On Tuesday, Microsoft has released an Xbox 360 software update that overwrites the first stage bootloader of the system. Although there have been numerous software updates for Microsoft's gaming console in the past, this is the first one to overwrite the vital boot block. Any failure while updating this will break the Xbox 360 beyond repair. Statistics from other systems have shown that about one in a thousand bootloader updates goes wrong, and unless Microsoft has a novel solution to this problem, this puts tens of thousands of Xboxes at risk.

It seems that this update is being done to fix a vulnerability already known to the Free60 Project. This vulnerability has been successfully exploited to run arbitrary code, and a complete end user compatible hack has been in development for some time and is planned to be released on free60.org shortly. It will allow users to take back control of their Xboxes and run arbitrary code like homebrew applications or Linux right after turning on the console and without the need of a modchip, finally opening up the Xbox 360 to a level of hacking as the original Xbox.

Because of the dangerousness of the update and the homebrew lockout, the Free60 Project advises all Xbox 360 users to not update their systems to the latest software version. The Project website at http://free60.org/ will provide the latest information on this ongoing topic, including the final hack software.

Free60 (www.free60.org) is a project that aims to enable Xbox 360 users to run homebrew applications and operating systems like Linux on their consoles. The effort is headed by Felix Domke and Michael Steil, who have a background in dbox2, Xbox and GameCube hacking, and who have spoken at various conferences about their findings. Two years ago, Free60 released a hack that allowed arbitrary code execution using a game ("King Kong Hack") as well as an adapted version of Linux, but this possibility has been disabled by Microsoft in subsequent updates of the Xbox 360 software.

Felix and Michael have repeatedly argued that game console manufacturers should open up their platforms to Linux and homebrew, similar to what Sony has done with the PlayStation 3.

http://www.free60.org/ ...

Via SceneBeta.com.

carlosgs has just released a new version of downPSP, which is coded in C now. With this awesome application, you will be able to download (and install) into your PSP hundreds of homebrews, without using a PC. And dont worry, you can use the integrated search engine to look for the Homebrew that you need. You will also be able to explore your Memory Stick (rename or detele files, view PNG images, txt files...) and in the future we could even check our Gmail account...And even more: downPSP autoupdates itself from the Internet every time that a new version is released.

downPSP uses psp.scenebeta.com's database to download and install the Homebrews. Despite you see that the picture is in Spanish, downPSP has been translated into English.

Controls:

• X select/view/change (only in the config menu)
• O back
• Triangle search (in homebrew list and in filebrowser)
• Square rename file (in filebrowser)

This application has already won several coding competitions (like the last Scenery Beta, and the NeoFlash Spring Compo), and now it takes part into the Scenery Beta 2009. If you are a coder, you can still present your work until the next 1st September.

Download and Give Feedback Via Comments ...

Yes, we did.
You've seen some requested videos during the last days, now it's time for some more facts and information, eh?

Well, the review of the complete case and the keymat is finished. There were a few small issues that we already corrected and on Monday the company did tell us "Everything is ready, we can start when you are ready".
And guess what - we were ready! Finally all issues of the case and keymat have been resolved and they are now working on the mould.

DJWillis has also made some progress with WiFi. Basically, he can communicate with the Module, only calibration doesn't work yet. As soon as he gets this to work, WiFi will work completely - including WPA, etc.

Regarding software, we were discussing about using cpasjuste's GUI as minimal launcher, since it is so much nicer than matchbox and it's just a program you run, not a complete WindowManager.
So we're currently thinking about using E17 as fully fledged desktop and cpasjuste's GUI as minimal mode for the gamers who don't want to use a complete desktop.
That way we don't need two window manager and starting the minimal GUI is easy - just use it as autostart program.

I know there are still plenty of things to do - and the worst thing is that there won't be many pictures while waiting for all companies to finish... but we're still getting there, step by step.

http://www.openpandora.org/blog.php ...

Yes, we did.
You've seen some requested videos during the last days, now it's time for some more facts and information, eh?

Well, the review of the complete case and the keymat is finished. There were a few small issues that we already corrected and on Monday the company did tell us "Everything is ready, we can start when you are ready".
And guess what - we were ready! Finally all issues of the case and keymat have been resolved and they are now working on the mould.

DJWillis has also made some progress with WiFi. Basically, he can communicate with the Module, only calibration doesn't work yet. As soon as he gets this to work, WiFi will work completely - including WPA, etc.

Regarding software, we were discussing about using cpasjuste's GUI as minimal launcher, since it is so much nicer than matchbox and it's just a program you run, not a complete WindowManager.
So we're currently thinking about using E17 as fully fledged desktop and cpasjuste's GUI as minimal mode for the gamers who don't want to use a complete desktop.
That way we don't need two window manager and starting the minimal GUI is easy - just use it as autostart program.

I know there are still plenty of things to do - and the worst thing is that there won't be many pictures while waiting for all companies to finish... but we're still getting there, step by step.

http://www.openpandora.org/blog.php ...

News/release from Ezial



A port of Wolf4D (by Moritz "Ripper" Kroll - http://www.chaos-software.de.vu -) running Wolfenstein 3D and Spear of Destiny


Menu :
- Valid : A/Start
- Cancel : B/Select

Game :
- In-game controls can be changed in the "Control" menu.

/!\ Warning /!\
The game take time to boot but doesn't lag

Download Here ...

Coder_TimT posted a new version of his music player for the Wiz:



Music player for Wiz.

* Icon based menu system replaces popup menu, easily navigated with controls or touchscreen
* Now playing screen with player controls and album art.
* Translations text, only English right now. I need translations and then I'm sure stuff won't fit right and I'll have to tweak...
* Key binding configurations. There is a file 'keys' that can be modified to change the default key bindings. Press Select+Start(Home) together to see the current key bindings for each mode(playlist, now playing, etc) you are in.
* Touchscreen seek bar
* New skin/crystal icons(currently depreciated all old skins and only have this one)


Version 0.4.1

* Speedup in switching between main menu and submenus and back
* Increased polling of mpd to increase responsivness of ui
* Unified codebase with WIZ changes
* Removed unused show album art option from options menu
* Removed default directory from skin list in options
* Fixed names in language file of key bindings that were ending up in the options file when saved



Version 0.4.2

* Cut down start-up time by half
* Fixed Add to Queue key binding
* Tweaked touchscreen handling code so that it doesn't miss as many presses



Caveats

* Just as with the f100/f200 there are some issues with changing the clock speed while music is playing. It will occasionlly freeze the system.
* Updating the database will cause an occasional crash. Haven't taken the time to track this down yet. Make it the first thing you do after opening when it's needed to minimize the chances.
* There is a possible issue with saving options. If the file gets corrupted, just copy the originals back...or fix by hand.
* Apparently there is some flickering issues on some screens I need to look into...



For those new to this player, here's some information to get you started...

* Ommpc is a frontend for the Music Player Daemon, which is also included in the package and is automatically started/stopped by the program as opposed to actually running as a daemon.
* It is playlist-centric and database driven, so your music collection must be added to the database first(Settings->Update DB). Then songs are played via playlists.
* There are many ways to get your songs in the playlist, you can instantly play a song which immediatly adds it and starts playing, you can also easily add entire folders/artists/albums/genres to a playlist or let the program create a random one.
* Default keys try to keep the system notion that 'B' is action and 'X' is cancel/back. Start/Home brings up the menu and Select toggles the current view.
* Select + Start/Home will bring up a popup list of all keybinding valid on the current screen and Global to the progam
* Some action require pressing and holding a button down. This is represented in the key list as HOLD_.
* Pressing and holding the Start/Home button will lock the screen(but not turn it off currently) and underclock the system. I don't know about the Wiz, but the gp2x can play back 192kbps MP3 or AAC at < 100Mhz when locked.
* There will be a slight delay in adjusting the volume as I had to turn the software mixer on to have the volume display work correctly.

Download Here ...

Nyko Technologies, the premier videogame accessories manufacturer, today announced the Action Pak and Core Pak have shipped to stores. Each pack contains one Wand controller, Nyko's award-winning controller for the Nintendo Wii, and a Trans-Port enabled accessory for the Wand. The Action Pak contains the Pistol Grip attachment, the only digitally activated gun peripheral for the Wii, and the Core Pak contains the wired Kama with rumble, the only force feedback enabled analog-stick controller for the Wii.

"The Core Pak and Action Pak will enable players to experience the added functionality that Trans-Port offers right out of the box. Not only will the Action Pak and Core Pak save the consumer money, but they also introduce a new technology that expands on the existing capabilities of comparable controllers," said Chris Arbogast, Director of Marketing at Nyko Technologies. "We're committed to supporting the Wand with Trans-Port enabled accessories and plan to have more products rolling out this year including the E3 favorite, Type Pad Pro."

The Action Pak includes a Wand Wireless Controller for Wii and the Trans-Port compatible Pistol Grip. The Pistol Grip digitally replicates the A and B buttons on the pistol's trigger and hammer buttons providing easy one-handed access to key buttons - no mechanical operations or complex installation necessary. Featuring maximum compatibility across various action titles, the Pistol Grip provides a faster and more accurate response time.

The Core Pak features everything you need to jump into most Wii games featuring a Wand Wireless Controller for Wii and a Trans-Port enabled Kama Wired Analog Controller with Rumble. Using Trans-Port Technology, the Wand and Wired Kama combo are the only Wii controllers that allow full force feedback in both hands.

The Action and Core Pak are available now at retailers nationwide for an MSRP of $44.99. Nyko is also pleased to announce a new, lower MSRP of the Wand at $29.99. Whether in a pak or purchased stand alone, the Wand and Trans-Port accessories provide more value, features and customization than any Wii controller on the market today.

For consumers who have purchased a Wand and found that it is not compatible with Wii Motion Plus, Nyko will update the necessary firmware at absolutely no cost. By following the simple steps below, consumers can take advantage of Nyko's Wand Firmware Update Program.
1. Contact Nyko's Customer Support via phone (1.888.400.6956) or email ([email protected])
2. Nyko will email or mail a pre-paid UPS shipping label that will cover all shipping costs of the Wand(s) sent to Nyko
3. Upon receipt of Wand, Nyko will update the firmware and return to the consumer with-in one week.

For more information please visit: www.nyko.com ...

Aridia, a rom editor for Phantasy Star III, has been updated to version 1.6.

Just a few minor additions

enemy technique level
enemy cast %
enemy escape %

http://www.romhacking.net/forum/inde...opic,8845.html ...

With the agonising demise of CPC Zone, and no clear sign of a revival, The CPC Wiki is becoming more and more the place to go for Amstrad CPC users. The CPC Wiki is "dedicated to all things related to the Amstrad CPC 8-bit computer series." There are pages on CPC hardware, software, peripherals, games, programming, books, fanzines, magazines, service manuals, emulators, and much more. The CPC Wiki also hosts many Amstrad magazine scans and fanzines including Amstrad Action, Amstrad Computer User, Amtix, Computing With the Amstrad, and CPC Attack! If you're a CPC fan then why not drop by and contribute or just pop into the recently expanded Discussion Forum for some CPC related chatter?

http://www.retroactionmagazine.com/f...st=0&sk=t&sd=a ...