According to data released by regular chart compiler Chart-Track, via UK trade paper MCV, the lifetime-to-date sales total for the Wii has now surpassed the Xbox 360 in the UK, despite a yearlong head start for Microsoft's console and continued stock problems since launch for the Wii.

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/new...hp?story=16687 ...

via xboxscene

The other day I reported that I was getting emails in from disgruntled Xbox Live users who had been banned by Microsoft for allegedly connecting to the online service using modded consoles even though the consoles were totally unmodified. Today I'm hearing that some of those affected are finally getting somewhere with tech support.

Initially, Microsoft's response had been that the process used to identify modded consoles (a process that would allow the console to play backed up game) was 100% accurate and that there was nothing that Microsoft or users could do other than buy a new console. At the time Microsoft wouldn't even take the consoles in to be checked or repair. Now is seems that things have changed. I'm still waiting for official word from Microsoft but according to several affected gamers that I have spoken to, Microsoft is now backing down from the initial stance and some consoles are being unbanned and others taken in for repair.

*update*
Looks like microsoft can officially *unban* a console!
forums.somethingawful.com

The thread above is about a upset consumer who claims he had a unmodified system and got a ban. After some upsetting calls to MS, and several supervisors, he got his case escalated. Apparently after a few days, he was able to sign on live again! Strike one for MS, looks like their super robot 100% fullproof ban hammer is a flimsy inaccurate banana.

I urge all users whom were banned to call and throw a fit, get your case escalated and see what they will do! The proof is in the pudding, and you can eat it too! ...

Viacom Inc. and Microsoft Corporation today announced a broad-based, strategic alliance under which major divisions of both companies will collaborate on advertising, content distribution, event promotions and games over the next several years.

The comprehensive agreement spans across the two companies and includes a number of significant components. Among them:
-- Microsoft will license, on a non-exclusive basis, long and short-form television and theatrical content from across Viacom's cable network and motion picture businesses, including MTV, Comedy Central, BET and Paramount Pictures for use on Microsoft properties such as MSN and Xbox 360.
-- Microsoft's Atlas division will become the ad server for Viacom's U.S. websites and Microsoft will have the exclusive right to sell remnant display advertising inventory on Viacom's U.S. websites.
-- Microsoft will buy advertising on Viacom broadcast and online networks over a five-year period and the companies will work together on promotions and sponsorships for MTV Networks and BET Networks award shows;
-- Viacom will work with Microsoft on opportunities to become a preferred publishing partner across Microsoft's casual gaming platforms.

Content Distribution
Viacom will provide Microsoft with a broad selection of short-form and long-form audio-visual content from MTV Networks, Paramount and BET Networks for distribution by Microsoft on properties such as MSN.com and Xbox 360. A wide range of content from Viacom properties is already distributed to Xbox 360 users through Xbox LIVE Marketplace and this deal adds popular content from BET Networks. In addition, Viacom will work with Microsoft's casual gaming platforms (MSN and Windows) to provide downloadable casual games to the substantial base of consumers playing quick-to-develop, easy-to-learn games on these platforms. ...

via xbox scene

It looks like Mad Catz is about to release a HDMI-kit for older Xbox360 consoles without HDMI port. No miracle here (those older 360s without HANA chip can't output a digital video signal), it's similar to XCM's HDMI cable for regular Xbox360s ... they convert the analog Xbox360 output to a digital signal, but the Mad Catz device comes with full 1080p support:
...

Microsoft is now giving holiday shoppers even more value by reducing the price of its incredibly popular Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel by $30 to just $99 (U.S. ERP). The newly priced Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel now comes bundled with a driver disc and a demo of the acclaimed "Forza Motorsport 2" including full force feedback support. With its sleek design and cutting edge technology, the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel immerses gamers in an unparalleled racing experience.

The Wireless Racing Wheel is compatible with all of the most popular racing games on Xbox 360, including:
• Forza Motorsport 2
• Project Gotham Racing 4
• Project Gotham Racing 3
• Test Drive Unlimited
• Need for Speed Carbon
• DiRT
• Nascar 08

Xbox 360 offers the best value among next-gen consoles and is the only place you can play the greatest holiday line-up in video games history. This holiday, buyers will receive two free games bundled with every Xbox 360 console and Xbox 360 Elite. The highly-rated "Forza Motorsport 2" (Microsoft Game Studios) and "Marvel Ultimate Alliance" (Activision) are both included for $349.99 (U.S.) for Xbox 360 console and $449.99 (U.S.) for Xbox 360 Elite. ...

News/release from Xart:


Screenshot Here

Download Here and Give Feedback Via Comments
via xart ...

News/release from Grafele


Download Here and Give Feedback Via Comments ...

ccpspita has released a new version of his software for his robotics project on PSP

Heres the release details:


Download Here and Give Feedback Via Comments ...

Eden Software have released a new version of their video software for the PSP.

Heres whats new:


Download at Official Site ...