for users to 'toggle' cluster size via Y button). -Switched display of megabytes to equal 1,048,576 bytes (1024^2). -Extended partitions are now displayed in gigabytes. Official Site: n/a (by Bomb Bloke) Download: n/a (built with XDK (/xdk.php )) News-Source: Xbins.org Full Readme (http://www.xbins.org/nfo.php?file=xboxnfo1668.nfo )

A container file signature tool finally goes public.... What is it? ============ The CON file tool updates signatures found in Xbox 360 user content files ("CON" file). CON is the format used for saved games and settings. The tool requires a valid keyvault file to work. How it works: ============= In the keyvault of every Xbox 360 is a unique CON keypair that is used for signing CON files. The public key component of this keypair is signed by Microsoft to ensure that arbitrary keypairs cannot be used. A copy of the public key and its signature is stored in each CON file. This allows Xbox 360 consoles to verify CON files that may be signed by other Xbox 360 consoles.Because the signing keys are per-box, individual consoles can have their keypair revoked in firmware updates. For more information, see the source code included in the archive. What can it do? =============== The tool is not very interesting from the perspective of running unsigned code or Linux. It would require an exploit that is unlikely given the architecture of the Xbox 360.It is useful for activities such as porting saved game content from PC to Xbox. Credits ======= roofus & angerwound for proving it was possible and posting on xboxhacker.net the basic outline of how it works. Rene Ladan for package file research, including hash table research. No Credit ========= superaison & haxalot88 (ie Michael Kaufman of Talent, Oregon 97540) who stole this work in order to try to live up to fantasies of messing with Xbox Live and somehow making financial gain out of it, then trying to claim it as their own work. Official Site: http://xss.ath.cx (http://xss.ath.cx ) Download: n/a (May be illegal under EULA/DMCA) News-Source: xbins.org (http://www.xbins.org/nfo.php?file=xboxnfo1667.nfo )

From venturebeat.com (http://venturebeat.com/2008/06/27/on-the-popularity-of-bill-gates-its-started-with-xbox/ ): [QUOTE] Everybody has an opinion about whether Gates is a good guy or a bad guy. But there is no doubting that his image is a lot different than in 2000, when Ken Auletta painted an unflattering portrait of Gates in his book, "World War 3.0," about the Microsoft antitrust trial. With Xbox, Gates had a chance to play the white knight. When Sony started dropping hints about the PlayStation 2 in 1998, Microsoft went into a panic. Sony's executives were boastful. Soon, they were saying it was going to be the comet to wipe out the dinosaurs and was "more than a PC." Microsoft had to defend the living room, and Gates' attempts to partner with Sony fell flat. The more they toured the industry, the more they found that game developers felt oppressed by the dominant companies, Nintendo and Sony. Microsoft had a crack in the door. It asked developers what they wanted in a game console and tried to give them everything they wanted. The Microsoft team greenlit a lot of games in the hopes of unleashing creativity. And they could build a platform where everyone (except Microsoft itself) could make more money, create the game they wanted to create, and force the Japanese rivals to be more competitive. That's the sanitized version of history, for sure. But it could be called a turning point for Gates' image. It was probably the first time anybody waited in line to buy one of his products at midnight (at least with good reason). And the first time that he could be identified with something that was cooler than anything Apple's Steve Jobs was doing. [/QUOTE] Full Story: venturebeat.com (http://venturebeat.com/2008/06/27/on-the-popularity-of-bill-gates-its-started-with-xbox/ )

From pcworld.com (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,147667-pg,1/article.html ): [QUOTE] Cynical Peak Software has released Rivet 1.1, an update to its software that lets Mac users stream video, music and photos from their Mac to an Xbox 360 on the same network. A free update for registered users, Rivet 1.1 costs US$18.95. New in the 1.1 release is improved support for video podcasts and TV shows in iTunes, now sorted into subfolders based on show and season. Automatic media updating isn't as CPU-intensive, compilation albums now show up as one album, and transcoded pictures are now "friendlier to your hard drive." Other changes have been made, too. [/QUOTE] Full Story: pcworld.com (http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,147667-pg,1/article.html ) Official Site: http://cynicalpeak.com/rivet/ (http://cynicalpeak.com/rivet/ )

From xbox360fanboy.com (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/06/27/more-price-cut-proof-full-page-kmart-ad-for-299-xbox-360/ ): [QUOTE] More fuel for the Xbox 360 price cut fire as Joystiq has gotten its greasy little hands on what appears to be a full-page version of the Kmart Xbox 360 price cut ad discovered yesterday. Again we see an Xbox 360 Pro console offered for the "new low price" of $299. One interesting new wrinkle, Joystiq's tipster says that the ad is for the week of July 13, not July 6. (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/06/27/more-price-cut-proof-full-page-kmart-ad-for-299-xbox-360/ )[/QUOTE] Full Story: xbox360fanboy.com (http://www.xbox360fanboy.com/2008/06/27/more-price-cut-proof-full-page-kmart-ad-for-299-xbox-360/ )

From abcnews.go.com (http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Story?id=5246378&page=1 ): [QUOTE] In the 1970s, no one could have foreseen that a small start-up created by Bill Gates and a team of fellow computer nerds in New Mexico would become the Washington state-based tech behemoth it has become today. Microsoft -- for better or worse, depending on your perspective -- set the standard for operating systems in PCs with Windows, bequeathed gamers with the Xbox 360 and the shoot-'em-up trilogy Halo and, in the opinion of some analysts, brought desktop computing to the larger world. Since its start in 1975, Gates has run Microsoft, building it from the ground up and contributing everything from software development to business acumen. Microsoft went public in 1986, with Gates as the CEO and chairman. In 2000, Gates stepped back as CEO, allowing Steve Ballmer to step into that roll. In 2006, the company announced that Gates would transition out of his day-to-day responsibilities as chairman and work more closely with the charitable foundation he started with his wife, Melinda, eight years ago. [/QUOTE] Full Story: abcnews.go.com (http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Story?id=5246378&page=1 ) (3 pages)

From joystiq.com (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/exclusive-qanda-with-marc-whitten-on-microsoft-drm-tool/ ): [QUOTE] We were given the opportunity to speak with Microsoft's Marc Whitten, general manager of Xbox Live, about some of the outstanding questions we had. * How does the tool work? Can we reauthorize content from console to console, or enable on multiple consoles (ala PS3)? If so, how many consoles? * The process is really easy. The Xbox.com DRM tool lets you consolidate all of your downloaded content licenses to one console. So let's say you downloaded UNO from Xbox LIVE Marketplace and an episode of South Park from the Video Store on your Xbox 360, and then upgraded to an Elite down the line and downloaded more games and videos on the new console. In this scenario your content would be licensed to two consoles, and by using the DRM tool you could then download your older content licenses to your new console. With this tool you can transfer licenses from multiple consoles to a single console. * Is the DRM tool capable of fixing all downloadable content issues, from XBLA titles to content downloaded for specific games (something like Rock Band, Guitar Hero music for example) to things like Xbox Live Marketplace videos? * All games and entertainment content can be transferred except movies downloaded from the Xbox LIVE Video Store. Movies can't be transferred because they are only available for rent. But everything else-- TV shows, music videos, Xbox LIVE Arcade games, map packs, etc, can be transferred by using this tool. [/QUOTE] Read the whole interview: joystiq.com (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/exclusive-qanda-with-marc-whitten-on-microsoft-drm-tool/ )

From n4g.com (http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/News-162121.aspx )/zip.4chan.org (http://zip.4chan.org/v/res/16813921.html ): [QUOTE] Over the on the 4Chan boards a user has put up an image of what appears to be the Xbox 360's version of "Home", also incorporating the Avatars that were rumored earlier this month. Xbox 360's MyGamerPad is rumored to be unveiling at the E for All expo. (http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/xbox360/MyGamerPad/1214515152508.jpg )[/QUOTE] Full Story: n4g.com (http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/News-162121.aspx ) | zip.4chan.org (http://zip.4chan.org/v/res/16813921.html )

These leaked scans of a Kmart sales ad coming out July 6th suggest Microsoft will lower the price of the Xbox 360 Pro to 299.99USD. To be confirmed... (http://forums.highdefdigest.com/showthread.php?t=59222 ) News-Source: forums.highdefdigest.com (http://forums.highdefdigest.com/showthread.php?t=59222 )

From the Xbox PR Blog (http://gamerscoreblog.com/team/default.aspx ): [QUOTE] We have all eagerly been awaiting the DRM tool that will allow you to transfer licenses from one console to another and guess what? Today, it has finally arrived! I'm posting some of the key information that you need to know regarding this tool. To find out more, please go to http://www.xbox.com/drm (http://www.xbox.com/drm ) Key Points: * The DRM tool allows you to transfer licenses from one console to another. For instance, if you bought a console a year ago and downloaded a bunch of content but then bought a new console this year and downloaded more content, you couldn't play all of the content on both 360s without being signed into LIVE. With this tool, you can consolidate all of the downloaded content licenses to your preferred console. This way, you don't have to be signed into LIVE to play. * The process takes less than a minute. There is no content being transferred, only licenses. * This process will work on any console so if you had to trade an Xbox 360 at a local retailer, you can still use the tool to migrate your information. However, you can only do this once every year (365 Days). If you send the console to Microsoft to be repaired, they will automatically update all of your licenses. For more information on console repair, visit: http://www.xbox.com/support. * If you bought a larger hard drive and are re-downloading your licensed content for the same console, then you should not need the DRM tool. However, if you used the Migration cable to transfer your content from an older console to a newer one, you will need to use the tool to update the licenses. Again, you can only do this once a year. * You will still be able to play all of the games you own on all of your consoles as long as you're signed-in to LIVE. The console you transferred your licenses to will be the one that you can use without having to be signed-in. * The tool will work with all content except movies. Movies are not "download-to-own" so the licenses are not transferrable. I hope this helped answer some of those questions you had about the tool. Again, to find out more about it, check the xbox.com page at http://www.xbox.com/drm (http://www.xbox.com/drm ). [/QUOTE]

From mcvuk.com (http://www.mcvuk.com/news/30997/Aggressive-investment-will-ensure-Xbox-win ): [QUOTE] As he confirmed that Xbox 360 has sold "well over" five million units in European territories, Microsoft EMEA's European VP of strategic marketing for interactive entertainment David Gosen told MCV that investment in the market will ensure that the console stays ahead of rival PS3. "We have some very aggressive plans in terms of investing in this market to be successful. We are in Europe to win. We're not here to come second or third." [/QUOTE] Full Story: mcvuk.com (http://www.mcvuk.com/news/30997/Aggressive-investment-will-ensure-Xbox-win )

From next-gen.biz (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11111&Itemid=2 ): [QUOTE] Microsoft Europe's David Gosen says that Xbox 360 is still leading PS3 in the European sales race, despite Sony's claims to the contrary. "Anyone trying to call a winner this Christmas is calling too early," the VP of strategic marketing told MCV. "We are incredibly well positioned - our installed base in Europe is well over five million and contrary to what's been reported we are at least, if not more than, three quarters of a million ahead of PS3." [/QUOTE] Full Story: next-gen.biz (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11111&Itemid=2 )

From microsoft.com (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/950125 ): [QUOTE] Microsoft has released an update for Media Center Extenders for Windows Vista. This update is intended for computers that are running Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate. Issues that are resolved by this update This update addresses the following issues. These issues occur when you use Media Center on an Xbox 360 console. * This update addresses a picture quality issue that occurs when you use Media Center Extender on an Xbox 360 console that has a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connector to the TV for video and a Sony/Philips Digital Interface Format (S/PDIF) connection to the audio device for audio. * This update addresses an issue in which the Media Center Extender stops responding (hangs) when you play a large non-WMV video over an HTTP session. * This update provides support for 50Hz output together with better quality for HD models. This feature applies primarily to regions that use the PAL video standard. [/QUOTE]

From lifehacker.com (http://lifehacker.com/396881/turn-your-xbox-360-into-a-streaming-netflix-player ): [QUOTE] Netflix subscribers, if you've got an Xbox 360 and a Windows Vista PC, you don't have to shell out $99 for Roku's Netflix Player box to get your Watch Instantly library on your TV screen--you already have everything you need. Using the free Windows Media Center plug-in, vmcNetflix, you can turn your Xbox 360 into a Netflix Watch Instantly box. Once you've installed and set up vmcNetflix, here's a video demonstration of what you can expect. [/QUOTE] Full Tutorial: lifehacker.com (http://lifehacker.com/396881/turn-your-xbox-360-into-a-streaming-netflix-player )