Xbox Linux Group Delivers Ultimatum To Microsoft

"A GROUP OF AUSTRALIAN Xbox hackers has issued a thorny ultimatum to Microsoft, according to ZDnet UK.

The group said it's discovered exploits that let them run Linux on an Xbox without using a mod-chip. And it'll release the details to the public, unless Microsoft issues a legitimately signed Xbox Linux bootloader.

Microsoft's between a rock and a hard place here, because a signed Linux bootloader wouldn't permit unauthorized copying or playing of Xbox games but their exploits would, say the Australian Xbox enthusiasts. As they'd rather not abet any illegalities, they'd prefer Microsoft cooperate.

The technique enabling the exploits reportedly involves merely soldering the write-enable tabs on the Xbox mainboard then reflashing the BIOS.

This is a truly a delicious dilemma for the Vole, partly since it's well known that Microsoft loses an estimated $100 on every Xbox sold. So it's in the position of either losing money on consoles used to run the Linux OS that's thwarted it in the data-center (and is threatening its desktop PC software monopoly), or losing even more money to widespread theft.

Microsoft's kicked it to the piracy unit. This will be fun to watch."

OG article: http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=10229

#36410

LOL ohhhh thats so funny...

-bolero

#36415

hahaa, could've seen that one coming to microshaft i say :6 i'm ready for linux on my beautiful coffee table ( i mean xbox)

#36460

Oh Yeah, MS is probobly freaking out. :sarcasm:

This is nothing new. So its not a modchip, but you still have to solder stuff, its not like everyone is gonna do this.

#36461

yah, not many are willing to risk soldering even one wire when ther goes basically $200. but there is still always the save game trick to load linux using james bond which requires no physical modding of the system.

#36463