traviss Xbox-HQ Enthusiast Xbox Version: Xbox V1.0 & 1.6 Modded: Xecuter & Softmod
Joined: Aug 20, 2005 Posts: 27
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 11:39 pm Post subject: Project Dashboard-134
Hello, everyone. I was just on my Xbox, the other night, and realized that there are about four main dashboards that have features that can only be found on themselves, which makes them unique. I recently discovered that in order to utilize each one of them, I would be forced to load them constantly, and keep them up-to-date.
I put some hard thought into this, and decided that I would enjoy learning how to create a dashboard, and form a team to make a new, clean, centralized dashboard, for the Xbox.
Think of it as sort of a finale to Xbox dashboards, seeing as the '360 is coming soon.
Here is my pitch, I realize some of these ideas will probably be unrealistic, but I really want to create a dashboard. I really want to contribute something to the society that has helped me grow in knowledge, so much.
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Our new dashboard will be the dashboard that everyone will want to have on their Xbox. Not just because of the sheer amount of features that will be built into it, but because the users will actually become a part in making their Xbox do what they want, when they want, and how they want. Upon the public release of the dashboard, we will also distribute the programs we used to create the dashboard, leaving infinite possibilities to our users.
This dashboard will allow users to send in their complaints, or suggestions, from the dashboard. This way we will be able to have an insight of what the common user wants, and supply it. We will create programs to run on your Xbox, which will enable you to modify your build of this dashboard, so this dashboard truly becomes your personal dashboard. Maybe you have created a design you think other people would view, or enjoy downloading; In which case, you would be able to upload your dashboard configuration to our public servers, all from your Xbox.
Our public servers will be opened to anyone running our dashboard, and will contain: Newer builds of the dashboard along with the older ones, official and user submitted skins, official and user submitted add-ons, along with much, much more. Again, without ever needing to touch a computer.
If you would like, you could use the built in feature that will Auto-Update your dashboard build on a set date, time, or day. This would update your dashboard, and update your add-ons, all with the convenience of only using one system.
Dashboard-134 will also have the feature to watch DVD-Videos, listen to music, view pictures, and stream radio. Don’t worry if your movie is in an odd format, because if you find a movie or music file that our dashboard can’t open, then just select the option “Send error report”. Once we receive this, we will include the codec used to read this media in our next add-ons update.
With our built in file manager, not only will you be able to browse content on your Xbox, and browse content on our servers, but you will also be able to download content off of other peoples Xboxes, that are connected to the internet (You will not be able to modify their content, unless they let you.) You see, in order to view other peoples Xboxes, and download content, they have to set up their Xbox to allow other users to browse their Xbox. Once you see something you wish to download, you just need to begin transferring, then if the person lets you download from him, or her, then you will download the file to the location you selected. You might be asking yourself, what if the person shuts off their Xbox, or leaves the dashboard. Well, that will be no problem, because at that point you have the option to either terminate the download, or continue downloading the files from another person, letting you start the download where it left off.
No more having to go through the minor pain of going to Apps, then to Linksboks. This new dashboard will have an internet browser built in to it, with tabbed browsing, settings manager, and more.
Now you can chat with your friends! Dashboard-134 will include a built in IRC client, that makes joining servers and channels easier. This is achieved by showing common servers, and channels. You can also add a server or channel to your favorites list, allowing quick and easy access.
Are you tired of having to constantly go to M$ Dash when needing to copy, or delete game saves? Well I am. That is why we are going to include a game save manager, with a built in HEX editor, so all of you HEX gurus can edit your game saves without ever needing to use a computer.
Have you ever gotten a fatal error when installing a newer version of a dashboard? Well I have, and I dislike having to recopy all the files from my computer back to the dashboard. That is why we are going to incorporate a fully functional backup program. This will allow you to backup your C: /, E: /, F: /, or any drive to an ISO image. If you want, you can even schedule when you want your Xbox to backup whichever drives. So whenever something is wrong with your dashboard, you can just revert to the image from within the dashboard. Or if the problem is too serious for the dashboard to even start, then it will immediately boot to emergency mode, which will tell you what the error is, and what is causing it, and give you the option to wither start the FTP server, or revert to your last update.
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Please put some thought in to this, and if anyone here wants to join Team 134, tell me.
I need as much help recommendations, and constructive criticism I can get.
We need members, Join us please
Thank you guys ^_^
DJB Administrator
Joined: May 23, 2003 Posts: 4031 Location: NSW, Australia
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 11:51 pm Post subject:
Hm, I like the sound of this dashboard very much, it's a shame that I won't probably be releasing another full Auto-Installer Deluxe package (mainly just updates now).
I would however like to take part in some testing if you wish if you would like some more ppl to take a look at it. I've used a variety of dashboards in my time (basically all the dashboards on AID 2.11 final) and I believe that I have a good understanding about programs in general (using / testing them not programming ofcourse).
Anyways, if you could leave some information on how we can get in contact with you (and possibly even some of us help you with testing) that would be great, as I personally wouldn't mind taking a look at this baby, sounds like it's basically gonna be a mini-360 dash (I saw a video yesterday actually showing off the 360 dash and it looked damn impressive).
Regards,
DJB
Creator of Auto-Installer Deluxe / Softmod Installer Deluxe
da-goat V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Jul 21, 2004 Posts: 701
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 11:52 pm Post subject:
yeah, sounds sweet
i pointed him to you DJB cause i knew you would prolly have alot of knowledge in this area
at the moment its just an idea and he is trying to form a team. i thought hobbs would also be interested in this as he could some way integrate his xbox magizine idea into this
DJB Administrator
Joined: May 23, 2003 Posts: 4031 Location: NSW, Australia
Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 11:59 pm Post subject:
da-goat wrote:
yeah, sounds sweet
i pointed him to you DJB cause i knew you would prolly have alot of knowledge in this area
at the moment its just an idea and he is trying to form a team. i thought hobbs would also be interested in this as he could some way integrate his xbox magizine idea into this
I emailed hobbs a link to this thread just then.
The biggest question is, does this team already have programmers, as this is very important.
da-goat V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Jul 21, 2004 Posts: 701
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 12:04 am Post subject:
as far as i know its just me and him and we are both just beginners in coding. i have the vs.net 2k3 studio installed as well as the xbox xdk computer software and i have a debug dash running. traviss doesnt have any of the three but is currently looking for it.
thats the main reason we are looking for members becuase i've only just began with the xdk and everything and we will need programmers to teach us a little about this.
Last edited by da-goat on Sun Aug 21, 2005 12:06 am; edited 1 time in total
traviss Xbox-HQ Enthusiast Xbox Version: Xbox V1.0 & 1.6 Modded: Xecuter & Softmod
Joined: Aug 20, 2005 Posts: 27
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 12:05 am Post subject:
We dont have any real programmers yet, but Goat and I are learning C++ right now, If you want to join us, feel free ^_^
Even if you cant code, we need BETA testers, designers, debuggers, and more... So dont hold back
(BTW I do not have any thing, I recently had to reinstall Windows, because of a Virus, and I got rid of XDK on xbox awhile back.)
DJB Administrator
Joined: May 23, 2003 Posts: 4031 Location: NSW, Australia
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 12:16 am Post subject:
About the best I can offer is testing once there is something to test. I have no idea on C++ or Xbox programming, and from what I've herad it's not a walk in the park.
da-goat V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Jul 21, 2004 Posts: 701
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 12:19 am Post subject:
yeah, im picking up a few books for c++ later today or tomorrow sometime
i've wanted to learn for a while but now this gives me the perfect excuse to
forahobby Administrator
Joined: May 22, 2003 Posts: 23944 Location: NSW, Australia
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 1:20 am Post subject:
Hi guys,
So are you programmers already?? Or are you just learning?
I code c++ but i wouldnt even take on this challenge..
I cant see why you guys would either unless you are crazy.. heheh lol
There is just no way you would take this job on without already some xbox coding experience.. I would love to help but im already overcome with the work im doing for the new HQ site..
I only coded a small intro for the AID disc and still had nothing but problems with it.. Ive been a c++ coder for around 2 years but that was my first xbox compilation..
anyway, keep us in the loop. It would become very feasible if you had atleast one current programmer who can code..
So are you programmers already?? Or are you just learning?
I code c++ but i wouldnt even take on this challenge..
I cant see why you guys would either unless you are crazy.. heheh lol
There is just no way you would take this job on without already some xbox coding experience.. I would love to help but im already overcome with the work im doing for the new HQ site..
I only coded a small intro for the AID disc and still had nothing but problems with it.. Ive been a c++ coder for around 2 years but that was my first xbox compilation..
anyway, keep us in the loop. It would become very feasible if you had atleast one current programmer who can code..
l8r guys and good idea..
Good luck with learning XDK or OPENXDK (which is what i suggest)
FH
http://www.xbox-hq.com
im just learning, i was trying to get some help from the tutorials on your friends site.
haha, yeah, i am VERY crazy so just remember that.
im not planning on jumping right into it, but first messing around with a few (or alot) of smaller things.
also, why would you suggest openxdk over m$ xdk?
also, if your still working with or messing around on that xbox-hq magizine, i would be really interested in also integrating that into the dash board.
thanks for your input though
btw, would we beable to use the progect manager you have on this site if we manage to get this idea off the ground?
forahobby Administrator
Joined: May 22, 2003 Posts: 23944 Location: NSW, Australia
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 1:46 am Post subject:
Quote:
why would you suggest openxdk over m$ xdk?
I only suggest OPEN XDK because of legal issues.. If you think you will be releasing your dashboard using XDK code then you will more then likely be receiveing some letters from M$ and i personally dont like that idea..
You just have to look at all avenues too.. What your intending to do isnt exactly LEGAL for starters.. heheh We are just lucky i suppose that m$ dont go ooff their heads at us already for AID.. Its not like they dont have the money.. ehheh lol
Dont get me wrong i think its a great project but not a good first project.
But, thats for you to decide..
Quote:
also, if your still working with or messing around on that xbox-hq magizine, i would be really interested in also integrating that into the dash board.
Well i was looking into that still but im just waiting a while..
Soon it wont matter what comes out on XBOX 1 as m$ will be focusing on their 360 product anyway. Hopefully then ill get some more time to sit down and code..
Quote:
would we beable to use the progect manager you have on this site if we manage to get this idea off the ground?
Sure, no problems at all.. I can setup it for you guys..
Addicted Xbox-HQ Enthusiast Xbox Version: v1.6b Modded: Xecuter 3 CE
Joined: Aug 14, 2005 Posts: 25
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 3:35 am Post subject:
I really like your idea of creating a dashboard like the one you described. It sounds like an interesting as well as challenging project. I've thought about getting into xbox programming lately, altho I don't have any experience in that particular area. I am however studying computer science and thus am pretty familiar with programming, even tho my C++ studies are not completed yet.
If you're still looking for help I'd be happy to help in any way and devote time to this neat project (... after writing my current exams, which will be over at the end of this month).
I've also been taking courses in designing/layout etc. and have fair knowlege of it, so I could help out a little there too.
Feel free to contanct me... (PM, E-Mail, smoke signals...)
da-goat V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Jul 21, 2004 Posts: 701
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 4:24 am Post subject:
sweet, someone with C++ experience is great as neither i nor traviss have any.
aim sn is da crazy heeb
we can talk on here more
thanks for your interest
da-goat V.I.P. Lifetime
Joined: Jul 21, 2004 Posts: 701
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 2:27 pm Post subject:
still need about 7 more people to join
we need atleast 3 more people with c++ experience
it would help tremendously if you already have the nessecery tools/apps to do this with:
visual studio
microsoft xdk
directx sdk (available leagally from msdn on the microsoft website)
debug xbox
please dont ask me or anyother member for these items. the best thing to do is obtain them legally from Microsoft.
pirrup V.I.P. Lifetime Xbox Version: v1.6b Modded: Xecuter 3 CE
Joined: Feb 01, 2005 Posts: 1345 Location: belgium
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