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THE LATEST NEWS BELOW
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July 31st, 2007, 04:57 Posted By: bandit
Official firmware version 3.5 was just posted in the support section, with dual layer media support. CycloWiz supported dual layer media since day one, but the 3.0 upgrade partially broke it (only the first layer could be read), so only users that didn't upgrade are able to read dual layer media for now. The new firmware fixes this issue. We'll make sure it doesn't get broken in future upgrades. We've made a simple test program to help us in that task: it checks if both the first and the second layer of a dual layer disc could be read. You can also find it in the support section, burn it on a regular DVD+/-R disc
The laser power may have to be tuned before beeing able to read DVD+R DL media (as with DVD-RW media). Less than 50% of test Wii we have can read those discs without any tuning. There is a variable resistor on the optical pickup head itself, that needs to be lowered. In our tests, the original value was typically around 700-800 Ohm, and we had to lower it to around 500 Ohm, but this might be different on each drive. Just make sure you don't go below 50 Ohm or so.
By the way, the test tool is not CycloWiz specific and can be used to test any modchip, it'd be interesting to see which ones are DL compatible. As of today, all of the commercial Wii games are released on single-layer discs, but the drive firmware supports dual layer discs.
If you're looking for places to purchase CycloWiz from, make sure to check our list of CycloWiz / WiiKey / Wiinja / WiiD Seller/Installer List and Open Source Wii Modchip.
Source Team Cyclops
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July 31st, 2007, 04:56 Posted By: bandit
Six months ago, in a quasi-simultaneous launch, the two first Wii modchips were released, one of them being CycloWiz. It was already ahead of the competition, as it was the only upgradable modchip available then. Since then, we've been working hard in order to make sure CycloWiz stays the best in terms of quality, features and support.
Within six months, many things have changed, and one of the best evolutions is the creation of open-source modchip projects. While, as of today, they currently lack many features that commercial chips support (such as audiofix, DVD upgrade support (with the notable exception of OpenWii on ATmega), compatibility with old GC Multi-Disc games), it's surely a very interesting and promising aspect of the Wii modding scene that shouldn't be ignored.
When you buy a new PC, you want it to be able to run Windows and Linux, even if you plan to use only one of the two OS at first. Why shouldn't you have this freedom with the modchip you buy? Today, we're opening up the CycloWiz platform to open-source firmwares, and we want that to be very user-friendly, with the possibility of upgrading from/to any of the firmwares using DVD upgrades. There's no need to change your firmware today, this feature only concerns a few people for now, mainly developers, but it might become very useful in the future.
There are currently two major open-source projects, Wiifree and OpenWii. Wiifree is clearly the most popular, but OpenWii gained some attention lately as it became upgradable on one architecture. We decided to start by supporting Wiifree. A beta port of version 2.45 was uploaded in our forums. It features all the Wiifree features plus DVD upgrade support and chip disable support.
Technically this is possible because CycloWiz is a fully upgradable modchip. Many other modchips said to be upgradable are only partially upgradable, meaning that the modchip's program's data can be reprogrammed, but the program itself can't. Radically changing the firmware on partially upgradable modchip is out of the question.
Now what about an official upgrade? We won't drop support for official firmwares. In fact, we're working hard on the next version. One of the main challenge is to add support for D2C chipset. We won't tell you like another team that we're "almost done". It is a real challenge. To get technical, the Gamecube drive had two backdoors that could be used to run modchip code. Those two backdoors were also found on the Wii chipsets, and a new one was even added. Unfortunately, all three were removed on the new D2C chipset. Well, kinda. There is clearly a way in, but a lot of work is still needed. Of course, we'll keep you updated in case anything exciting happens!
Thanks for reading this long post, have a nice day, and see you in our forums for more info.
If you're looking for places to purchase CycloWiz from, make sure to check our list of CycloWiz / WiiKey / Wiinja / WiiD Seller/Installer List and Open Source Wii Modchip.
Source Team Cyclops
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July 23rd, 2007, 23:47 Posted By: bandit
CycloWiz is now fully upgradable from PC as well as DVD! The PC flashing application, using standard dvdtool cable, was just released in Team Cyclops forums. It allows you to upgrade CycloWiz V1 to support D2B, and even to recover your chip from a bad flash in case your dog pressed the power button while you were upgrading.
We have also uploaded the file which contains necessary files as well as instructions for your convenience.
Source: Team Cyclops
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July 23rd, 2007, 06:02 Posted By: bandit
Nyko Wii Charge Station
Manufacturer: Nyko
Site: Buy from ConsoleSource
Price: $34.99
Overview : Easily charge and store your Wii Remotes with Nyko's Charge Station for Wii. The Charge Station includes 2 NiMH batteries, exclusively designed for the Wii Remote, each providing up to 25 hours of play time. Each battery is easily recharged by placing the Wii Remote in the charging dock. The charging dock conveniently plugs into any standard wall outlet, allowing for rapid recharging of both batteries in 8 hours.
The Charge Station includes 2 custom battery covers with contact pass-through points so you can charge the batteries while they are still in the remote. Each battery cover is also rubberized for superior grip during intense gaming sessions. The Charge Station matches the décor and styling of the Wii, and is small enough to fit in any home entertainment center.
Features :- Easily store 2 Wii remotes in any home theater with the small and stylish charging dock
- Dual injected rubberized and textured battery covers provide a safe and comfortable grip
- 2 NiMH rechargeable batteries provide up to 25 hours of play time
- Easily see when batteries are done charging with 2 LED indictor lights
Quality/Usability : There has been so many rechargeable battery packs flooding the gaming market that its insane especially for the Nintendo Wii. One of today's leading 3rd party peripheral manufacturers, Nyko has joined in on the fun. During the CES 2007, Nyko first unveiled the Charge Station for the Nintendo Wii. Ever since then, its been the talk of the town as to how good this product is.
As we all know, the biggest fault with the Wiimote is the amount of alkaline batteries gamers have to go through unless you have rechargeable batteries or rechargeable battery packs from other peripheral makers. Nyko's solution to this is the Charge Station.
Included in the Charge Station package is the charging station along with two rechargeable batteries for two Wii Remotes and two replacement battery door covers with contact points to charge. The replacement battery door covers has a thin layer of silicone to allow better gripping of the Wiimote. To power the Charging Station unlike some other products on the market that uses a USB port, it plugs into an AC outlet. The Charge Station holds up to two Wiimotes at one time. When the Wiimotes are docked on the station, a LED on the Charge Station will light up blue. Once it is fully charged, the light will turn green.
Depending on what rechargeable battery you are using and if it has a dock, the Nyko Charge Station allows you to charge the Wiimote even with the wrist strap on. Only problem is that you will have to play around with the wrist strap and move it around so that it does not get in the way. If it does, the Wiimote replacement battery door cover contacts will not be able to reach the contacts on the Charge Station.
The Charge Station will not let you charge the Wiimote if it is active with a game or synced with the Wii. The Wiimote must not be communicating with the Wii in order for it to charge. Charging took approximately 1-2 hours for one battery and about 3-4 hours for both batteries to fully charge at the same time. With both batteries fully charged, I was able to get about 25 hours of gameplay.
Like any other recharging docks out there, you are still unable to charge your Wiimote with a silicone case on the Wiimote. You'll either have to remove it from the Wiimote or lift it high enough that the silicone does not get in the way.
Conclusion : Overall, the Nyko Wii Charge Station is a solid product. My only complaint is the fiddling of the wrist strap so that the Wiimote fits in the dock securely. The Charge Station stylish as well. I think there may be a tie between the Charge Station and the Penguin United Remote Charging Dock and Rechargeable Battery.
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July 19th, 2007, 17:35 Posted By: bandit
XCM XFPS 360 PRO
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $85.00
 PRO
Overview : Let’s be honest, first person shooters just weren’t pioneered to be played on a bog standard Xbox 360 controller. Ask any First-Person-Shooter (FPS) fan out there what method of control they find optimal, and you will find the resounding majority shout out mouse and keyboard! The days of getting your fingers in a twist while trying to grapple with those un-friendly analog sticks are over. The XFPS 360 is here to present Xbox 360 gamers with the ultimate way to play FPS titles – with a Mouse & Keyboard! That’s right one technologically advanced converting device which intelligently re-maps controls onto either a standard PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse. Its pure plug and play heaven from the word ‘go’, the transition from PC FPS guru to Xbox 360 FPS champ is virtually seamless. The XFPS 360 is suitable for gamers of any skill level, ‘newbie’s’ can at last score their first frag and ‘pro’s’ can fire out those virtual bullets in a style Rambo himself would admire.
The PRO version comes with 2 extra wheels with 16 levels of adjustment for X and Y sensitivity to adapt perfectly to every mice on the market.
Features :- Compatible with most PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse combinations, those expensive FPS set-ups have not gone to waste!
- Instant plug and play technology
- Ideal for use with all FPS titles such as Call of Duty and Halo series
- Highly durable modern ‘black’ coloured shell
- Brings all new auto fire functionality to the Xbox 360
- Allows gamers to use PS2’s Dual-Shock 2™ controller on the Xbox 360 ™
- Enjoy enhanced performance on titles such as Pro Evolution Soccer 6, which originally debuted on the Playstation™.
XFPS 360 is also compatible with:- PS 2 Light Gun
- PS 2 Racing Wheel - The XBOX 360 steering controller is very expensive, but you can use the PS 2 steering wheel for it now
- PS 2 Dancing mat
- PS 2 Guitar
etc.
Quality/Usability : As we have already reviewed the original XCM XFPS 360, this will just talk about the new feature that was added to the XFPS.
If you have not read our review on the XFPS 360 or know what it does exactly, it allows the use of a keyboard and mouse on the Microsoft Xbox 360. Some gamers who have purchased the XFPS 360 had complained about certain things and XCM listened to their customers and decided to fix these problems.
The original XFPS was black and the PRO version is white. This makes the XFPS' easy to identify which one is which. But the color change wasnt the main reason. The reason for the change was some compatibility issues with some mouses that were available. Not everyone has the same mouse and all mouses are manufactured differently. There was no way to adjust the sensitivity on the original XFPS. So some gamers complained that it was either too sensitive or not sensitive at all.
With that said, XCM has added a X and Y sensitivity dials to help adjust the sensitivity. All buttons and switches are the same, just that the dials are located on the top of the XFPS PRO. The X dial is on the left and the Y is on the right. With this, you can now use any mouse and be able to configure to perfection to use with any FPS game you play. You can also make adjustments even during game play.
All other features that were featured on the original XFPS 360 still remains on the XFPS 360 PRO. So you wont be losing anything...just gaining.
You can view the list of recommended mouses at XCM's site.
Conclusion : Overall, the XFPS 360 PRO is just a improved version of the XFPS 360. With the release of the PRO, the original XFPS dropped in price. The original XFPS released with a retail price of $80. The XFPS PRO has a retail price of $85, which is $5 more. Bad thing for those who ordered the original XFPS will have to shell out an additional $85 just to get the PRO version.
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July 19th, 2007, 16:03 Posted By: bandit
Japanese peripheral maker Hori is releasing an external 160GB PLAYSTATION 3 hard disk drive this August. The HDD's internal drive runs at 5400 rpm and connects via USB to the console. What's more, the drive uses USB as its power supply. It's out August 2nd for ¥29,190 (US $240).
You can preorder from Play-Asia.com for $270.
Source: Kotaku / IT Media (Japanese)
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July 18th, 2007, 17:00 Posted By: bandit
CycloDS Evolution Cartridge SLOT-1
Manufacturer: Team Cyclops
Site: Buy from Homebrew Dev / Buy from VolumeRate
Price: $54.99
Overview : CycloDS Evolution is a multi-functional Micro SD adapter for NDS and NDS Lite (Slot 1) which allows you to play games, listen to MP3's, view images, read e-books and enjoy the vast collection of homebrew applications for NDS. You can also take advantage of the inbuilt cheat code system to enjoy more freedom with your favourite games.
CycloDS Evolution is the world’s most advanced Media Enhancer for NDS Lite and NDS. Boasting superior functionality, European design and quality components, CycloDS Evolution is unparalleled in its field.
The unique enhanced mode offers powerful, unique features during game play which are activated through an in-game menu. These features include in-game LCD brightness adjustment, SlowMotion mode and in-game reset. The cheat code engine is directly compatible with Action Replay codes and CycloDS Evolution comes bundled with cheat codes for over 300 games so you can get started right away without any fuss.
CycloDS Evolution’s inbuilt OS can run commercial ROM’s and homebrew software without the need for any patching on the users part. ROM loading is fast and trouble free, simply browse to the game you want to play and tap to execute. You don’t even need to apply DLDI patches to your homebrew software; CycloDS Evolution takes care of this for you with its automatic DLDI patching feature.
Evolution loads media from MicroSD cards, which means you’re free to buy more memory at any time, never constrained by the boundaries of onboard flash memory. Transferring games and homebrew software is simple using the supplied MicroSD USB reader. Simply connect to your PC and drag & drop the desired files onto your MicroSD card.
Listen to MP3’s, watch videos or even read e-books via Moonshell. The Moonshell multimedia application will maximize the versatility of your handheld console.
The CycloDS Evolution GUI was designed with user friendliness in mind and can be operated exclusively with the stylus if desired. Skinning is supported which means you’ll always have a fresh view of our product at your fingertips. The user interface is multi-lingual, currently supporting the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Korean, Spanish, Latin American Spanish and Portuguese.
Game sharing is painless with CycloDS Evolution. Unlike most other devices on the market, CycloDS Evolution supports single card download play even with trouble games such as Mario Kart DS and New Super Mario Bros.
CycloDS Evolution comes from the creators of the world renowned CycloWiz - the first ever upgradeable Wii modchip. We surprised many by doing things the critics thought impossible, now we’re back on DS for more firsts.
Features :- Completely plug & play - no FlashMe, PassMe or PC software required
- 100% game compatibility, supports clean ROM's - works on any OS
- Full NDS download play support, including problem games such as Mario Kart DS
- Action Replay compatible cheat code engine, comes bundled with cheat codes for over 300 games!
- Uses MicroSD card, both FAT16 and FAT32 supported
- Supports the MicroSDHC specification, allowing for high capacity memory cards
- Save type is automatically detected, no need for a save type database
- Save directly to MicroSD rather than onboard flash
- User friendly, easily skinnable interface. Both touch screen and button operation supported
- Multi-lingual user interface
- "Enhanced Mode" which provides powerful, unique features during game play. Enhanced features are activated through an in-game menu. Enhanced mode features include:
- Adjust LCD brightness during game play (NDSLite only)
- SlowMotion mode which can be used to slow down game play to make fast paced action sequences easier to master
- Return to CycloDS Evolution Menu (aka soft reset)
- More features to come!
- Excellent homebrew compatibility thanks to the DLDI auto-patcher
- 2 megabytes of onboard flash memory which contains the CycloDS Evolution OS and will be utilised in the future to add exciting new features. A recovery mode is also included.
- Autoboot mode which when activated will directly boot into the last ROM or homebrew application executed
- Moonshell included to provide media playing functionality
- PassMe function (boot from slot 2)
- Supports rumble and memory expansions
Quality/Usability : The CycloDS Evolution comes in a metal tin box. Usually all other flash carts arrive in a box with a inner plastic box that holds the USB device, flash cart, and sometimes a case depending what product it is. Upon opening the cover of the tin case, it is inlaid with padded foam. Inside you'll find the CycloDS Evolution and USB card reader/writer. There is no manual or software CD but there is some information on the back of the tin and you can download software files from www.CyclopsDS.com or from linFox Domain.
The CycloDS Evolution is the same size as the original DS cartridges as well as other flash carts on the market. The white shell casing has a semi-transparency to it. On the front of the CycloDS Evolution, you can see slightly that the chip on the PCB board protrudes. Not really noticeable but you can see it if you held the CycloDS Evolution in a certain angle. Unlike some flash carts on the market, there is no spring loaded mechanism for the microSD. So when you want to take out the microSD, instead of pushing in and having the card pop out, you'll have to manually pull it out. To some, this is good and to others, bad.
Setting up files is very easy. You'll need a microSD or microSDHC (high capacity) and of course, CycloDS Evolution with USB card reader/writer. All you have to do is just download the files from any of the links mentioned above, insert your microSD into the card reader and plug the card reader into the USB port of your computer. You computer will then recognize it automatically.
Transferring of files is just a simple drag and drop process. Its best to make folders to help organize things better. DS for your DS roms, GBA for your GBA roms (EZFlash 3 in 1 Expansion Pack required - Review coming soon), Homebrew for all your homebrew needs and so on.
Once all files are on the microSD, just insert the card into the CycloDS Evolution and insert the CycloDS Evolution into your DS. If there is an updated firmware, updating is easy. Just download the latest update, copy onto microSD and when inserted into your DS, you will be prompted with a message asking if you would like to upgrade. Updating doesnt take long.
The GUI Menu is very simple to understand and to navigate. When you boot the CycloDS Evolution, a progress bar will appear. and will take you to the menu. You can use your stylus or buttons to select your options. There are three icons when you first boot up CycloDS Evolution.
Games - This allows you to boot all your games and homebrew
Media - This allows you to start Moonshell for all your multimedia purposes
Settings - This allows you to configure the CycloDS Evolution settings and features.
Some new features that CycloDS Evolution has to offer are as follows:
CycloDS Evolution Menu Options:- Enhanced Mode – This is where you can enable or disable the mode.
- Cheat Codes – This is where you can enable to disable the use of Action Replay codes. There are about 300 codes built-in but at the time of this review, you are unable to add your own or import any codes.
- LCD Brightness – This option allows you to change the DS Lite brightness setting.
- Language – This is where you can change the system menu language (10 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, L.A. Spanish, Portuguese and Korean).
- Boot from Slot 2 – This is where you can boot slot 2 devices such as older slot 2 flash carts and GBA games.
- Return to Main Menu – This option allows you to return back to main menu.
CycloDS Evolution In-Game Menu Options:- Enhanced Mode – This option enables the enhanced features menu during games. This option can be enabled by simultaneously pressing the L+R+A+B+X+Y and menu will be shown during in-game menu. Must be first enabled in settings of CycloDS Evolution
- LCD Brightness – This option allows you to change the DS Lite brightness setting.
- Toggle Slowdown - This option enables you to slow down a game especially for those fast paced games.
- Realtime Save - This option was disabled.
- Realtime Load - This option was disabled.
- Return to Main Menu - This option allows you to return back to main menu.
- Return to Game - this option allows you to return back to game.
Some nice shortcuts to keep in mind are the following:- Autoboot Mode – Hold L + R at start-up to automatically load the last game you played.
- Autoboot File – Automatically loads the file of your choosing at start-up. The file must be in the root directory and be named "autoload.nds". To bypass the Autoboot, hold X during start-up.
- Auto Boot Slot 2 – Hold Up on the digital pad during start-up and release once two white screens appear.
- Enhanced Mode - Simultaneously press A + B + X + Y + L + R in-game.
- Recovery Mode – Hold Select + Start during start-up to enter recovery mode to recover from failed firmware update.
Some games actually dont work with the Enhanced Mode.
All DS games that I have tested booted up perfectly and played fine without any lags or disruptions. Many gamers have complained about the lack of Download Play. Team Cyclops has addressed this issue and has stated that CycloDS Evolution will support Download Play and it worked perfectly.
Playing homebrew games has never been easier. Team Cyclops has implemented a automatic DLDI patcher. All you have to do is load your homebrew games like you're loading any other files whether it be games or multimedia files and let CycloDS Evolution work its magic. The patcher will never modify your file but the file is patched in the memory and will be patched everytime you load the homebrew file.
Conclusion : Overall, the CycloDS Evolution Cartridge SLOT-1 has impressed me and will probably impress a lot of gamers out there. Team Cyclops has delivered on what they said they were going to do. They are here to help with any support and questions and will listen to any suggestions or comments. The CycloDS Evolution is also the first Slot-1 device to actually support SDHC cards. If Team Cyclops keeps up the support and updates, this will probably be the best Slot-1 device for a long time to come.
Please note that none of the "upgrade" products listed in this site are endorsed by Nintendo, Sony and/or Microsoft. DCEmu Reviews and DCEmu Network does not condone piracy. The primary functions of a "modchip" and/or "flashcart" are to allow you to play imported games and homebrew software that you legally own or simply just for experimenting with hardware. We in no way endorse piracy, and encourage all users to do the right thing and support the developers/manufacturers that support them. We do not take any responsibilities for any use outside of these parameters or where the use of such a device is illegal.
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July 17th, 2007, 17:25 Posted By: bandit
With the launch of the official PSP Slim in Japan, Sony will also be releasing a digital TV tuner attachment for the PSP which will be priced at $57 USD (converted price from YEN).
I hope Sony is not screwing over the first adopters of the PSP. These new gadgets better work with the original PSP.
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