Trixie 360 Gets the Tables Turned on Her

One of our active Xbox Ambassadors has done it again on an EXCLUSIVE(don't ya love that word?) interview! Our super amazing well-known Zaam IT has a "Questions & Answers" bit with the one and only, illustrious community angel with a voice I personally could fall for, TRIXIE360!!! With such a chemistry between the interviewer and the 'interviewee', I'm sure you'll get your fill of what a vibrant community like LIVE, has to offer. Enjoy!!!

Transfering From the 20 GB HDD to the 120 GB HDD

Video: Xbox 360 120 GB and Elite Migration

To follow up on the Migration Q&A posted over at the Gamerscore blog, Major Nelson grabbed Albert to show us how it actually works and explain some details regarding the transfer process If you are an existing Xbox 360 owner and you want to purchase of of the new 120 GB HDD or an Xbox 360 Elite then this video is for you. Major Nelson added this video to his iTunes feed, so it will show up in your iTunes the next time you sync.

WMV: Stream it or Download it
MP4: Download it
Edit: Added Soapbox link
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Double 360 Gaming News: CARS

New Crackdown downloadable content and play-options. Dune Buggies!!

Microsoft officially announced today that Forza Motorsport 2 is slated for retail here in North America on 5/29.

More EXCLUSIVES On 360?

Well, it didn't hurt that an earlier launch played a huge part in there being more exclusives for the Xbox 360 in this current generation of consoles. Check out the complete list as of April.

-by conartistic

Produce Your Show For XBOX Live

The top ten will be viewed on XBOX Live. We want the XBOX Live community to get it. Laura interviews Grover and they talk a bit about those user created content.

-by conartistic

XA Halo 2 All-nighter

Wow, the all-nighter just ended for me since it's 6 am, but it was great. I hosted many gaqmes and we played just about every gametype. It was so much fun. I had a lot of fun gaming with many different people.

I took some pictures of it too. The quality is horrible because my TV isn't HD.

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/3447/haloallnightkc5.jpg
Some capture the flag action

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5108/haloallnight2om5.jpg
In the pregame lobby

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/6098/haloallnight3kd6.jpg
Right after a CTF game

http://img223.imageshack.us/img223/8864/haloallnight5sp7.jpg
Group Picture!

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/5050/haloallnight6sn8.jpg
Superbouncing during a Zombies game

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/3074/haloallnight7he4.jpg
A juggernaut game with the PMS Charlie

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/8509/haloallnight8hg4.jpg
In the pregame lobby with PMS Girls Night

http://img149.imageshack.us/img149/6651/haloallnight9za0.jpg
Pregame Lobby agian with PMS Girls Night



Also, I have compiled a list of everyone that participated in my games, so they can be recognized:

ChCwaHI8102
DarkHelmet411
RAMBO BLACKOUT
Louie
Haloaded
J Davis29
Perfect Code
Tikimaster227
kupasoup
Blockhead227
Sgt Giannini
TheHawkster716
Sasquatch360
I B Wombat
UneaseKiller94
RtG BloodOfYou
RtG Dough
DYE ce03
sir hump
RiP R4biD HoBO
littlespyman10
TerrifiedTuna
NumericZach
a BeAna
The Unit 1997
SoccerKrazed247
BLUESHADOW2001
ModdingHerpes
jason651
turtle503
BiG RoB DoT CoM
Luke937
Dominican55
Zero Toast
dead sloth
Crazied Killer
Lady Galahad
In3r7ia
RuThLeSs v2
MYNUTTSONURCHIN
DeadRocketeer
LikingCheese
Ninja Killa Cam
STAT KILLER
shaymus22
BattleFrag
yeah buddy
Smiley PMS
Gypsyfly PMS
PMS Peachiee
BossBlackAries
xXKSI BaLlInXx
HV Darkman
K4rn4ge
ApocalypticNova
ARIES2k3
KSI BtB PrO
P1lls8ury
II Cybershot II
ShadowzKiller
TripleZeroPrime
TheDangerdoll
DNC TEMPAH
PMS Athena Twin
Yt1lataf
YoUr On ViDeO
dj dopeshow
Sergeant Satan
smurf killer1
Chessh2036
PMS Mpiece
PMS NOTSTUPID
Allshallp3rish2
XTRMIN8TR
PMS NeonPanther
H2o Colorado
IXBXR MadnessXI
DPWashington
Warrior Minerva
SteelingBullet
I Aces Wild I
PMS Jaded
PMS Soda Pop

Once again, thanks everyone!

NYTVF & Xbox Presents: XBOX LIVE Orginals

"The “Xbox LIVE Originals” contest will invite a wide range of artists and Xbox users to create a 5 to 15-minute pilot episode introducing an original television series. The pilots may be live-action, animated or both. All entries must be submitted before June 29th, 2007. A selection of standout finalists will be featured exclusively on Xbox LIVE Marketplace starting in July. The winner of the contest will receive a $100,000 deal with Xbox LIVE to create a six-episode series based on the short pilot as well as an exclusive screening event at the 2007 New York Television Festival." - NYTVF

User Created Content: Haloid

Wow... this was nice! What do you think? And have you seen this before you reached here?

-by conartistic

IGN VIDEOS: Too Human & Lair

Capcom Announces Four New Live Games

Capcom Entertainment today announced the development of several digitally downloadable titles for Xbox Live Arcade, the Playstation Network and PC. Capcom hits including Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix will appear in all-new form, while licensed games Rocketmen: Axis of Evil and Talisman appear as downloadable games for the first time. These titles reflect Capcom’s new “Digital Initiative,” which has also produced the incredibly successful Xbox Live Arcade title, Street Fighter II' Hyper Fighting.


“Following in the footsteps of our highly successful Street Fighter II Xbox Live title, these projects represent the beginnings of a much larger ‘Capcom Digital Initiative’ focused around the limitless creativity and community development that can happen with downloadable content models. We’re extremely excited about the ability to address the needs of specific market segments without sacrificing game quality,” said Jack Symon, director, brand marketing, Capcom Entertainment. “We intend to be a major player in this space by using a combination of classic Capcom IP, licensed IP and, in the future, harnessing some of the biggest names in game development to create new classic experiences.”


Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo HD Remix downloads Capcom’s incredibly popular puzzle game into the new generation. This fall, Super Puzzle Fighter II Turbo comes to Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network and PC in its greatest incarnation to date. The new version of the game features newly created 1080p HD graphics, several new game modes, improved game balance, new stage backgrounds courtesy of Udon Entertainment and online play.

Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix

The Capcom arcade classic receives a whole new look as Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix comes to both the, Playstation Network and Xbox Live this fall. Capcom will maintain the integrity of the popular game by utilizing the original game code while upgrading the graphics with new artwork and high resolution 1080p images. Again, all of the art, from character animation to stage backgrounds, will be completely redrawn by Udon Entertainment, the company responsible for the official US Street Fighter series of comics. Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix will include both online and offline competition for one to two players.

Rocketmen: Axis of Evil

WizKids’ popular constructible strategy game comes to Xbox Live Arcade and Playstation Network this fall with Rocketmen: Axis of Evil. In this arcade shooter, players will join the heroes of the Alliance of Free Planets in their white-knuckled, frenzied struggle to free the Solar System. Up to four players will be able to cooperatively shoot their way through multiple levels, powering up their weapons, picking up bonuses and laying waste to anything that moves.

Talisman

Based on Games Workshop’s classic board game, Talisman is the quintessential fantasy hybrid board/role-playing game for up to four players, either online or offline. The game takes place in a fantasy realm and is based very closely on the board game through a 3D representation of the map with animated productions. Players scour dungeons, attack other creatures, cast effects-laden spells and use magical items and weapons to enhance their actions. Talisman will be rolling its way onto Xbox Live Arcade, Playstation Network and PC in Q4 2007, while the highly anticipated 4th Edition of the board game is due for release from Games Workshop’s Black Industries imprint in winter 2007.

Xbox 360 Keypad -Video

Tina Wood interviews Jerry Johnson and Aaron Greenberg showing texting and dashboard in action... it's an early prototype so it's not the final design. on10.net

Xbox Ambassador Update

There are a couple of new updates for the xbox ambassadors.

First, Trixie made a post on xbox.com for the ambassadors:

"Hellooooo Ambassadors. Thanks to all of you who continue to come to the aid of those who ask for help. You are awesome!
I get a lot of email asking "what do we do now?" For those of you who need a 'project'...I've got one for you. As most of you know, two new Halo 2 maps are coming out on April 17. The following Saturday, April 21 will be an Xbox All-Nighter featuring the new maps.
Who among you fabulous Ambassadors is willing to play nice on the new maps for those people who might need a little help, or at least a patient friendly person to just play for fun?
Post your tags here please. You don't have to commit to staying up all night. Thanks

And, no I'm not looking for any new Ambassadors at this time."

Forum Post


Our first official "project." I will be getting these maps, so I'll gladly help out.

Secondly, there is a new contest on the way for mother's day:


My Mom's a Gamer Contest

Is your mom a gamer? Here's your chance to show her some Mother's Day love and take a shot at winning Mother's Day flowers for your mom and an Xbox 360™ Elite system for yourself!

Here's how it works: Write an original essay about your mother (or female legal guardian) and gaming. Is your mom a lifelong gamer, or new to gaming? What games does she play? Does she support your gaming habit? Is she a n00b, or can she hold her own? Do you play together?

Your essay should be at least 250 words, but no more than 500 words, and must be received by 11:59 P.M. Pacific Time on May 6, 2007. Essays should be emailed to xlmail@microsoft.com. Be sure to use the subject line "My Mom's a Gamer" and don't forget to include your gamertag.

Who's eligible to enter this contest?
You must be 13 years of age or older (if a minor wins the contest, the prize will be awarded to his/her parent or legal guardian). You must be a legal resident of the 50 United States, District of Columbia, and Canada (except for Quebec).

What are you looking for in this essay?
We'll be evaluating the essays for creativity and originality, appeal to Xbox.com readers, and ability to effectively show respect and admiration for his/her mother/female legal guardian.

When's the deadline?
We must receive your entry by 11:59 P.M. Pacific Time on Sunday, May 6, 2007.

Where do I sent my entry?
Send it to xlmail@microsoft.com, subject "My Mom's a Gamer" and include your gamertag.

If I win, how will my mom get the flowers?
We'll give you a gift certificate worth a hundred bucks to the florist of your choice.

What if I'm under 18, can I still win?
Yes, your entry can win. But we will have to award the Xbox 360 Elite to your parent or legal guardian.

How can I get more information?Read the official rules.



ORIGINAL ARTICLE

That's all of the latest XA news for now!

Halo 3's mystery X button function revealed!

X marks the... what?

To celebrate the announcement of the multiplayer Beta date, Bungie have released their second Halo 3 Vidoc entitled “Is Quisnam Protero Damno!” - catchy huh?

But despite featuring Alpha footage of the multiplayer in action, many of you have been left scratching your heads - just what does the elusive X-button function actually do?

Promised to be revealed in the video for the first time by Bungie's own Frankie (which incidentally sounds like a Eurovision entry), even we had furrowed brows upon viewing. Fear not, for the aforementioned web-monkey has posted the following explanation on Bungie.net; "X Button is DEPLOY EQUIPMENT. You saw three kinds in the vid. It has nothing to do with nades or power ups." Ahhh, of course, the good old equipment deployer, thingy.
Errm, what?

On closer inspection we are picking the super map-crossing launch pads, aka the man-cannon, trip mines and bubble shield as three applications of this new equipment deploying X-function seen in the video, but are we wrong?

Watch Bungie's newest Vidoc!

Halo 3 - Beta

"Microsoft has officially confirmed that the multiplayer beta of Halo 3 will commence worldwide via Xbox Live on May 16 at 5am PDT (1pm GMT), and will run until June 6, 11:59pm (June 7, 7:59am GMT)."-Tom Ivan @ Next-Gen.Biz

"Now, I will say this again and again – the game you’re going to play one month from now, is Beta software – and while it will look somewhat close to the final game, it IS Beta – and will contain quirks, a couple of roughedges and all that jazz. But we’re pretty confident you’ll find it a dynamic and exciting taste of what’s to come in Fall." - Frankie @ Bungie.net

Now, I here all over the net that has been officially announced, and I was selected by email before I even bought my Crackdown... but how come I haven't received the official announcement email? Anyhow, although I heard it from IGN.com and Next-Gen.biz first... here's the official details.

Xbox 360 Dashboard Spring Update

It's all over the net! Windows Live Messenger chat inclusion (up to 6 people), a blade dedicated to Xbox Live, also a "low-power" mode for downloading stuff over a long period of time... and I'm guessing more. But the part that caught my attention is the new attachment to the controller. To make texting friendly...

I got the story from Game Stop.com but at this time, they took down the story... so I don't know how official any of this is. So, just incase... there's the heads-up! The update looks to be aimed at the week of May 7th.

Update: I doubt the picture is true because I just compared it to my controller and it doesn't look like the same proprotions but would be a cool idea I think.

Update: I stand corrected after seeing the official announcement.

-by conartistic

Hackers Target Online Consoles

Hackers and their malicious code-cracking antics have run riot on PCs for years, but experts predict videogames consoles and online games will come under increasing fire this year.

Computer security experts say that hackers may divert their efforts to attacking gamers, targeting payment systems and hijacking accounts. "I haven't seen any malicious code that is specifically designed to run on a PlayStation 3 or an Xbox but I would expect it is not very far away," said, security analyst for Australia's Computer Emergency Response Team, MacLeonard Starkey, noting the increased integration of online connectivity in today's games consoles.

These predictions come after Xbox Live users complained of hijacked accounts, after Microsoft admitted call centres had been duped into revealing critical details to unauthorized callers.

Security software maker CA 1's Stefana Muller spoke of the hacker's motivation for cracking their new targets: "I think it's going to be an 'I did it' kind of target, 'I got to exploit this gaming console'. It's obvious that once a new thing comes out, if it's cool, it will be exploited."

Money is also a motive for hackers who steal valuable items to sell to other players, as Starkey explains: "They can log in and steal the items that players have collected over, in some cases, four or five years. There's actually some pretty good money in that."Starkey's advice is to keep your PC secure. "The malicious code is often coming through from vectors other than the games themselves, usually via a site that you're directed to go to, sometimes from a MySpace profile or an email, and the code then targets a particular online game," he explains. Be careful, you don't want a bricked PS3 or hefty Xbox Live bill, do you?

ConArtistic on Vista

April 5 - 2007, I officially got Vista on my new M2010 Laptop and I figure I would share my experience with who ever is interested. I committed to being a test subject for the new OS, and I was still nervous about it not knowing what to expect. I got my Xbox 360, Zune, and Vista all communicating... they are now on good terms with each other.

This won't be my review as of yet since I have some more things to go through but all in all my experience hasn't been too much of a headache thus far.

Lastly, any Xbox Ambassadors, msg me, PM me, contact me if you've typed up your Vista experience or review and I shall post them as "XA's on Vista,360, or Zune".

-by conartistic

Game Theory Show

My favorite podcast show has been made number one this week. A cast for the informed-adult gamer:

"This week (4/4/07) we hear from Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg about Xbox Live and Xbox 360 Elite, including our grumbles about price and hard drives."-GTShow

-by conartistic

Xbox 360 Warranty and Service Enhancements

It was brought to my attention by the Next Gen site that details have been posted on the Xbox.com site about enhanced warranty and service program being introduced:

“We are committed to delivering an improved Xbox customer service experience for our Xbox 360 console customers, one that is faster, more efficient and includes shipping free of any charge. From our customer service representatives to our executive team, the entire Xbox team has made delivering on this commitment a top priority.”-xbox.com

-by conartistic

Subscribe to the Feed!

I have made a feed for this blog. You can subscribe by using the link at the bottom, or by clicking here.


~die coward~

Zune Firmware Update

To all you that own a Zune

Zune Firmware Update 1.3 March 28 - After some delay the latest 1.3 version of Zune firmware is available for installation. These are the specific fixes according to Zune team member and infamous blogger Cesar:

We’re fixing the skipping problem that some users were experiencing – that is, content acquired from Zune Marketplace will no longer skip when played on the device.
Improved device and software reliability, when it comes to device detection, and improved sync'ing.
We’ve made some changes to the FM Tuner so it no longer drains the battery when in sleep mode.

-by conartistic

MGS4's Kojima on the 360

On my Game Informer Magazine, it mentions Metal Gear's Hideo Kojima stating and expressing his strong interest in creating something for the Xbox 360. Whether it will be a new Metal Gear Solid game hasn't been exposed as of yet, although it has been frequently rumored; Kojima also said, "In the U.S. and Europe, it is selling, and I think it will sell a lot this year as well. I'm a fan of Gears of War as well, it's very interesting." Besides the sale figures, I've noticed many companies' interest in the 360 has either come from or have been heightened by the production of GoW and all it's accolades. It is hard to deny GoW's massive success. Epic has impacting the development community in an epic way, pun intended!

There is also mention of Sony Picture securing the rights to a Metal Gear Solid movie.

-by conartistic