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Week of January 14, 2007
Xenon360 Console Shells Installed on a brand new Xbox360
>> From Xtreme Enterprise:
[QUOTE]
We did what every logical thinking person would do. Take apart our brand new Xbox360, and installed it on our very own Xenon360 console replacement case. Lo and Behold, what emerged took our breath away - a matte black Xenon360. The installation process was easy to do since we already had some experience taking the original case apart. With our new Xbox360, the RF cage cover was hot-melded onto the case cover and since we didn't quite need that for now, we left it at that. We also took out our netowrking adapter and attached it to the case. So without further ado, here are the pictures:
  More Pictures: 03 | 04
Official Site: http://www.e-linksoft.com and http://www.xbox-central.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
DOSXBox v9
>> It's been awhile since we saw a new release from Xport, but today he came back with a new version of DOSXBox(info) - a 286/386 PC Emulator for Xbox1.
What's new/fixed:
* Updated core to DOSBox 0.65
* CDROMs can be real CDs or a directory on your XBox hard drive or an image file (ISO, BIN, etc)
* IPX/Network/Modem support implemented (untested)
* Added joystick mappings for the following missing keyboard keys:
Scroll Lock ; Num Lock ; Pause/Break ; Print Screen
* Navigate menus using the keyboard
Up = Menu Up ; Down = Menu Down ; Enter = A/Select ; Escape = B/Cancel
* Bring up the Options menu from in-game by pressing Scroll Lock and Num Lock simultaneously on the keyboard
* Brought XPort GUI core up to most recent feature set
* New 10x11 pixel aspect ratio mode. Access it on the Video/Skin Configuration menu.
* New option under "General Options": "Auto-Return to Launcher After Exit Game"
This will automatically return to the launching program after you exit a game. (Only happens if the emu was launched with a game via the command-line method.)
* There is no save state or rewind support, even though it may look like there is.
Official Site: xport.xbox-scene.com
Download: n/a (built with XDK)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
A Primer for Microsoft's XNA
>> From slashdot.org:
[QUOTE]
Over at the education site Game Career Guide, they've got an in-depth primer of Microsoft's XNA, including interviews with Julie Ellen and Joe Nalewabau of Microsoft about the PC and Xbox 360 indie/student homebrew construction tool, as well as chats with two developers (Benjamin Nitschke and Alex Okafor) who have worked with XNA to some notable effect. Microsoft's Ellie claims of the efforts: 'Homebrew and independent developers are often very talented and have lots of creative ideas. Being able to officially write games directly for a retail console right at home is a first and could be very empowering for them. For the homebrew and indie scene to succeed we need to provide two things: great tools and access to a large audience. We're working on both.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: www.gamecareerguide.com (5 pages)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Big Box Project: Return Broken 360 in Huge Container
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
After being bathed in the dreaded red lights of doom for the second time, Microsoft informed the customer policy did away with round-trip shipping boxes -- instead, he would have to provide his own packaging and pay for the shipping to the repair center.
Irked by the policy change, our protagonist saw the opportunity for revenge when he was told of another Microsoft policy. It dictates that when the repairs are completed, the console is sent back to the customer within the same box it arrived in, at Microsoft's expense. Thus, The Big Box Project was born:
"The mission is simple; send the largest box possible... a shipping container. I want a 40 foot solid steel shipping container with nothing in it but my poor little xbox 360."
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: joystiq.com
Official Site: www.thebigboxproject.com [x-scene does not condone donations to this project]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Analyst: Vista, Xbox Could Boost Microsoft Past Estimates
>> From ibtimes.com:
[QUOTE]
Software giant Microsoft is expected to post earnings for its second quarter next Thursday, as one analyst points towards strong sales of the company's game-console and new operating system to help fuel the company's revenue.
Microsoft's Xbox 360 game console outsold rivals this holiday season, with market research firm IDC reporting cumulative sales of 10.4 million units at the end of 2006. Experts from investment bank Friedman, Billings, Ramsey had predicted sales of only 10.2 million.
"With a strong holiday season, we believe the Entertainment and Devices division could beat our revenue estimate of $2.78 billion, which represents growth of 68 percent year-over-year," said the investment bank's David Hilal.
Hilal noted however, that while better than expected console sales could drive higher revenues, impact on the bottom line will "not be significant."
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: ibtimes.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Best Gaming HDTV for Under 3000 USD
>> From gamedaily.com:
[QUOTE]
The answers were surprising when we asked TV companies what's your company's best HDTV for my PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360?
* Sony KDS-60A2000
* Toshiba 42LZ196
* Hitachi P50H401
* Samsung HL-T6187S
* Sharp LC-37GP1U
* Panasonic TH-50PX75U
* LG 50PC5D
* Philips 47PFL9732D
* Pioneer Elite Pro-940HD
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: gamedaily.com (10 pages)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Differences between Western and Japanese game Design Philosophies
>> From 1up.com:
[QUOTE]
Through exploration, research and discussion, we've stumbled onto some intriguing answers. Not all of these are proven, scientific theories, but they may offer some insight as to why, for instance, the Xbox 360 lingers unsold on Japanese shelves.
One might look at the Japanese console sales charts and make broad claims, like how the Japanese don't like the Xbox. This is not entirely true -- just dive through Japanese message boards or blogs, and one can find legions of enthusiastic fans discussing and praising the likes of Halo, Ghost Recon, Oblivion, Splinter Cell, and Prince of Persia. It just so happens that Western games are a niche market over there. It's much like the Western market and games such as Shin Megami Tensei or Disgaea; they may not be big sellers, but they've garnered underground success and attracted thousands of obsessed fans. As it turns out, great games are great games, enough to overcome hundreds of years of cultural divergence.
There are instances of similar game design that show up in different ways. The Japanese have games like Dynasty Warriors and Dragon Quest that focus on long bouts of repetitive grinding to build up characters, while Westerners have World of Warcraft and Diablo. Where English message boards are filled with posters complaining about shoddy localizations and bad voice acting, there are plenty of Japanese fans that bemoan how many Western games aren't even translated into their native language, and the ones that are are often shoddy. Just like America has vast lobbies calling for the censorship of games for being too violent, Japan has also been clamping down, in some cases forcing companies to remove some of the gorier aspects of Resident Evil 4, Dead Rising, and God of War. On the surface, as much as things may seem to be different across the ocean, we're more similar than most realize.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: 1up.com (8 pages)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Gears of War Juggernaut Continues With More Than 3 Million Units Sold
>> From the press release:
[QUOTE]
"Gears of War" has gone triple platinum, reaching the 3 million-units-sold milestone in just 10 weeks on store shelves, ending 2006 as the top-selling game among all platforms during the month of December.
Since the downloadable content's release via Xbox Live Marketplace less than two weeks ago, the new maps have garnered an astounding 750,000 downloads. There have been more than 1.5 million total downloads of all "Gears of War" content currently available via Marketplace, including the maps, themes and video walkthrough, by gamers who can't get enough of Delta Squad and the Locust Horde.
Not just a gaming sensation, the acclaimed "Gears of War: Mad World" cinematic trailer was featured in Advertising Age's Book of Tens as one of the top creative concepts of 2006. With more than 2.4 million views of the trailer online, the campaign has inspired not only tremendous sales, but also a number of hilarious parody videos currently circulating around the Internet.
[/QUOTE]
Full the whole Press Release here.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Innovatek X-Matic WaterBlock for Xbox 360
>> Innovatek launched the X-Matic, a special waterblock made to cool the CPU, GPU and memory of the Xbox360. Below I tried of translate (german->english) Innovatek's official details about the product:
[QUOTE]
The Innovatek X-Matic waterblock was developed specially for the cooling of the Xbox 360 console!
The heatsink replaces the two standard heatsinks as well as the two exhausts (fans) of the console. The X-Matic cools the CPU, the GPU and the memory of the Xbox 360 extremely efficiently and absolutely silently!
Overview:
The X-Matic is simply and easy to install using the original attachment mechanism of the original heatsinks. Once you opened the console, the heatsink swap is fast and securely attached in just a few minutes.
Apart from the substantially improved cooling naturally also the noise of the two fans escapes the console completely! The cooling system is thus very silent and nevertheless substantially more effective than the original cooling solution.
To cool down the Xbox with the X-Matic waterblock you will of course also still a "recooling plant" [with cooling water, reservoir, pump, ...]. You can, for example, use the external Innovatek Aquamatic cooling system.
But you can of course also use different cooling systems.
With 'quick-disconnects plugs' (sold separately) the cooling system can be separated fast and drip-free from the Xbox. The Xbox 360 remains thus fully transportable.
The openings required in the Xbox360 metallic case (to pass through the tubes between the internal X-Matic waterblock and external cooling systems) can be done very easily and fast with a normal 'side cutter'. The metal of the Xbox is very soft, so the openings can be done problem-free with a normal 'side cutter'. Rubber rings will be included in the package to protect the tubes from being damaged by the metallic case.
What you get:
* X-Matic heatsink
* Thermal compound
* 2 pieces of rubber lead-in ferrules (rings)
* Assembly instruction
[/QUOTE]
The X-Matic waterblock retails for 89eur (~115usd).
Official Site: www.innovatek.de (german)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft Expands XBLA File Size to 250 MB
>> From 1up.com:
[QUOTE]
The Xbox Live Arcade file size was capped at 50 MB to accommodate consumers who purchased the hard drive-less Xbox 360 Core SKU (those consumers had to use one of Microsoft's memory cards). Under condition of anonymity, sources revealed to 1UP that the file size for Xbox Live Arcade titles has been increased from 50 MB to 250 MB and with Microsoft's approval, that size can be expanded to 450 MB. When asked for comment on the reported change to file size, Microsoft said, "We do not comment on rumor and speculation and so we can not confirm that rumor. Aside from the exception we granted for 'Castlevania: Symphony of the Night,' we have not announced any plans to alter the file size standard for Xbox Live Arcade games. However, adjusting the size limit is certainly an option in the future, and as always, we are listening to feedback both from gamers and developers on what will provide the best user experience. Whatever choice we make, we will hold a position that provides for the best possible Xbox Live Arcade gameplay experience."
With games potentially expanding to 450 MB, an oft-rumored 256 MB memory card (EB Games lists one for $59.99, expecting it to ship March 1) wouldn't be sufficient, either. If there is a memory card upgrade (and there will be, eventually) expect it to hold 512 MB of data.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: 1up.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Taste of What to Expect from Team Blackbolt in 2007
>> From Team Blackbolt:
[QUOTE]
So you are probably wondering to yourself, what was that shiney black logo thing you just saw upon entering the blackbolt site[or see logo below]. Well its just small tiny taste of whats to come from Team Blackbolt in the year 2007. As many of you know we have been working on an Xbox 360 skin for a year now. That might seem like a long time for just a GUI, but we can only work on it in our free time, it isn't a job, yet ;). You may also know that our next skin after MC360 is also planned, codenamed 'eX', it takes its look from the modern sleak web 2.0. Well beyond eX is unknown territory for both us and all our users. So we can promise you this, Team Blackbolt will grow into something more than just what it is now, it will become more than just a place for one skin, for your favourite application.
The first part of this new changes will occur early in 2007. First step is a new website look, a new design and a new way of using our site. We want to bring the best 'quality' skins to everyone out there. So we hope Team Blackbolt will be the place you come for those skins. I look forward to speaking to you all in the forums about your ideas and feedback to our nearest event, the release of the final 1.0 version of MC360.
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: blackbolt.x-scene.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
New Call Of Duty 3 Maps Do Not Work
>> From 2old2play.com:
[QUOTE]
Its seems as though gamers who download the new Valor Map Pack for the Xbox 360 are in for a surprise. None of the maps work.
After an already buggy start with it's release (lets not forget about COD2), Call of Duty 3 has yet again released content that at this point seems %100 non-functioning. Once you pay your money, download the map pack, and boot up the game you will find that none of the new maps are even available at the map selection menu.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: 2old2play.com (also confirmed by Moderator on xbox.com)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Comparing XB Live, PS Network, and WiiConnect24 as is
>> From gameinformer.com:
[QUOTE]
It's interesting to see how three different companies view their online ties. Microsoft is positioning itself as an all-things-to-all-people type of solution, and the approach seems to be working. Sony hopes to offer many of the same things as Xbox Live--at no extra charge. While it's experiencing substantial growing pains, it certainly has the resources to deliver. Nintendo seems content to offer Wii owners a few nifty toys, a large chunk of retro gaming and a bleak number of upcoming online multiplayer titles. As mentioned before, Microsoft does have the advantage of time. What remains to be seen is how Sony and Nintendo intend to give players the best possible online experiences.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: gameinformer.com (3 pages)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XS hits another milestone with 325,000 plus members and still growing
>> I'll make this short and sweet.
I'm always proud of the little moments, like when we hit 50,000 members, then 100k, then 200k, etc. Well, we tipped over 325,000 members during the last 24hrs. What even more incredible is that the vast majority are still checking into the site, and try and stay active on the forums, even it's it's just to say hi once and a while.
All I can say for the new people, is welcome to the party people. Enjoy the site. It's a labor of love for a great many people.
Peace.
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Gates Notes Competitor 'Failings'
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
Bill Gates has been talking frankly about his vision for Xbox 360 and the games market in the year ahead, including some barbed words for Sony and Nintendo.
On a Bigger Hard Drive and IPTV
"In an IPTV environment, there is no reason to put anything down on a hard disk because you created a broadband infrastructure that has enough capacity to stream individual video streams to everybody on the network. We don't need to change [Xbox 360] at all to do the IPTV thing."
On the Xbox 360 Strategy
"It's working perfectly. We wanted to be the guy with the small box that costs less. We wanted to have the most games. We wanted to play to our software strength, and tools and online. We wanted to swap positions with Sony. We wanted to not be a year late, not be a big box, not be a more expensive box. How are we doing on that?"
On Sony
" They were going to have the Cell be the video processor. But they didn't know what they were doing. They said the Cell is the video processor. But they turned to Nvidia at the last minute, but Nvidia can't do embedded DRAM. Go look at the bandwidth problems. Go ask the guys running ... now. They took their year and burned it by not having a decent CPU strategy and then turning to Nvidia at the last minute. It's a very unusual thing. Those processors are isolated from each other.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: next-gen.biz and mercurynews.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft: 'Over half' of 360 owners didn't own Xbox 1
>> From gamesindustry.biz:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft's Chris Satchell has revealed that "over half" of the people who have bought Xbox 360 since its November 2005 launch did not buy an Xbox 1.
"We've sold 10.4 million, but the stat you may not have heard is that over half of those sales are from people that didn't own an Xbox 1," Satchell told GamesIndustry.biz in an interview published today.
However Satchell's comments are likely to be questioned in some quarters because Microsoft has already publicly admitted that the 10.4 million consoles sold haven't all been purchased by consumers.
Speaking to GI.biz at CES, Xbox boss Peter Moore said that in the context of its own figures, "'Sold' means that we're a wholesaler of hardware and we sell it to a retailer, and that's the important criteria."
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: gamesindustry.biz
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Video: Getting Started with the XNA Creators Club
>> From the official XNA Team Blog:
[QUOTE]
Before the holiday break, we trekked to Microsoft Studios for a 1-day video shoot. Our goal was to show how to connect your Windows development PC to your Xbox 360 in order to deploy a game to your console using XNA Game Studio Express. This video demonstrates how to download the tools to your Windows PC, purchase a membership in the XNA Creators Club, obtain XNA Game Launcher for your Xbox 360, and connect your Windows PC to your Xbox 360 on your home network. We felt that this video would help to show the necessary steps in real, full-blooded action. It's only 11 minutes long, and you have several viewing options:
Download a copy from the Microsoft Download Center, available in standard or high definition. Watch the copy on MSN Soapbox below:
[/QUOTE]
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Lost Planet and Dead Rising Ship Over Two Million Units
>> From teamxbox.com:
[QUOTE]
Capcom announced today that both Lost Planet: Extreme Condition and Dead Rising for the Xbox 360 have each shipped over one million units worldwide.
Lost Planet has shipped one million units worldwide following its December 21 release in Japan and subsequent January 12 release in Europe and North America, while Dead Rising has done the same since its release last summer.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: teamxbox.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XboxMediaCenter (XBMC) 2007-01-16 SVN rev7667 build - T3CH
>> T3CH released a new SVN compile (rev7667) of XboxMediaCenter(info).
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 Noteworthy/XML/Script changes:
* I'm including a package of "Picture Icons" for use with new TuxBox Client, see _tools/PictureIcon.rar.
* I'm including a preview (070117) of the new mplayer Elupus is working on, report issues here. It's located in the TEST subfolder, simply replace the 2 files in XBMC/system/players/mplayer/ if you want to help Team XBMC test it.
* Since I haven't seen any newer version of AMT than 0.93.5, I applied the fix floating around so atleast it works now.
* I also tweaked the win32 run_me_first.bat so it runs and then unmounts the virtual drives when you exit.
* I'm also including the 'XBMC Win32 PC environment' .exe that is meant for skinners & python developers, read more about the concept here. It was built using Microsoft DirectX Summer 2004 SDK.
Here's the added stuff since the 2007-01-09 SVN Rev7554-proper Build:
* added: new node in video library: directors (nuke your db!) added: search in video library window.
* added: getxbeid and getxbetitle function to httpapi
* added: XboxMediaCenter TuxBox Client (only Enigma Based set-top boxes are supported!) For more informations, check the forum!
* added: Internet Threaded Detection if the XBOX is on line or not! Very Simple and Dirty!
* added: ListItem.IsSelected boolean condition.
* added: new video database scheme added: new set content dialog for the video section changed: better usage of .nfo files for movie lookups added: drop-in scraper support for movie content - see system/scrapers/imdb.xml changed: video library now filters on lockstate of bookmarks again
* added: align and aligny attributes to tag to allow alignment within the defined box.
* added: [ 1618284 ] advancedsetting option to change album sort by artist to sort by year as well.
* added: New attributes topleft, topright, bottomleft and bottomright to <colordiffuse> - allows different vertices to have different diffuse colors. eg <colordiffuse bottomright="00ffffff" bottomleft="00ffffff">ffffffff</colordiffuse> will fade to transparent at the bottom of the image.
* added: Repeat/Random to playercontrols in PM3
* added: exposed the virtual keyboard's SetHiddenInput() method to the python keyboard object. Useful for password entry,
For the full changelog (fixed/changed/updated stuff) click here.
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: www.xboxmediacenter.com (manual and FAQ)
Official T3CH Site: t3ch.xil.us
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) | Download SourceCode: here
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Your Thoughts on the Future of Live?
>> From Andre Vrignaud's Blog (Microsoft's Director of Technical Strategy for Xbox Live):
[QUOTE]
I'm doing some thinking around the future of "Xbox Live". I put Xbox Live in quotes only because Live will be stretching beyond the console this year with the release of Live on Windows, and we're looking at a future where multiple devices will all be able to connect into the same service. My question to you is what big features would you want to see out of Live in the future?
Imagine a world in which your account can work with different devices, each with different capabilities. Some might have a keyboard, some might not. Some might connect to your TV, some might be mobile and fit in your pocket. Some might be built from the ground up for gaming, some might have gaming as an ancillary function. The common thread across all of these devices is internet connectivity and Live, with your single login (Gamertag), your single friends list, and the ability communicate and share with those friends and the community.
What do you want to see? Think big here - ideally, think about what you want to see over a five-year period, and how your ideas evolve over that time. What's the crawl step for your idea? The walk? The run?
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: Andre Vrignaud's Blog
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Talismoon DVD Linker for Xbox 360
>> Talismoon released replacement cables for the Xbox 360 DVD drive:
[QUOTE]
The DVD Linker is a replacement product for the standard DVD cables of the Xbox 360.
Perfect match whether yours are lost, damaged in a Frankenstein moment, or you just want spares on hand before trying your next wild mod.
Contains:
* 1 SATA cable
* 1 Xbox DVD cable
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: www.talismoon.com
Buy Now: DVD Linker for Xbox 360 ($5.95)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XCM Mult-cable V2 PC Monitor Adapter
>> From Team Xtender:
[QUOTE]
Team X-tender is proud to make a new addition to our XCM line:
The XCM Multi-cable V2 PC Monitor Adapter (AKA: FARMER-VGA BOX). This unit will allow you to have a truly integrated entertainment center by allowing your next gen consoles to be displayed on your favorite PC LCD Monitor for the Maximum resolution!!!
As usual if you think you are ready for direct sales and distribution, contact us at sales -AT- teamxtender.com.
Function :
* Compatible with all consoles.(Wii, PS3, XB360, PS2, Xbox etc )
* Works on both PAL & NTSC system.
* Double scan conversion (31.5KHz for NTSC, 31.25KHz for PAL).
* Output resolution ; NTSC (60Hz) 858 x 525 PAL (50Hz) 864 x 625
* YpbPr (works for all consoles with Ypbpr input)
* Automatic memorize your adjustment.
* Plug and play installation.
* With power supply (110V or 220-240V) and a Multi-Ypbpr cable
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: http://www.teamxtender.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Specialized 360 for IPTV in the works?
>> From xbox360fanboy.com:
[QUOTE]
Speaking with Major Nelson in his most recent podcast, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg spoke of the possibility of a specially configured 360 built with IPTV and DVR functions in mind. When questioned about DVR functions and the possibility of a larger HDD, Greengerg said, "clearly the current way the Xbox 360 is designed is not for that ... we did not build this box to be a High Definition DVR." Greenberg further states that it's possible that consumers will eventually purchase some kind of IPTV upgrade (possibly referring only to a larger hard drive) or purchase an IPTV specific 360 "configuration" from a service provider. Greenberg points out that a larger hard drive is really only necessary for DVR functions and that it's possible to run IPTV without a hard drive at all.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: xbox360fanboy.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xbox Live to see movie and TV revenue of 726usd million
>> From pro-g.co.uk:
[QUOTE]
A new report estimates that Microsoft could see revenue from TV and movie sales via Xbox Live of $726 million.
The summary of the report notes that Microsoft is positioning itself "as a key player in the IP video realm." Emerging Media Dynamics expects the Xbox-based video business to grow rapidly, and could see combined revenue from the sale of TV shows and movies via Xbox Live of $92.25 million in 2007. This is expected to grow further each year though 2011, when cumulative revenue from the service could top $726 million.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: pro-g.co.uk
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Talismoon Window Kit Cutting Tool
>> Talismoon released a new product for the case modders:
[QUOTE]
Modding has its hazards - but a nasty cut from a power tool can now be completely avoided thanks to the Talismoon Window Kit Cutting Tool.
This product is a great alternative that doesn't need any power, and the fact that it is a hand tool makes it easier to follow straight lines than an overpowered rotary tool. Also conveniently avoids any worries of slipping and taking an accidental 'bite' out your Xbox's finish. Easy enough for any age to use, and very difficult to hurt yourself during use.
This tool was built to custom specifications for its specific use with the xbox 360. Other tools of this type will not have the necessary clearance to work on the thicker plastic of the Xbox 360. In addition to being useful for cutting windows, it can also be used to cut fan holes and other types of egress.
Compatible with all consoles on the market today, it is the perfect tool for Xbox 360 tuning!
Benefits:
- Specifically designed for the plastic of the xbox 360
- No power needed, use it under any conditions
- Hand tool reduces chance of mistakes common to power tools
- Easier clean up: Does not create dust or plastic powder
- Greatly reduced risk of flying chips of plastic
- Does not melt plastic, no risk of painful burns
Best tool to install Talismoon X-Ray kit!
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: www.talismoon.com
Buy Now: Window Kit Cutting Tool ($15) | X-Ray Kit ($10)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Picture of kidnapping victim appeared on Xbox community site
>> From joystiq.com:
[QUOTE]
When 15-year-old Shawn Hornbeck was found safe and sound at the home of alleged kidnapper Michael Devlin this weekend, it was the first time his family had seen him since he disappeared over four years ago. Now it appears that Hornbeck's picture has shown up on a popular Xbox community site during his four-year kidnapping.
The GamerTagPics profile for Xbox Live user "DevilDevlin" shows the kidnapped Hornbeck outside what appear to be Devlin's apartment. The profile was created Sept. 4, 2005 but hasn't been accessed since early 2006. DevilDevlin's Gamertag reveals that someone played Saints Row on the account as recently as Friday. It seems likely that Hornbeck used the account -- a Washington Post story reveals Devlin's neighbors "often spotted Shawn out and about, visiting friends on his bicycle or playing video games with the apartment door open."
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: joystiq.com and gamertagradio.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft to launch Xbox 360 in China soon?
>> From Reuters via Yahoo!News:
[QUOTE]
Microsoft Corp. is set to launch its popular Xbox 360 console in China in the next few months, expanding beyond its traditional focus on selling PC software in the country, industry sources said.
The software giant has been discussing the launch with local Internet service providers and personal computer makers since late last year, and plans to appoint several sales agents for Xbox 360 in the mainland, sources in the consumer technology sector said.
Microsoft is also checking with the Chinese government, including the culture and information ministries, that authorities are comfortable with the product, the sources said.
The government reviews the content of video games sold in China and has been cautious about approving the sale of imported games, so its stance may be the main factor determining when Xbox 360 sales begin.
Microsoft has declined to give a specific timeframe for when Xbox 360 will begin selling in China, but some stores in major cities such as Shanghai have told potential consumers that it may be available for sale around the lunar new year in the middle of February, retail industry sources said.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: news.yahoo.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XBList v3.0
>> A new version of XBList, a simple and unobtrusive Windows program that can display your Xbox Live Friends List in a buddy-list format, has been released:
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Well, I've finally gotten around to releasing a version of XBList that's good enough to call 3.0. Last year I posted a look at what I thought should be in the next XBList. The most major has been the transition to .NET 2.0. Besides the increased stability and power of the new framework and doing things "the 2.0 way", I ended up rewriting most of XBList's innards in an effort to make it more maintainable, cleaner, faster, and more stable. That's all in there, even though you don't see it. Emblem loading, in particular, is much more robust. I also went out of my way to simplify the app and put in those little features that had been bugging me forever. For example, XBList now remembers if you've collapsed a category (like "Offline") instead of expanding it each time. And a list refresh won't always scroll to the top like it used to.
However, there are a couple of very visible changes. First, you'll now get a little tray icon and message bubble whenever there are new messages waiting for you at Xbox.com. This is really exciting for me, since it means that friends can invite you to a game and you'll know about it right there on your desktop. It's a new feature, and I'll be working on it more, but I hope everybody likes it. The other thing is that XBList has a new icon and a new set of graphics. There's an animated sign-in screen, a chilling error screen, and better indicators in the system tray. I never liked the old XBList icon (which was just the old Xbox logo, cut out), and this one feels much more professional, as well as having its own identity, which isn't to say that it doesn't owe a lot to the Xbox 360 UI team.
One last thing: I never got a chance to try it, but people complained that XBList 2.2 didn't work on Vista. I think XBList 3.0 might (and I created a spiffy Vista icon for it) so please give it a shot and let me know if it works!
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Official Site/Download: http://brh.numbera.com/software/xblist/
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
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