As recently reported, Microsoft has not put any special code into the update to foul firmware hacked drives. Samsung, and Hitachi drives have been on live succesfully with no problems.
This doesn't mean Microsoft isn't keeping tabs on whats in your drive. But as of now they have not done anything to prevent the use of backed up games. They play fine, there still is the newest xtreme firmware out there for Samsungs, and there will be one coming to the Hitachi in the near future.
The May '07 dashboard release is set to be released just a few hours from now. To be more specific, the LIVE Operations team expects to start rolling out the update after 0200 PT tomorrow morning.
We highly suggest people with modified Hitachi-LG drives do NOT update their console yet or first flash back the original dvd firmware for now. If you got a flashed Toshiba-Samsung with the new Xtreme v5.3 you can give it a shot - but at your own risk of course
Beginning May 9th, Xbox LIVE, the most interactive gaming and social network available, is once again expanding with the arrival of Windows Live Messenger on Xbox 360. This new feature, available as part of the Xbox 360 Spring Update, will connect people across Xbox 360 consoles, Windows PCs and Windows Mobile devices. Xbox LIVE members will be able to socialize with people on their unified friends list, including their contacts from the more than 260 million Windows Live Messengers across the world. With Instant Messenger, Xbox LIVE members will have the ability to:
* Chat via instant messenger with up to 20 contacts in a single conversation, and have up to six different conversations at the same time with people on PCs, mobile phones and other Xbox 360 consoles.
* Instant message while playing games, listening to music or watching movies or TV shows downloaded from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
* View at a glance if friends on Windows Live Messenger have gamertags and add them to a unified friends list.
* Utilize the virtual keyboard on the Xbox 360 to text chat or connect a USB keyboard to the console. Launching later this summer, the Xbox 360 text-input device accessory will connect directly to the controller to support instant messaging.
In addition to the availability of Instant Messenger on Xbox LIVE, the Xbox 360 Spring Update will bring with it hundreds of other features and enhancements to the console. Here are just a few:
* On-screen pop-ups that immediately display the name and gamerscore value of a just accomplished Achievement, allowing gamers to see their progress without leaving or pausing the game.
* An even safer way to communicate through Xbox LIVE with enhanced family settings that enable different default settings for video chat and voice chat.
* A new, standalone Xbox LIVE Marketplace blade houses all Xbox LIVE Marketplace content in one easy to navigate space.
* Xbox LIVE Arcade enhancements that showcase what games friends are playing directly from the friends list. Boasting about high scores, comparing progress and checking out leaderboards are all easier now as well.
* Faster access to free, trial version of Xbox LIVE Arcade games through an improved Auto Downloads feature.
* The ability to fast-forward, pause and rewind video as it is being downloaded on Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
* Owners can now set their consoles to turn off after downloading content from Xbox LIVE Marketplace to help save energy, and download speeds have been increased.
The Xbox LIVE Arcade library, now 58 games strong and growing, continues to expand and provide every type of gamer with accessible, pick-up-and-play game experiences. An electrifying lineup of racing games, card and board games, and both original and classic action games will be coming to Xbox LIVE Arcade in the future, including the following (not in chronological order of release):
Mad Tracks “Mad Tracks.” This 3-D racing party game from Load Inc. and D3Publisher recalls all the fun of playing with toy cars from childhood. Up to four players can race micro cars in a variety of gameplay modes in familiar settings such as a living room, a restaurant and a toy store.
Rush’n Attack
“Rush’n Attack.” Also known as “Green Beret,” from Konami Digital Entertainment Inc., this is a faithful next-generation update of this classic coin-op arcade title where the player assumes the role of a special forces agent sent behind enemy lines to infiltrate an enemy military complex and free captured prisoners of war.
Soltrio Solitaire
“Soltrio Solitaire.” From Silver Creek Entertainment, this is a collection of 18 different solitaire games, offering co-op and competitive two-player solitaire game modes.
Spyglass Board Games
“Spyglass Board Games.” From Strange Flavour Ltd. and Freeverse, this offers classic versions of the world’s most beloved board games, including chess, checkers, mancala and reversi, as well as the ability to enjoy video chat with friends via the Xbox LIVE Vision camera.
Street Trace:NYC “Street Trace:NYC.” This is a hover board racing and arena battle game from Gaia Industries Inc. set against the urban wasteland of future New York City. Make your mark on the leaderboards in intense eight-player action over Xbox LIVE, or battle at home through split-screen or single-player tournaments.
Undertow
“Undertow.” This is a fast-paced action shooter from Chair Entertainment Group that thrusts players underwater as they battle for control of the oceans, and features a robust single player/co-op campaign and up to 16-player multiplayer action over Xbox LIVE.1
Like all Xbox LIVE Arcade games, the above titles will have a free demo that will allow gamers to try out a game before deciding to buy. More details will be available closer to each title’s launch later this year.
A Classic Is Reborn! “Double Dragon” Arrives on Xbox LIVE Arcade This Wednesday
REDMOND, Wash. — May 8, 2007 — The legendary arcade classic that introduced gamers to co-op street-brawling action is back and looking better than ever. Team up with a friend or prepare to go it alone, because “Double Dragon” is hitting Xbox LIVE® Arcade Wednesday, May 9, at 9 a.m. GMT (2 a.m. PDT).
“Double Dragon,” from Empire Interactive Ltd., is a genuine re-creation of the classic coin-op arcade game. For the first time ever, fans of the franchise can play “Double Dragon” online with a friend over Xbox LIVE.1 The game features enhanced art, a new soundtrack and a host of extras.
“Double Dragon” is the story of Billy and Jimmy Lee, twin brothers who learned to fight on the cold, tough streets of their city. Their expert knowledge of the ancient martial art of Sou-Setsu-Ken, combined with their streetwise outlook, means that they’re two of the most formidable combatants ever to walk the streets. Billy and Jimmy will use their feet, fists, elbows and whatever weapons come to hand to defeat the gang that kidnapped Billy’s girlfriend.
“Double Dragon” will be available worldwide for 400 Microsoft® Points and is rated E10+ by the Entertainment Software Rating Board, with mild suggestive themes and violence.
Game Features
- Two-player co-op multiplayer locally or over Xbox LIVE1
- Special extras such as a look at the original Japanese and U.S. “Double Dragon” sales fliers
- Gameplay with either the original graphics or with new high-definition graphics
- All new music
- Hints and tips for newcomers
- Three leaderboards
- Customizable button configurations
- Ability to earn up to 12 Achievements and 200 Gamerscore points
More information is available at http://www.xbox.com/games/livearcade.
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced today that Washington Wizards All-Star Gilbert Arenas will be the cover athlete and spokesman of EA SPORTS™ NBA LIVE 08. This season Arenas displayed tremendous determination to emerge as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players, rising to No. 3 in league scoring and leading the Wizards into the playoffs for the second straight season. NBA LIVE 08 is in development at EA Canada in Vancouver, BC, and will ship to stores worldwide this fall.
“This is a dream come true,” said Arenas. “I’m a huge gamer and have been playing NBA LIVE since 1995. I never imagined that I would see my face on the cover of an EA SPORTS videogame.”
Arenas finished the 2006-07 regular season averaging 28.4 points and 6.0 assists per game. Arenas was the first player from the 2001 draft class to be named to the All-Star team in 2005 and now has three consecutive All-Star appearances. In the ultimate salute to his climb from relative unknown to NBA All-Star, fans voted Arenas a starter on the Eastern Team at the 2007 NBA All-Star Game.
Fueled by a combination of talent and a larger-than-life personality, Arenas has risen from below the radar into the spotlight. His breakout 2007 season included authoring a blog on NBA.com that established a direct relationship with his fans, and a well-known catch phrase (Hibachi!). Dubbed “Agent Zero” in reference to his jersey number, Arenas chose zero as a reminder of his underdog mentality that drives him to succeed. Off the court, Arenas is devoted to many charitable organizations including Scores for Schools, the NBA Cares program, and created the Zer0 2 Hero Foundation to promote the well-being of children.
The EA SPORTS™ NBA LIVE franchise was the #1 selling basketball game in 2006*. The game is not yet rated by PEGI or the ESRB; visit www.esrb.org for updated rating information. For more information, log onto www.nbalive.com.
HQ Network: 7,696 | 
Guests: 4059 |
Members: 1
Arenas finished the 2006-07 regular season averaging 28.4 points and 6.0 assists per game. Arenas was the first player from the 2001 draft class to be named to the All-Star team in 2005 and now has three consecutive All-Star appearances. In the ultimate salute to his climb from relative unknown to NBA All-Star, fans voted Arenas a starter on the Eastern Team at the 2007 NBA All-Star Game.
