What's happening on 27-Sep?

[Dave Baumann]

http://www.origenxbox360.com

(Who is registrant (http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/results.jhtml;jsessionid=FW33TQSW00SQWCWKEAQSFFA?w hoistoken=1&imageKeyPage=/whois/entry.jhtml&_requestid=343069))

[BlueTsunami]

My peeps be peeping to me that HD-DVD may be announced for the 360 (on that date). I haven't heard any other theories besides that one (as improbable as it may be).

[scificube]

Don't know, but that tree sure does look nice!

[Mmmkay]

My peeps be peeping to me that HD-DVD may be announced for the 360 (on that date). I haven't heard any other theories besides that one (as improbable as it may be).
Personally I cannot see how the announcement of such a prominent feature as HD-DVD would be left to viral marketing. Especially since this date would place it after TGS which would be the prime candidate for such an annoucement. Anyway, this was posted at GAF which also came from TeamXbox:

1,This is a countdown to the launch of the xbox 360- Highly unlikely considering the final SDKs just came out a couple days ago

2. This is a countdown to the announcement of a game- The current games in question include: Halo 3, Killer Instinct (dont know why), Fable has been mentioned, or some new RPG named Origen

3. This is going to announce that the xbox 360 will come with an HD-DVD drive. Also highly unlikely considering HD-DVD is being delayed even for standalone devices til sometime in 2006. Although it has been asserted that an HD-DVD or Blu-Ray drive might be a possible add-on at some point. Microsoft is sticking with the DVD since they dont want to worry about another VHS/BetaMax battle and choose the losing format.

4. This is a countdown to the announcement of the new Xbox 360 store in NYC and Tokyo. This has been brought up since there is a building in Tokyo with the 360 logo on its faces and no one knows what it is for yet. Also there is a large space in NYC that is being looked at "by a company of the same calibur as Microsoft"

5. This is a countdown to announce the xbox 360 will be region free. Region is Origen scrambled up so there is some validity to this theory although there is no real connection beyond that.

6. This is a countdown to announce the xbox 360 will have extra functions including MSN integration, Google Talk, and a form of video chat. We already know there is going to be audio, video, and text chat with the xbox360, but it would be very nice if users on xbox could also interact with users on PCs. There is already talks about being able to play games cross-platform so the communication means seems also like a good chance to be cross-platformed. Also the first fruit looked as if there was a shadow of the MSN messenger symbol on it which sparked this theory

7. The fruit on the tree represents the different regions US, UK, and JP. Thats about all for that theory

8. THX8612 from unforums mentioned that there is 3 sets of fruit, 3 pairs equal 6, and the 0 around the base of the tree which gives you 360. Interesting thought

9. Magritte is the Font and also the name of a famous painter who did the man in the derby hat with the apple in front of his face. This was actually a painting done when Magritte was requested to paint a self-portrait. This could just be a homage to the artist or it could be telling us that the fruit is also hiding something. I dont believe this has been mentioned before but it seems to make more sense once you know the background of Magritte's painting.

10. At one point origen.org redirected you to ORIental GENeration search on google.

11. Origen could be one of those new flash words that Microsoft came up with to describe the 360. Just as Viewtiful combined 2 words to create a new one, Origen could be in the likeness of nextgen except Origen would mean that the 360 is the Originator of a generation or of the new generation of gaming.

12. I hope I touched on everything of importance so far. Any other theories including hidden sandwiches in the tree, the theologian Origen, etc. is not worth mentioning.

[DemoCoder]

HD-DVD is dead. The body just hasn't been buried yet. It's like Memory Stick. Sony doesn't seem to know that SD won.

[-NakedZ-]

...Sony doesn't seem to know that SD won.

Perhaps you're wrong. The PS3 does have an SD slot, right? And BlueTsunami, you won't give up your HD-DVD theory go till 360 is out. But if they do announce that 360 would adopt HD-DVD, if you live near me, I'll visit you and lick your toe.

- Z

[Nicked]

Halo 3 CG teaser (that many will claim is realtime ;)) is my guess...

[BlueTsunami]

But if they do announce that 360 would adopt HD-DVD, if you live near me, I'll visit you and lick your toe.

- Z

WOOT! LOL...its not a personal theory (I don't believe it myself) but its the only one that I consider worthy enough to devote this type of marketing to....anything else doesn't have that much "oomph"

[c0_re]

Agreed HDDVD is dead unless the porn industry steps out and says they are fully backing it it(like they did for VHS), it would be stupid for Microshaft to put in the the 360 at this point, especially since it's would be so slow.


"Halo 3 CG teaser (that many will claim is realtime ) is my guess..."

When has anything Halo been released ever that wasn't realtime? Micosoft plays it pretty clean about 98% of everything they have released has actually been real time, in comparison to Sony and Nintendo anyways. Yes I know surprising

[dskneo]

trees and funny bunies....

....i say its a new gayish design coming out

lol, really... bunnies, nothing hardcore can get out of that site. Bunnies..

[Nicked]

When has anything Halo been released ever that wasn't realtime? Micosoft plays it pretty clean about 98% of everything they have released has actually been real time, in comparison to Sony and Nintendo anyways. Yes I know surprising
Taking a guess since initial PGR3 stuff was CG. And the first pictures of PDZs Joanna were renders (which many claimed were realtime).
Oh and theres Raven and etc. MS is about as clean as Sony when it comes to this stuff.

Egads, can we not go down this road please

He just meant it in jest.
It was a joke on Sonys movies, but I do believe if they show anything at this early stage it will be CG (I doubt its anything to do with Halo3 to tell the truth though). ;)

[Mmmkay]

When has anything Halo been released ever that wasn't realtime? Micosoft plays it pretty clean about 98% of everything they have released has actually been real time, in comparison to Sony and Nintendo anyways. Yes I know surprising

Egads, can we not go down this road please :(

He just meant it in jest.

[c0_re]

"MS is about as clean as Sony when it comes to this stuff."

ahh ok if you say so(although I strongly disagree), Bungie is a great dev and releases 0% FUD. Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo well thats another story for another day.

[Sonic]

I'm hoping it is an announcement for a MMORPG of some sorts. I know that would be ideal, but it would be rather nice.

[BlueTsunami]

I'm hoping it is an announcement for a MMORPG of some sorts. I know that would be ideal, but it would be rather nice.

That could be a viable option....some sort of special MMORPG that has to do with civilization or something.....or a MMORPG where all XB360 gamers can come together for a community.

....or it could be something as simple as fully showing off the new LIVE! experience...which is now named Origen...

[Uncle]

I was hoping that this might turn into another ARG but it doesn't seem that way. But I'm happy that the bunny found a friend. It must have been lonely.

[MoeStooge]

To get the thread back on track (as if it really needs to be:)):

This latin phrase is hidden in the tree:

in hoc spatio arbor noster floruit, fecundus pomies Elysii ignoti, qui in loco ludent electi, ab Originis angelis circumdati.

Translation from teamxbox:

"In this space our tree has flourished abundant with the unknown fruits of Elysium, who will play in the chosen place, surrounded by the angels of Origen."

"It it worth mentioning that spatio means space as well as time or interval. Also, the Elysium (the spelling Elysium is a latinization of the Greek word Elysion) are the Elysians Fields in greek mythology. The place where the mortals favored by the gods can go when they die. It is a peaceful and beautiful place similar to the modern concept of paradise. "


It's nice to know that games like Myst are not truly dead.....they live on in marketing websites.

[Shifty Geezer]

Where is that hidden in the tree?

[Rys]

Nothing to do with the fact it's an Apple tree, is it?

[hey69]

its just promo for a new game

"Attack of the killer apple bunnies" , by jeff minter

[Dave Baumann]

Can't be Jeff related; no Llamas.

[pipo]

Where is that hidden in the tree?

Bottom left.

[pipo]

"In this space our tree has flourished abundant with the unknown fruits of Elysium, who will play in the chosen place, surrounded by the angels of Origen."

Sounds a bit Xbox Live-ish or some sort of secret meeting.

[Guden Oden]

Can't be Jeff related; no Llamas.
Well, he likes sheep also (he's had at least one in the past, he might still have some), and if he likes sheep it would stand within reason he might like other animals as well, such as bunny-rabbits...

[Brimstone]

Sounds a bit Xbox Live-ish or some sort of secret meeting.

I feel that way also. The hints of 50 plus players in games like Perfect Dark Zero could only be done with dedicated servers. Some new hardware layer to LIVE to be added perhaps?

[µCOM-4]

it would be stupid for Microshaft to put in the the 360 at this point, especially since it's would be so slow.

16XDVD is slow...?

[BlueTsunami]

16XDVD is slow...?

Isn't it 12XDVD?

[html_sucks]

not sure whether this is any sort of clue, but did a bit of sniffing and found this image:

http://www.origenxbox360.com/images/countdown/origen_tease_2_03.JPG

I'm guessing it's a backup image if the Flash doesn't load ... but i did notice the 2nd rabbit thing??

I'll keep looking :)

[BlueTsunami]

The way the tree is growing is weird. It looks like its appearing out of a hole (the dark ring under the tree). That has to be a connection with the rabbits,.. a .rabbit hole. Also...most of the objects in that screen are in pairs. To fruits together and two rabbits (maybe signifing working together, or working in pairs?). Another point is to look at how the rabbits are positioned, its almost as though there playing hide and seek. Also...looking at it still..the rabbit is being held up by a stand (since its a cutout).

[Shifty Geezer]

I'm seeing a different picture than this morning. 4 fruit and one bunny, now sat at the base of the Bonsai.I'm utterly useless at this sort of abstract detective work though. Don't expect any useful contributions from me!

[pipo]

You're right. But this is an old one...

[Brimstone]

Although this is a big stretch, Senior Microsoft researcher Hugues Hoppe has used a rabbit image for several of his projects.


http://research.microsoft.com/~hoppe/thumbnails/silmap.red.jpg


http://research.microsoft.com/~hoppe/


I think the fur shading demo's MS used around the time of X-Box 1's launch was a rabbit also.

[Shifty Geezer]

There's also a Rabbit in GuildWars that serves no purpose and cannot be attacked or conversed with.

Um...

[silhouette]

Although this is a big stretch, Senior Microsoft researcher Hugues Hoppe has used a rabbit image for several of his projects.

....

I think the fur shading demo's MS used around the time of X-Box 1's launch was a rabbit also.

This is Standford's 3D Bunny model that has been used in 3d graphics research for several years. He is not the only one using this :-)

[Lysander]

Do bunnies like apples? Cause I thought they eat carrots.

[TrungGap]

Those bunnies look like they're for target practice. You can clearly see two bolts and a stick in the middle. Maybe it's some sort of fps/rpg?

[BlueTsunami]

Those bunnies look like they're for target practice. You can clearly see two bolts and a stick in the middle. Maybe it's some sort of fps/rpg?

Great Call!!....that could be it. I was wondering why the bunnies where set up on posts (other than being cutouts...I was wondering what their purpose was).

[Dr. Meaty]

If you keep staring at the tree for a really long time, you'll start to see Tony Danza. I'm serious, try it. It takes about 6 hours.

[Laa-Yosh]

Although this is a big stretch, Senior Microsoft researcher Hugues Hoppe has used a rabbit image for several of his projects.
http://research.microsoft.com/~hoppe/thumbnails/silmap.red.jpg
http://research.microsoft.com/~hoppe/
I think the fur shading demo's MS used around the time of X-Box 1's launch was a rabbit also.

That's the "Stanford bunny", named after the university. AFAIK it's a scanned clay sculpture that's widely used in CG academic research for testing new methods and technologies, because it's a somewhat complicated piece of geometry that's free to use. There are some other similar meshes as well, like a lame werewolf-like action figure and of course the Utah teapot.

The Origen bunnies seem to be different, though.

[NAP]

I guess that Halo 3 will be revealed on that date, with a first video maybe.

[Lysander]

I heard that Gears of War could be ready, but in relation to bunny...uh

[scooby_dooby]

The latin phrase on the tree reads:

"In this space our tree has flourished abundant with the unknown fruits of Elysium, who will play in the chosen place, surrounded by the angels of Origen."

Elysium, is Master Chief's home town according to this:
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/encyclopedia/m/ma/master_chief_(halo)1.htm

The Master Chief's childhood was spent in Elysium City, on the planet of Eridanus 2 where he lived with his family. His name was John and he was large for his age at the time, approximately a (The foot of a human being) foot above his school peers, a sign of a "perfect genetic match" for a project dubbed "Spartan II".

At the age of six, John and quite a few other children his age were covertly captured from their houses, and replaced with (Click link for more info and facts about flash clones) flash clones. This specific form of clone was employed to ensure that none of the families knew that their children had been kidnapped, and to quickly die so that the parents would never seek their "lost" child. The original children were brought to planet (The act of physically reaching or thrusting out) Reach, one of the (Click link for more info and facts about UNSC) UNSC's headquarters, to train to become Spartans. On Reach, the abducted children began intensive special training as part of the Spartan program, and were assigned new names. John became known as John-117.

[BlueTsunami]

The latin phrase on the tree reads:



Elysium, is Master Chief's home town according to this:
http://www.absoluteastronomy.com/encyclopedia/m/ma/master_chief_(halo)1.htm
[font=Verdana]

Hmmmmm......I want to say that clinches it. Speaking of Master Chief....I just started to notice that the image itself (on the countdown website) was made to emphasize the color green....

[Carl B]

Well, a Halo 3 announcement post TGS could make a good bit of sense. You figure if Sony does indeed have a strong showing, then something like this would be just the thing to shift the focus back onto 360 in the build-up to launch.

[scooby_dooby]

Maybe a little counter-CGI?

[-NakedZ-]

Elysium
Tartarus
Spartan

All this Greek mythology words connected to Halo. Aside from words, we still don't know exactly what those bunnies, fruits and tree represents. Or how they are at all have any connection to Halo. I'll wait.

- Z

[Mendel]

Bottom left.

Could someone please help further in finding that phrase? I still can't see any latin there. I tried checking the source code of the site. Nothing. I even tried taking a screenshot and zooming around. Nothing. What next?

[AlStrong]

just zoom in using the flash

[pipo]

Yup. Zooming in on a screenshot won't reveal it - far too small...

It's the branch on the left (bottom).

[Shifty Geezer]

How did anyone just 'find' that?! If someone was just zooming in for fun, they need to find better ways to fill their time!

[Uncle]

How did anyone just 'find' that?! If someone was just zooming in for fun, they need to find better ways to fill their time!


Some people just go crazy with puzzles like these and will do anything to uncover a secret before anyone else.

[Mendel]

Still can't find it. I'm zooming in all the way with the flash and then dragging the picture around near the bottom left part of the pic and then all around the picture. I can see only very pixellated stuff... the tree and the bunnies and then the not so pixellated counter numbers.

So is it like bottom left part of the tree or bottom left part of the whole picture, as in left and down from the bunnies? Where exactly, I think I need a screenshot and an arrow or something.

One would think the text would be pretty obvious even one or two zoom levels out, with the ability to read the text only when zoomed in. But, I can't see even a hint of any text :o

Sure you guys aren't just fooling around?

edit: oh a branh on the left you say? I'll look for it...

edit2: FINALLY found it :D

So its more like center and bottom part of the picture, near the bottom of the tree on the left side of the tree, not a branch really, too near to the bottom of the tree to be a branch as I would consider them.

[Shifty Geezer]

Wasn't really worth all that effort, was it? ;)

[AlStrong]

Some people just go crazy with puzzles like these and will do anything to uncover a secret before anyone else.


I'm more inclined to think that the person(s) who found it have experience with flash and know that you can do things like such. :p

[Zaphod]

I'm more inclined to think that the person(s) who found it have experience with flash and know that you can do things like such. :pPersonally I'd me more inclined to believe that someone decompiled it and browsed through the resulting objects.

[Uncle]

I'm more inclined to think that the person(s) who found it have experience with flash and know that you can do things like such. :p


I dont know. If you zoom even once on the right spot, you can see where the text is (it clearly different from the rest of the tree). Then you only have to zoom in more to see what it is.

[scooby_dooby]

If you zoom in even once, the line of text is very noticeable,

Here's another theory:

http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/image/article/649/649179/origen-xbox-360-rabbit-represents-asia-20050908033954782-000.jpg

Rabbit is shaped like Asia.

The fruits on the tree could be Asian Pears aka Pear-Apples.
http://www.tandjenterprises.com/images/peartree-08-03-2002-02th.JPG

Asian Launch? Multi-Region X360??? New franchise from Asian developer?

[pipo]

I got a lot of mail from folks about www.origenxbox360.com which as far as I can tell, is some kind of viral marketing thing, and maybe even an ilovebees style ARG. Thing is, that's all I know about it. I got the same info as you – six plums (that's what they look like to me) a stick man, an MSN Messenger icon and two rabbits. I think they might be hares. The only thing I've noticed is that if you switch between .org and .com, the image pops to the right a couple of pixels. I'm helping! And I swear, I really DON'T know what this is.

http://www.bungie.net/News/TopStory.aspx?story=weeklyupdatesep9&p=4729212

So it's probably not Halo related...

[london-boy]

I say iPod-friendly X360. These days they make iPod-friendly toilet bowls! Ports everywhere to plug your iPod in and listen to it without depleting the battery. (All things that could be avoided if only the iPods had decent battery life) :razz:

[scooby_dooby]

they've already demoed Kameo playing back R&B from a ipod, so it's already been announced

[Apoc]

Personally I'd me more inclined to believe that someone decompiled it and browsed through the resulting objects.

No, in fact it's very simple.

http://server3.uploadit.org/files/exitido-exitido2.JPG

[pipo]

Maybe a little counter-CGI?

Not that I think that's worth an announcement, but I do feel MS should do some tech-demo's...

Maybe they're going to announce the start of mass production?

Both Asia and rabbits fit in. ;)

[AlStrong]

I dont know. If you zoom even once on the right spot, you can see where the text is (it clearly different from the rest of the tree). Then you only have to zoom in more to see what it is.


yeah well, I wouldn't have thought to zoom in in the first place because I didn't know you could embed something of high res at such a zoomed level in Flash.

[Zaphod]

No, in fact it's very simple.Yes, of course you can find it manually. It's just that I know a couple of people (with too much time on their hands) who's first inclination upon coming across a page like that would be picking it apart to look for hidden messages. I think that's a more likely first source of discovery than for someone to have happened to zoom in on the right section. Bah... Who knows? It's not important. Such viral marketing campaigns tend to be not all that exciting when the subject is revealed at any rate.

[pipo]

Maybe they're going to announce the start of mass production?

Both Asia and rabbits fit in. ;)

'Microsoft has already begun producing "millions of units" at three facilities in southern China, Reid said, although he would not provide a specific number of units that will be available at launch.'

Hm.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050915/ap_on_hi_te/xbox_launch;_ylt=Al6gE663UoqYPeIYSC1wyZVU.3QA;_ylu =X3oDMTA3cjE0b2MwBHNlYwM3Mzg-

Edit: my latest guess - announcement of the US X360 lounge.

[pipo]

Updated guess: I'm hearing rumors about an official pre-order deal (for Europe?).

That would make me a rabbit though.

[Uncle]

Updated guess: I'm hearing rumors about an official pre-order deal (for Europe?).


What kind of a pre-order deal?

[pipo]

A birdie told me that you pay 39 euros in advance to make sure you'll get one at launch.

It involves a package with 'a t-shirt or a baseball cap or something'...

FWIW anyway.

I think it would be a smart move from a logistics point of view for both MS and myself (*remembers not getting hands on pre-ordered Halo 2 Ltd. because of supply problems*). ;)

"In this space our tree has flourished abundant with the unknown fruits of Elysium, who will play in the chosen place, surrounded by the angels of Origen."

There's a bit of pre-orderness in there...

[Uncle]

A birdie told me that you pay 39 euros in advance to make sure you'll get one at launch.

It involves a package with 'a t-shirt or a baseball cap or something'...



Seeing that I can pre-order one now for free, this would be some new level of lame that MS just found.

[Guden Oden]

Updated guess: I'm hearing rumors about an official pre-order deal (for Europe?).
Except, preorders are already being taken all over the place.

I don't think they'd make a viral marketing site just for a t-shirt or a baseball cap or something. It'd be like shooting a 12-gun salute just to announce Bill Gates ate breakfast that day; too much ado about very little when it all comes down to it.

[hey69]

A birdie told me that you pay 39 euros in advance to make sure you'll get one at launch.

It involves a package with 'a t-shirt or a baseball cap or something'...

FWIW anyway.

I think it would be a smart move from a logistics point of view for both MS and myself (*remembers not getting hands on pre-ordered Halo 2 Ltd. because of supply problems*). ;)



There's a bit of pre-orderness in there...

if you have a bit of imagination, there is a lot of things going on in that sentence :)
win a weekend at the playboy mansion or something like that.. hm, 39euro is a bargain :p

[pipo]

if you have a bit of imagination, there is a lot of things going on in that sentence :)

Sure.

Anyway, we'll find out in a couple of days...

[Uncle]

The text isn't on the tree anymore btw.

[Dot50Cal]

The text isn't on the tree anymore btw.
Yeah, I found that out after looking for 30 minutes..Im late to this lol.

[Uncle]

Apparently a finnish gaming site got a press release or something about Origen. In short it says that Origen is a gamers paradise, a real place where you get to play X360 and all of it's launch games before anyone else and that the race for a place at the European Origen starts on the 27th of September.

[<nu>faust]

here is the origen email sent to computerandvideogames.com

"London, 26 September 2005

The forthcoming launch of the next-generation-defining console, the Xbox 360, is the most hotly anticipated launch this year. Origen. Xbox promises a gamers paradise. What is paradise for gamers? We think we know. What do you think?

The internet is already buzzing with rumours. Is Origen the announcement of Halo 3? Is it an Xbox 360 shop on Times Square, is it the announcement on an Unreal Engine 3-powered Fable sequel.......?Origen is? The debut of next generation gaming. A real place dedicated to gaming pleasures. A place to play Xbox 360 before anyone else. A place to play all the Xbox 360 launch titles. A place to take on other gamers.

How do you get to Origen? Over 600,000 gamers have already tried to find out. They find a page at www.origenxbox360.com, but paradise is not there yet. The gates of Origen open soon. The European race for entry into Origen starts on 27 September 2005.

Where: www.origenxbox360.com
When: 27 September 2005
Wanted: European gamers to apply

"
So... it sounds as though Origen is a venue (or venues) for pre-launch Xbox 360 play goodness with access granted to those who successfully apply through origenxbox360.com.

Maybe.

[Uncle]

They did something like this when the first Xbox launched, but it was in much smaller scale. I actually won two tickets to one of those things and got to play Munch, Halo and Amped. It was nice but I didn't have any friends who could make it so I took my (now ex-)girlfriend, which was not the smartest choice in hindsight. :lol:

[Guden Oden]

All the babble in that email means (to me):

*Screenshots
*Movies
*Marketing speech about XBL
*Things like that

I could be wrong of course, but that's the impression I get. Maybe there will be some special offers or such, who can say. Well, for a couple more hours, hehe. :)

[pipo]

It's a press release - http://www.gamesindustry.biz/press_release.php?aid=11778

[Shifty Geezer]

So the site's actually a load of gibberish then. It doesn't in any way clue people towards this actual 'event'. Marketting smells

[J_Saint]

What about North America?

[Inane_Dork]

I bet it'll just kick off another ilovebees or ourcolony thing and tick off so many people. :lol:

[pc999]

Meybe a jaw dropping footage from PDZ, I hope :grin: .

[wco81]

Apparently Intel and Microsoft are throwing their support behind HD-DVD. So maybe HD-DVD in the X360?

http://www.sddt.com/News/article.cfm?SourceCode=20050926caa

[BlueTsunami]

Apparently Intel and Microsoft are throwing their support behind HD-DVD. So maybe HD-DVD in the X360?

http://www.sddt.com/News/article.cfm?SourceCode=20050926caa

It could also mean that Microsoft is throwing support for HD-DVD and their OS. Not necissarily the console. Even if they DID throw support behind it by including in its console, they've appearently already started manufacturing 360's. So how they would be able to switch is beyond me...and we would have heard if HD-DVDs were being installed in 360's already (so close to launch).

So, in conclusion, I believe HD-DVD will NOT be in the 360 (as many other do also).

[wco81]

Right, it would seem too late to switch to HD-DVD in the X360.

But their support would mean a hell of a lot more if they did put it in the X360. So the OS will support it but Dell and HP will just put their own software or license it from someone else to support the Blu-Ray drives they plan to ship.

Anyways, MS hates the fact that Blu-Ray is using a Java-based interactive layer rather than the IHD that HD-DVD will use. They also hate that the Blu-Ray copy-protection scheme uses a virtual machine (not necessarily Java) rather than just the AACS system of which MS is a founding member.

MS is pushing for managed copies, which the story alludes to, which will allow HD-DVD discs to be ripped for home media servers and portable video players.

But given all these facts, their previous "neutrality" was never credible. There was no way they'd back Blu-Ray. But now, with the HD-DVD studios wavering, it's a strange time for MS and Intel to throw their support to HD-DVD now. Either that or they realized it's now or never with HD-DVD on the ropes (Toshiba has been unable to deliver players for testing by replicators and the HD-DVD studios have held off on releasing titles this year, pretty much scuttling Toshiba's plans to intro the product for this Xmas).

[Zaphod]

(Toshiba has been unable to deliver players for testing by replicators and the HD-DVD studios have held off on releasing titles this year, pretty much scuttling Toshiba's plans to intro the product for this Xmas).NEC will have a player out in a week or two, though (http://www.de.nec.de/press.php/id/651/lang/ENG).

[BlueTsunami]

Also, Microsoft has been touting how the the speed of DVD drives over HD-DVD and Blu-Ray is very important to the 360. So if MS would do an about face and suddenly put in HD-DVD would be very odd IMO. Its not out of the realm of reality (since the whole HDD thing)...but it would be odd nonetheless.

[pipo]

Nah. It's sounding more and more like some sort of pre-launch hands-on.

Maybe a change to visit if you buy the rumored pre-order pack? ;)

We'll know in a few hours....

[rabidrabbit]

Nothing happened, the countdown went to zero at exactly 12:00 here, but the page didn't change.....

[pipo]

One hour left here (A'dam / Paris / Madrid)...

A very clever way to do stuff - using the PC clock to do a timer on a global website.

[rabidrabbit]

Clever yes, if only something had happened when it reaced zero :D
Same tree and bunnies, nothing new...... lame.

[Uncle]

Haha. Wonder what time it's supposed to be? GMT?

[pipo]

Clever yes, if only something had happened when it reaced zero :D

I think you've missed my > :roll:

:)

Seeing this is pointing to a UK server: what's the local time over there? The time of this board?

If so, it could be another 2:30 until we see something...

[rabidrabbit]

Oh, so are these web countdown things always tied to your PC's clock???
If so I didn't know that as I really haven't ever kept an eye on these.

Edit: How is a casual browser supposed to know the site was for UK? It doesn't have the www.origenxbox360.co.uk as the uk adresses often have.

I was under the impression the countdown was for the europeans, so then the countdown should either go 0 at the same time throughout europe or the page should change when your the countdown goes 0 according to your PC clock.
Otherwise it kinda vitiates the whole countdown idea.

[pipo]

Oh, so are these web countdown things always tied to your PC's clock???


Nope. That's why it isn't clever at all... :)

[Phil]

It's local time because the script (in this case flash based) is executed on the client. They should have synchronized the timer relative to the servers time.

[Shifty Geezer]

I can't see the clock 'coz some halfwit planted a bloody great tree in the way! But I think that's a 1 in the hours and the clock finishes 12:00 midday, high noon. It's about 10:45 now. Or 10:41 according to B3D's clock which is likely more accurate then my PCs!

[rabidrabbit]

Ok, I think I get it (or not, but that's ok ;) )

[pipo]

I can't see the clock 'coz some halfwit planted a bloody great tree in the way!

:lol:

[Rodéric]

*nothing*

[carpediem]

*nothing*

That is annoying!

[dubyateeeff]

This sucks :) not that I was excited over it, but now that I am there... How annoying wouldnt it be if another countdown started with one added bunny. :D

EDIT: Oh, I think I see another leaf ;)

[carpediem]

Rabbits are moving

[pipo]

w0000000000000000t!!!!!!!!!








The rabbits moved again...

:roll:

[Jabbah]

And '0' are disappearing

[Uncle]

They are?

[Shifty Geezer]

Hit midday here, 00:00:00 on the countdown, and nothing happening. Bleargh.

[carpediem]

Stuff Is Happening!!!! :shock:

Moma wabbit and little wabbit is running around

[rabidrabbit]

oOOh!! They moved closer!!! I BET they are going to FUCK and soon the whole screen will be filled with little green raBbiTS how cool is that?!?! WEll worth the watiT!!!

[Shifty Geezer]

No, it's actually doing something different! It's an interactive EuroTree!!

[Uncle]

Someone must have broken my tree 'cos it's not doing anything. And the rabbits too.

[pipo]

Reload. They've done something...

[rabidrabbit]

I'm outta here, this was boring to begin with and getting only boringer.

[pipo]

Hit your context menu and play...

[Uncle]

Reload. They've done something...


I did. Even tried .com and .org but both are the same. Oh well. I get to go home soon. Maybe it works there.

[pipo]

It's working here. I get a tree with all European flags...

[carpediem]

I see a christmas tree!

[Jabbah]

2 Apples disappeared

[Martin Eddy]

I had to force a refresh to see the changes. I was just seeing the same flash movie from my browser cache.

Hold down shift and press refresh in your browser.

[Jabbah]

Finally its doing something different, a rabbit on a tread mill

[pipo]

It's slow as hell though...

I also supect it's broken, because the links to the countries aren't working yet.

[rabidrabbit]

Those 2 apples have disappeared long ago.
I see the clock display warping... it's a very subtle effect so it's hard to see.. but the zeros kind of warp slightly around the tree and the bunnies....
Don't know if it's because I selected "play" from right button menu....

[Mariner]

Brilliant! Only Microsoft could create a web site which causes my installation of Windows to crash! :lol:

[rabidrabbit]

Oh The TREE!!! ..... OMG Look at the Tree!!!!! What's happening?!?!??!

[Martin Eddy]

Apparently I am wise.

Looks like the site is getting hammered, it's taking forever to load each new sequence.

[Uncle]

Ok. Now it's loading for me as well. Or the bunnies are running at least.

[rabidrabbit]

Is that........... HALO 3 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?? (Halo "Tree" geddit ;)

[Mariner]

Apparently I am wise.

Looks like the site is getting hammered, it's taking forever to load each new sequence.

Well, the questions are a bit bloody obvious aren't they!

I think my entry went through OK despite it causing Windows to crash. Perhaps it's because I use evil Opera to browse the web?

Quite amusing intro though, if a touch bizarre. Somebody has been watching too much of the Magic Roundabout, methinks. :wink:

[J_Saint]

I feel like a stoner watching these rabbits.

[dubyateeeff]

This is fun :)

[carpediem]

Can't submit my competition results :( There's not submit button, and it just says that an error occured :(

[Uncle]

Ok. The talking rabbits are kind of scaring me right now. Especially when the other one refers to himself in third person.


Edit: Blah. Have to finish this at home. It's too much for my computer at work it seems.

[pipo]

Not much there anyway. Just a chance to win tickets to a meeting on a tropical location it seems.

You can enter until 10/10 I think...

[Martin Eddy]

I can't believe I was actually excited about this. :roll:

[PVR_Extremist]

Is it me or did anyone else see a fair few references to "ejaculation" and sexual innuendo in the "what is origen" section?

[london-boy]

... that was dull... All this anticipation and nothing happened.

[MfA]

Countdown timer keyed to local time when it has to be PST? Sadly pathetic for an international website.

[Shifty Geezer]

... that was dull... All this anticipation and nothing happened.Like I say, marketting smells! I guess the take home message from this is 'you know how excited you are about XB360 and how you're counting the days 'til its release and anticipating great and exciting things...'

[Rodéric]

It's a competition to earn a trip to the XBox360 "origen" launch event.

[bRoNx]

I can't believe I was actually excited about this. :roll:
Meh. After looking at the flags, seems like M$ ain't planning to give us sh*t (Aus. & NZ)!:(

[pc999]

It's a competition to earn a trip to the XBox360 "origen" launch event.
I guess X05 is the origen.

[london-boy]

It's a competition to earn a trip to the XBox360 "origen" launch event.

That it?! We dont even get a pretty CGI video thing?

[hey69]

ok just filled in my mailadres.

1/100.000 chance but if you dont try , you can't win no

[Martin Eddy]

Is it me or did anyone else see a fair few references to "ejaculation" and sexual innuendo in the "what is origen" section?

Yeah I picked up on those. Very Lame.

[Martin Eddy]

Meh. After looking at the flags, seems like M$ ain't planning to give us sh*t (Aus. & NZ)!:(

Not until 2006. So much for a worldwide launch. Last time I checked I was still living on planet Earth.

[pipo]

I guess X05 is the origen.

Well, seeing you can enter until 10/10 and because Amsterdam is not what I would call a tropical destination, I would have to disagree. :)

[BlueTsunami]

bahhh. I thought it was something big. Why does Microsoft consistently do things that seem their going to be on a large scale and consistently be something that doesn't really deserve all this attention. Its getting anoying!

[pc999]

Well, seeing you can enter until 10/10 and because Amsterdam is not what I would call a tropical destination, I would have to disagree. :)

Yes I just saw the What is Origen part, but 10/10? is X05 before that?, when?

[pipo]

Next week (4-5)...

In other news:

The much-hyped "Origen Xbox 360" count-down has finally hit zero - revealing that the site is actually a contest offering consumers a chance to win trips to an Xbox 360 launch event in the United States in November.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=11816

[J_Saint]

X05 is on 10/4 if I'm not mistaken.

[pipo]

Errr...

Next week (4-5)...

;)

It's two days.

[pc999]

Thanks for the info :grin: : .

[J_Saint]

Doh, not enough sleep... :wink:

[pipo]

Earlier today the mystery surrounding Origen Xbox 360 was finally revealed, or was it? After some tinkering around TeamXbox has uncovered what Microsoft really has in store for Europe, and it's much more than 2 spots at Origen. The game has just begun, round one anyway.

Over the course of the weeks to come in October gamers in Europe will have at least four more chances at a trip to Origen, as the game plays out through rounds two and three. Furthermore, it seems as though there will be one lucky grand prize winner taking home the gaming rig of all gaming rigs, worth 10 grand! The 10 grand could be dollars, euros or franks for all we know, but a gaming rig worth 10 thousand anything sounds like a nice deal. At the least we expect an Xbox 360, an HDTV, and a 5.1 surround system.

http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/9364/Origen-Xbox-360-More-Than-Meets-the-Eye/

[london-boy]

http://news.teamxbox.com/xbox/9364/Origen-Xbox-360-More-Than-Meets-the-Eye/

Wont be 10.000 franks since they dont exist anymore.
If it's 10k pounds, that's nice cause it's about 18k Dollars and 15k Euros.

Nice little prize though.

[Phil]

Wont be 10.000 franks since they dont exist anymore.
If it's 10k pounds, that's nice cause it's about 18k Dollars and 15k Euros.

Nice little prize though.

Of course it does - and the nicest of all that ever existed: the Swiss Franc (pic) (http://www.coolmen.ch/images/bororechner2.jpg)! :twisted:

[london-boy]

Of course it does - and the nicest of all that ever existed: the Swiss Franc (pic) (http://www.coolmen.ch/images/bororechner2.jpg)! :twisted:

With that prize though, i'd want to choose the HDTV that I WANT. Like, i'd wait for 1080p sets to come out. 10 grand should cover that and leave some spare cash for other things.

[pipo]

An update on the pre-order rumor for the people who were interested...

A birdie told me that you pay 39 euros in advance to make sure you'll get one at launch.

Confirmed: this is what MS is doing in the Netherlands (maybe Europe?). We are talking about low numbers per store (think 15-ish). Stores are expecting the packs (containing at least a long sleeve it seems) every day now.