Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ben Heck delivers holiday cheer to gamer with modded macro controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/ben-heck-delivers-holiday-cheer-to-gamer-with-modded-macro-contr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/ben-heck-delivers-holiday-cheer-to-gamer-with-modded-macro-contr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/ben-heck-delivers-holiday-cheer-to-gamer-with-modded-macro-contr/#comments Patrick Crowley Benjamin J. Heckendorn is no stranger to game pads designed for people with disabilities, but the macro controller he just whipped up for Patrick Crowley (pictured above) might be his most impressive accessibility hack yet. On the latest episode of his show the modding extraordinaire crafts a breakout box that allows a complex set of commands to be triggered with just the touch of a button or foot switch. The box at the heart of the project is powered by a PIC microcontroller that takes inputs from a series of modular switches (up to eight) and turns them into virtual button presses that are fed to an Xbox 360 through a standard controller. In addition to being able to swap in eight different inputs, each one can be programmed to perform a different macro. We won't ruin all of the fun -- check out the PR and full episode in the source link to watch everything from Ben Heck's holiday epiphany through the final testing.

Continue reading Ben Heck delivers holiday cheer to gamer with modded macro controller

Ben Heck delivers holiday cheer to gamer with modded macro controller originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityaccessibility controllerAccessibilityControllerben heckBenHeckbenjamin heckendornbenjamin j. heckendornBenjaminHeckendornBenjaminJ.Heckendorncontrollerhackhacksmacro controllerMacroControllermodpatrick crowleyPatrickCrowleythe ben heck showTheBenHeckShowxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamer stuffs PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles into one case, clears shelf space for the trifecta]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/gamer-stuffs-ps3-and-xbox-360-consoles-into-one-case-clears-she/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/gamer-stuffs-ps3-and-xbox-360-consoles-into-one-case-clears-she/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/06/gamer-stuffs-ps3-and-xbox-360-consoles-into-one-case-clears-she/#comments Sure, we've all thought about how nice it would be to have our PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles in the same enclosure. But, as many similar thoughts go, we left it at that. Not content with letting a good thought simmer, Reddit user timofend accepted the challenge and built himself a gaming mega-machine -- he stuffed the new slim model of Microsoft's console into a PC tower alongside an older 80GB PS3. Looking to save some funds in the process, the über-gamer skipped out on a liquid cooling system -- but he notes that when both machines are running simultaneously, they each hover around 100 degrees Farhenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Hey, we're not complaining... but really, timofend, can we please see a NES / Dreamcast / O.G. PlayStation combo in your next masterpiece? To take a peek under the hood, hit the gallery below.

Gallery: PS3 and Xbox 360 in PC Tower

Gamer stuffs PS3 and Xbox 360 consoles into one case, clears shelf space for the trifecta originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game consolesGameConsoleshackmicrosoftmicrosoft xboxmicrosoft xbox 360MicrosoftXboxMicrosoftXbox360modmodsplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonysony playstationsony playstation 3sony ps3SonyPlaystationSonyPlaystation3SonyPs3xbox 360Xbox360Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 modders claim CPU hack, make it party like an N64 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/xbox-360-modders-claim-cpu-hack-make-it-party-like-an-n64-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/xbox-360-modders-claim-cpu-hack-make-it-party-like-an-n64-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/31/xbox-360-modders-claim-cpu-hack-make-it-party-like-an-n64-vide/#comments The security system built into the 360's motherboard has more layers than an onion, which is why previous hacks have generally focused on the optical drive instead. But a couple of circuit breakers named Gligli and Tiros claim to have finally freed up the console's CPU, allowing all 360 variants to boot homebrew software while also making them invulnerable to patches sent out by Microsoft. The video after the break purports to show the fruits of their labor, including an N64 emulator running on a version of Linux. It doesn't really prove anything, except perhaps the lengths these guys have gone to: they use various hardware tools to slow down the console's CPU and then confuse it with so-called 'glitch' pulses in an effort to make it forget its normal boot-up checks. Certainly not a trick for the average F-Zero X racer, particularly when speed-boosting around copy protection like this may be shady in the eyes of the law. (One more thing: don't be put off by the video's soundtrack -- starts out weird but gets better, baby.)

[Thanks, Rodolfo]

Continue reading Xbox 360 modders claim CPU hack, make it party like an N64 (video)

Xbox 360 modders claim CPU hack, make it party like an N64 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesCopyProtectionDRMF-Zero XF-zeroXgliglihackhackshomebrewmodmoddingtirosvideoxboxxbox 360xbox 360 hackxbox 360 hacksXbox360Xbox360HackXbox360HacksWed, 31 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck splits and condenses a pair of Xbox 360 controllers for the disabled]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/ben-heck-splits-and-condenses-a-pair-of-xbox-360-controllers-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/ben-heck-splits-and-condenses-a-pair-of-xbox-360-controllers-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/ben-heck-splits-and-condenses-a-pair-of-xbox-360-controllers-for/#comments Ben Heck That crafty Ben Heck is always up to something, like whipping up an Xbox 360 disk changer for the laziest of gamers. But, on the latest episode of his hacking and modding show, Mr. Heck is back to helping those in need and crafting accessible controllers for the disabled. During the 15-minute hackathon, the modder extraordinaire creates two different Xbox 360 remotes -- a split model for those with limited arm motion, and a one-handed version for people with use of only one set of digits. If you've got a smidgen of soldering experience (and ideally access to a CNC) these projects are probably even simple enough to tackle yourself. Check out the entire episode and full PR after the break.

Continue reading Ben Heck splits and condenses a pair of Xbox 360 controllers for the disabled

Ben Heck splits and condenses a pair of Xbox 360 controllers for the disabled originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 04:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityaccessibility controllerAccessibilityControllerben heckBenHeckcontroller modControllerModdisableddiygame controllerGameControllergaminghackmodthe ben heck showTheBenHeckShowvideoxboxxbox 360xbox 360 controllerXbox360Xbox360ControllerTue, 09 Aug 2011 04:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's Xbox 360 automatic disc changer mod targets lazy gamers (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/ben-hecks-xbox-360-automatic-disc-changer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/ben-hecks-xbox-360-automatic-disc-changer/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/ben-hecks-xbox-360-automatic-disc-changer/#comments The latest creation from modder extraordinaire Benjamin J. Heckendorn? This mashup of an Xbox 360, Maker Faire-provided Arduino board and a Sony CD changer lets gamers play their entire collection without ever needing to leave the couch again. The latest episode of The Ben Heck Show takes viewers through the build process in a bit under 19 minutes, but leaves the device still needing a bit of polish in the end. Sponsor element14 is offering motivated viewers a chance to with this and finish it off properly as they see fit, removing the hassle of L.A. Noire disc swaps once and for all without buying a PS3. The video, and press release with details on how to win the as-yet unfinished project for yourself, can be found after the break.

Continue reading Ben Heck's Xbox 360 automatic disc changer mod targets lazy gamers (video)

Ben Heck's Xbox 360 automatic disc changer mod targets lazy gamers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoautomaticben heckBenHeckcd changerCdChangerdisc changerDiscChangermodthe ben heck showTheBenHeckShowxbox 360Xbox360xobxTue, 12 Jul 2011 08:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck crafts Atari-styled Xbox-360, takes us back to the '70s]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/ben-heck-crafts-atari-styled-xbox-360-takes-us-back-to-the-70s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/ben-heck-crafts-atari-styled-xbox-360-takes-us-back-to-the-70s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/ben-heck-crafts-atari-styled-xbox-360-takes-us-back-to-the-70s/#comments Our man Ben Heck has done it again -- this time, he's taken modding to a new, retro level. Atari requested that Heck create a modded system as a promo for its new games, so our man teamed up with element14 and did what he does best. The master of mods has gutted an Xbox 360 and shoved it into a one-of-a-kind Atari 2600-esque case that he calls 'Xbox 360 1977 Edition.' The system's got switches from old Atari systems had that control disc-ejection and controller synchronization. Just like the classic Ataris, Heck's portable gaming laptop's got wood panels and a black finish -- and it's huge. The best part of this mod? Well, playing Street Fighter on Xbox 360 hidden inside of what would be a modern version of a classic like Atari is pretty cool, in our opinion. As cool a classic like the Virtual Boy though? We'll leave that for you to decide. Oh, and be sure to hit the source link to watch the mod get formed in 23 glorious minutes.

Ben Heck crafts Atari-styled Xbox-360, takes us back to the '70s originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 16:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1970s70satariatari 2600Atari2600benben heckBenHeckheckheckendornlcdmodmodificationportablepromotionvirtual boyVirtualBoyxboxxbox 360xbox 360 1977 editionxbox 360 modXbox360Xbox3601977EditionXbox360ModTue, 22 Mar 2011 16:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect hacked for home automation, does your mood lighting for you (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/kinect-hacked-for-home-automation-does-your-mood-lighting-for-y/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/kinect-hacked-for-home-automation-does-your-mood-lighting-for-y/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/kinect-hacked-for-home-automation-does-your-mood-lighting-for-y/#comments Microsoft's Kinect has become quite the hacking hotbed -- the fields of medicine, music, and even shadow puppeteering have all benefitted from the peripheral's incredible versatility. And now, to the delight of home automation nerds everywhere, an enterprising young hacker has rigged a Kinect to automate the lighting in his home. By positioning the camera bar in a corner to track his movements, connecting it to the automation controller, and coding on / off commands, he's able to control the lights throughout his geektastic domicile. The automation logic then turns on the lights when entering the room, localizes them according to location, and turns them off upon leaving. One less thing to worry about -- here's hoping a method for spotting our perpetually misplaced keys is in version 2.0. Vid's after the break.

Continue reading Kinect hacked for home automation, does your mood lighting for you (video)

Kinect hacked for home automation, does your mood lighting for you (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhackshome automationHomeAutomationkinectkinect hackKinectHackmicrosoftmodmodsmotion captureMotionCapturevideoxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 11 Mar 2011 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Modder turns RROD-stricken Xbox 360 into PS3 arcade controller, awesomeness]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/26/modder-turns-rrod-stricken-xbox-360-into-ps3-arcade-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/26/modder-turns-rrod-stricken-xbox-360-into-ps3-arcade-controller/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/26/modder-turns-rrod-stricken-xbox-360-into-ps3-arcade-controller/#comments In the most recent of Xbox 360 hacks, a modder named Morris has crafted a PS3 controller out of none other than -- as ironic as this may seem -- a dead Xbox 360. That's right, somewhere out there, a PlayStation 3 has slain its mortal enemy, mercilessly gutted the internals and now has a modded Xbox as its eternal slave. The case contains all of the buttons you need to partake in a classic beat-'em-up -- a joystick, the four PlayStation buttons, R1 and R2. There's plenty more to gander at in the source link and enough in the way of detail and instruction to get started on your own arcade stick too.

Modder turns RROD-stricken Xbox 360 into PS3 arcade controller, awesomeness originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Feb 2011 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360arcadearcade stickArcadeStickcase modCaseModmicrosoftmodmodderMorrisplaystationplaystation 3Playstation3ps 3ps3sonyxboxxbox 360xbox case modXbox360XboxCaseModSat, 26 Feb 2011 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect lightsaber, and other inevitable milestones for the open-source robot eye (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/kinect-lightsaber-and-other-inevitable-milestones-for-the-open/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/kinect-lightsaber-and-other-inevitable-milestones-for-the-open/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/22/kinect-lightsaber-and-other-inevitable-milestones-for-the-open/#comments What, you didn't think the Kinect open source community would just take a break for the weekend, did you? Microsoft certainly wouldn't want that, and after seeing how much shadow puppetry warmed our hearts, we wouldn't want it either! Thankfully, someone in this world can now track a wooden stick to emulate a lightsaber in real time, bringing one classic meme that much closer to actuality (and the promised Star Wars Kinect game not even parsec closer to release). If that's not enough, we also have a demo made that converts hand-waving to MIDI notes -- which, as creator Ben X notes, puts him one step closer to Ableton Live integration -- and a pretty pretty wild visual of body dysmorphic disorder (and a chubby cat) courtesy of the powerful open source Cinder library and a Vimeo user who goes by "flight404." If those were appetizer and two-part entree, respectively, our post-meal coffee would be a pretty sharp critique on Kinect Joy Ride -- where it seems, on at least one track, you can nab a bronze trophy by staying as still as humanly possible. All the footage you seek is after the break.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Continue reading Kinect lightsaber, and other inevitable milestones for the open-source robot eye (video)

Kinect lightsaber, and other inevitable milestones for the open-source robot eye (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhackskinectlight saberLightSabermicrosoftmicrosoft kinectmicrosoft xboxMicrosoftKinectMicrosoftXboxmodmodsopen sourceOpenSourcestar warsStarWarsvideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 22 Nov 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft: I'm a PC, and Kinect open-source drivers were my idea]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/20/microsoft-im-a-pc-and-kinect-open-source-drivers-were-my-idea/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/20/microsoft-im-a-pc-and-kinect-open-source-drivers-were-my-idea/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/20/microsoft-im-a-pc-and-kinect-open-source-drivers-were-my-idea/#comments When word first reached Microsoft that the open-source community would hack the Kinect, the company's response was pretty heavy-handed: "Microsoft does not condone the modification of its products," a rep told CNET, pledging to "work closely with law enforcement and product safety groups to keep Kinect tamper-resistant." But now that Kinect mods blow our minds on a near-daily basis, Redmond has changed its tone. Microsoft's Alex Kipman told NPR Science Daily listeners that as far as the company's concerned, the Kinect hasn't actually been hacked thus far, and that Microsoft actually left the camera's USB connection unprotected "by design" to let the community take advantage. Though he and fellow Microsoftie Shannon Loftis wouldn't commit to official PC software drivers for the device, he did say that the company would "partner sooner rather than later" with academic institutions to get the hardware doled out, and suggested that some universities started playing with Kinect even before its commercial launch. Read a transcript of the pertinent section of the podcast after the break, or listen for yourself at our source link starting at the 18:22 mark.

[Thanks, Fred T.]

Continue reading Microsoft: I'm a PC, and Kinect open-source drivers were my idea

Microsoft: I'm a PC, and Kinect open-source drivers were my idea originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Nov 2010 12:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex kipmanAlexKipmaneducationhackhackedhacksKinectMicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmodmodsopen sourceOpenSourceScience FridayScienceFridayShannon LoftisShannonLoftisxboxxbox 360Xbox360Sat, 20 Nov 2010 12:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect hack creates world's greatest shadow puppet (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/kinect-hack-creates-worlds-greatest-shadow-puppet-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/kinect-hack-creates-worlds-greatest-shadow-puppet-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/19/kinect-hack-creates-worlds-greatest-shadow-puppet-video/#comments Hey Xbox 360 Kinect owners, want to spice up those family shadow puppet shows? Then check out the installation prototype created by Emily Gobeille and Theo Watson using an Xbox Kinect connected to a laptop using the libfreenect Kinect drivers and ofxKinect. The openFrameworks system tracks the elbow, wrist, thumb, and tips of the fingers to map a skeleton onto the movement and posture of an animated puppet. And get this: it was made in a day. So just imagine the Kinect homebrew we'll have around this time next year. See it in action after the break.

[Thanks, Pradeep]

Continue reading Kinect hack creates world's greatest shadow puppet (video)

Kinect hack creates world's greatest shadow puppet (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 03:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Emily GobeilleEmilyGobeillehackhackskinectkinect hackKinectHacklibfreenectmicrosoftmodmodsofxKinectopenframeworkspuppetshadowshadow puppetShadowPuppetTheo WatsonTheoWatsonvideoxbox 360Xbox360Fri, 19 Nov 2010 03:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect hack explained: follow-along-at-home guide lets you reverse engineer USB, impress your friends]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/16/kinect-hack-explained-follow-along-at-home-guide-lets-you-rever/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/16/kinect-hack-explained-follow-along-at-home-guide-lets-you-rever/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/16/kinect-hack-explained-follow-along-at-home-guide-lets-you-rever/#comments So, there's already an open source driver for the Kinect -- who needs to learn how to reverse engineer USB all over again? Well, ladyada of Adafruit Industries, the folks responsible for the Kinect hack bounty and the USB logs used by the bounty winner to get a jump on his hack, has published a detailed guide on exactly how she sniffed the Kinect's USB chatter. The guide isn't for the faint of heart, but it's not completely unintelligible to someone with a bit of time and determination. If anything it serves as an excellent bit of how-the-Kinect-was-won history. We're not expecting Microsoft to reconsider its "Microsoft does not condone the modification of its products" stance on this issue, or its petty threat of law enforcement "to keep Kinect tamper-resistant," but we do hope they've learned one thing by now: they're fighting a losing battle.

Kinect hack explained: follow-along-at-home guide lets you reverse engineer USB, impress your friends originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adafruitadafruit industriesAdafruitIndustrieshackhackskinectmicrosoftmodmodsreverse engineerreverse engineeringReverseEngineerReverseEngineeringusbusb hackusb hackingUsbHackUsbHackingxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Hack turns Kinect into 3D video capture tool]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/14/hack-turns-kinect-into-mindblowing-3d-video-capture-tool/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/14/hack-turns-kinect-into-mindblowing-3d-video-capture-tool/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/14/hack-turns-kinect-into-mindblowing-3d-video-capture-tool/#comments We all knew this would inevitably happen, but seeing it in action is something else -- the Kinect transformed by the power of open-source drivers into a true 3D video camera for capturing oneself. UC Davis visualization researcher Oliver Kreylos fed the streams from his peripheral's infrared and color cameras into a custom program that interpolated and reconstructed the result, generating a mildly mindblowing 3D virtual reality environment he can manipulate at will. And if it makes him look a little bit like the proficiently penciled protagonists in Take On Me, that's just the cherry on top. Don't miss the videos after the break to see what we're talking about.

Continue reading Hack turns Kinect into 3D video capture tool

Hack turns Kinect into 3D video capture tool originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Nov 2010 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3d graphics3D video3dGraphics3dVideographicshackhackskinectmicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmodmodsmotion captureMotionCaptureOliver KreylosOliverKreylosvideoXboxXbox 360Xbox360Sun, 14 Nov 2010 20:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 mod mirrors the infinite regress of adulthood (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/xbox-360-mod-mirrors-the-infinite-regress-of-adulthood-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/xbox-360-mod-mirrors-the-infinite-regress-of-adulthood-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/xbox-360-mod-mirrors-the-infinite-regress-of-adulthood-video/#comments
You inhale deeply and step onto the middle rung of the corporate ladder. You return home dazed, alimony unpaid, dishes piled up like a pie in the sky that turned out to be miles too high. You grab a bag of chips and pull up a seat in front of the Xbox Infinite 360 mod. You crawl inside. Lost in a haze of alcohol soft middle age, you exhale.

Continue reading Xbox 360 mod mirrors the infinite regress of adulthood (video)

Xbox 360 mod mirrors the infinite regress of adulthood (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>case modCaseModconsolegaminginfiniteinfinite 360Infinite360memodsmodvideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 03 Nov 2010 08:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck makes Xbox 360 'Slim' portable, still won't make a briefcase feel fat (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/12/ben-heck-makes-xbox-360-slim-portable-still-wont-make-a-brie/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/12/ben-heck-makes-xbox-360-slim-portable-still-wont-make-a-brie/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/12/ben-heck-makes-xbox-360-slim-portable-still-wont-make-a-brie/#commentsBen Heck makes Xbox 360 'Slim' portable, still won't make a briefcase feel fat As always in the world of handmade portable consoles, the word "slim" is a very, very relative term. Appropriately you wouldn't call Ben Heck's latest creation svelte by any means, but it is considerably smaller than his 2009 version, 1.5-inches skinnier and an inch shorter. Despite that it now has an internal power supply and is even quieter than before. The system's touch power and eject buttons work as expected here, and up top is a 17-inch Gateway LCD that manages a full 720p's worth of pixels. Want one? The model pictured above is being given away as part of a contest on The Ben Heck Show, but he's making two others that are available to, you know, purchase if you have the means.

Continue reading Ben Heck makes Xbox 360 'Slim' portable, still won't make a briefcase feel fat (video)

Ben Heck makes Xbox 360 'Slim' portable, still won't make a briefcase feel fat (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckBenHeckdiyhackmodportable consolePortableConsolevideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 12 Oct 2010 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 slimster made over in white, just for the hell of it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/xbox-360-slimster-made-over-in-white-just-for-the-hell-of-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/xbox-360-slimster-made-over-in-white-just-for-the-hell-of-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/02/xbox-360-slimster-made-over-in-white-just-for-the-hell-of-it/#comments Missing your oldie Xbox 360's bright and airy white finish? Well, Microsoft's still not willing to sell you a slimmified 360 in any color other than black (excepting the limited edition Halo gear), but at least you can gaze upon the singular example of what a white one may look like above. This seemingly repainted Xbox 360 250GB (to give it its official, and ridiculous, name) has been lovingly put together over in China and really makes us wonder why Microsoft is depriving us of such snowy good looks. Perhaps it wanted to draw a clear line between the old and the new? Either way, hit the source for the cheapest way to peek an all-white slim 360 without giving the Colorware crew a call.

[Thanks, Anthony]

Update: We've tracked down the talented modder to one Craig Manders, or Mandark, and have linked his Photobucket profile below for more imagery of the blanched Xbox 360.

Xbox 360 slimster made over in white, just for the hell of it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 05:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360chinacolorconsolediyhomemademicrosoftmodmoddingpaintrepaintedslim xbox 360SlimXbox360whitexboxxbox 360xbox 360 slimXbox360Xbox360SlimThu, 02 Sep 2010 05:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Iron Man Xbox 360 escapes Stark Industries, heads right to eBay]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/iron-man-xbox-360-escapes-stark-industries-heads-right-to-ebay/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/iron-man-xbox-360-escapes-stark-industries-heads-right-to-ebay/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/iron-man-xbox-360-escapes-stark-industries-heads-right-to-ebay/#comments Halo-inspired Xbox 360? Check. Xbox 360 laptop? Seen it. Xbox 360 fused with a PS3? Yep. A Tony Stark-approved Xbox 360? Thanks to one Zachariah Perry Cruse, we can now add this beaut to the list. This here design student managed to use his summer vacation for a little more than weekend jaunts to Gary, putting an awful lot of blood, sweat and fear into his very own Iron Man Xbox 360. Naturally, it's the older, less slimmer 360 console, complete with a 120GB hard drive and an HDMI socket. There's a video of the LEDs doing their thing after the break, and that eBay link will get you where you need to be if you're a prospective buyer. And let's be honest here -- you are a prospective buyer.

Continue reading Iron Man Xbox 360 escapes Stark Industries, heads right to eBay

Iron Man Xbox 360 escapes Stark Industries, heads right to eBay originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionconsolecustomdiyebayfor saleForSalegame consoleGameConsoleiron manIronManmicrosoftmodmoviemoviesvideoxboxXbox 360Xbox360Mon, 23 Aug 2010 06:02:00 EST<![CDATA[New Xbox 360 hacked to play 'backup' discs, public release underway? (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/new-xbox-360-hacked-to-play-backup-discs-public-release-under/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/new-xbox-360-hacked-to-play-backup-discs-public-release-under/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/15/new-xbox-360-hacked-to-play-backup-discs-public-release-under/#comments If you're looking for video proof of the latest and greatest Xbox 360 firmware mod, you won't find it in the video after the break, but we're almost willing to take it on Team Xecuter's word and long-standing reputation that they've hacked the new Xbox 360. Banding together with Team Jungle and commodore4eva -- the hacker who brought backups to the original console in 2006 -- the group says they've successfully patched the DVD drive to play burned discs. Better still, they're promising that a public release of said patch "will be available shortly" to help you unlock a Stealthbox by your lonesome. Just remember, kids, circumventing DRM isn't always legal, even if you're copying games that you bought right off the shelf.

[Thanks, Tito]

Continue reading New Xbox 360 hacked to play 'backup' discs, public release underway? (video)

New Xbox 360 hacked to play 'backup' discs, public release underway? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backupsc4ecircumventcommodore4evacopyDRMhackhackedhacksmodmoddedmodsnew xbox 360NewXbox360patchROMstealthboxTeam JungleTeamJunglevideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[New Xbox 360 shows up in the wild, gets unboxed, torn asunder and modded]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/new-xbox-360-shows-up-in-the-wild-gets-unboxed-torn-asunder-an/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/new-xbox-360-shows-up-in-the-wild-gets-unboxed-torn-asunder-an/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/17/new-xbox-360-shows-up-in-the-wild-gets-unboxed-torn-asunder-an/#comments Hey, look at what we have here -- it's the new Xbox 360 that was just debuted a few days back -- and there's a lot going down with this one which has somehow made its way into the wild. We get the full unboxing treatment, a detailed teardown, and finish up with some delicious, light-paneled modding. While we can't really gather much beyond what we already know, the drive appears to be a Philips Lite-On DG-16D4S -- just in case you were wondering about that one. There's a video below showing off this one's new, modded exterior.

[Thanks, Thomas C]

Continue reading New Xbox 360 shows up in the wild, gets unboxed, torn asunder and modded

New Xbox 360 shows up in the wild, gets unboxed, torn asunder and modded originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolee3e3 2010E32010gaminghackhackslightsmicrosoftmodmodsnew xbox 360NewXbox360teardownunboxingvideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Master Chief's bullet-riddled Xbox 360 case mod auctioned off for charity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/23/master-chiefs-bullet-riddled-xbox-360-case-mod-auctioned-off-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/23/master-chiefs-bullet-riddled-xbox-360-case-mod-auctioned-off-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/23/master-chiefs-bullet-riddled-xbox-360-case-mod-auctioned-off-fo/#comments Sure, Kim Kardashian and Russell Crowe signed airbrushed Xbox 360s bearing their likeness for the David Peachy Foundation's "Konsoles for Kids" charity auction, but Weta Workshop co-founder Richard Taylor built his donation into a badass diorama. That's Halo's Master Chief venting the console with his trusty assault rifle, sending chunks of circuit board, capacitors and LEDs out the other side. According to its eBay seller, the PAL system's still fully functional, and ships with controller, cables and a full warranty. Auction lasts till April 24th; bidding is presently at $810 AUD.

Master Chief's bullet-riddled Xbox 360 case mod auctioned off for charity originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 05:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctioncase modCaseModcharitycharity auctionCharityAuctionDavid Peachy FoundationDavidPeachyFoundationMicrosoftmodmoddingmodsPALRichard TaylorRichardTaylorWeta WorkshopWetaWorkshopX360XboxXbox 360Xbox 360 modXbox360Xbox360ModFri, 23 Apr 2010 05:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Student-made Xbox 360 laptop channels the Heck out of... well, you know]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/student-made-xbox-360-laptop-channels-the-heck-out-of-well-y/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/student-made-xbox-360-laptop-channels-the-heck-out-of-well-y/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/17/student-made-xbox-360-laptop-channels-the-heck-out-of-well-y/#comments
 Few can build 'em like Benjamin Heckendorn. Fewer still bother to try. Two college kids managed to do a bang-up job anyhow building this fully loaded, Jasper-juiced Xbox 360 laptop. With a built-in 17-inch Gateway monitor, keyboard, functioning Xbox Live camera and Wireless Network Adapter, this brick hits all the right notes -- yet remains remarkably stylish for a learn-as-you-go student project. If you agree, you can read a remarkably detailed account of how they built it at the source link, see a proof-of-completion video after the break, or even further their education by purchasing the mean machine on eBay for your very own.

Continue reading Student-made Xbox 360 laptop channels the Heck out of... well, you know

Student-made Xbox 360 laptop channels the Heck out of... well, you know originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckBen HeckendornBenHeckBenHeckendornbenjamin heckbenjamin heckendornBenjaminHeckBenjaminHeckendorncustomDIYgamesgaminghackhacksjasperjasper chipsetjasper motherboardJasperChipsetJasperMotherboardlaptopmicrosoft xboxmicrosoft xbox 360MicrosoftXboxMicrosoftXbox360modmoddedmodsportable xbox 360PortableXbox360projectprojectsstudent projectStudentProjectx-topxboxXbox 360Xbox 360 Elitexbox 360 elite laptopxbox 360 laptopxbox 360 modXbox laptopXbox360Xbox360EliteXbox360EliteLaptopXbox360LaptopXbox360ModXboxLaptopxtopWed, 17 Mar 2010 03:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 laptop brings retro looks to an eBay near you]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/24/xbox-360-laptop-brings-retro-looks-to-an-ebay-near-you/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/24/xbox-360-laptop-brings-retro-looks-to-an-ebay-near-you/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/24/xbox-360-laptop-brings-retro-looks-to-an-ebay-near-you/#comments If you thought only a semi-deity like Ben Heck could splice consoles into laptop-shaped cases, here's some evidence to the contrary. This week, CollinE from Ben's forums put the finishing touches to his own, rather professional looking, Xbox 360 laptop. Adorned in a red and black color scheme that features a throwback giant X on the top lid, his 360 stays true to the original console in almost all respects -- including the "wind tunnel" noise generated by Collin's five fans. The fact he also consulted our guide on how to do this is just a cherry on the top for us, and you can find a video tour of the hardware after the break. Should it take your fancy, the machine's now on auction with all proceeds going to the "make Collin's Christmas merrier" foundation.

Gallery: Xbox 360 laptop mod

Continue reading Xbox 360 laptop brings retro looks to an eBay near you

Xbox 360 laptop brings retro looks to an eBay near you originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360360 laptop360 mod360Laptop360Modconsoleconsole modConsoleModdiyebayhackhackinglaptoplaptop modLaptopModmodmoddingxboxxbox 360xbox 360 laptopXbox360Xbox360LaptopThu, 24 Dec 2009 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 controller ingeniously hacked for NES use]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/30/xbox-360-controller-ingeniously-hacked-for-nes-use/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/30/xbox-360-controller-ingeniously-hacked-for-nes-use/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/30/xbox-360-controller-ingeniously-hacked-for-nes-use/#comments Hey, it's just what you've always wanted: to use your Xbox 360 controller on your old NES. Using a Cortex M3 processor left over from a school robotics project, Francois Gervais managed to rig his wireless pad to control something decidedly less advanced than a game of Modern Warfare 2. There's a video of the controller in action after the break, and you can grab some of the code being used in the Google link below -- perhaps one of you brainiacs will finally hack the Wiimote to control a Jaguar. A tech writer can dream...

Continue reading Xbox 360 controller ingeniously hacked for NES use

Xbox 360 controller ingeniously hacked for NES use originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerFrancois GervaisFrancoisGervaishackmodmoddingmodsnesxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Elegant Edition shows Microsoft how it's done]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/xbox-360-elegant-edition-shows-microsoft-how-its-done/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/xbox-360-elegant-edition-shows-microsoft-how-its-done/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/26/xbox-360-elegant-edition-shows-microsoft-how-its-done/#comments You know, we've pretty much all been enamored with the Zune HD's industrial design, but one unintended consequence for Microsoft was that it made its console look even more childish and toylike. It was inevitable, then, that a group of industrious Swedes would take up arms against this injustice and right the world with their Elegant Edition mod. Featuring three 120mm cooling fans, an aesthetic borrowed straight from the 1980s, and absolutely no shame about its bulk, this mod is cooler than the original in both the literal and colloquial sense. We'll accept no arguments to the converse. Better still, if you're willing to part with some cold hard cash, these fellas will build one for you too. We've got a few less glamorous shots of the redressed box after the break.

Continue reading Xbox 360 Elegant Edition shows Microsoft how it's done

Xbox 360 Elegant Edition shows Microsoft how it's done originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>case modCaseModconsole modConsoleModdiyhomemademicrosoftmodmoddingswedenxboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Banned Xbox modders get a class-action lawsuit to call their own]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/20/banned-xbox-modders-get-a-class-action-lawsuit-to-call-their-own/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/20/banned-xbox-modders-get-a-class-action-lawsuit-to-call-their-own/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/20/banned-xbox-modders-get-a-class-action-lawsuit-to-call-their-own/#comments You had to know someone out there would try and profit off Microsoft's recent mass bannination of modded Xbox 360 consoles from Xbox Live, and although the eBay scammers arguably got there first, we're awarding the style trophy to AbingtonIP, an Oklahoma law firm that's trying to gin up a class-action lawsuit. Why? Because even though the XBL terms of service expressly prohibit modded consoles, AbingtonIP thinks it's not fair for Microsoft to have timed the ban to coincide with the release Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and it also thinks it's unfair for an XBL ban to affect "Xbox functionality not associated with piracy" like Netflix, arcade games, and DLC. A noble cause, to be sure, but if you're a modder who didn't think there was a chance you'd be booted from Live at some point, you're not a very smart modder -- and Microsoft isn't under any obligation to time its bans for the convenience of people breaking its terms of service. The firm is just at the generating-interest phase and hasn't filed anything yet, so we'll see how far these freedom fighters get -- we'd guess this one dies on the vine.

Banned Xbox modders get a class-action lawsuit to call their own originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abington ipabingtonipbanclass actionclass action lawsuitclass-action lawsuitClass-actionLawsuitClassActionClassActionLawsuitlawsuitlegalmodmoddedmodded xboxModdedXboxmoddingxboxxbox 360xbox livexbox live banXbox360XboxLiveXboxLiveBanFri, 20 Nov 2009 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Homemade pink Xbox 360 controller makes the ladies say 'heyyy!']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/homemade-pink-xbox-360-controller-makes-the-ladies-say-heyyy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/homemade-pink-xbox-360-controller-makes-the-ladies-say-heyyy/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/homemade-pink-xbox-360-controller-makes-the-ladies-say-heyyy/#comments Not that we haven't seen pink Xbox 360 controllers before (including one from Microsoft itself), but this one just oozes class. Constructed by Flickr user 4apples for the lovely lady (ladies?) in his life, he took all the time one would expect a handsome young bloke to take by dissembling it, painting each piece in varying shades of pink and slapping it all back together. Have a look at the read link for the finished project, and naw, we won't tell your special someone if you decide to follow suit and call it an original.

[Via technabob]

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Homemade pink Xbox 360 controller makes the ladies say 'heyyy!' originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 05:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colorcontrollerdiyhackmodpinkxboxxbox 360xbox controllerXbox360XboxControllerSun, 18 Oct 2009 05:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Acidmods moves a few buttons and a joystick on Xbox 360 controller]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/acidmods-moves-a-few-buttons-and-a-joystick-on-xbox-360-controll/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/acidmods-moves-a-few-buttons-and-a-joystick-on-xbox-360-controll/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/acidmods-moves-a-few-buttons-and-a-joystick-on-xbox-360-controll/#comments Hey, not all mods are outlandish and creepy. Some are just plain old... utilitarian. Acidmods got a request for a modded Xbox 360 controller that would move the X, Y, A, and B buttons and the right joystick. The fully functional finished product looks a little odd to the eyes, of course, but it's also done so well that it looks like a stock unit. As you'll see in the video after the break, the modded controller would take some getting used to for most of us, but it sure has character.

Continue reading Acidmods moves a few buttons and a joystick on Xbox 360 controller

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Acidmods moves a few buttons and a joystick on Xbox 360 controller originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acidmodscontrollergaminghackhacksmodmodsxbox 360xbox 360 controllerXbox360Xbox360ControllerMon, 05 Oct 2009 10:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Computer scientist mods Xbox 360 to detect heart attacks, girls still mysteriously elusive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/26/computer-scientist-mods-xbox-360-to-detect-heart-attacks-girls/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/26/computer-scientist-mods-xbox-360-to-detect-heart-attacks-girls/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/26/computer-scientist-mods-xbox-360-to-detect-heart-attacks-girls/#comments
We've seen so many mods around here that sometimes it's truly hard to get excited over the minor stuff. Well, this doesn't fall into that category in any way. A computer scientist at the University in Warwick has developed a method to use Microsoft's Xbox 360 to detect heart defects and help prevent heart attacks. Based on a demo created by Simon Scarle a few years back when he worked at Rare studio, it's based on a modded chip that -- instead of producing graphics for the game -- now produces data tracking how the electrical signals in the heart moves about damaged cells, creating a model of it. The model can then be used to help doctors to identify defects and disturbances in the heart's beating. This significantly decreases the costs and complications of creating a model of the heart, which is currently done by supercomputers and is very expensive. Scarle's project and findings were just published in the August issue of the Journal of Computational Biology and Chemistry. Looks like we'll all have a response the next time someone tells us that gaming is good for nothing, right?

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Computer scientist mods Xbox 360 to detect heart attacks, girls still mysteriously elusive originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaminghackhacksheartheart attackHeartAttackheartsmedicinemodmodsuniversity of warwickUniversityOfWarwickxboxxbox360Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck realigns Xbox 360 pad for improved awesomeness]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/ben-heck-realigns-xbox-360-pad-for-improved-awesomeness/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/ben-heck-realigns-xbox-360-pad-for-improved-awesomeness/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/02/ben-heck-realigns-xbox-360-pad-for-improved-awesomeness/#comments If you've spent any time on Engadget before, you'll be aware that we're big fans of Ben Heck and his tireless modding, tweaking and hacking (or is it Hecking?) of console hardware. The latest feather to his cap comes in the form of a customized Xbox 360 controller, which sees its D-pad and action buttons swapping places in an effort to help a handicapped gamer get his proverbial groove on. The trigger buttons are also flipped, but the pièce de résistance is the inclusion of four extra action buttons along the bottom of the controller that make one-handed gaming totally feasible. Check 'em out after the break.

Continue reading Ben Heck realigns Xbox 360 pad for improved awesomeness

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Ben Heck realigns Xbox 360 pad for improved awesomeness originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ben HeckBen HeckendornBenHeckBenHeckendornBenjamin HeckendornBenjaminHeckendorncontrollercontroller modControllerModgame padGamePadhackhacksmodmoddermoddingmodsXbox 360Xbox 360 controllerXbox360Xbox360ControllerWed, 02 Sep 2009 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[IntensaFIRE chip adds programmable / rapid fire modes to Xbox 360 controllers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/intensafire-chip-adds-programmable-rapid-fire-modes-to-xbox-36/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/intensafire-chip-adds-programmable-rapid-fire-modes-to-xbox-36/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/11/intensafire-chip-adds-programmable-rapid-fire-modes-to-xbox-36/#comments The hardcore modders in attendance need not apply unless they're looking for a quick jaunt down easy street, but those terrified of solder guns, glue and screwdrivers best listen up. A newly formed company, BGRMODS, has just introduced its very product, and it's pretty much a must-have for Xbox 360 owners. IntensaFIRE is an easy-to-install chip (we're talking five minutes, tops) that modifies the Xbox 360 wireless controller in order to enable 5-mode sleeper settings (including a customizable user programmable mode) as well as a rapid-fire mode that should finally compensate for your lack of skill in Call of Duty 4. Hit the read link for the specifics on installation (trust us, there ain't much to do), and get ready to upgrade your game on September 7th for $29.99.

[Via TestFreaks, thanks Vincent]

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IntensaFIRE chip adds programmable / rapid fire modes to Xbox 360 controllers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoryBGRMODSBragGame RightsBraggameRightscontrollergaminghacksIntensaFIREmacromicrosoftmodmoddingmodsrapid fireRapidFirexbox 360Xbox360Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's latest portable Xbox 360 adds sleek white finish, Jasper motherboard]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/05/ben-hecks-latest-portable-xbox-360-adds-sleek-white-finish-jas/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/05/ben-hecks-latest-portable-xbox-360-adds-sleek-white-finish-jas/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/05/ben-hecks-latest-portable-xbox-360-adds-sleek-white-finish-jas/#comments Even after five iterations, Ben Heck's portable Xbox 360 models are still a spectacle to behold -- he seems to keep outdoing himself every time, both in functionality and style. This latest model has the appearance of an oversized plastic polycarbonate Macbook when closed, and packs a 17-inch Gateway LCD panel. The big improvements here include the Jasper motherboard, a flush-mount DVD door and side panels, digital potentiometer / button volume controls, and an ethernet port in addition to WiFi. Not everything's been kept, as Heck says he ditched the camera, not seeing a point for it -- but hey, there's still two USB ports if any of his (already spoken for) customers want to add it. Impressive work, indeed. See it for yourself in the video after the break.

[Via TechEBlog]

Continue reading Ben Heck's latest portable Xbox 360 adds sleek white finish, Jasper motherboard

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Ben Heck's latest portable Xbox 360 adds sleek white finish, Jasper motherboard originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckben heckendornBenHeckBenHeckendornbenjamin heckbenjamin heckendornBenjaminHeckBenjaminHeckendorngamesgaminghacksheckjasperjasper chipsetjasper motherboardJasperChipsetJasperMotherboardmicrosoftmicrosoft xboxmicrosofto xbox 360MicrosoftoXbox360MicrosoftXboxmodmodsportableportable xbox 360PortableXbox360video gamesVideoGamesxboxxbox 360xbox 360 modXbox360Xbox360ModSun, 05 Jul 2009 18:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Modder brings Virtual On's dual sticks to the Xbox 360 on the cheap]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/modder-brings-virtual-ons-dual-sticks-to-the-xbox-360-on-the-ch/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/modder-brings-virtual-ons-dual-sticks-to-the-xbox-360-on-the-ch/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/24/modder-brings-virtual-ons-dual-sticks-to-the-xbox-360-on-the-ch/#commentsModder brings Virtual On's dual sticks to the Xbox 360 on the cheap Most fighting games are pretty badass, but fighting games that feature giant robots? Overwhelmingly badass. Such was Virtual On, one of Sega's most beloved (and seemingly most quickly forgotten) franchises, where two anime-themed (and frequently Saturn-wearing) virtualroids duked it out in full 3-D and blew our minds with great graphics and a humbling dual-stick control scheme (push both forward to run ahead, apart to jump, together to crouch, etc.). With the game making its triumphant return to action on the Xbox 360, a Japanese gamer has created the above monstrosity by wedging a couple of candy packages onto the controller's analog sticks, then wiring up weapons buttons. With a little paint they'd almost pass for the arcade's controller, but we're not entirely sure that thin plastic would hold up to repeated deploys of Grys-vok's ICBM attack.

[Via Joystiq]

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Modder brings Virtual On's dual sticks to the Xbox 360 on the cheap originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Apr 2009 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dual-stickhackhacksmodmoddermoddingmodssegavirtual onVirtualOnvirtualroidxboxxbox 360xbox 360 controllerXbox360Xbox360ControllerFri, 24 Apr 2009 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: SuperNES Advantage controller mod for Xbox 360]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/21/video-nes-advantage-controller-mod-for-xbox-360/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/21/video-nes-advantage-controller-mod-for-xbox-360/http://www.engadget.com/2009/04/21/video-nes-advantage-controller-mod-for-xbox-360/#comments
Sometimes you can't beat the classics. The gentleman who brought his old Super NES Advantage to bear on his Xbox 360 is back, this time working his magic on the Super Advantage joystick. This bad boy is wireless, runs off an internal battery (charged via standard USB), and sports an LED player indicator. If you've never been able to get used to the standard Xbox controller, keep an eye out for this bad boy on eBay. The modster in question has stated his intention to let this one go to the right bidder, but not before he makes another one for himself. The next trick, he says, is to add cross-platform compatibility with the Wii and SNES. Video after the break.

[Via Nowhere Else]

Continue reading Video: SuperNES Advantage controller mod for Xbox 360

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Video: SuperNES Advantage controller mod for Xbox 360 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhacksmodmodsNESnes advantageNesAdvantageSNESxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[NES Advantage joystick modded for Xbox 360 use]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/nes-advantage-joystick-modded-for-xbox-360-use/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/nes-advantage-joystick-modded-for-xbox-360-use/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/30/nes-advantage-joystick-modded-for-xbox-360-use/#comments This mod won't exactly help you much with Street Fighter IV or other button intensive games, but those that prefer to pass the time with the likes of Galaga or Xevious may want to strongly consider following the lead of our friend Mr. Pepsi Pants, and breath some new life into that NES Advantage controller collecting dust in your closet. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be a complete how-to available just yet, but the video after the break does demonstrate that this bridging of consoles is indeed possible, and no doubt simple enough for anyone with the necessary skills. What's more, it looks like an SNES Advantage mod is already on tap as a followup project, which should offer a bit more practicality while still maintaining some retro flavor.

[Via Nowhere Else]

Continue reading NES Advantage joystick modded for Xbox 360 use

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NES Advantage joystick modded for Xbox 360 use originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hacksmodmodsnesnes advantageNesAdvantagexbox 360xbox 360 modXbox360Xbox360ModMon, 30 Mar 2009 19:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Ben Heck's Xbox 360 Controller Monitor lights up your latency]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/26/ben-hecks-xbox-360-controller-monitor-lights-up-your-latency/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/26/ben-hecks-xbox-360-controller-monitor-lights-up-your-latency/http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/26/ben-hecks-xbox-360-controller-monitor-lights-up-your-latency/#comments Ben Heck's latest device isn't gonna help you take your next-gen gaming on the go, nor will it let you play with one hand. Instead, the Xbox 360 Controller Monitor is designed to test gamepad latency using a data cable hooked up directly to each button and fed into a 8 x 8 inch display board. Each action lights up the corresponding indicator, and it includes three levels of sensitivity for each cardinal direction of the joysticks and shoulder triggers. At $600 (controller and AA batteries included), it's not exactly something for the hobbyists out there, but already this thing's got some major gaming street cred: it's currently being used for playtesting on Mass Effect 2, the new Wolfenstein, and the just announced Modern Warfare 2.

Continue reading Ben Heck's Xbox 360 Controller Monitor lights up your latency

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Ben Heck's Xbox 360 Controller Monitor lights up your latency originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben heckben heckendornBenHeckBenHeckendornbenjamin heckendornBenjaminHeckendorngame padGamePadhackhacksmodmodsmonitorxboxxbox 360xbox 360 controllerxbox 360 controller monitorxbox 360 gamepadXbox360Xbox360ControllerXbox360ControllerMonitorXbox360GamepadThu, 26 Mar 2009 19:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Suzuki Xbox dashboard mod for the undignified gamer on the go]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/04/suzuki-xbox-dashboard-mod-for-the-undignified-gamer-on-the-go/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/04/suzuki-xbox-dashboard-mod-for-the-undignified-gamer-on-the-go/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/04/suzuki-xbox-dashboard-mod-for-the-undignified-gamer-on-the-go/#comments
Some Xbox 360 mods are the product of serious craftsmanship, some are rather silly, and some -- like this Suzuki automobile console / Xbox 360 game console hybrid -- really give one pause. This isn't the sort of thing that one spends moments / hours / weeks on, after which he reflects for a moment ("Aren't I rather clever?"), and then hides it safely in the closet (or sells it on eBay). No, this is an automobile. We're guessing that the slight cringe of embarrassment he's going to feel when picking up his date for the cotillion will be outweighed by the safety and security he feels knowing that he can always play the Super Smash Bros. Brawl -- even on the road. According to the photo's description on Flickr, this car features not one but two Xbox 360s, two projectors, and two flat screens. The game controllers are availabe at a moment's notice -- including one in the steering wheel, one in front of the gear shifter -- and one of the 360s is set in the dashboard. Oy vey.

[Via On 10]

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Suzuki Xbox dashboard mod for the undignified gamer on the go originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobilehackhacksmodmodssuzukixboxxbox 360Xbox360Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 + PS3 case + many Dremel bits = PS360]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/xbox-360-ps3-case-many-dremel-bits-ps360/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/xbox-360-ps3-case-many-dremel-bits-ps360/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/30/xbox-360-ps3-case-many-dremel-bits-ps360/#commentsXbox 360 + PS3 case + many Dremel bits = PS360
Apparently impressed by the stunning success (and $157 winning bid) of his earlier Wii64, the modder who goes by the name n8bog is back with another brute-force console hybrid, this time shoving an entire Xbox 360 into a disused PS3 case. We wouldn't say it's a perfect fit, as there's been a rather large hole cut into the front to allow access to the tray, and that HDD just laying on top of the DVD-ROM looks a bit precarious, but if you have a hankerin' for something Microsoft but prefer the look of something Sony (or just really like gratuitous neon) all this can be yours at a starting bid of just $100. Any takers?

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Xbox 360 + PS3 case + many Dremel bits = PS360 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackmodn8bogps3ps360sony ps3SonyPs3xbox 360Xbox360Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Modded XB01 case quiets your Xbox like a RROD (without all the failing)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/22/modded-xb01-case-quiets-your-xbox-like-a-rrod-without-all-the-f/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/22/modded-xb01-case-quiets-your-xbox-like-a-rrod-without-all-the-f/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/22/modded-xb01-case-quiets-your-xbox-like-a-rrod-without-all-the-f/#comments Not merely content with the noise-reducing XB01 Xbox 360 chassis, Swedish modder Janne Ström decided to throw in a pair of heavy-duty Noctua NH-U9DO coolers (usually intended for AMD Dual Opteron server processors) to see if he could even further eradicate the console's aural annoyances -- and indeed, it sounds (or rather, doesn't) like it worked. For those not following the scene, the XB01 is a voluminous case made by Lian-Li you can put your Xbox 360's guts into for a decidedly less noisy experience, so think of this as a mod-within-a-mod. It won't make disc drive any quieter, but with the New Xbox Experience's disc installation option, that noise can be avoided. The extra fans also doesn't make the case any easier on the eyes, of course, but anyone interested in the XB01 probably isn't putting style points high on their list of priorities. Go ahead and listen, very closely, to the results in the video after the break.

Continue reading Modded XB01 case quiets your Xbox like a RROD (without all the failing)

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Modded XB01 case quiets your Xbox like a RROD (without all the failing) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lian lilian li xb01lian-liLianLiLianLiXb01microsoftmodmodsnoctuaxb01xbox 360Xbox360Mon, 22 Dec 2008 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Slot loading Xbox 360 enjoys its 15 minutes, heads to eBay]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/14/slot-loading-xbox-360-enjoys-its-15-minutes-heads-to-ebay/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/14/slot-loading-xbox-360-enjoys-its-15-minutes-heads-to-ebay/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/14/slot-loading-xbox-360-enjoys-its-15-minutes-heads-to-ebay/#comments
There's a good possibility you felt some sense of jealously when eying RDC's meticulously modded Xbox 360, and now you can act on said envy thanks to the supreme convenience of the online auction house known as eBay. That's right kids -- the slot loading Xbox 360 that was shown here just under a month ago is now on the auction block, and the $250 minimum bid means that you're paying a ridiculously small premium for all the blood, sweat and tears that were undoubtedly poured into this creation. Of course, that figure is apt to head skyward in a hurry, but maybe that would encourage you to get off your keister and craft one yourself. No time like the present to beef up that weakening DIY muscle.

[Via Xbox-Scene, thanks Aguiluz]

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Slot loading Xbox 360 enjoys its 15 minutes, heads to eBay originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionebayfor saleForSalehackimacmicrosoftmodrdcxboxxbox 360xbox modXbox360XboxModSun, 14 Dec 2008 05:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 modder adds 7-inch LCD to chassis for reasons unknown]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/08/xbox-360-modder-adds-7-inch-lcd-to-chassis-for-reasons-unknown/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/08/xbox-360-modder-adds-7-inch-lcd-to-chassis-for-reasons-unknown/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/08/xbox-360-modder-adds-7-inch-lcd-to-chassis-for-reasons-unknown/#comments
One could argue that adding an LCD monitor into the casing of an Xbox 360 would certainly make it a more viable gaming solution on-the-go, but given just how many cables are still connected here, we're wondering if it's not worth the extra effort to lug around a decent sized LCD. 'Course, we certainly commend the effort here -- though it's not entirely original or anything -- and we can't deny that it took some serious blood, sweat and lost Halo 3 time to fix it up. To that end, we present to you an emphatic golf clap and a recommendation to hit up the read link for a short demonstration vid.

[Via NowhereElse]

Continue reading Xbox 360 modder adds 7-inch LCD to chassis for reasons unknown

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Xbox 360 modder adds 7-inch LCD to chassis for reasons unknown originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>case modCaseModdiyhackhalo 3Halo3lcdmicrosoftmodmonitorvideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:46:00 EST