ATT technical support tool suggests Xbox 360 will bring IPTV to U-Verse households soon?
From engadget.com (http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/04/atandt-technical-support-tool-suggests-xbox-360-will-bring-iptv-to/ ):
[QUOTE]
A tipster just forwarded some legit-looking screenshots (http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/04/atandt-technical-support-tool-suggests-xbox-360-will-bring-iptv-to/ ) of Xbox prompts in AT&T U-Verse's technical support database. Our source claims the Xbox is presently being tested internally with friends and family of AT&T employees, and that it's likely only a couple of months away at this point.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: engadget.com (http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/04/atandt-technical-support-tool-suggests-xbox-360-will-bring-iptv-to/ )
Kotaku: Hands On With The New Xbox 360 Controller
From kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/5629833/hands-on-with-the-new-xbox-360-controller ):
[QUOTE]
Major Nelson even agreed to shoot this video, and while I put him to work he revealed that this is his own personal controller. The new d-pad is easy to transform and the alternate, raised-cross mode feels like it will be good for games that require precise horizontal, vertical and diagonal inputs -- you know, like fighting games.
We knew about the transforming d-pad, but did you know the analog sticks have changed? They tilt the same, but the shape of the depression on top of them has been tweaked. The old raised bits are gone and the center has a deeper depression. I'm not sure what the consequences will be of the small change, but the new stick did feel comfortable under my thumb.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: kotaku.com (http://kotaku.com/5629833/hands-on-with-the-new-xbox-360-controller )
Xbox 360 S Repainted in Glossy White
From engadget.com (http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/xbox-360-slimster-made-over-in-white-just-for-the-hell-of-it/ ):
[QUOTE]
This seemingly repainted Xbox 360 250GB has been lovingly put together over in China and really makes us wonder why Microsoft is depriving us of such snowy good looks.
(http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/xbox360/new360/10x0901iub232rwhitexbox.jpg )[/QUOTE]
Full Story: bbs.a9vg.com (http://bbs.a9vg.com/read.php?tid=1555019 ) (via engadget.com (http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/xbox-360-slimster-made-over-in-white-just-for-the-hell-of-it/ ))
Kinect voice control not available in some countries until Spring 2011
From eurogamer.net (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-09-01-european-kinect-voice-recognition-disabled-until-spring-2011 ):
[QUOTE]
Microsoft has told Eurogamer Spain that Kinect voice recognition will be disabled for mainland Europe until spring 2011.
The company confirmed rumours that the voice-recognition software will only accept American English, British English, Japanese and Mexican Spanish at launch this November. Even Canadians will have to wait until spring 2011 to be able to control the system via voice.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: eurogamer.net (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-09-01-european-kinect-voice-recognition-disabled-until-spring-2011 )
Pachter: Xbox Live Likely to See 100usd 'Platinum' Service
From industrygamers.com (http://www.industrygamers.com/news/xbox-live-likely-to-see-100-platinum-service-next-says-pachter/ ):
[QUOTE]
This week Microsoft officially announced a $10 increase to the annual Xbox Live Gold subscription. In a special Pachter's Podium last year, Wedbush Morgan Securities' Michael Pachter correctly predicted the $10 increase.
As for Xbox Live's future, the great thing about the $10 increase is that it will enable Microsoft to reinvest in the service to then offer even more enhancements. "The extra $10 translates to around $100 - 150 million per year in additional revenue for Microsoft. I think that they will reinvest at least this much in developing other new applications, and will roll out a premium service with $100 - 200 million worth of enhancements," Pachter told IndustryGamers. "If they can get 2 million users to switch from the $60 plan to the $100 plan, they'll make an extra $80 million a year, and can keep investing to try to grow that business."
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: industrygamers.com (http://www.industrygamers.com/news/xbox-live-likely-to-see-100-platinum-service-next-says-pachter/ )
Confirmed: New 360 Controller with Transforming D-Pad - Nov 9th for 65usd
The new controller with a 'transforming' D-Pad has now been confirmed (http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/08/31/new-xbox-360-wireless-controller-featuring-a-transforming-d-pad.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MajorNelson+%28Major+Nelson+%28Xbox%29%29&utm_content=FeedBurner ) by Microsoft:
[QUOTE]
We've just made the Xbox 360 Wireless controller even better with a brand new version that includes a transforming D-pad. The engineers have come up with an ingenious solution with a d-pad that can go from a plus to a disc with the twist of the wrist.
From this (left pic) - To this instantly (right pic)
In addition to the new d-pad, the matte silver controller also features concave analog sticks and gray A,B,X,Y buttons (http://www.flickr.com/photos/majornelson/4944995329/in/set-72157624724532059/ ) for added style.
The controller will only be available with the new Play & Charge Kit that will launch on November 9th for US $64.99.
[/QUOTE]
More Pictures: flickr.com (http://www.flickr.com/photos/majornelson/sets/72157624724532059/ )
News-Source: majornelson.com (http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/08/31/new-xbox-360-wireless-controller-featuring-a-transforming-d-pad.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MajorNelson+%28Major+Nelson+%28Xbox%29%29&utm_content=FeedBurner )
Rumor: Microsoft prepping new controller with improved d-pad for the holidays?
From joystiq.com (http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/rumor-microsoft-prepping-new-xbox-360-controller-with-improved/ ):
[QUOTE]
We've got it on good authority that sometime this Holiday season, Microsoft will launch a new Xbox 360 controller with a rather unique d-pad. According to our trusted source, when one rotates the d-pad ninety degrees on this new controller, it'll raise up about a quarter of an inch -- a modification apparently revealed to be targeted at fighting game fans.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: joystiq.com (http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/rumor-microsoft-prepping-new-xbox-360-controller-with-improved/ )
Xbox LIVE Gold Price Increase in USA, UK, Canada and Mexico
Microsoft announced (http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/08/30/price-change-for-xbox-live-gold-subscription.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MajorNelson+%28Major+Nelson+%28Xbox%29%29&utm_content=FeedBurner ) the price of the Xbox LIVE Gold subscription will increase for users in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom and the United States starting November 1st 2010:
[QUOTE]
Since launching Xbox LIVE in 2002 we have continually added more content and entertainment experiences for our members, while keeping the price the same. We're confident that when the new pricing takes effect, an Xbox LIVE Gold membership will continue to offer the best value in the industry.
However, we do want to thank our loyal members and give you the opportunity to lock in your current price with an additional discount, so now would be a good time to renew your subscription.
[/QUOTE]
The prices change as follow (unlisted packages do not change in price):
* USA
1M Gold: $7.99 (now) - $9.99 (starting Nov 1, 2010)
3M Gold: $19.99 (now) - $24.99 (starting Nov 1, 2010)
12M Gold: $49.99 (now) - $59.99 (starting Nov 1, 2010)
* UK
1M Gold: 4.99 GBP (now) - 5.99 GBP (starting Nov 1, 2010)
* Canada
1M Gold: $8.99 CAD (now) - $9.99 CAD (starting Nov 1, 2010)
* Mexico
12M Gold: 499 Pesos (now) - 599 Pesos (starting Nov 1, 2010)
News-Source: majornelson.com (http://majornelson.com/archive/2010/08/30/price-change-for-xbox-live-gold-subscription.aspx?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+MajorNelson+%28Major+Nelson+%28Xbox%29%29&utm_content=FeedBurner )
XNand Healer GUI v0.6
TingedAce released a new version of XNand Healer GUI (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?showtopic=720167 ) - a GUI app to help you dump and manage NAND files, remap bad blocks and also uncripple your Xbox 360. Requires Nandpro 2.0 (b/d or e) and FindSecData 0.62
What's new/fixed:
* Now able to browse to and select any file for Image Analysis or Remapping
* Option to Dump KV and config files either as part of the initial dump or afterwards
* Added 2 second delay between reads (for multiple reads)
* Fixed bug with file locations in the settings where it wouldn't work with a space in the path
Official Site: http://www.rigid360.co.uk (http://www.rigid360.co.uk )
Download: here (http://www.rigid360.co.uk/Downloads.php )
Xbox 360 S 4GB Internal Memory PCB Pictures and 4GB vs 250GB
We received pictures from an "X-Scene friend" of the 4GB internal memory in the new Xbox 360 'S' 4GB model. Unlike the old 'Arcade' units the memory is no longer located directly on the motherboard, but instead Microsoft uses a small addon-on PCB with a 4GB flash memory unit [3.2GB usable]. This probably makes production easier (afaik) as all motherboards are now exactly the same ... for the 4GB model they add the internal memory pcb-addon, for the 250GB unit they add the internal HDD.
As always, hit the pictures of high-res ;)
(http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/xbox360/new-xbox/4gb-01.jpg )
(http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/xbox360/new-xbox/4gb-03.jpg ) (http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/xbox360/new-xbox/4gb-02.jpg )
I also added a picture of the Xbox360 'S' 250GB and Xbox360 'S' 4GB next to each other so you can see the glossy vs matte finish of both units. This hasn't been covered much, but the 4GB model has a matte finish (vs glossy) and black borders (vs silver for the 250GB model). Which look do you prefer?
(http://pictures.xbox-scene.com/xbox360/new-xbox/4gb-vs-250gb.jpg )
Kinect beta kits going out, Dashboard update live for participants
From joystiq.com (http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/sources-kinect-beta-kits-going-out-dashboard-update-live-for-p/ ):
[QUOTE]
That email purportedly sent out by Microsoft a couple weeks back inviting its recipients into a Kinect beta program? Yeah -- it was legit. Joystiq has received corroborating evidence confirming the program, including pictures of the promised Kinect-enabled Dashboard update running on a participant's retail console. In them, you can clearly see the flatter presentation, new mini-guide and revamped Avatar editor -- complete with a re-proportioned Avatar.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story (with lots of pics): joystiq.com (http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/sources-kinect-beta-kits-going-out-dashboard-update-live-for-p/ )
Xbox Live Voice Chat Quality to Improve: Better Codec
From eurogamer.net (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-08-26-xbox-headset-sound-quality-to-improve ):
[QUOTE]
The quality of sound that comes through Xbox 360 headsets will be significantly improved when Microsoft updates the Xbox 360 this Fall.
The refresh, designed to coincide with the launch of Kinect, will upgrade the codec and audio infrastructure that underpins the quality of voice communication from Xbox 360 to Xbox 360, and should make for clear chat between gamers when they play online, Xbox Live Studios boss Jerry Johnson said at the Edinburgh Interactive Festival this afternoon.
"The codec we used when we first launched was a low bit rate codec and we stuck with that," Johnson explained.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: eurogamer.net (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2010-08-26-xbox-headset-sound-quality-to-improve )
Microsoft Execs To Deliver Tokyo Game Show Keynote
From gamasutra.com (http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/30102/Microsoft_Execs_To_Deliver_Tokyo_Game_Show_Keynote.php ):
[QUOTE]
Last year it was Sony's CEO who keynoted the Tokyo Game Show; this year it's Microsoft's turn. CESA says Microsoft Japan Home & Entertainment division chief Takashi Sensui and Microsoft Game Studios corporate vice president Phil Spencer will deliver the first of two keynotes to kick off the event.
The pair will discuss "Xbox 360's Vision and 2010's Strategy," according to an announcement translated by Andriasang, and their talk will take place at the Makuhari Messe on September 16, the show's first business day.
[/QUOTE]
Full Story: gamasutra.com (http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/30102/Microsoft_Execs_To_Deliver_Tokyo_Game_Show_Keynote.php )
Unauthorized Halo Reach Play Will Result in BAN: 'We have ways of knowing'
Stephen Toulouse, Director of Policy and Enforcement for Xbox LIVE, posted some tweets about the early online Halo Reach leaks:
[QUOTE]
I've been asked about unauthorized pre-release play on Halo: Reach. Let me address that.
As with all unauthorized play on Xbox LIVE, anyone playing any unauthorized title runs the risk of account permaban and console.
Remember, legit store bought copy runs no risk of ban. Key word: UNAUTHORIZED. We have ways of knowing. :>
[/QUOTE]
As we know (http://www.xbox-scene.com/xbox1data/sep/EklkFVlZkltwNtKLYj.php ) the leak originates from people being able to download the game from Xbox LIVE. It was placed there for reviewers and protected with a code, but people managed to bypass it.
"We have ways of knowing. :>" ... is the review build placed on Xbox LIVE different (crc-check?) from the Retail build, in which case they can BAN everyone with a review-build if you're not the allowed-list, or does MS have something new up their sleeves?
Halo: Reach is due out on 14th September.
News-Source: http://twitter.com/Stepto (http://twitter.com/Stepto )
Xbox 360 ISO Extract v0.4
Somski released a new version of Xbox 360 ISO Extract (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=706287&view=findpost&p=4728472 ):
[QUOTE]
This program allowes you to extract multiple xbox360 isos based on exiso(info (http://www.xbox-scene.com/tools/tools.php?page=isotools#newsitemEpFuAluyuEbJmdZDef ))(info (http://www.xbox-scene.com/tools/tools.php?page=isotools#newsitemEpFuAluyuEbJmdZDef )).
+ you can scan recursively through a directory and pick every iso (every iso must be in a seperate dir)
+ each iso will be extracted to the target_dir\where_the_iso_is_located_in
+ skips extracting if target_dir already has the directory
+ "remove iso afterwards" functionality (be careful! maybe some bugs)
+ statusbar and log window
+ automatically deletes the $SystemUpdate directory (since it's not needed)
What's new/fixed:
+ order of the queue is changeable now
+ last iso and extraction dir are saved now
+ scans the iso directory on change and startup (needs a bit longer to load)
* some error handling added
[/QUOTE]
Official Site: n/a, by Somski
Download: here (http://dwl.xbox-scene.com/xbox360pc/isotools/XBOX360ISOExtract0.4.zip )
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