Xbox 360 News

I have created a USB driver which allows you to use the XBox 360 Controller on an OSX machine, including support for the Apple Force Feedback library. I plan to release this as Open Source using the GNU Public License, but intend to tidy the code up a little first - so the initial release for people to try is binary only ;)

The ZIP file contains an installer package, which when run will install the driver, along with a preference pane to test/configure it.

Currently, the following settings need implemented:
* I don't think settings are persistent
* More settings, e.g. trigger deadzone, button remap/
* Force feedback may elongate effects
* Force feedback (DirectInput-style interface) emulator may need more work

Various online reports and community postings noted the problem in the last few weeks, with Internet rental store GameFly issuing a warning to owners of faulty consoles.

This news could spell disaster for Microsoft in Japan, a territory it deeply covets. As you may be aware, the original Xbox saw problems with disc damage at launch in Japan. Microsoft faltered slightly in dealing with the situation and the Japanese press, eager to pour scorn on the American machine, did so with glee.

Just like any other big tech convention, cool announcements always float out that make everyone giddy like children and this is no exception. DirectTV announced they would be pairing up with software goliath Microsoft to put the digital television service in the Xbox 360.

Canadian based modding website InfinityMods.com has posted that a modchip for the Xbox 360 is expected to be available for purchase within two weeks. Or at least that's what it sounds like.

Their homepage reads, "XboX 360 Chip Received, and in testing, expect sales within 2 weeks!"

This statement is somewhat easy to misinterpret. Many people reading this statement have mistakenly taken it to imply that an Xbox 360 modchip would be shipping within the next 2 weeks.

On their product information page for the modchip, a bit less obvious on the website, it actually states that InfinityMods expects to be accepting preorders within the next two weeks.

Just a month after the global launch of the new Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, Gates discussed the product's strong momentum in delivering high-definition hardware, games and digital entertainment experiences. Xbox 360 is on track to be the fastest-selling video game console ever, forecast to ship between 4.5 million and 5.5 million units worldwide by the end of June 2006.

Gates noted that Xbox 360 has also become a powerful application for high-definition television, adding that nine out of 10 Xbox 360 owners currently own or intend to purchase a high-definition television set. He announced that more than 50 new high-definition Xbox 360 games will be available by June 2006.

Building on Xbox 360 leadership in high-definition experiences, the company announced plans to deliver a new Xbox 360 external HD DVD drive in 2006. The new drive will offer millions of Xbox 360 owners the ability to easily enjoy HD DVD movies and will provide consumers with even more choices for experiencing high-definition content, in either physical or digital form.

Using Xbox 360 and the Xbox Live service today, consumers are already able to access high-definition entertainment such as Xbox Live Arcade titles, game demos and high-definition movie trailers. Consumers can also use their Xbox 360 system to access high-definition television and movies from their Windows XP-based Media Center PC.

I just noticed on the Infinity-Mods website, they said they have received an Xbox 360 modchip and they are testing it and it will be available for retail in two weeks.

I'm not sure how true this is, but homebrew developers can only hope for the best.