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Week of March 23, 2008
Tmbinc Xbox 360 GPU Linux Library Update and Info
>> From Tmbinc on his blog:
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First, here are the promised slides for my Breakpoint 2008 presentation about "Gaming Consoles for demosceners": breakpoint-2008-slides.pdf
Then, I've updated my GPU library a bit. The biggest thing was a rewrite of the interface, so now it's all encapsulated into a nice API. I've also added some features (stencil buffer ops, drawing with index buffers), and fixed a LOT of bugs (for example vfetch patches on more complex shaders). The updated GPU library, included the mentioned "spinning cube" example, is available here: gpu-0.0.5.tar.gz.
Also, I've ported some existing code to my library. A simple test scene looks like this:
This is a per-pixel lighting shader with stencil-based shadow volumes - and obviously 3 cubes. I thought it looked nice enough to put it here.
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Full Story: debugmo.de
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
MS Lawyer about PS3 UT3 Master Chief Mod
>> From Don McGowan's Blog (Microsoft lawyer):
[QUOTE]
When it makes it to Business Week, I think it's time to comment. Many people are talking about the Master Chief mod for Unreal Tournament 3, that allows you to play in the character of the Master Chief on the PS3. Many people are surprised Microsoft is "allowing" this.
Actually it's nothing more than the Game Content Usage Rules in action. When these were developed, people all thought they were focused on machinima. The truth is that while they do address machinima they also allow for a lot of other things. Mods like this are one of them. The developers aren't selling the mod, they're not monetizing Microsoft's IP, they're just creating something to share their love of the Master Chief on a new platform. It's a great thing for us and a great thing for the gaming community. And much though I love my friends at Epic, Unreal Tournament isn't Halo. This will also remind people of just how great the Halo games are and remind them that if they're done with the user-created faux-Halo experience, the real Halo is available only on the Xbox 360. And no one is taking characters from PlayStation games (do they even have any games?) and putting them on our platform...
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Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
First Xecuter 360 RROD Kit Photo
>> From team-xecuter.com:
[QUOTE]
Here is a photo of the kit. Shipping has begun and you can expect stock to arrive at Divineo.net, dotconsole.com, modchip.ca, shopneo.co.uk, mrmodchips.com & kanection.co.uk.
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Official Site: http://team-xecuter.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Xtender Announces XFPS 3.0 Sniper Plus and Chrome HDMI Case
>> Team Xtender announced a new version of their XFPS addon that's now compatible with newer wired controllers and a HDMI-version of their Chrome replacement case:
[QUOTE]
* XCM 360 Chrome case with HDMI port in stock now.
* XFPS 3.0 Sniper (Plus)
Function and features:
- Compatible with all xbox 360 ™ games
- Compatible with all versions of xbox 360 ™ consoles
- Compatible with new version of xbox 360 ™ wired controller
- Can map all the 360 controller keys (include both analog sticks) to any key of the keyboard. Video shows you how to map both of 360 controller analogy sticks to the keyboard: here
- Compatible with 95 % of different kind of mouse and keyboard.
- High sensitivity ,precision and smoothness
- Built in Turbo (Auto Fire) functionality. Independent Auto fire buttons: Eight customizable auto-fire buttons
- Can adjust the mouse sensitivity from 2 extra wheels with 16 levels of adjustment for X and Y sensitivity to adapt perfectly to every mice.
- Connect PS2™ compatible controllers to your Xbox360™
- Compatible with PS2™ joypads, light guns, racing wheels, dancing mats & more
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Official Site: http://teamxtender.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft May Slowly Be Fixing Their Broken XBOX DRM
>> From consumerist.com:
[QUOTE]
A ray of hope from reader James--Microsoft was able to fix his broken XBOX Live account. Are they getting their act together? Maybe?
"I'm sending this in due to my experience with XBOX LIVE Support and Microsoft's broken XBOX LIVE DRM (Originally posted here)
I too, like Kevin, sent in my XBOX360 for repair after the RRoD, and was sent a brand new XBOX360 as a replacement. Now, mind you, I had my XBOX360 registered on their website for warranty information, so I could see when they sent a brand new one, because the Serial Number on my warranty information was updated before they even had the new box on the truck to me. This was late December / early January.
So I called XBOXLIVE support in February, and got the same runaround as Kevin- re-download it, restore your GamerTag, etc, etc, etc. They never once offered the re-licensing until I specifically asked for the points to re-download my content. Once they did, I got the same spiel as others in the previous thread; for those that weren't keeping up, Microsoft could "fix" the problem by re-licensing my old content to my new XBOX360's serial number. Of course, this lengthy process (CTRL + H being a difficult task for their XBOX LIVE department, but common knowledge to their warranty division) would take 20 - 30 days. Of course, having no other alternative, I told them to go ahead and do it and get it resolved already.
This was 32 days ago at this point. Monday morning I get a call from an unknown number, and the message on my voicemail was from XBOX LIVE, letting me know that the re-licensing has been resolved, and all I need to do is re-download my older purchased content to the new XBOX360.
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Full Story: consumerist.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
XBL Manager Explains Approach to Punishing Achievement Point Cheaters
>> Excerpt of an interview with Xbox Live General Manager Marc Whitten on blog.newsweek.com:
[QUOTE]
* When did you decide to take the steps that were publicly outlined today to punish people who are determined to be tampering with their game saves?
* We have always invested in upholding the Live Terms of Use through penalizing violations with user and or console bans. The method of having the individual's gamerscore reset is a more measured approach that addresses this particular form of behavior.
* How granular are your tools for determine whether someone, as your FAQ page states, "has earned achievements by using tools that circumvent the game or avoid game play entirely"?
* We look for abnormal Achievement and gamerscore activity using criteria that identifies members who have used external means to earn Achievements without really playing the game.
* Why did you decide to not only reset a player's Gamerscore, but also publicly label him or her a cheater? Is there any way for someone who has been so punished to have the scarlet "C" removed in the future?
* We want to make sure all Xbox Live members know there are consequences to violating the use of terms by cheating on the service. This label is primarily for verification to the user that yes, your gamerscore was reset due to cheating and can be observed on Xbox.com, and through the player's view of their gamercard on a console or PC connected to Xbox Live. Gamers who are labeled as 'cheaters' are still allowed to legitimately gain future Achievements and the player's experience doesn't change in any other way. Over time, we intend to remove the label - although the original achievements will remain reset. It is up to the individual player to prove that they won't do it again.
* Your adjudication process is secret, and you provide no means whatsoever for appeal, making it something of a star chamber. Aren't you concerned that in your zeal to punish the guilty, you may also ensnare the innocent?
* We only correct gamerscores for players who meet the criteria 100 percent. Like the vast majority of Xbox Live members, if you earn Achievements by playing through games like any other player, then you have nothing to worry about. Gamerscore correction only applies to players who use external means or avoid game play to earn Achievements.
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Full Story: blog.newsweek.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
My Xbox Update
>> From majornelson.com:
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Early this morning, the team rolled out an update to the My Xbox section of Xbox.com. It's a redesign that, among other things, places most of the information you're looking for easily at the top of the page. Plus, much of the section has been re-coded to increase page performance. Let me know what you think and I'll share it with the team.
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Full Story: majornelson.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Wii the Death Knell of the Bleeding Edge Console?
>> From next-gen.biz:
[QUOTE]
Nintendo has shown that it doesn't need to sell consoles at a loss to be a mainstream success. Could this be the last generation of the high-cost, "bleeding edge" console?
This generation, videogame console manufacturers somewhat literally went for broke when they entered the new interactive entertainment technology arms race. Built-in Blu-ray drives, standard connectivity features, hard drives and high-horsepower multi-core processors drove losses for both Sony and Microsoft who sell their machines at a loss.
Nintendo, on the other hand, has never been one to sell its consoles at a loss. Puttering past competitors with what detractors called "GameCube 1.5" technology is the Nintendo Wii, which distinguishes itself not by sheer power, but by unique gameplay mechanics. It's clear that Sony and Microsoft's razor strategy is lost on Nintendo execs. In June 2006, prior to the Wii's launch, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said, "It is a strange notion that a game console always leads to mounting losses in the beginning. We can't promise we won't even have a one yen loss, but we are not expecting an enormous loss."
The end of costly consoles?
For the uninitiated, console makers rely on the razorblades-and-razors business model, which follows the model of razor companies who sell razors at a loss, and offset those losses with high-margin razorblades. In the games business, consoles are the razors and software are the blades. Nintendo's current razor, the $250 Wii, isn't a money-losing piece of hardware.
"I think the results of this cycle will have a strong influence on the next cycle, in that cheaper consoles will be expected," says analyst Billy Pidgeon, program manager for IDC's Consumer Markets: Gaming program. "Microsoft and Sony will attain successful business on this generation, but catering to the early adopter hardcore gamers with a technology leader strategy will be difficult in 2011."
Maybe a lower-cost PS3.5 or an Xbox 540, both with intuitive control options and incredible online services (and with relatively low manufacturing costs), will more than suffice next time around.
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Full Story: next-gen.biz (3 pages)
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Netflix Confirms Xbox 360 Surveys
>> From xbox360fanboy.com:
[QUOTE]
Just over a month ago, it came to light that online movie rental behemoth Netflix was surveying its customers about the possibility of streaming movies to their Xbox 360s. Fast forward to March 2008 (i.e. now) and Netflix spokesman Steve Swasey has confirmed the existence of the survey and thrown a little more fuel onto the speculation fire. Specifically, Swasey did not confirm whether or not there is a pending deal between Microsoft and Netflix to provide a movie streaming service, but he did say that the company wants consumers to obtain its movies "in as many ways as possible."
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Full Story: xbox360fanboy.com | reuters.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Tampering with Gamesaves and Achievements: Gamerscore Correction
>> From gamerscoreblog.com (FYI: MS owned blog):
[QUOTE]
Ouch. A small number of accounts are being reset for tampering with gamesaves and Achievements. Larry Hryb explains in a blog post what his team is doing to the accounts of the most serious offenders:
* Resetting the entire Gamerscore for an account to zero
* The account will be unable to regain all previously obtained achievements and Gamerscore, however, the players will have the ability to gain future Achievements by earning them fairly, like the majority of the Xbox LIVE community does.
* The account will be clearly labeled as a cheater for the community to view on xbox.com, see here for a screenshot. In dash, the personal view of the gamercard will be labeled too.
We've been told that the accounts in this case are using a variety of means outside the actual playing of the game or by using external tools to increase their score, and gaining achievements under impossible conditions, which is in violation of the Terms of Use.
The vast majority of Xbox LIVE members play games legitimately to earn Achievements and are unaffected by this. Anyone who plays inside the actual game to get Achievements does not fall into the category we are taking action on.
Xbox.com has a Q&A on the topic, answering some questions, including:
* Under what circumstances does LIVE correct a specific gamerscore?
* Specific and automated criteria are used to determine if a player has earned achievements by using tools that circumvent the game or avoid game play entirely. A player who meets these criteria has their gamerscore corrected.
* How does LIVE know a player has been cheating on their gamerscore versus another player?
* We look for abnormal achievement and gamerscore activity using criteria that identifies users who have used external means to earn achievements without really playing the game. Users who play games legitimately to earn an achievements are unaffected by this.
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Full Story: gamerscoreblog.com
Discuss this news item on our forums: forums.xbox-scene.com
Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony Disagree On Demos For Downloadable Games
>> From multiplayerblog.mtv.com:
[QUOTE]
Over the last few weeks I've been asking top people at Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony about game demos for the downloadable games offered via Xbox Live Arcade, WiiWare and PlayStation Network.
I can't get the same answer twice.
Microsoft - yes, demos are a must
Nintendo -- no, demos are not required
Sony - sometimes demos are good, sometimes bad.
Microsoft's Jeremy Wacksman, Global Marketing Manager, Xbox Live
"[Trial demos for XBLA games] came from the casual games industry. The thing is that Arcade has an identity. It is about pick-up-and-play games. The trial experience helps drive that pick-up-and-play nature. You have to think about how to get consumers to taste it. And the other thing is that it provides a great marketing tool. We've talked to consumers, and trial is one of the big drivers of purchase intent. So it gets smaller-budget games that doesn't have a big marketing campaign- this is their marketing. We're going to do a great job of getting the trial into people's hands, and then the game can help sell itself."
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Full Story: multiplayerblog.mtv.com
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XBMC for Xbox 2008-03-23 SVN rev12263 build - T3CH
>> T3CH released a new SVN compile (rev12263) of XBMC for Xbox (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:
* XBMC Lyrics updated to 1.5.7. AMT updated to 0.99.3
For the full changelog (all added/fixed/changed/updated stuff) since the 2008-03-09 SVN Rev11970 build 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: http://xbmc.org (manual and FAQ)
Official T3CH Site: http://t3ch.yi.se (release RSS feed)
Download Binaries: n/a (built with XDK) | Download SourceCode: here
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